Things to do in Narsaq
Narsaq in South Greenland has lots of fun things to do and see. You can go hiking, sailing among glaciers, visit Norse ruins, and explore local sheep farms. Below, we’ve listed the best activities to help you enjoy your visit to this beautiful settlement in Greenland.
Hike from Qassiarsuk to Narsaq
The Qassiarsuk – Narsaq hike is a classic multi-day trek in South Greenland, typically taking 3-5 days. The route passes through scenic sheep farms, with tent camping required in the highlands near Narsaq.
Starting gently from Qassiarsuk, the terrain becomes increasingly challenging toward Narsaq. Hikers can detour to Ipiutaq sheep farm for rest or boat transfer if needed.
This beautiful, varied hike requires some navigation skills, and GPS tracks are available at Blue Ice Café or via the Greenland GPS app.
Qassiarsuk – Sillisit – Narsaq. Red route
The Red Route is a classic option for hiking from Qassiarsuk to Narsaq, guiding you through diverse landscapes and offering a true South Greenland adventure.
Duration: 3-4 days, approximately 55 km.
Orientation/difficulty: Gravel road from Qassiarsuk to Sillisit. The trail is unmarked from Sillisit to Narsaq. Hiking is moderate to difficult, with gently rolling hills to the shelter and steep, rugged terrain from the shelter to Narsaq.
Accommodation: Hostels are available in Qassiarsuk, Sillisit, and Narsaq. A tent is required for the section between the last emergency shelter and Narsaq.
Qassiarsuk – Tasiusaq – Nunataaq – Sillisit – Narsaq. Yellow route
This is a second option for hiking from Qassiarsuk to Narsaq, where the route can be extended to include the two sheep farms, Tasiusaq and Nunataaq, both beautifully situated along Sermilik Fjord.
Allow an extra 1.5–2 days for this detour.
Boat trip to the ice cap (Twin Glacier)
Season: Summer
Cross the wide Sermilik Fjord by boat, weaving among drifting icebergs until you reach the impressive Tvillingebræen glacier. After landing, a short walk brings you to the glacier’s edge, where you can touch the inland ice and see firsthand how much the ice sheet has retreated over the past 30 years.
Duration: Approx. 3 hours
Participant requirements: Good physical condition is required. 400-meter walk from the boat to the ice. Bring hiking shoes.
Number of participants: Minimum 2 participants
Price includes: Boat trip and about 1 hour on land on your own
Price per person: DKK 1,000 / Euro 138
Iceberg Safari
Season: Summer
Narsaq is the perfect starting point for sailing among icebergs. At the head of Sermilik Fjord, several highly active glaciers send icebergs past Narsaq year-round on their way to the open sea. This tour is a true photo safari, giving you every opportunity to get up close to the icebergs—see, hear, and even touch them!
Duration: Approx. 1 hour
Participant requirements: There are no special requirements for participants on this tour.
Number of participants: Minimum 2 participants
Price includes: Boat trip
Price per person: DKK 600 / Euro 83
About Narsaq
The city has a population of approximately 1,300. Like many settlements in Greenland, Narsaq has seen some residents move to Nuuk or Denmark in recent years. This is part of a long history of change, as the area has been inhabited for thousands of years, welcoming new people and stories across generations.
At the city’s edge, you’ll find the Dyrnæs church ruins, discovered in 1932, and the Landnám homestead, considered one of the oldest known Norse ruins in Greenland, dating back to around the year 1,000.
Narsaq is closely linked to the surrounding sheep farms, but you’ll also notice other agricultural activities, such as fields of potatoes and turnips.
Dog sledding is not available in Narsaq. There is no midnight sun during the summer, but you can enjoy long hours of daylight. The Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) are often visible in the winter, provided the sky is dark and atmospheric conditions are right.
Practical information
- Weather: Narsaq has a subarctic climate with cool summers and cold winters. Always check the local weather forecast before heading out on tours or hikes.
- Airport: The nearest airport is Narsarsuaq, with regular boat transfers connecting Narsarsuaq and Narsaq.
- Map: GPS tracks are available at Blue Ice Café or in the Greenland GPS app.
- Population: Approximately 1,300 residents.
- Pronunciation: Narsaq is pronounced “NAR-sak.”
- Hotel Narsaq: The main hotel in town, offering comfortable accommodation and local information for visitors.
Things to do
Narsaq has some amazing things to do in South Greenland, and below we summarize the highlights:- Hike the beautiful trail from Qassiarsuk to Narsaq, passing sheep farming settlements and seeing the heritage of Greenland.
- Go sailing on a boat trip to the ice cap at Twin Glacier (Tvillingebræen) and walk right up to the glacier in Kujalleq.
- Take an iceberg safari and sail among huge icebergs near Narsaq, a real highlight in South Greenland.