Hiking in Narsarsuaq
Hiking in Narsarsuaq offers an unforgettable adventure in southern Greenland, with a variety of scenic trails and guided tours for all levels. Easily accessible via Narsarsuaq Airport, you can explore breathtaking landscapes from lush valleys to glacier viewpoints, experiencing the unique beauty that makes Greenland a top destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Blue Ice Camp – Plateau – Igaliku. Yellow Route
Blue Ice Camp is located by Qooroq Icefjord and features a small, sturdy aluminum hut with kitchen equipment and a gas stove. The hut provides shelter in bad weather, but bring your own tent for overnight stays.
You can be transported there by boat from Narsarsuaq (for an additional fee) if you want to experience the area. From Blue Ice Camp, you can also follow the hiking route to Igaliku, which goes via the Plateau.
Price per person for boat transfer: DKK 550 each way
Duration: About 4–5 hours, 10 km
Difficulty: Moderate. Trail and easy mountain terrain
Accommodation: Tent at Blue Ice Camp, Igaliku Country Hotel
.jpg)
Signal Hill (226 m) (round trip). Red route
The hike to the top of Signal Hill is a “must” if you stay in Narsarsuaq. It is a short and easy walk of around 1 hour, where you will experience the ice sheet and breathtaking views of the Narsarsuaq area.
Duration: About 1-1,5 hour, 4km.
Orientation/difficulty: Easy hiking. Gravel road and path.
Accommodation: Narsarsuaq Hostel
The Ridge (174 m) (return). Yellow route
If you are looking for a nice, shorter and easier alternative to the full-day tour to Narsarsuaq glacier, the Ridge is for you. If you are unsure if you can handle the climb to the glacier (see its description), we recommend the hike on the ridge, rather than a trip through the Flower Valley. The Ridge offers great views, rich flora and fauna (birds, mountain hare) and is also an excellent trip in bad weather (e.g., strong foehn winds)!
Duration: About 3-4 hours, 8 km.
Orientation/difficulty: Easy hiking. Gravel road and path.
Accommodation: Narsarsuaq Hostel
Narsarsuaq Glacier (return). Blue route
The hike to the ice cap (Narsarsuaq Glacier) is a classic walk from Narsarsuaq. On this day trip you can reach the glacier and touch the ice! Furthermore, it is a trip that will offer you several different types of landscapes. You can order transportation for the first 3 km of paved road or rent a bicycle for a day for this stretch.
Duration: About 5-7 hours, 16km.
Orientation/difficulty: Easy to moderate hiking. Path and easy terrain, but steep ascent and descent.
Accommodation: Narsarsuaq Hostel
Narsarsuaq – Qooroq view (Mellemlandet). Orange route
The Qooroq viewpoint, located in the mountainous “Mellemlandet” area between two glaciers, offers stunning views of the Qooroq Glacier and ice fjord. It’s the most accessible spot in the region and can be reached on a long day trip from Narsarsuaq.
For those with a tent, Mellemlandet offers endless options for multi-day hikes. The terrain is easy but features small hills and low scrub, requiring basic navigation skills with map and compass.
Duration: About 5 hours, 14 km.
Difficulty: Marked at first, then sparse cairns; moderate to rough terrain.
Accommodation: Possible as a long day trip from Narsarsuaq or as a multi-day hike with a tent in “Mellemlandet.”
About Narsarsuaq
Narsarsuaq, located in southern Greenland, was once an American air base, so it lacks the charm of other Greenlandic villages with colorful houses. However, the surrounding nature is lush and beautiful, offering a stunning backdrop for adventure and tourism.
Narsarsuaq is also the gateway airport to South Greenland, with flights coming from Copenhagen, northern Greenland and Iceland. The airport is known locally to have one of the most beautiful air approaches, with flight routes crossing the ice cap to a view of fjords framed by green countryside and sheep farms.
The area is known for its scenic hiking trails and popular tours. There are about 150 inhabitants. Almost everyone works at the airport or the hotel.
Other places to visit in Greenland includes Qaqortoq, Narsaq, Nanortalik and Igaliku. All beautiful cities in the south of Greenland.Dog sledding: No
Midnight sun in the summer: No, but long hours of daylight
Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis): Yes, in a dark sky and with suitable atmospheric conditions