About this hike (Orange route)
SELFGUIDED TOUR
DISTANCE: About 14 km from Narsarsuaq to the view point (one way). About 5 hours. Max elevation 591 m.
MAP: Arctic Sun. Narsarsuaq (Qassiarsuk – Igaliku) 1:50,000
ORIENTATION/DIFFICULTY: The first part is marked. When leaving the trail to Narsarsuaq Glacier, there are only sparse cairns and marks. Moderate to rough terrain.
GPS coordinates: The shelter is located at 61.205627, -45.252898ACCOMMODATION: The trip can be done as a long day trip from Narsarsuaq (10-11 hours return). You can also bring a tent and take a multi-day hike in “Mellemlandet”.
In addition, there are endless possibilities for multi-day trips throughout Mellemlandet if you bring a tent. The terrain is not difficult, but includes many small hillocks and low scrub vegetation, and you must be able to orientate with a map and compass.ROUTE DESCRIPTION
The walk to the Qooroq viewpoint follows the first part of the route to the glacier (see this):
- On the plateau after the ascent, and after you have passed the last lake, turn eastward, walking uphill and aiming at the lowest point. You maintain roughly the same course all the way up.
- There is a small emergency shelter situated just before Lake 475 (on the map).
- Once you reach the lake, head to its southern end, cross the stream that flows out of it, and continue to the ravine on the other side, from where you descend slightly to your final destination.
- From here you can enjoy an amazing view over the ice fjord.
- Expect to walk about 2 hours from the point where you leave the glacier route and head to the viewpoint.
- It is possible to stay on the high plateau on the way back towards Narsarsuaq and not descend before you are on level with the hostel.
- However, this is a much longer hike and slower walking, and is not recommended if you are doing the tour as a day trip.
- Please also note that it may be hard to find anything resembling a trail on the way down into the gorge with the waterfall that is located behind the hostel.