Day Tours in Qaqortoq
Discover Qaqortoq, the largest city in South Greenland and the beating heart of the Kujalleq municipality. With its colorful houses nestled along the Julianehåb Fjord, Qaqortoq is a city in rapid development, blending rich Norse history, breathtaking nature, and a warm, social atmosphere.
Whether you arrive by boat or plane, you’ll find Qaqortoq to be the perfect base for exploring South Greenland and its most iconic experiences.
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Hvalsey Church Ruins (Boat Trip)
The largest, most famous, and best-preserved ruin in Greenland. Now also part of the UNESCO World Heritage area in South Greenland.Around the year 100, Christianity came to Greenland, and shortly after, churches began to be built. Hvalsey Church Ruins date from the 14th century and are quite large for their time.
The year 1408 is said to be the last recorded account from the Norse in Greenland, describing a wedding held in the church.
Only half an hour by boat from Qaqortoq, up the Qaqortoq Fjord, sheltered from the open sea and beautifully surrounded by high mountains and green fields.
Price: 900 DKK per person
Duration: About 2½ hours
Includes: Boat trip and information leaflet about the church ruins
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Boat Trip to Uunartoq Hot Springs
Experience Greenland’s only hot spring with bathing temperatures! Our boat trip to Uunartoq gives you a unique opportunity to bathe in naturally heated water while enjoying the sight of drifting icebergs.
Uunartoq is located on a small island between Qaqortoq and Nanortalik, and the 35°C warm water has been cherished since Viking times. The place remains untouched and peaceful, offering a magical contrast to the busy hot springs in Iceland.
Price: 1,900 DKK
Duration: About 4½ hours
Includes: Boat trip and 1.5 hours at the hot springs
Minimum participants: 4
Practical info: 10-minute walk from the boat, remember swimwear and refreshments
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Boat Trip to the Ice Cap
Join a beautiful boat trip through South Greenland’s fjords, where you’ll get up close to the ice cap. We cross Ikerssuaq Fjord north of Narsaq and sail among drifting icebergs to Qalerallit Glacier. Here you can experience the impressive glacier front and see how the ice has retreated over the past 30 years.
Price: 1,900 DKK per person
Duration: About 4½–5 hours
Participants: Minimum 4
Includes: Boat trip and photo cruise in front of the glacier
About Qaqortoq
With a population of about 3,500 people, Qaqortoq is the largest city in South Greenland and the main city in the Kujalleq municipality. The city is growing quickly. Next to the town hall, a new courthouse has just opened, and the road to a new airport is ready, waiting for the airport to open soon. The high school and trade school have joined together to become Campus Kujalleq, bringing more opportunities for students and education.
Qaqortoq is known for its public art and the many colorful, friendly people you’ll meet around town. The city’s restaurants and cafés are popular gathering spots, where people come together to catch up and enjoy each other’s company. It’s a very social place. Like many towns in South Greenland, Qaqortoq offers lots of options for both short and long walks, with beautiful scenery all around.
A short boat ride from Qaqortoq takes you to some of the area’s highlights, such as the UNESCO World Heritage Hvalsø Church Ruin and the relaxing Uunartoq hot springs—remember to bring your swimsuit! The inland fjord system is also close by, making this region perfect for exploring by boat and a great destination for anyone interested in tourism and travel.
If you want to learn more about the culture in Greenland, Qaqortoq is a great place to start. The city’s museum and public art show both the old and new sides of life in the region.
Qaqortoq is also known by its Danish name, Julianehaab. You can’t go dog sledding here, but you can try dog sledding in other parts of Greenland. There is no midnight sun in Qaqortoq, but the summer days are long and bright. In winter, you have a good chance to see the Northern Lights if the sky is dark and clear—find out more about the Northern Lights in Greenland.
If you need a place to stay, Hotel Qaqortoq is a comfortable option right in the center of town, making it easy to enjoy your travels experiences in Qaqortoq.
Travel Packages to Qaqortoq
Experiences on Your Own
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Hike from Qaqortoq to Igaliku
Embark on one of South Greenland’s classic multi-day hikes from Qaqortoq to Igaliku. The route crosses the dramatic Redekammen, offering magnificent views over ice-filled fjords. Along the way, you can experience Norse ruins—including the episcopal seat in Igaliku and the impressive Sissarluttoq area with 42 mapped ruins.
The route is partially marked and offers a true adventure in Greenland’s untouched nature.
Duration: 3–4 days
Requirements: You must be self-sufficient (bring a tent and provisions), as there are no huts or farms along the way.
Visit “the Brættet”
A visit to “the Brættet” is something truly special. Here, local fishermen and hunters sell the day’s catch directly from their boats—everything from fresh fish to shellfish, and maybe even seal or whale.
The atmosphere is lively and cozy, and you can really feel the everyday buzz of Qaqortoq. It’s a place where you quickly strike up conversations with locals and get a genuine insight into the town’s life and traditions.
Explore the Old Town
The old part of Qaqortoq is truly charming to walk around in. Here you’ll find colorful houses, small winding streets, and plenty of character.
Step inside the old church and be fascinated by the historic buildings that tell the story of life in Greenland in earlier times.
Take your time, soak up the atmosphere, and imagine what it all looked like many years ago. It’s an experience you can enjoy entirely at your own pace.
Walk to the Top of the Town
Qaqortoq is built up the mountainside of Saqqaarsuk, so it’s almost a must to make your way to the top. Along the way, you can stop and enjoy the view, which just gets better and better.
When you reach the top, you’ll have a stunning view over the town, the fjord, and the surrounding mountains.
It’s a great way to get an overview of Qaqortoq and experience Greenlandic nature up close.
Discover the Town’s Sculptures
Qaqortoq is known for its many outdoor sculptures, which are scattered throughout the town.
Go exploring and find the various artworks that tell stories about Greenland’s culture and nature. The sculptures are created by both local and international artists, and you can easily make your own route around the town.
It’s a fun and inspiring way to experience Qaqortoq on your own.
Practical Information
- Weather & Climate: Qaqortoq has cool summers and cold winters. For the latest updates and tips on what to pack, check our weather in Greenland guide.
- Population: Qaqortoq is home to about 3,500 people. It’s the largest city in South Greenland and has a close-knit, welcoming community with a lively local culture.
- Pronunciation: Qaqortoq is pronounced “ka-kor-tok,” with the emphasis on the second syllable: ka-KOR-tok. Practice saying it to sound like a local when you visit.
- Airport & Map: New airports are opening soon in Qaqortoq, Ilulissat, and Nuuk, making travel between Greenland’s top destinations more convenient.
