Traveling on a cruise ship? Please be aware that our excursions, can only be bought as a part of a packages tour.
Please contact your Cruise company for booking excursions.
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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Boat Excursion to the Inland Ice (Tvillingebræen)
Set sail north from Qaqortoq on this exciting excursion, passing the charming town of Narsaq and navigating through Ikerssuaq Fjord, where icebergs drift from the Greenland Ice Sheet. Your destination is Tvillingebræen – the Twin Glacier – a spectacular, accessible glacier tongue.
Once you reach the shore, walk just a few hundred meters to touch the ancient ice and see how the glacier has changed over the years. The vivid contrasts of ice, water, mountains, and sky make this one of South Greenland’s most photogenic spots. On your return, enjoy views of bird cliffs and a picturesque waterfall.
Price: DKK 1,700 / Euro 228 per person
Duration: Approx. 4½ hours
Includes: Boat trip, 1 hour on land
Minimum participants: 4
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Hvalsø Church Ruin – UNESCO World Heritage Excursion
Journey by boat to Hvalsø, home to Greenland’s best-preserved Norse ruin and a highlight of the region’s UNESCO World Heritage area. The church, dating from the early 1300s, stands as a testament to Greenland’s Christian heritage and Norse settlement.
Enjoy a scenic cruise through the fjord, surrounded by towering mountains and green fields, and explore the fascinating ruins with our informative leaflet.
Price: DKK 750 per person
Duration: Approx. 2 hours
Includes: Boat trip, information leaflet
Boat Tour to the Uunartoq Hot Springs
Experience the only hot spring in Greenland with bathing temperatures! Our boat tour to Uunartoq offers a unique chance to soak in naturally heated waters while gazing at drifting icebergs. Located on a small island between Qaqortoq and Nanortalik, Uunartoq’s 35°C waters have been cherished since Norse times.
The site remains pristine and uncrowded, offering a magical contrast to Iceland’s busier hot springs.
Price: DKK 1,700 / Euro 228 per person
Duration: Approx. 4½ hours
Includes: Boat trip, 1.5 hours at the hot springs
Minimum participants: 4
Requirements: 10-minute walk from the boat, bring swimwear.
Hiking from Qaqortoq to Igaliku
Embark on one of South Greenland’s classic multi-day hikes from Qaqortoq to Igaliku. Traverse the dramatic Redekammen ridge, enjoy sweeping views of ice-filled fjords, and discover Norse ruins along the way—including the bishop’s seat at Igaliku and the impressive Sissarluttoq site with 42 mapped ruins.
The route is partially marked and offers an immersive adventure through untouched wilderness.
Duration: 3–4 days
Requirements: Self-supported (bring tent and provisions), no huts or farms en route.
Things to do in Qaqortoq
Wondering what to do in Qaqortoq in Greenland? This friendly city is a wonderful place to experience Greenland. Here we summarize our top things to do in Qaqortoq include:
- Boat Excursion to the Inland Ice (Tvillingebræen): Take a boat trip to the Twin Glacier and walk on ancient ice.
- Boat Tour to Uunartoq Hot Springs: Relax in natural hot springs surrounded by stunning scenery and floating icebergs.
- Excursion to Hvalsø Church Ruin: Visit this Viking UNESCO World Heritage site and learn about local history.
- Hiking from Qaqortoq to Igaliku: Enjoy a multi-day hike through beautiful landscapes and Norse ruins.
- Fishing in the fjords: Try fishing in the clear local waters.
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.
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.