About Qassiarsuk (Brattahlid)
In 2017, 5 regions of South Greenland were recognised by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites, which together form "Kujataa Greenland: Norse and Inuit agriculture at the edge of the ice sheet". Qassiarsuk is part 1.
Qassiarsuk is 25 minutes by boat from Itilleq and the charming village of Igaliku. Across the other side of the fjord is Narsarsuaq. The settlement of Qassiarsuk is also a sheep farm. You’ll find agriculture on the same land which Erik the Red farmed.
Hiking tours in the Qassiarsuk area
There are numerous hiking opportunities around Qassiarsuk, and the area is well suited to less experienced hikers thanks to its many gravel roads and trails. At the same time, experienced hikers will also enjoy spending a few days here, as the landscape is simply breathtaking.
Qassiarsuk is also an excellent place for camping, with fantastic spots to pitch a tent, especially along the Sermilik Fjord. One of the most popular hikes follows the tractor track towards the ice-filled Bredefjord, offering stunning views of both fjords and the surrounding wilderness. The round trip to the Tasiusaq sheep farm is 16 km.
The route descriptions below can be combined in several ways. The route colours refer only to the overview map and do not correspond to trail markings on site, nor do they indicate any particular level of difficulty.
Red Route (Qassiarsuk – Tasiusaq – Nunataaq – Qassiarsuk)
SELFGUIDED TOUR (About 20 km)
On this tour you will experience a lush, green landscape dotted with small lakes and the ice-filled Sermilik Fjord. You pass by two idyllically located sheep farms and, with a bit of luck, you may see some white-tailed eagles flying overhead. Aside from the ruins in Qassiarsuk, you can see vestiges of Norse farms at Tasiusaq and Nunataaq.
Yellow Route (Qassiarsuk – Qorlortup Itinnera – Tasiusaq)
SELFGUIDED TOUR (About 18 km)
This is a nice walk that passes through the green valley of Qorlortup Itinnera. The valley contains numerous remnants that serve as mute testimony to centuries of Norse settlement. The tour ends at Sermilik Fjord, which is often filled with ice floes.
Blue route (Tasiusaq – Ipiutaat - return)
SELFGUIDED TOUR (About 22 km)
The view from Ipiuttat is fabulous, and even though you take the same trail both ways, the hike along the inner part of the fjord is extremely beautiful and breathtaking. At low tide you can touch stranded icebergs on the beach!
Café Thorhildur
Café Thorhildur is located right by the harbour in Qassiarsuk. Here you can enjoy a hot drink or a well-deserved ice cream after your hike. The café also offers a selection of souvenirs, and if you're waiting for your boat, you can relax and take in the beautiful views of the fjord.
If you wish to stay overnight, the small, family-run Illunguujuk Guest House offers both sleeping bag accommodation and private rooms with breakfast.