Things to do in Qeqertarsuaq
Qeqertarsuaq on Disko Island is a special place in Disko Bay. Here, you can explore beautiful Arctic landscapes, learn about local traditions, and enjoy the rich nature. The friendly community and unique culture make every visit a chance to experience the real heart of Greenland.
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Guided walking tour of town
Duration: 1,5 hours
Price: DKK 250 / Euro 34
Minimum: 2 people
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Hike - Coast, Mountains & Waterfalls
A little north of Qeqertarsuaq along the coast, is the unique area called Kuannit.The place is extremely lush for Greenlandic conditions - almost neon-green with countless angelica plants in summer.
The volcanic origin of the island is also manifested in the special basalt columns which dominate the area. It’s relatively high above sea level, so you can sit in the heather and enjoy your picnic lunch while watching whales in Disko Bay.
Duration: The trip takes 3-4 hours return incl. a lunch break.
Difficulty of tour: Medium
Minimum: 2 people
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Hike to the Cormorant Mountain
Join our guide for a challenging day hike to the summit of Skarvefjeldet, also known as Cormorant Mountain, reaching 830 meters above sea level. This favorite staff hike follows the southern edge of the mountain, offering ever-improving views of Disko Bay, the coast, southern glaciers, and mountain peaks. At the top, enjoy a stunning panorama of the colorful Blæsedalen valley to the north.
A packed lunch is included, making this adventure both scenic and rewarding.
Duration: 7 hours
Price: DKK 995 / Euro 134
Minimum: 2 people
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Kayak with instructor and support boat
Do you dream of rowing in a kayak among icebergs in the land of the kayak's origin? If you're lucky, you'll also see a whale or two on your trip along the coast of Qeqertarsuaq.
The scenery is magnificent as our instructor guides us on the water. Safety is top-notch, as a support boat will accompany the group at a safe distance, so the sound of the engine does not disturb the peaceful experience on the water.
Duration: 3 hours including changing
Price: DKK 1250 / 168 EUR per person
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Sauna
If you're into winter swimming, Qeqertarsuaq is one of the most unique places in the world to take a dip. Here you can swim close to ice floes and icebergs from Greenland's only black-sand beach.
The sauna is located 50 meters from the beach and has a panoramic window, from which you can enjoy the stunning views of Disko Bay.
Duration: 1 hour
Price: DKK 150 / 20 EUR per hour pr. pers.
There is also the option to rent the entire sauna privately.
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Stay in a wilderness hut at the foot of a glacier
After 3-4 hours of demanding hiking 900 m above sea level, we are rewarded with the sight of the enormous ice layer "Lyngmarksbræen". With glacier ice under your feet, you can really enjoy the stunningly beautiful views of Qeqertarsuaq and Disko Bay.
The Wilderness Hut, Disko Mountain Lodge, is located at the foot of the glacier and with breathtaking views to the Disko bay. This cozy hut offers a unique overnight stay with a location and a view unlike any other.
Price: DKK 1695 / Euro 228
Duration: 24 hour trip incl. overnight stay
Difficulty: Medium-Hard
Minimum: 4 people
Note: This is a physically demanding 3-4 hour hike each way; Not recommended for injuries. Good hiking boots are essential.
Meet the Greenlandic Sled Dog
Join our 1.5-hour “Meet the Greenlandic Sled Dog” tour and visit a local musher’s sled dog camp. Meet the strong Greenlandic sled dogs and learn about their history and daily life from our friendly guide. You’ll see the equipment used for dog sledding, hear interesting stories, and discover what it takes to care for these amazing animals.
If you’re lucky, you can even watch the dogs being fed—a fun and memorable experience!
If you’re lucky, you can even watch the dogs being fed—a fun and memorable experience!
Price: DKK 250 / Euro 34
Season: All year round
Hike to Qorlortorsuaq, waterfall of the red river
Enjoy a peaceful hike to Qorlortorsuaq, a beautiful waterfall near Qeqertarsuaq. The trail takes you through untouched nature, with chances to spot whales in the distance, so bring your camera and binoculars. You can refill your water bottle from fresh rivers along the way.
Wear sturdy hiking boots and dress in layers for comfort. Don’t forget snacks, sunglasses, and a mosquito net if you’re hiking in July or August.
Price: DKK 400 / Euro 54
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Season: June- september
Dog sledding
Choose between a 1-hour or 2-hour dog sledding tour with Greenlandic sled dogs. The 1-hour tour is perfect for first-time dog sledders, offering a fun and easy introduction to this Arctic tradition. The 2-hour tour is great for those who want a longer adventure after trying dog sledding before.
Both tours let you enjoy beautiful, quiet nature and the excitement of riding with skilled sled dogs.
Price 1-hour Dog Sledding: DKK 1.000 / Euro 134
Price 2-hour Dog Sledding: DKK 1.800 / Euro 242
Season: This tour is available as soon as the snow conditions allows it. Typically December- April.
Snow Mobile Tour to Lyngmarksbræen (the Top of Ice Cap)
Join a snowmobile tour to the top of Ice Cap Lyngmarksbræen for amazing views over Disko Bay and the surrounding landscape. At over 900 meters high, you’ll enjoy a 360-degree view of the ocean, icebergs, and sea ice.
The tour starts from your accommodation with a friendly local guide who keeps you safe and shares interesting facts. Enjoy coffee, tea, and snacks while taking in the stunning scenery at the summit.
Price: DKK 1.250 / Euro 168
Difficulty: Easy to moderateSeason: December- April
Experience Qeqertarsuaq on your own
The southernmost point of Qeqertarsuaq is called "Udkiggen", or Qaqqaliaq in Greenlandic. As the name suggests, it's a great spot for whale watching. The trip takes about 2-3 hours round trip at a steadily pace.
Visit the local gallery to see unique Greenlandic art, or stop by the museum near the harbor to learn about the town’s history and see works by painter Jakob Danielsen. On weekends, enjoy live music at one of the cozy cafes, or experience the local culture by attending a Sunday church service.
About Qeqetarsuaq
In our opinion, Qeqertarsuaq is one of the most beautiful places in Greenland. Glacier covered mountains dominate the hinterland, but on the coast you’ll find strange basalt columns and an abundance of flora, with angelica being one of the most prominent.
Qeqertarsuaq is one of our absolute favourite towns and certainly one of the most photogenic.
The location is exceptional, neighbouring Disko Bay with huge icebergs and countless whales. The island has a somewhat different landscape to the rest of Greenland – the hot springs and basalt pillars are evidence of the island’s volcanic past.
Located in Disko Bay, Disko Island is Greenland's largest island. The Greenlandic name for the island is Qeqertarsuaq, which means "the great island". The island has only one city, namely Qeqertarsuaq (Godhavn) on the south side, and a smaller village Kangerluk (Diskofjord), located 35 km north-west.
Many Greenlanders recognise Disko Island from a distance, with the island's characteristic basalt mountains of volcanic origin rising nearly 1,000 meters out of the water.
In the south, the mountains are covered all year round by the ice and snow of Lyngmark Glacier.
Disko Island is interesting for many reasons, not least because of the great diversity of flora. The island is situated between the low and high Arctic, and along with the occurrence of many hot springs, it provides a richer vegetation compared to other sites of the same latitude.
The sea is also very rich around Disko Island, which generally means large numbers of whales. In the spring, the area is one of the world's best to observe the great Greenland whales. In Greenlandic it has the very meaningful name "Arfivik", which means "the barrel-shaped". In summer, humpback whales are often seen very close to the coast.
Dog sledding: Yes (winter)
Midnight sun in the summer: Yes
Northern Lights: Yes, in a dark sky and with suitable atmospheric conditions
Former Danish Name: Godhavn
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