South Greenland is a world of contrasts, where fertile green valleys meet ice-filled fjords and impressive glaciers.
The region is known for its unique Viking history, small farming communities, and hot springs that create a truly special atmosphere. Here, you can hike among historic ruins, sail between icebergs, or experience local culture in charming settlements like Qassiarsuk and Igaliku.
With a milder climate and exceptional natural experiences, South Greenland is the perfect place for both relaxation and adventure.
The region is known for its unique Viking history, small farming communities, and hot springs that create a truly special atmosphere. Here, you can hike among historic ruins, sail between icebergs, or experience local culture in charming settlements like Qassiarsuk and Igaliku.
With a milder climate and exceptional natural experiences, South Greenland is the perfect place for both relaxation and adventure.
Towns and Settlements in South Greenland
Narsarsuaq
The fjords shimmer in striking turquoise hues, standing in sharp contrast to the small and large icebergs and the green land.
One of the most beautiful approaches in Greenland – flying over the ice cap from East Greenland towards the west. Almost floating above the landscape and the sheep farms.
Narsarsuaq is a former American base, just like Kangerlussuaq. So the settlement itself is not quite as charming as other villages with colorful houses and Greenlandic character. It’s more barracks and concrete buildings.
But if you look up and out to the horizon, you’ll see just how lush and beautiful it is.
Narsarsuaq is also the gateway to South Greenland, with flights arriving from Copenhagen, from the north of Greenland, and from Iceland. About 150 people live here, almost all of whom work at the airport and the hotel.
Dog sledding: No
Midnight sun in summer: No, but it’s light almost around the clock during the summer months
Northern lights: Yes, possible to see when it’s dark
Hotels in Narsarsuaq: Narsarsuaq Hostel and Hotel Narsarsuaq
One of the most beautiful approaches in Greenland – flying over the ice cap from East Greenland towards the west. Almost floating above the landscape and the sheep farms.
Narsarsuaq is a former American base, just like Kangerlussuaq. So the settlement itself is not quite as charming as other villages with colorful houses and Greenlandic character. It’s more barracks and concrete buildings.
But if you look up and out to the horizon, you’ll see just how lush and beautiful it is.
Narsarsuaq is also the gateway to South Greenland, with flights arriving from Copenhagen, from the north of Greenland, and from Iceland. About 150 people live here, almost all of whom work at the airport and the hotel.
Dog sledding: No
Midnight sun in summer: No, but it’s light almost around the clock during the summer months
Northern lights: Yes, possible to see when it’s dark
Hotels in Narsarsuaq: Narsarsuaq Hostel and Hotel Narsarsuaq
Narsarsuaq - things to do...
The fjords glow in eye-catching turquoise-blue colours, starkly contrasting with the icebergs and the green farm land.
Igaliku
An idyllic settlement where Viking history, lush valleys, and spectacular fjords meet.
Igaliku is one of Greenland’s most beautiful settlements, surrounded by fertile valleys, dramatic mountains, and an impressive view over the fjord. The settlement, with about 30 permanent residents, is known for its unique history as one of Greenland’s most important Viking sites, where the ruins of Garðar – the bishop’s seat from Norse times – can still be experienced.
The settlement is part of the UNESCO World Heritage area Kujataa, and the region offers fantastic hiking routes that take you through the unique cultural landscape and up to viewpoints with panoramas over the fjord.
Igaliku is the perfect place to stay for those seeking peace, nature experiences, and insight into Greenland’s rich history.
Dog sledding: No
Midnight sun in summer: No, but it’s light almost around the clock during the summer months
Northern lights: Yes, possible to see when it’s dark
Hotels in Igaliku: Igaliku Bygdehotel
Igaliku is one of Greenland’s most beautiful settlements, surrounded by fertile valleys, dramatic mountains, and an impressive view over the fjord. The settlement, with about 30 permanent residents, is known for its unique history as one of Greenland’s most important Viking sites, where the ruins of Garðar – the bishop’s seat from Norse times – can still be experienced.
The settlement is part of the UNESCO World Heritage area Kujataa, and the region offers fantastic hiking routes that take you through the unique cultural landscape and up to viewpoints with panoramas over the fjord.
Igaliku is the perfect place to stay for those seeking peace, nature experiences, and insight into Greenland’s rich history.
Dog sledding: No
Midnight sun in summer: No, but it’s light almost around the clock during the summer months
Northern lights: Yes, possible to see when it’s dark
Hotels in Igaliku: Igaliku Bygdehotel
Igaliku.
Igaliku Hotel & Lodges offers cozy and comfortable accommodation, paired with delicious Greenlandic meals served in our café.
Qaqortoq
When you sail into Qaqortoq through Julianehåb Fjord, you immediately see the city’s many colorful houses scattered up the mountainside, and you sense the city’s layout, gathering in the center down in a valley.
Qaqortoq is the largest town in South Greenland and is the seat of the Kujalleq municipality (the South Municipality), with about 3,500 inhabitants. Right next to the municipal building, a new district court has recently been inaugurated. The road to the much-discussed new airport (not yet decided as of September 2018) is almost finished. The high school and business school have also recently been merged into Campus Kujalleq, located in two large buildings next to each other. This is just to give an idea that the city is rapidly developing.
The city exudes art and colorful personalities, which is happily visible throughout the city’s streets. Be sure to look up at the house walls, down into the incinerator’s chimney, and even into the rocks. There is art everywhere.
There is a lively atmosphere in the city, with the few restaurants and cafés well-visited, and people keep up to date with each other’s lives.As in many other towns in South Greenland, there are ample opportunities for shorter or longer hikes of varying difficulty.
After a short boat ride from Qaqortoq, you can easily reach UNESCO World Heritage sites such as: Hvalsey Church Ruin and the beautiful Uunartoq (hot springs), as well as the entire fjord system in the hinterland, making it attractive to go sailing.
Population: 3,005
Former Danish name: Julianehåb
Dog sledding: No
Midnight sun in summer: No, but it’s light for several months in summer
Northern lights: Yes, possible to see when it’s dark
Hotels in Qaqortoq: Hotel Qaqortoq
Qaqortoq is the largest town in South Greenland and is the seat of the Kujalleq municipality (the South Municipality), with about 3,500 inhabitants. Right next to the municipal building, a new district court has recently been inaugurated. The road to the much-discussed new airport (not yet decided as of September 2018) is almost finished. The high school and business school have also recently been merged into Campus Kujalleq, located in two large buildings next to each other. This is just to give an idea that the city is rapidly developing.
The city exudes art and colorful personalities, which is happily visible throughout the city’s streets. Be sure to look up at the house walls, down into the incinerator’s chimney, and even into the rocks. There is art everywhere.
There is a lively atmosphere in the city, with the few restaurants and cafés well-visited, and people keep up to date with each other’s lives.As in many other towns in South Greenland, there are ample opportunities for shorter or longer hikes of varying difficulty.
After a short boat ride from Qaqortoq, you can easily reach UNESCO World Heritage sites such as: Hvalsey Church Ruin and the beautiful Uunartoq (hot springs), as well as the entire fjord system in the hinterland, making it attractive to go sailing.
Population: 3,005
Former Danish name: Julianehåb
Dog sledding: No
Midnight sun in summer: No, but it’s light for several months in summer
Northern lights: Yes, possible to see when it’s dark
Hotels in Qaqortoq: Hotel Qaqortoq
Qaqortoq - things to do...
If you come by boat, as you navigate towards Qaqortoq through Julianehåb Fjord, you’ll see the many colourful houses which the city is famous for.
Narsaq
There are hiking trails as far as the eye can see, and after a short boat ride, you reach glaciers and sheep farms.
A Greenlandic children’s song says that everyone is a cowboy in Narsaq. In a country with little agriculture and farm life, it doesn’t take much before people talk about those who ride horses in a town that is so lush and green. There are hiking trails as far as the eye can see, and after a short boat ride, you reach glaciers and sheep farms.
The town’s pulse has fluctuated over the past 20 years, and after the municipal mergers in 2009, many things have stagnated. But fortunately, the town still has passionate people who fight for its vitality.The town is undoubtedly closely connected to the many sheep farms in the area. Several “Icelanders” (the Icelandic pony) are transported here from Iceland every summer and thrive in the South Greenlandic expanses and agricultural life.
The town has about 1,300 inhabitants, and like other towns of this size, there has been significant emigration in recent years. Many move to Nuuk or Denmark.
Population: 1,312Dog sledding: No
Midnight sun in summer: No, but it’s light for several months in summer
Northern lights: Yes, possible to see when it’s dark
Hotels in Narsaq: Hotel Narsaq
Activities in Narsaq
Qassiarsuk – Sillisit – Narsaq. Red route
Duration: 3-4 days, approx. 55 km.
Orientation/difficulty: Gravel road from Qassiarsuk to Sillisit. The route is unmarked from Sillisit to Narsaq. Moderate to difficult hiking. Easy mountain terrain from Sillisit to the emergency hut. From the emergency hut to Narsaq, steep mountain terrain.
Accommodation: Sheep farm in Qassiarsuk and Sillisit. Hostel and hotel in Narsaq. You will need a tent between Sillisit and Narsaq.
Qassiarsuk – Tasiusaq – Nunataaq – Sillisit – Narsaq. Yellow route
You can advantageously extend the route between Qassiarsuk and Sillisit on your hike along the red route towards Narsaq. The extended trip takes you past two sheep farms by Bredefjord. Allow an extra 1.5 – 2 days.
A Greenlandic children’s song says that everyone is a cowboy in Narsaq. In a country with little agriculture and farm life, it doesn’t take much before people talk about those who ride horses in a town that is so lush and green. There are hiking trails as far as the eye can see, and after a short boat ride, you reach glaciers and sheep farms.
The town’s pulse has fluctuated over the past 20 years, and after the municipal mergers in 2009, many things have stagnated. But fortunately, the town still has passionate people who fight for its vitality.The town is undoubtedly closely connected to the many sheep farms in the area. Several “Icelanders” (the Icelandic pony) are transported here from Iceland every summer and thrive in the South Greenlandic expanses and agricultural life.
The town has about 1,300 inhabitants, and like other towns of this size, there has been significant emigration in recent years. Many move to Nuuk or Denmark.
Population: 1,312Dog sledding: No
Midnight sun in summer: No, but it’s light for several months in summer
Northern lights: Yes, possible to see when it’s dark
Hotels in Narsaq: Hotel Narsaq
Activities in Narsaq
Qassiarsuk – Sillisit – Narsaq. Red route
Duration: 3-4 days, approx. 55 km.
Orientation/difficulty: Gravel road from Qassiarsuk to Sillisit. The route is unmarked from Sillisit to Narsaq. Moderate to difficult hiking. Easy mountain terrain from Sillisit to the emergency hut. From the emergency hut to Narsaq, steep mountain terrain.
Accommodation: Sheep farm in Qassiarsuk and Sillisit. Hostel and hotel in Narsaq. You will need a tent between Sillisit and Narsaq.
Qassiarsuk – Tasiusaq – Nunataaq – Sillisit – Narsaq. Yellow route
You can advantageously extend the route between Qassiarsuk and Sillisit on your hike along the red route towards Narsaq. The extended trip takes you past two sheep farms by Bredefjord. Allow an extra 1.5 – 2 days.
Narsaq.
There are hiking trails as far as the eye can see, and a short boat ride will take you to glaciers, Norse ruins and sheep farms.
Nanortalik
The southernmost town in South Greenland (west) and probably the most beautifully situated. Nanortalik enchants with its deep blue and green fjords and high mountains in a spectacular and unusually beautiful area.
Many adventurers, climbers, kayakers, extreme hikers, and more come to the area to explore the untouched and overwhelmingly beautiful landscape.
If you look at the map of Greenland, it’s not far from Nanortalik to East Greenland. The pack ice comes from East Greenland in spring and stops around the fjords in South Greenland, and over the years, it has actually brought polar bears with it. Hence the name Nanortalik = the place with polar bears.
About 1,100 people live here, and like other Greenlandic towns, there is a fish factory, primary school, church, daycare centers, and some supermarkets.
The old part of town is definitely worth a visit. Just a short walk away, and you quickly sense how people lived just 50 years ago. See if you can find Knud Rasmussen’s facial profile.
Population: 1,120
Dog sledding: No
Midnight sun in summer: No, but it’s light for several months in summer
Northern lights: Yes, possible to see when it’s dark
Many adventurers, climbers, kayakers, extreme hikers, and more come to the area to explore the untouched and overwhelmingly beautiful landscape.
If you look at the map of Greenland, it’s not far from Nanortalik to East Greenland. The pack ice comes from East Greenland in spring and stops around the fjords in South Greenland, and over the years, it has actually brought polar bears with it. Hence the name Nanortalik = the place with polar bears.
About 1,100 people live here, and like other Greenlandic towns, there is a fish factory, primary school, church, daycare centers, and some supermarkets.
The old part of town is definitely worth a visit. Just a short walk away, and you quickly sense how people lived just 50 years ago. See if you can find Knud Rasmussen’s facial profile.
Population: 1,120
Dog sledding: No
Midnight sun in summer: No, but it’s light for several months in summer
Northern lights: Yes, possible to see when it’s dark
Nanortalik.
The southernmost town in South Greenland (west) and probably the most beautifully located. Nanortalik enchants with its deep fjords and high mountains in a spectacular and unusually beautiful area.