South Greenland is the setting for a tranquil life. Here, nature is calm and extraordinary, and the peaceful backdrop stands in stark contrast to the wild landscapes of Disko Bay.
You can also see icebergs here, and while the scenery may not be as dramatic as in Disko Bay, the beautiful dark and light blue icebergs create a striking contrast to the lush, green landscape.
South Greenland is especially known for its unique Viking history, small farming communities with sheep farmers, and hot springs that create a truly special atmosphere. Here, you can hike among historic ruins, sail between icebergs, or experience the local culture in charming settlements like Qassiarsuk and Igaliku.
With a milder climate and outstanding natural experiences, South Greenland is a perfect place for both relaxation and adventure.
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Top 3 Tips for South Greenland
South Greenland offers exceptional experiences for outdoor enthusiasts and history lovers alike. Here are our top three tips to make the most of your visit:
- Igaliku – UNESCO Gem: Discover this peaceful settlement, where green fields and historic ruins are listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites.
- Bratthalid – Viking History: Visit Erik the Red’s old farm and feel the presence of history in the heart of South Greenland.
- Qooroq – krystalblå isbjerge: Take a boat trip among the impressive, crystal-blue icebergs in the Qooroq Fjord and experience nature up close.
No matter what you choose, great experiences await in South Greenland. You can check our map of South Greenland for an overview.
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 of the fjord. With around 30 permanent residents, the village is known for its unique history as one of Greenland’s most important Viking sites, where the ruins of Garðar—the episcopal seat from the Norse era—can still be experienced.
The settlement is part of the UNESCO World Heritage area of Kujataa, and the region offers fantastic hiking trails that lead you through the unique cultural landscape and up to viewpoints with panoramic fjord vistas.
Igaliku is the perfect place to stay for those seeking tranquility, natural experiences, and insight into Greenland’s rich history.
Dog sledding: No
Midnight sun in summer: No, but it is light almost around the clock during the summer months
Northern lights: Yes, possible to see when it’s dark
Hotels in Igaliku: Igaliku Bygdehotel
Qaqortoq
As you sail towards Qaqortoq through the Julianehåb Fjord, you immediately notice the town’s many colorful houses scattered up the mountainside, and you get a sense of how the town is built, gathering around the center down in the valley.
Qaqortoq is the largest town in South Greenland and serves as the administrative center for 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 high school and business college have also recently been merged into Campus Kujalleq, located in two large buildings next to each other. All this just to give an impression of a town in rapid development.
The town is full of art and colorful personalities, which is fortunately also visible throughout the streets. Be sure to look up at the house walls, down into the incinerator chimney, and even into the rocks—there is art everywhere.
There is a vibrant life in the town; the few restaurants and cafés are well-frequented, and people keep up with each other’s lives. As in many other towns in South Greenland, there are plenty of 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 Ruins 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 is light for several months during the summer
Northern lights: Yes, possible to see when it’s dark
Hotels in Qaqortoq: Hotel Qaqortoq
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Narsaq
There are hiking trails as far as the eye can see, and after a short boat ride, you’ll reach glaciers and sheep farms.
A Greenlandic children’s song says that everyone in Narsaq is a cowboy. In a country with little agriculture and few farms, 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’ll reach glaciers and sheep farms.
The pulse of the town has fluctuated over the past 20 years, and after the municipal mergers in 2009, many things have come to a standstill. But fortunately, the town still has passionate people and individuals who fight to keep it alive.
The town is undoubtedly closely connected to the many sheep farms in the area. Every summer, several “Icelandics” (the Icelandic pony) are brought here from Iceland and thrive in the vast South Greenlandic landscapes and in the 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: 1,312
Dog sledding: No
Midnight sun in summer: No, but it is light for several months during the summer
Northern lights: Yes, possible to see when it’s dark
Hotels in Narsaq: Hotel Narsaq
Activities in Narsaq
The Hiking trail from Qassiarsuk to Narsaq is a classic multi-day trek in South Greenland, covering about 55 km. The route offers varied terrain, from gravel roads to steep mountains, and can be walked in either direction.
You can stay overnight at sheep farms in Qassiarsuk and Sillisit, but you’ll need a tent for the stretch between Sillisit and Narsaq. Along the way, you’ll pass beautiful fjords, gorges, and viewpoints.
The route requires good navigation skills, especially from Sillisit to Narsaq, where the trails disappear and the terrain becomes more challenging.
Duration: 3–5 days, 55 km
Difficulty: Moderate to difficult
Accommodation: Sheep farms and tent
Ice Safari
Narsaq is an ideal place to go on a boat trip among the icebergs. From the active glaciers in Sermilik Fjord, icebergs drift past the town year-round. Here, you can get up close to the impressive ice floes, take fantastic photos, and experience both the sights and sounds of the ice at close range.
Price: 700 DKK per person
Duration: About 1 hour
Minimum participants: 2
Includes: Boat trip and photo cruise among the icebergs
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Boat Trip to the Ice Cap
Take a beautiful boat trip through South Greenland’s fjords, where you’ll sail close to the ice cap at Qalerallit Glacier. Experience the drifting icebergs and the impressive glacier front, where you can clearly see how the ice has retreated. A perfect opportunity for unique photos and unforgettable nature experiences.
Price: 1,400 DKK per person
Duration: About 4.5–5 hours
Minimum participants: 4
Includes: Boat trip and photo cruise in front of the glacier
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Narsarsuaq
One of the most beautiful approaches in Greenland—flying over the ice cap from East Greenland towards the west. It feels as if you’re gliding over the landscape and the sheep farms below.
Narsarsuaq is a former American base, much like Kangerlussuaq. So the settlement itself isn’t quite as charming as other villages with colorful houses and Greenlandic character. It’s more about barracks and concrete buildings.
But if you look up and out to the horizon, you’ll see just how incredibly lush and beautiful it is.
Narsarsuaq is also the gateway to South Greenland, with flights arriving here 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 is light almost around the clock during the summer months
Northern lights: Yes, possible to see when it’s dark
Hotels in Narsarsuaq: Narsarsuaq Hostel
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Nanortalik
The southernmost town in South Greenland (west) and probably the most beautifully situated. Nanortalik enchants with its deep blue and green fjords and towering mountains in a spectacular and unusually stunning area.
Many adventurers, climbers, kayakers, extreme hikers, and more come to this region to explore the untouched and overwhelmingly beautiful landscape.
If you look at the map of Greenland, Nanortalik is not far from East Greenland. The pack ice drifts from East Greenland in the spring and stops around the fjords of South Greenland, and for many years, it has even 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, it has a fish factory, primary school, church, childcare institutions, and some supermarkets.
The old part of town is definitely worth a visit. Just a short walk away, and you’ll quickly sense how people lived just 50 years ago. See if you can spot Knud Rasmussen’s facial profile.
Population: 1,120
Dog sledding: No
Midnight sun in summer: No, but it is light for several months during the summer
Northern lights: Yes, possible to see when it’s dark
