South Greenland

South Greenland is for those who love the outdoors – here you’ll find lush valleys, hot springs, Viking history, and ice-filled fjords right outside your door. Extraordinary natural experiences and ancient Norse ruins are waiting to be explored.

Why visit South Greenland? Hiking in South Greenland Activities in South Greenland Igaliku Stay at a sheep farm Getting around South Greenland

Why visit South Greenland?

South Greenland offers a slower pace of life, where peaceful landscapes and rich cultural heritage take centre stage. Unlike the dramatic, rugged scenery of Disko Bay, this region is characterised by green hillsides, fertile farmland, and deep blue fjords dotted with icebergs.

The contrast between the vibrant green landscape and the shimmering blue ice creates scenery that is both striking and unforgettable.

The region is renowned for its Viking heritage, traditional sheep farming, and natural hot springs. Visit charming settlements such as Qassiarsuk and Igaliku, hike among centuries-old Norse ruins, sail through iceberg-filled fjords, and experience the warm hospitality of local communities.

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Did you know?
Thanks to its relatively mild climate and diverse outdoor opportunities, South Greenland is an ideal destination for both relaxation and adventure.

Towns in South Greenland

Discover the charming towns of South Greenland, where colourful houses, deep fjords, and dramatic mountains create an adventorous landscape.

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Qaqortoq

Qaqortoq is the “metropolis” of South Greenland, and the perfect base for your adventures. Take a boat trip to the famous Hvalsey Church Ruins, warm up in the Uunartoq hot springs, or zigzag between icebergs on your way to the Ice Cap.

Igaliku

In Igaliku, the tranquil life unfolds amid extraordinarily peaceful nature. Here, lush green valleys meet rugged mountains, and the area is perfect for hiking and reflection.

Narsaq

In 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.

Qassiarsuk

Only 25 minutes by boat from Itilleq (Igaliku), lies the settlement of Qassiarsuk—a working sheep farm where agriculture is still practiced on the same land that Erik the Red once farmed. Qassiarsuk is a unique place where history and modern farming go hand in hand.

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.

Narsarsuaq - things to do...

Narsarsuaq offers several very nice walks. In contrast to nearby areas, there are no sheep in Narsarsuaq. This gives the area a different type of vegetation than you would otherwise encounter. There are a considerable number of flowers compared to where the sheep graze, and shrubs and trees can g...

Hiking in South Greenland

Whether you're looking for an easy day hike or a challenging multi-day trek, South Greenland offers routes for every level of experience. Follow well-established trails and quiet gravel roads through rolling green valleys, or venture into the vast backcountry, where experienced hikers can explore untouched wilderness without marked trails, bridges, or signs of civilisation.

Hiking routes

Follow scenic trails through South Greenland’s stunning landscapes, where lush valleys, rugged mountains, and breathtaking views await.

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Orange route: The Waterfall Hike (round trip)

At the Waterfall hike you experience a series of waterfalls that fall beautifully and impressively towards the Tunulliarfik fjord. There is luxuriant vegetation along sheep trails and a beautiful view over the blue fjord with drifting icebergs all the way back towards Igaliku.

Red route: Qassiarsuk – Tasiusaq – Nunataaq – Qassiarsuk

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 vestig...

Blue route: Tasiusaq – Ipiutaat (return)

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!

Yellow route: Qassiarsuk – Qorlortup Itinnera – Tasiusaq

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.

Hiking route from Qaqortoq to Igaliku

The hiking route from Qaqortoq to Igaliku is a South Greenland classic, covering about 65 km over 3-4 days. You’ll hike through beautiful mountain landscapes with views of fjords and icebergs, passing historic Norse ruins such as Hvalsey Church and Sissarluttoq.

Red route: The Lake and Plateau (round trip)

The walk to the plateau is one of the most beautiful and varied tours that you can make in a day. You stroll along a rushing stream, pass through a landscape of dunes, typical willow and birch vegetation, and barren mountain slopes with outstanding views of the Qooroq Ice Fjord. On the return leg...

Yellow route: Blue Ice Camp – Plateau – Igaliku

Blue Ice Camp is located by the Qooroq Icefjord and features a small, sturdy aluminum cabin equipped with kitchenware and a gas stove. The cabin provides shelter in bad weather, but you should bring your own tent for overnight stays.

Purple route: Illerfissalik round trip (1,752 m)

Illerfissalik is the highest point in the area and a prominent landmark once used by the Norse as a lookout post. When ships approached from the south, they would light fires on the summit to signal that it was time to gather and trade.

Blue route: Nuuluk 823 m (return)

The mountain Nuuluk can be climbed on a moderate walk from Igaliku. With its 823 meters, it offers an impressive view of the area and you get the feeling of true mountains and hillwalking on the way to the top!

Orange route: Nunataaq – Sillisit

The hike over the rolling hills between Nunataaq and Sillisit is a nice change of pace from the gravel roads. The terrain is undulating with many small lakes, and you will encounter herds of grazing sheep and perhaps see wild ponies. It is inspiring to stay overnight at Sillisit, as the farm is l...

Hiking route from Qassiarsuk to Narsaq

The hiking trip from Qassiarsuk to Narsaq is a classic multi-day hike in South Greenland (3-5 days). You can sleep at sheep farms on part of the tour, but must bring a tent for the leg in the high mountains behind Narsaq. This is a beautiful and varied hiking tour that nevertheless requires some ...

Red route: Signal Hill

The hike to the top of Signal Hill is a “must” if you stay in Narsarsuaq. It is a short and easy walk of ap-proximately 1 hour, where you are rewarded with a great view of the ice sheet and excellent views of the Narsarsuaq area.

Yellow route: The Ridge

The Ridge is a very nice, shorter and easier alternative to the full-day tour to Narsarsuaq Glacier. If you are you unsure that you can handle the climb to the glacier, we recommend the hike on the ridge, rather than a trip through the Flower Valley. The Ridge offers great views, a rich flora and...

Blue route: Narsarsuaq Glacier

The hike to the ice cap (Narsarsuaq Glacier) is a classic walk from Narsarsuaq. In a day trip you can reach the glacier and touch the ice! Furthermore, it is a nice trip that passes through several different types of landscapes. You can buy transport for the first 3 km of paved road.

Orange route: Narsarsuaq – Qooroq view (Mellemlandet)

The Qooroq viewpoint is merely a spot in “Mellemlandet” (as the mountainous area between the two glaciers is called) where you have a fabulous view over the Qooroq Glacier and the ice fjord. However, it is probably the most accessible point, and can actually be reached in a long day trip from Nar...

Activities in South Greenland

South Greenland offers something for every traveller. Here are three experiences you shouldn't miss:

  • Brattahlíð – Viking Heritage Visit Erik the Red's historic farm and explore one of Greenland's most important Norse settlement.

  • Qooroq Fjord – Crystal-Blue Icebergs Take a boat trip among the spectacular crystal-blue icebergs of Qooroq Fjord and experience the breathtaking beauty of the Greenland Ice Sheet.

  • Igaliku – UNESCO World Heritage Discover one of Greenland's most picturesque settlements, where green fields surroun d the Norse ruins of Garðar, part of the UNESCO World Heritage area of Kujataa. 

Boat trips

Set sail through the breathtaking fjords of South Greenland, where towering mountains, drifting icebergs, and untouched wilderness create unforgettable moments.

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Boat Trip to Qooroq Icefjord

We sail from Itilleq to the mouth of the Qooroq Icefjord, navigating among stranded icebergs and experiencing an impressive view of thousands of icebergs and the mighty glacier. Here, the glacier calves enormous amounts of ice daily, filling the fjord with icebergs in beautiful turquoise hues. Al...

Hvalsey Church Ruins (Boat Trip)

Join us on a boat trip to the largest, most famous, and best-preserved ruin in Greenland. Now also part of the UNESCO World Heritage area in South Greenland.Around the year 100, Christianity came to Greenland, and shortly after, churches began to be built. Hvalsey Church Ruins date from the 14th ...

Boat Trip to Uunartoq Hot Springs

Experience Greenland’s only hot spring with bathing temperatures! Our boat trip to Uunartoq gives you a unique opportunity to bathe in naturally heated water while enjoying the sight of drifting icebergs.

Boat Trip to the Ice Cap

Join a beautiful boat trip through South Greenland’s fjords, where you’ll get up close to the ice cap. We cross Ikerssuaq Fjord north of Narsaq and sail among drifting icebergs to Qalerallit Glacier. Here you can experience the impressive glacier front and see how the ice has retreated over the p...

Igaliku

Nestled among fertile valleys, dramatic mountains, and a beautiful fjord, Igaliku is widely regarded as one of Greenland's most picturesque settlements.

Home to around 30 permanent residents, the village was once the site of Garðar, the episcopal seat of the Norse settlements in Greenland. Today, visitors can explore these remarkable ruins while enjoying the peaceful atmosphere of this historic community.

As part of the UNESCO World Heritage area of Kujataa, Igaliku also offers excellent hiking opportunities through its unique cultural landscape, with trails leading to panoramic viewpoints overlooking the surrounding fjords.

For travellers seeking tranquillity, history, and spectacular scenery, Igaliku is an unforgettable destination.

Stay at a sheep farm

One of the most authentic experiences in South Greenland is staying on a traditional sheep farm. As you hike through the region, you'll pass small, family-run farms where it's often possible to stop for a visit or spend the night.

Staying with a Greenlandic farming family offers a unique opportunity to experience everyday life in one of the world's most remote farming communities. 

Another advantage of hiking in South Greenland is that the higher mountain areas, where the sheep graze during summer, are largely free of mosquitoes, making for an even more enjoyable outdoor experience.

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Why choose a farm stay?
  • Experience everyday life with a Greenlandic farming family
  • Stay in peaceful, remote surroundings away from larger towns
  • Enjoy easy access to hiking, fjords, and spectacular iceberg views
  • Discover a unique side of South Greenland that few visitors experience

Where to stay

Stay close to nature in South Greenland, where idylic sheep farms, charming hotels, and unique stays offer a warm welcome after a day of adventure.

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Igaliku Country Hotel

Hotel Qaqortoq

Hotel Narsarsuaq

Hotel Narsaq.

Narsarsuaq Hostel

This nice hostel is just half a mile from the airport, surrounded by lovely nature near the flower valley and fjord.

Getting around South Greenland

Boat travel is by far the best way to explore South Greenland. Since there are no roads connecting towns and settlements, travelling by boat or air is the only way to get around.

Fortunately, travelling by boat is much more than transportation - it's an experience in itself. As you sail through the fjords, you'll enjoy the amazing landscape that surrounds you.

Compared with the more remote regions farther north, distances in South Greenland are relatively short, making it easy to travel between towns and settlements.

If you're planning to visit smaller settlements, sheep farms, or more remote destinations, feel free to contact us. We can also arrange private charter boats, including Targa boats for groups of 6–12 passengers.

If you only need scheduled passenger transport between towns, tickets can be booked directly through Disko Line.

Our package tours in South Greenland