Wonders of Greenland, 8 days

Wonders of Greenland.  Travel Diary

Day 1. Qassiarsuk, former Brattahlid

Flight from Reykjavík (Iceland’s domestic  airport) or from Copenhagen to Narsarsuaq in southern Greenland. Reception at the airport and zodiac boat transfer to Qassiarsuk (former Brattahlid, capital of Viking Greenland). Walk through the village of about 50 inhabitants and guided tour of the Viking ruins of Brattahlid, learning the history of the arrival of Eric the Red from Iceland at this small settlement in 985. Of particular interest are the reconstructions of a Viking house (spacious but cold) and an inuit dwelling (small but warmer), transporting us back in time to the harsh conditions in which these people lived and it definitely shows us how the Inuit knew how to adapt better to the progressive cooling of the climate. Overnight stay at the Leif Eriksson Hostel.

Day 2. Narsaq city and Qaleraliq glacier camp

We will set off for Qaleraliq camp, our base near the polar ice-sheet, navigating along the Tunulliarfik fjord among icebergs. Halfway we’ll make a stop in Narsaq to visit the third most populated town in South Greenland. Free time to visit the museum or the local fish market before boarding the boat again to navigate towards the Inlandis. We will arrive to our camp set on a sandy beach, which contrasts with a spectacular view of three glacier tongues. We will spend the night at the camp, allowing our senses to enjoy the thunderclap roar of the icefall from seracs. Accommodation in 4 bedded basic but comfortable rooms of Domo “loft”.

Day 3. Sighting the Inlandis

In the morning we will have many opportunities to see caribou, which are plentiful in the area. After breakfast,  hiking to the Tasersuatsiaq lake and climb up a mountain 400 metres high, from which we will have the view of the immense Polar Ice Cap and the “nunataks”, floating landmarks on the ice sheet. In the afternoon we will have time for fishing or pick mushrooms and blueberries (from mid august). Accommodation in 4 bedded basic but comfortable rooms of Domo “loft”.

Day 4. Glacier fronts navigation and hike with crampons

We will navigate along the vertical glacier fronts on a zodiac boat. These glacier fronts extended in only one, but the dramatic progress of climate change divided it in three glacier fronts. From there we will start the Inlandis tongue hiking. An impressive trek using crampons where we will explore its crevasses, drains, caves, and seracs which give an labyrinthine quality to this glacier. An expert mountain guide will be in charge of the excusion to ensure the safety of the group, while he shares with us his knowledge about the characteristics of the glaciers in the South of Greenland. Accommodation in 4 bedded basic but comfortable rooms of Domo “loft”.

Day 5. Viking Igaliku and Icefjord navigation

Return navigation from Qaleraliq to Qassiarsuk, reaching Itilleq first. Easy hike to cross the Path of the Kings to the idyllic Igaliku, a small inuit settlement where one finds the ruins of Gardar, the archdiocese of Viking Greenland. In the afternoon, on our way to Qassiarsuk, we will visit the Qooroq Fjord, one of the most active glaciers in southern Greenland, navigating to the area where iceberg density will make it impossible to carry on… one of Greenland’s unforgettables. Overnight stay at the Leif Eriksson Hostel.

Day 6. Kayaking among icebergs

Hiking to Tasiusaq farms, next to Sermilik fjord which is almost always blocked by the icebergs coming from Eqaloruutsit glacier. This is not the only sheep farm of the area and we can continue our walk to reach the idyllic Nunataaq. Then, after the picnic, it’s time for action: optional kayak excursion in the “Iceberg Bay”, a 2 hour kayaking trip for beginners among icebergs in one of the safest and nicest spots in southern Greenland (85€ , minimum 2 participants). Accommodation at the Tasiusaq hostel or hike back to Qassiarsuk and accommodation at the Leif Eriksson Hostel.

Day 7. Hiking until the Kiattut glacier

In the morning we will cross the fjord towards Narsarsuaq area. Then, after a short transfer by car, we will walk through Flower Valley until we can see Kiattut glacier and the landscape around it, with superb panoramic view of the Polar Ice Cap and its nunataks (floating landmarks on the ice sheet). Flower Valley is one of the most renowned excursion in all Greenland. Farewell dinner will be greenlandic dinner with traditional Inuit products: fish, whale, seal, caribou, etc. Overnight stay at the Leif Eriksson Hostel.

Day 8. Helicopter optional excursion before flight back home

Boat transfer to Narsarsuaq, where we have time to walk around in the area or visit the Bluie West One museum. It’s about a former US militay base frozen in time since the world war.

Flight Narsarsuaq-Reykjavík (Iceland’s Domestic airport) or Copenhaguen.