Eric the Red Hiking and Kayak Adventure. 8 day Travel Journal
For hiking and kayaking enthusiasts, this 8 day tour offers real contact with the unspoiled landscape of South Greenland
The perfect combination in the south of Greenland: 8 days in the very southernmost part of the world’s largest island, in complete contact with nature, combining trekking with kayaking, surrounded by an awe-inspiring landscape of blue-tinged icebergs and tundra.
Expedition Highlights
Independent sailing among icebergs and a panoramic view of the Eqalorutsit glacier.
Take an impressive trek through the tundra, in complete, self-reliant freedom, in the wild Land of Mellem area in southern Greenland. With fully amazing views.
Experience the endless day (until mid-July) or see the northern lights (from the end of August).
Day 1
Day 1. Narsarsuaq – Qassiarsuk, the Viking Greenland
Flight Keflavík (International Airport ) / Copenhagen – Narsarsuaq
Reception in the airport and transfer in RIB boat through Tunulliarfik Fjord, usually covered by icebergs, to Qassiarsuk. Walk through the village of about 50 inhabitants, mostly farmers, comprising the old Brattahlid, capital of Viking Greenland, and where Eric the Red settled in 985 at the start of the colonisation of the barbarian peoples.
Accommodation in Hostel in Qassiarsuk or Tasiusaq.
Day 2
Day 3
Day 3. Navigation among icebergs
Travelling by kayak through the foothills of Nordre Sermilik Fjord, which is always filled with icebergs of indescribable colours and textures, coming from Eqaloruutsit Glacier. This is an area in which the kayak is the only possible vehicle at this time of the year, due to the ice which blocks access to the rest of the boats.
At the end of the first kayak day, the camp will be set up on the shores of the fjord. A short hike through the tundra, until we arrive at the point where we can admire the impressive Eqaloruutsit glacier.
Night spent in tents.
Day 4
Day 4.Navigation among ice.
Kayak in the mouth of the fiord among lots of ice, spectacular views and navigation with icebergs. Depending of ice possibilities to get close to the area of Kangerdlua, all year round blocked by ice. Return to camp in the afternoon. Possibility to go fishing in the fjord.
Night at Tasiusaq or Qassiarsuk Hostel.
Day 5
Day 5.Flower Valley and Glacier
Preparation of materials and transfer in RIB boat through Tunulliarfik Fjord, usually covered by icebergs, to Narsarsuaq.
Start of the trek in the nearby Narsarsuaq mountains.
Ascent to Mellem Camp, travelling through lakes and rivers, towards Flower Valley. We will carry on with our hike through Flower Valley with spectacular views of an enormous valley created by the withdrawal of and subsequent sedimentation from the glacier, where there are abundant flowers. This is quite possibly the most famous excursion in all of Greenland.
We will go all the way from Kiattut Glacier, famous for its spectacular views, with unbeatable panoramic views of the ice.
We will carry on with the hike among tundra and lakes, toward the Mellem cabin, where we will set up camp.
Accommodation in tents at Mellem’s Camp.
Day 6
Day 6.Ice Break in Qooroq Glacier
Trek to the scenic overlook of Qooroq. We will continue our expedition with the trek until the scenic overlook point of the Qooroq Glacier. Impressive views of the glacier, one of the most active in southern Greenland. We will get right on top of the glacier, so we can observe its entire extent as it drops to the sea.
Spectacular vision of ice breaking to the sea.
Accommodation in tents in Mellem Camp.
Day 7
Day 7.View of the Ice Cap and Qooroq Ice Fjord
Descent from Mellem Camp. In the way back to Narsarsuaq and from a height of less than 1,000 metres, we can observe one of the most privileged panoramas in the south of Greenland. Walking in the Tundra and surrounded by green mountains and valleys dotted with lakes and rivers, we find ourselves in a setting of Inland Ice’s incredible mass of ice at our back (Qooroq and Kiattuut Glaciers) and fjords in front of us.
In the afternoon, we will visit the Qooroq Ice Fjord, where one of the most active glaciers in southern Greenland can be found. We will navigate on zodiac boat to the area where iceberg density makes it impossible to carry on. This is without doubt one of Greenland’s best images: wonderful sight of ice floating around us.
Transfer in RIB boat through Tunulliarfik Fjord, usually covered by icebergs, to Qassiarsuk.
Special dinner with typical Greenlandic products.
Accommodation in Leif Eriksson Hostel in Qasiarsuk.
Day 8
Day 8.Viking Greenland and Flight Narsarsuaq – Keflavik
Walk around Qassiarsuk, old Brattahlid, the capital of Viking Greenland. This is the place where Eric the Red settled when he started Greenland’s colonisation back in 985.
Cultural visit: Brattahlid reconstructions: Guided visit to the original ruins from Erik the Red, and a replica of the original chapel and longhouse. This Norse and Greenlandic core farming area were in 2017 inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List under the title: Kujataa Greenland: A Norse and Inuit farming landscape on the Edge of the Ice Cap.
Qassiarsuk area represent the most comprehensive and rich example of both Norse and Greenlandic farming histories and contains ruins of large cattle-based Norse farms and their numerous satellite sites including, not least, Erik the Red’s Brattahlid. It was also here that Otto Frederiksen in 1924 established the first sheep farm after Igaliku, founding today’s settlement of Qassiarsuk.
Transfer to Narsarsuaq. Time to walk around in the area and visit the local museum.
Flight Narsarsuaq – Keflavík (International airport) or Copenhagen
Included
- Flight Keflavik/Copenhagen – Narsarsuaq, return
- Guide (English speaking)
- Excursions to Qooroq Ice Fjord and Brattahlid reconstructions
- Transfers in Greenland, as stated on this program
- Meals on a full board basis, as stated on this program
- Dinner with Greenlandic typical products
- Accommodation in Greenland, as stated on this program
- Rental of kayaks and navigation equipment (see the list provided)
- Camping and RIB boat travel equipment
Not included
- Airport taxes and fees (approx. 230-260 € )
- Travel insurance
- Lunch on flight days
- Accommodation, transfers and food in Iceland or Denmark
- Unexpected expenses as a result of weather conditions (including difficulties or cancellations due to ice or weather conditions) or flight or boat delays
- Any other aspect not listed in “Included”
Physical level required
Since we will be sailing in an area of calm water and because of the stability of our double kayaks, previous experience in kayaking is not required (although is recommended). The pace of the crossing is moderate and a specific physical level is not required.
Prices 2025
2,495 € from Keflavík and Copenhagen (round-trip ticket included)
Dates 2025
Departures from Copenhagen and Keflavík
June
June 24th – July 01st
July
July 01st – 08th
July 08th – 15th
July 15th – 22nd
July 22nd – 29th
July 29th – August 05th
August
August 05th – 12th
August 12th – 19th
August 19th – 26th
August 26th – September 02nd
September
Special Northern Lights
September 02nd – 09th
September 09th-16th