Narsarsuaq

Arctic nature and Viking history, Iceberg and Glacier Cruises, the Inland Ice Cap, Viking Ruins, and green fertile fields, tiny settlements and calving icebergs. Narsarsuaq is about 6 miles away from the edge of the ice cap. Icebergs and field ice are occasionally thick in the sea. In open water whales sometimes are spotted.
This is the area which Eric the Red found to be the best place to settle and where he found inspiration to name the new land Greenland. All experienced within easy day tours from your hotel in Narsarsuaq.

You have some choice how long to stay in south Greenland -but all options have a similar structure - you leave the US on an overnight flight to Iceland, then take a shuttle to the Reykjavik airport and board an Air Iceland flight to Narsasuaq. Once landed you’ll be in the care of guides from Arctic Adventure. They’ll get you between the airport and hotel, and help you decide upon and book the optional excursions.

There are many ways to explore and experience southern Greenland - by land, by water and from the air. So the hardest part may be deciding what to see -but they will all serve to show you the part of Greenland that is richest in Viking age history, in addition to the traditional Inuit culture. After your days in Greenland you’ll return to Iceland for an overnight (you can add more!!) and then back home. Easy- and extraordinary l!! Why South Greenland?

This is the only area in Greenland with active agriculture - sheep, horses and green fields abound. It offers the comforts of a modern hotel and interest aspects of a traditional Inuit town. From here you can choose from many guided excursions every day to see the traditional Greenlandic life, the remains of Eric the Red’s people and remarkable landscapes. These tours can be done on their own from the US or added on to another Iceland Adventure.

Because weather controls so much of what happens in Greenland, the day tours are booked, and paid for, once you are in Greenland.
Prices for local tours are listed in Danish Kronur, (DKK) as that’s the currency used in Greenland. See www.xe.com for latest conversions from $US to DKK Many tours and purchases can be made by credit card.

Eric the Red's Viking ruins
Leaving Narsasuaq, you’ll cross Eric's Fiord by boat and go ashore at the sheep breeding settlement Qassiarsuk, situated on the very spot where Eric the Red in year 985 settled and named his farm "Brattahlid". The ruins of Eric's Farm and some nearby Eskimo ruins offer an unusual glimpse into Greenland’s past. 3 hours; Price per person: DKK 450

Eric the Red, Qassiarsuk and Tasiusaq
This tour starts with Eric the Red tour listed above, and is followed by an 8 km walk (transportation can be arranged at surcharge) along the mountain trail to Tasiussaq, one of the most beautifully situated farms in South Greenland. Once at the farm, there’s time for a boxed lunch and a visit with the Frederiksen, the sheep breeder family who farm here “at the end of the world". 8 hours; Price per person: DKK 800, including lunch.

The village of Igaliku
After taking a boat through the ice filled Eric's Fiord to Itilleq you’ll go ashore where you’ll see some of the biggest agricultural fields in South Greenland, a rarity in a land with little arable land. Then it’s a 6 km walk (transportation can be arranged at surcharge) to Igaliku - a beautiful village where the ruins of the Vikings' Cathedral and the Bishop's Farm are situated. There will be lunch in a small cafeteria and then a walk back to Itilleq for the boat to Narsarsuaq. 9 hours; Price per person: DKK 900, including lunch.

Hike to the Ice Cap
For fit travelers, this is a fascinating way to see a special part of Greenland! You’ll take a bus to the end of the road, and then head on foot through the “valley of flowers” with it’s abundant arctic flora. You’ll have a lunch break on top of a 300 m mountain which offers a wonderful view over the glacier and ice Cap. IF you’re up for it, you can walk down and touch the Ice Cap itself! You should be able to comfortably walk at least 6 km in mountainous terrain for this tour! 8 hours; Price per person: DKK 400, including lunch.

Narsarsuaq tour
Guided drive through Narsarsuaq where the you’ll hear about daily life of the village, see the different service facilities, and learn about the exciting history of the airport. Visit and entrance fee to the local museum also included. Lasts about 2 hours; Price per person: DKK 150

Here's a PDF of The Narsarsuaq Tour

*Price includes round trip airfare to Iceland , including fuel surcharge, from Boston, New York, Minneapolis, or Orlando (ask about prices from Toronto, Halifax and Europe), all airport transfers,
flights to and from Greenland, most airport transfers, hotels with private baths, breakfast every day, English speaking guides.
*Not included in the price are US & Iceland departure taxes (about $92 as of January 2008), meals other than breakfast, optional tours or excursions in Iceland and Greenland.