Adventure in South Greenland,
8 days (2054)

On this tour in the beautiful South Greenland; an area full of history and fantastic nature. We use zodiacs to reach different areas were we will do day tour trekking from our camps. We put on crampons when our knowledgeable glacier guide leads us up on to the ice cap. Come with us to a trekking adventure in the arctic paradise!

Getting to know southern Greenland means going beyond the Arctic frontier: a world which until now has been the home of the Inuit people, and which still holds on to the flavour of their traditional lifestyle and of the battle by human beings to adapt to a hostile environment marked by ice and a harsh climate.

Southern Greenland offers the traveller the impact of a sea covered in icebergs and the awe-inspiring beauty of the glaciers overflowing into the tranquillity of the fjords. The landscape, with its intense green colours and leafy tundra and its colourful settlements, also provides character to this trip that makes the Arctic reachable for any adventure-minded traveller.

On our route, we will be able to navigate through the fjords among blue-tinged icebergs and alongside spectacular glacier tongues. We will sleep in a camp located in a privileged setting, right next to a glacier. We will also have the opportunity to visit one of Inlandis's glaciers, and cover a small part of its immensity, among its rimayas (crevasses), large cracks and drains.

We will also be able to take spectacular treks through the tundra and in the glacier valleys, see herds of caribou and marine fauna, fish for Arctic salmon and codfish, or gather mushrooms and cranberries.

There is also a longer 15 day version of this tour.
Read more here!

Dates (2054)   2012: 19-26 Jun 26 Jun - 10 Jul 3 - 10 Jul 10 - 17 Jul 17 - 24 Jul 31 Jul - 7 Aug 14 - 21 Aug 28 Aug - 4 Sep 4 - 11 Sep Groups: 4 to 12 Date of booking: Up to 65 days before departure date. Late booking: depending on availability.    Price (SEK)   19 450:- from Reykjavik (+ taxes) 22 460:- från Copenhagen (+ taxes) NB! The above prices are subject for change. Already booked tours will normaly not change.    Price includes   • Flight Reykjavik-Narsarsuaq, return (check supplement flying from Copenhagen) • Tasermiut, South Greenland Expeditions’ guide (English speaking) • Transfers in Greenland, as specified on this program • Meals on a full board basis (except last day lunch) • Accommodation in Greenland, as specified in this program • Camping and zodiac boat travel equipment • Greenlandic farewell dinner    Price do not include   • Airport taxes and fees (€135 from Reykjavik / €125 from Copenhagen) • Travel insurance • Lunch on departure day • Optional excursions: Kayak excursion: €50 (minimum 2 participants) Helicopter trip: €310 per person (minimum 5 participants) Brahtalid reconstructions: €10 (minimum 4 participants) • Accommodation, transfers and food in Reykjavik • Unexpected expenses as a result of weather conditions (including difficulties due to ice conditions) or flight or boat delays We strongly advice that you buy a travel insurance that cover such delays. • Any other aspect not listed in “What is included”

Program
Day 1. Viking Greenland
Flight Reykjavik (domestic airport) – Narsarsuaq (also possible to fly from Copenhagen). Reception in the airport and transfer in motorboat through Tunulliarfik Fjord, usually covered by icebergs, to Qassiarsuk. Walk through the village of about 100 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.
Optional: Brattahlid reconstructions. Guided visit to the original ruins from Erik the Red, and a replica of the original chapel and longhouse.
Accommodation in Hostel

Day 2: Narsaq and Qaleraliq Glacier Camp
We will set off for Qaleraliq camp, navigating along Tunulliarfik fjord among numerous icebergs. We will stop at Narsaq to visit the third most populated town in South Greenland, with about 1700 inhabitants. You will have free time to visit the local market, fur shops… and go for a walk or do some shopping, before boarding the boat again to navigate towards the Inlandis. We will arrive to a cosy, enchanting camp set on a sandy beach, which contrasts with a spectacular view of two glacier fronts from Qaleraliq’s glacier. We will spend the night at the camp, allowing our senses to enjoy the unbelievable views and the thunderclap roar of the icefall from seracs. Accommodation in tents

Day 3: Ice Cap View
Ascent to the base of Tasersuatsiaq great lake and panoramic view of the Inlandis. Ascent by foot through a unique desert-like sand valley which will lead us to a surprisingly different landscape, that of the green and thick tundra. After passing the lake, we will climb up a mountain 400 metres high, from which we will have a mesmerising view of the lake, one of the largest in Southern Greenland. The summit is also a very special viewing point of the Inlandis, the immense inland glacier. From there you can gaze upon the infinite ice sheet up to the north coast of the island and towards the Arctic Ocean, and see the Nunataks, floating landmarks on the ice sheet. We may pick mushrooms and blueberries, and look for caribou, which are plentiful in the area. Accommodation in tents

Day 4: Glacier fronts and excursion on ice.
We will navigate along the glacier fronts on a zodiac boat, admiring the beauty of their vertical ice walls and numerous icebergs as we approach them along their more than 10 kilometres descent to the sea. From there we will start the ice excursion. An impressive trek using crampons (organised to be suitable for all travellers) on one of the oldest masses of ice in the planet. We will explore its crevasses, drains, caves, seracs, and other ice formations, which give an incredible, labyrhyntine quality to this glacier.

An expert mountain guide will be in charge to make sure we are provided with the appropriate equipment, and to ensure the safety of the group during the trip, while he shares with us his knowledge about the special characteristics of the glaciers in the South of Greenland. A unique experience, exciting and original, surprising both first-time comers and those used to the peculiarities of the glacier world. One of the most impressive sights and one of the best excursions in all Greenland. Accommodation in tents

Day 5: Igaliko and Qooroq Ice Fjord
Navigation from Qaleraliq to Itilleq via the Tunulliarfik fjord. Easy hike to cross the Kongevejen, or Path of the Kings, to the idyllic Igaliko, a small Eskimo settlement inhabited by not quite 40 people, which is famous for being the most beautiful settlement in the whole Greenland, and where one finds the ruins of Gardar, the archdiocese and religious capital of Viking Greenland.

After eating in Igaliko, return in the afternoon to Itilleq, and then to Qassiarsuk. On our way to Qassiarsuk, we will visit the Qooroq Fjord, where one of the most active glaciers in southern Greenland can be found, navigating to the area where iceberg density will make it impossible to carry on, and which is without doubt one of Greenland's best images. Accommodation in Hostel

Day 6: Tasiusaq, the “Iceberg’s Bay”
Walk to Tasiusaq farm, where seven people live in notable isolation next to Sermilik fjord, which is almost always blocked by the ice from icebergs coming from Eqaloruutsit glacier. Later we can go arctic salmon fishing or for a walk in the region. Optional: Kayak excursion in the “Iceberg Bay”. Accommodation in Hostel

Day 7: Flower Valley and Glacier
We will cross to Narsarsuaq on a motorboat. Then, we will walk through Flower Valley enjoying the spectacular view of a valley formed due to the retreat and the consequent glacial sedimentation with plenty of flowers. We will walk until we can see Kiattut glacier and the landscape around it, with superb panoramic view of the ice sheet and its Nunataks. This is probably the most renowned excursion in all Greenland.

Farewell dinner, with typical Eskimo products, whale, seal, caribou, mattak…  Accommodation in Hostel.

Day 8: Reykjavik
Transfer to Narsarsuaq. Time to walk around in the area and visit the local museum.
Optional: Helicopter excursion

Flight Narsarsuaq-Reykjavik (domestic airport) or Copenhagen.

Guide
An English speaking guide from Tasermiut - SGE will be with you throughout the journey and you may also be accompanied by one or more additional guides for specific stages of the journey. The Guide’s job is to point the group in the right direction, to ensure all travellers’ safety and to solve any possible problems that may arise along the itinerary, making changes or adjustments if necessary. Collaboration is expected from travellers and all shared activities will be everybody’s responsibility, including the guide’s.

Qualifications
The journey is physically challenging but it is designed so that it is suitable for anyone who enjoys the outdoors, who doesn´t mind sleeping in a tent, share accommodation and goes hiking or trekking on a regular basis. The longest trek takes approximately 5-6 hours walking (with a light-weight bag) on easy terrain – maximum accumulate high: 600 metres. All other excursions are easier, approximately 3 or 4 hours walking, on alternate days. Walks are optional. Travellers who wish to stay at the camp or the hostel may do so. If you are not sure if you are fit enough for the journey, please contact our staff for further information and advice.

Level and technical information in the trekking
The journey is an adventure in spectacular scenery, surrounded by an atmosphere of exploration and discovery of this wild country, in sometimes difficult conditions, which requires a special type attitude. Nevertheless, the treks are quite easy, and suitable for most abilities. The excursion on ice with crampons will be guided by a mountain guide, and is also suitable for anyone physically active and with an adventurous attitude.

Some excursions - E.G., Flower Valley - allow shorter options.

Family travelling
This itinerary can be organised for families. We recommend children are at least 12 years old in order to take part in the excursions. If this is the case, a special meeting before departure is required to give more detailed information to the families about the characteristics of the journey. Consult on your agency about special dates for families

Camps
Qaleraliq fjord camp is located in one of the most spectacular and beautiful regions of South Greenland. It has a big dining room-kitchen area, cosy, with gas cooker, kitchen utensils, tables and chairs.    

Hostels
At Qassiarsuk we will spend the night at the Leif Eriksson Hostel, located next to the notable, Viking marine monument. It is a clean and cosy hostel, with a spacious terrace overlooking the fjord, different rooms, with shared toilets and showers. We will use sleeping bags at night. Overnight stays at the Leif Eriksson Hostel may be substituted by overnight stays at another local hostel.

Communication
Most phones can be used in towns and many areas of the coast. Camps will have Iridium satellite phone and radio. Boats have special radio systems.

Boats
All navigation will be done using speed boats, of the zodiac type, in order to make the best possible use of time, which is essential in a journey like this, and to reach areas that are difficult to access on any other type of boats. This type of boats allows us to be more dynamic, versatile and to enjoy adventure, without compromising safety.

Food
The journey will finish with a special Eskimo dinner that will include local products available: cooked and dried seal meat and fat, stewed whale meat, raw whale meat, caribou meat, smoked halibut, dried anmmassat and cod,…

During the day trips we will follow a more practical diet:
Breakfast: Coffee, tea, infusions, cocoa, powdered milk, biscuits, bread, jam, muesli and cereals.
Packed lunch: Bread, cheese, chorizo, salami, ham, foie-gras, chocolate, nuts, biscuits, soup, hot tea…
Dinner: Meals cooked at the camp (no precooked dishes). Rice, pasta, fish, mashed potatoes and meat, sausages, bacon, chorizo, tuna, squid,…

Northern Lights
The northern lights are one of the most wonderful of nature’s phenomena on our planet, a beautiful, delightful display of movement and light against the dark polar skies on clear, calm nights. 

It is usually possible to witness the aurora in winter. Late summer, however, especially in September, is the best time of the year to watch it in Southern Greenland, which is famous for offering some of the best places to view this spectacular natural display. In July, there is more sunlight and therefore it is not so easy to see it, but in August it can be seen more often, and from September onwards, the aurora can be seen almost every day when the skies are clear.

Fishing and Fruit picking
Tasersuatsiaq lake, Tunulliarfik fjord and Qassiarsuk are very good areas to go fishing, especially for arctic salmon and cod. We do not provide fishing equipment. We therefore recommend you take it from your country or buy it at Qassiarsuk. Mushroom (Boletus Edulis) and blueberry picking is season dependent, although August is usually the best month.

Weather
Weather in Greenland is very changeable. It is usually pleasant, but it is essential that you bring appropriate clothes for rainy weather. Temperatures are often more than 15ºC in July, and between 5ºC and 10ºC in August. Mid-August nights are sometimes very cold. In September, temperatures are usually between 5ºC to 8ºC during the day and may reach minus 5ºC at night.

Ice conditions
Eastern Greenland draughts bring great amounts of ice from the Arctic Ocean, which cut off Southern Greenland from May to mid-June. We may also come across ice that makes navigation difficult in July, but it is rare. If this happens, we won´t be able to navigate from Narsaq to Qaleraliq, so we would take an alternative route instead.  In August, the ice field poses no special problems and the sea in the region is full of icebergs.

USEFUL INFORMATION FOR THE TRAVELLER

Currency
DKK, Danish crown

Vaccine
You do not need to have any vaccinations for Greenland. 

Language
Kalaallisut, the Western Greenlandic language, is the main language in Greenland. It is spoken by 40.000 people, which makes it the most important Inuit language in the world.

Inuhumiutut is also spoken in the North, and Tunumiutut in the East Coast. Most people in Greenland speak some Danish, which is the second official language. Many speak English too, with various levels of fluency, especially young people.

Greenlandic has an agglutinating structure. It belongs to the Inuit-Aleut family of languages, and it is spoken by people in different areas, from the Aleutian Islands up to the west coast in Greenland. It is of Asian origin, as is the Inuit race.

The country
Greenland is one of the most singular countries in the world: A huge island that holds a glacier measuring two million square kilometres in size, surrounded by a coastal mountainous belt, bathed by a sea which due to its Arctic climate remains frozen most of the year.

Some 57.000 inhabitants, mostly Inuits depending on fishing, hunting and farming, live on the coast. Greenland is now semi-independent from Denmark, the colonising country. The most populated area is the west coast, where Nuuk – the capital of the country, with 15.000 inhabitants – is located. Northern and Eastern Greenland are almost uninhabited.

Transport
Roads are almost non-existent, except in towns. The most common means of transport are therefore boats, planes, helicopters and dog sledges.

GROUP EQUIPMENT PROVIDED BY TASERMIUT

Camping equipment
• Tents
• Camping stoves and cooking accessories, kitchen utensils,…
• First-aid kit 

Communication
• The boats will be equipped with a radio to be used at sea.
• Mobile phone
• Iridium phone (Global signal), at camps
• SPOT Satellite Messenger

Orientation and weather conditions
• Compass
• Maps

PERSONAL EQUIPMENT PROVIDED

• Polar jacket (to be worn on the zodiac boat)
• Life jacket (to be worn on the zodiac boat)
• Crampons and safety equipment for glacier trekking
• PVC kit bag, where you must fit all your luggage needed for the days at the camp, (capacity: 90 litres). You can leave what you don’t need in Qassiarsuk, we will keep your bag until your return.

RECOMMENDED PERSONAL EQUIPMENT NOT PROVIDED BY TASERMIUT

Head
• Fleece hat (or wollen)
• Sunglasses
• Sun cream (we recommend strong protection against UVA rays)
• Lip balm (with sun block)
• Mosquito head net (recommended if you come before mid August). It may be possible to purchase it at the Leif Eriksson Hostel. Please confirm first with Tasermiut.
• Peak cap (to use with the mosquito net)

Body
• Waterproof jacket
• A pair of light waterproof trousers
• Rain cape
• Fleece jacket
• Light/Midweight fleece or jumper
• Thermal underwear (3 shirts)
• Thermal leggings
• Comfortable trousers (to wear during the treks)

Hands
• Waterproof gloves
• Fleece gloves

Feet
• Waterproof trekking boots
• Gaiters (recommended, but not essential)
• 3 pairs of socks
• Flip-flops or similar footwear (useful at the hostel, but not essential)

Camping equipment
• Sleeping bag (if possible for -10ºC). You may rent one at the Leif Eriksson Hostel. Please contact Grönlandsresor first to confirm.
• Torch (if possible, head torch). If you come in August and onwards.
• Light water bottle
• Toilet bag and accessories (please bring biodegradable products)

Bags
• Backpack, suitcase or big kit bag (remember that you will leave it in Qassiarsuk with your extra equipment, while you are in the camp)
• Small bag (for one-day excursions)

Others
• Hiking poles (optional). You may rent one at Narsarsuaq. Please contact Grönlandsresor first to confirm.

Note: This is not an exhaustive list. Please add toiletries, towel, travelling clothes, personal medication, and any other item you may need. When packing, please be aware of the limitations as far as space on boats is concerned, and keep in mind your own comfort. Try to carry as less weight as possible in a bag as small as possible. We will emphasize recommendations for luggage at the beginning of the journey.

Resevillkor
Läs resevillkoren här »