Horseback riding in southern Greenland, 8 days (4014)

Using the Icelandic horse we will be making a five day trip by horseback between different sheep farms and experience the lush nature of the area around Qassiarsuk in southern Greenland.

The areas where we will be travelling are historical lands with many traces of the old Norse settlers. It was here that Erik the Red once lived. He was the one who originally named Greenland and the origin of the name is abundantly clear during summertime when the valleys are overflowing with life.

The trip will take place over eight days, of which five will be spent on horseback. The Icelandic horses used during the trip are of local stock and are used as workhorses by the local sheep farmers in the area during the fall to gather the herds. Exotic local wildlife that thrive in the area and that we might encounter include the sea eagle.

In the village of Qassiarsuk we will visit the ruins and the reconstructed farm of Erik the Red. We will stay at a hostel and try out our horses and gear before starting our five day long adventure on horseback. During the days we will be travelling between different hostels and sheep farms who will serve dinner upon arrival. One of the places we will be passing by is called Tasiusaq and presides over the beautiful, ice fjord Sermilik. We will finish the journey with a Greenlandic barbeque in Qassiarsuk.

The last day is spent in Narsarsuaq, which means the great plains. From Narsarsuaq the valley of flowers stretches to the ice cap. During the day there will be ample opportunities to hike to the great ice cap or go on a boat-trip to the neighbouring ice fjord.

What do previous travellers say?

"We are very pleased by the trip. The hospitality, the guides, the food and the riding itinerary were all great. We would love to make the same trip again! The Greenlandic nature was radiantly beautiful and on top of which we were fortunate enough to enjoy constant sunshine throughout the entire trip."
/Karina Djurner

"I would like to start by expressing my gratitude for a fantastic trip! It revolves in my mind perpetually and I am in no way finished with the Greenlandic experience." /Kajsa Andresson.

Dates (4014)   2012: 26 july - 2 august 2 - 9 august Minimum 6 and maximum 8 participants per trip  Price (SEK)   24 900:-  Price includes   • Airfare Copenhagen - Narsarsuaq return incl. all taxes and fees. Ask for price from Reykjavik. • Boat transfer Narsarsuaq - Qassiarsuk return • Riding trip according to itinerary • Full board from dinner, day 1 to dinner day 6 • Luggage transfer between the different farms • Overnight at hostel in Qassiarsuk, 2 nights • Overnight at sheep farm/hostel during the trip, 4 nights • Overnight at hostel in Narsarsuaq, 1 night • Local guide/horse handler during the ride

Preliminary program
Day 1 - Arrival
We will be flying from Copenhagen to Narsarsuaq in the morning. From Narsarsuaq we will be travelling by ship to Qassiarsuk. We will then proceed to testing the horses and gear that we will be bringing along on the actual horse riding trip. During the day we will also visit the ruins as well the reconstructed farm of Erik the Red before having dinner. The night will be spent in a hostel.

Day 2-5 – On horseback
Four days on horseback. Of each separate day we will spend five to six hours travelling by horseback. we will bring packed lunches each day and when we arrive to the sheep farms/hostels dinner will served before we retire.

Day 6 – Riding and Greenlandic barbecue
We return late in the afternoon to Qassiarsuk where we celebrate our arrival with a nice Greenlandic barbecue. The night will be spent at hostel.

Day 7 – Explore Narsarsuaq by yourself
We take the boat to Narsarsuaq early. The rest of the day is at your disposal. We suggest a hike to the inland-ice. The night will be spent at a hostel.

Day 8 - Voyage home
Around lunchtime our journey home starts by air from Narsarsuaq to Copenhagen.