Narsarsuaq is the gateway to South Greenland. Its name means “the large plain”, after its natural surroundings.
Narsarsuaq is the gateway to hiking trails through lush valleys and Norse ruins spotted along a deep fjord.
Narsarsuaq and its immediate surroundings in Tunulliarfik Fjord hold incredible significance to Greenland’s history, for the land where Narsarsuaq now stands earned Greenland its name. The Norse Vikings settled in this vicinity many centuries ago and gave Narsarsuaq a name that hints that an Arctic forest covered the large plain. Taking tales of verdant nature in a deep fjord home to their Nordic brethren, the Vikings called this country Greenland. With Narsarsuaq as your home base, uncover the long history that lies in Tunulliarfik Fjord. Connect the dots of Viking ruins by sailing or hiking between Qassiarsuk, Igaliku, and Hvalsey. It is one thing to read about medieval farms in the sagas but quite another to see them come alive by standing in the same spots where Erik the Red and Viking settlers stood over a millennium ago.
Excitement fills you as you arrive to Narsarsuaq, but how can such a small village instill so much adrenaline and anticipation, you wonder? The mighty nature that surrounds Narsarsuaq – the fjord waters spotted with turquoise icebergs and the deep valley that points directly toward the Greenland Ice Sheet – just waits to be explored. While this beauty summons you into the nature like a great force, it is the solitude and the contrast of idyllic valleys next to powerful and rugged ice that keep you there.
Sailing amongst blue ice or hiking and flying around lush hills and glaciers are the classic experiences that add great action to your holiday. But a true outdoorsman can also find happiness in the small delights around Narsarsuaq. Go fishing on the beach and ride bikes along grassy pathways to find relics from when Narsarsuaq was an American military base. Or count eagles and hawks overhead as you pick the most beautiful napping spot in the Valley of Flowers.
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The residents of Narsarsuaq are a small yet close-knit band of dedicated people who think far beyond the boundaries of their South Greenland village. Nearly everyone in the village plays a vital role to ensuring Narsarsuaq is welcoming for international guests, tending to everything from the airport and cruise harbor to the hotels, cafés, and shops. At the height of the summer, Narsarsuaq has quite a global atmosphere as it houses travelers from all over the world who often outnumber even the Greenlanders!
It is one thing to read about medieval farms in the sagas but quite another to see them come alive by standing in the same spots where Erik the Red and Viking settlers stood over a millennium ago.
