Qaqortoq

An alternate way to visit these sites, as well as the other Norse ruins at Qassiarsuk, Igaliku, and in the Tasikuluulik area; several WWII sites; and the spectacular Tasermiut Fjord near Nanortalik; is with a scenic helicopter excursion from Qaqortoq. There are several options available ranging from 20 minutes to 6 hours, but each offers unparalleled views of the dramatic landscape and a way to visit these attractions if you are short on time.

A tour boat near the bottom of the Tasermiut fjord near Qaqortoq. Photo: Mads Pihl

Keen fishers will also enjoy the fjords and pristine rivers around Qaqortoq. Buy a fishing license at the Tourist Information Centre and arrange a trip to fish for the arctic char, salmon and cod that are abundant during the months of July and August.

While you are in Qaqortoq, get your bearings and discover the historical centre of the town on a guided city walk. During the tour, you will pass by Greenland’s oldest fountain, Mindebrønde, and several of the pieces that make up the open-air “Stone and Man” exhibition instigated by Aka Høegh. This ambitious sculpture project was initiated by the Greenlandic artist in the mid-1990s who invited artists from all of the Nordic countries to contribute. The result was 40 sculptures hidden around Qaqortoq, many of which are carved directly into rock faces.

The old church in downtown Qaqortoq in South Greenland. Photo by Mads Pihl – Visit Greenland

Across the harbour lies the Great Greenland tanning and production facilities. You can visit the showroom independently to see their finished products and buy souvenirs, but if you want an insight into the processes involved in producing high-quality sealskin for distribution within Greenland and internationally, join a guided tour that will take you behind the scenes.

The tourist information centre in Qaqortoq can also arrange several cultural activities if you are visiting Qaqortoq as part of a group. Indulge in a kaffemik (a traditional Greenlandic get-together to celebrate, well, anything), or have a home-cooked dinner with a Greenlandic family to get to know more about daily life.

If you’d like to take a day off from outdoor adventure, visit Qaqortoq’s large Gertrud Rask’s church and then shop for ingredients at the supermarket to enjoy a picnic soaking up the atmosphere in Qaqortoq’s town square. Local residents often do exactly this, sitting at the picnic benches that are arranged along the pedestrian walkway near the famous Qaqortoq fountain and basking in the sunshine as they eat.

The old church in downtown Qaqortoq. Photo by Mads Pihl

Once you are done eating, visit the Qaqortoq Museum – the large black building that borders the plaza. Housed in the town’s oldest building it hosts traveling exhibitions as well as several permanent collections, including a display of fantastical tupilaks created by master carvers – Aron and Cecilie Kleist. These stunning pieces of art are widely regarded as some of the best in all of Greenland and there is at least one book (in Danish and English) dedicated to their work.

Across the road, you will find a Viking exhibit, and if you’re up for walking up a hill, the TELE Museum teaches about the history of radio communication. It also offers a wonderful view back over Qaqortoq and out to sea.

Finally, if you haven’t done a tour to discover the “Stone and Man” exhibition, go for a stroll around Qaqortoq to see how many you can find. We challenge you to find all 40!