Things To Do
in Narsarsuaq
Narsarsuaq is a small Greenlandic town perched on the southern coast, surrounded by dramatic fjords and towering mountains. It serves as a gateway to South Greenland, blending Arctic scenery with a quiet, welcoming community and easy access to striking landscapes. The area offers rugged hiking, glacier views, and opportunities to observe Greenlandic culture away from crowded destinations.
Visitors can expect pristine coastal beauty, reliable winter snows, and brief but intense daylight in summer, all within a compact, outdoor-focused setting.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive at Narsarsuaq airport and take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding fjords. After settling into your accommodation, enjoy a traditional Greenlandic breakfast. Take a leisurely stroll around the small town to acclimate to the serene environment.
Join a guided tour that introduces you to the rich history of the area, including a visit to the Greenland National Museum exhibit. Learn about the Norse settlements and local culture. Finish the tour with a walk to the nearby glacier viewpoint for incredible photo opportunities.
Savor a local dinner at a cozy restaurant, enjoying fresh seafood and traditional Greenlandic dishes. As the sun sets, relax at your accommodation while soaking in the tranquility of the landscape. Share stories with fellow travelers and plan the next exciting day's adventures.
After a hearty breakfast, prepare for an exhilarating day of glacier hiking. Join an experienced guide to learn about the unique geology of the area. Equip yourself with crampons and other gear before heading out towards the ice cap.
Experience the thrill of hiking on the glacier, observing stunning formations and perhaps even finding ice caves. Your guide will share stories of climate change's impact on these magnificent natural wonders. Enjoy a packed lunch amidst the stunning vista.
Return to Narsarsuaq, where you can unwind after an active day. Consider visiting a local pub for a drink and mingle with locals. Reflect on your adventure as the sky turns shades of orange and purple.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $25-40 |
| 🏨Hotel/night | $120-260 |
| 🚗Car rental per day | $60-120 |
| ☕Coffee | $3-6 |
| 🧺Groceries | $8-20 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Stunning natural scenery with dramatic fjords and glaciers
- Quiet, safe destination ideal for Arctic photography
- Rich Norse and Greenlandic cultural heritage nearby
- Small-town charm and excellent access to outdoor activities
- Limited amenities and dining options in extreme remoteness
- High travel costs and reliance on accommodations and guided tours
- Very variable weather and short daylight hours in winter
- Occasional travel disruptions due to remote location
- "Hej" - Hello (Danish)
- "Tak" - Thank you (Danish)
- "Undskyld" - Excuse me / Sorry (Danish)
- "Hvor er toilettet?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Hvad koster det?" - What does this cost?
- "Taler du engelsk?" - Do you speak English?
Places to Visit in Narsarsuaq
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic Norse ruins set against rugged mountains and a calm fjord, ideal for landscape and heritage photography at dawn or golden hour.
Dramatic runway low-angle shots with surrounding peaks and glacial-blue skies—best with clear weather and during arrivals or departures.
Panoramic views over the harbor, colorful houses, and ice-blue water, especially striking at sunrise or sunset.
Pastoral river valley with historic farm buildings and dramatic backdrops; excellent for wide landscape shots and seasonal light.
Glacial-front fjord scenery with towering walls and ice hues; a strong location for atmospheric, moody photography.
Food in Narsarsuaq
Narsarsuaq Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A traditional Greenlandic stew typically made with seal (or other game) meat, potatoes, and onions; rich and comforting in cold weather.
Must-Try!
Char fillet prepared simply, often grilled or pan-seared with parsley, lemon, and local greens.
Fresh-caught cod or Greenlandic shrimp prepared with light sauces or simply baked to highlight the seafood’s flavor.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Casual take-away spot offering freshly caught fish, shrimp, and simple sides with sea views.
Occasional local markets or pop-up stalls where you can sample regional specialties and chat with residents.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greeters are friendly but personal space should be respected; dress modestly when visiting public spaces and religious sites.
Greenlanders use Greenlandic and Danish; English is commonly understood in tourist settings, but learning a few basic phrases in Danish can be helpful.
Respect for local hunting and fishing practices is important; ask permission before entering private land and be mindful of seasonal restrictions.
Safety
Tipping in Narsarsuaq
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not mandatory in Greenland, but appreciated for exceptional service. In restaurants and guided tours, rounding up or leaving a small gratuity is common if you’re satisfied.
Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels and larger shops; some remote outlets may prefer Danish krone or cash. ATMs are not common in all towns; carrying some cash is advisable.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Long daylight hours, mild temperatures (often around 5–12°C), and calm seas make hiking, kayaking, and boat trips ideal. Pack layers and sunscreen; wildlife and birdlife are active, and landscapes glow with midnight sun at the peak.
Cooler temperatures and changing colors with fewer crowds; great for quiet hikes and photography as light becomes crisper. Bring warm layers and windproof outerwear.
Cold and dark hours, but ideal for northern lights and snow-based activities. Expect strong winds and rapidly changing conditions; dress in thermal layers and waterproof outerwear.
Meltwater and thaw create dramatic fjord scenes; increasing daylight supports more outdoor exploration. Layered clothing remains essential as temperatures rise slowly.
Narsarsuaq at Night
Hiking in Narsarsuaq
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A scenic route linking the Viking ruins with grazing valleys and rugged peaks; a rewarding hike with cultural history.
A valley trail near the Igaliku settlement offering pastoral views and historical sites along the way.
A viewpoint hike along the fjord offering dramatic glacier- and ice-field shots.
Airports
How to reach Narsarsuaq by plane.
Local airport serving the town; connects to Nuuk and occasional international links via Iceland and Denmark depending on season.
Regional hub and capital’s airport offering broader connections to Greenland and international flights via Denmark and Iceland.
Major Greenland gateway in the west; provides wider connections, often used for longer journeys across the country.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Indigenous population with a strong connection to the land, sea, and traditional practices, alongside Danish residents and researchers.
Staff associated with scientific projects and seasonal workers who help sustain local services in the tourist season.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Exploring fjords and coastlines by kayak is popular in calm summer seas and offers unique water-level photography opportunities.
A traditional Arctic activity in winter, offering a glimpse into Greenlandic culture and a ride across snowy landscapes.
Extensive trails around Brattahlíð and surrounding fjords attract hikers seeking dramatic scenery and photo opportunities.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Narsarsuaq.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Options are limited but increasingly available in hotels and cafes; request vegetable dishes or dairy-based meals and ask about shellfish avoidance if needed.
Inform staff about seafood or dairy allergies; cross-contamination can occur in small kitchens, so clarify preparation methods when possible.