Follow along on an amazing way to see Greenland

By Kayaking In Greenland - July 20, 2018
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Kayak, Hike and Bike tour in Greenland:

In this 12 day expedition we are going to use a very quiet means of transport: trekking shoes, kayak paddles and mountain bike pedals to shorten the distances between the fjords of southern Greenland… Bird’s eye view of the glaciers in the mountains of Mellem, partly submerged icebergs in the fjord coast of Sermilik and a bike tour through the farms of Eriksfjord… Not Ironman but Iceman!

Expedition Highlights

  • Kayak among icebergs and a panoramic view of the huge Eqalorutsit glacier
  • Trekking within sight of glacier tongues and biking through farms in a landscape lost between fjords
  • Experience the endless day (until mid-July) or see the northern lights (from mid August)
 Kayak, Trekking and Biking in Greenland Travel Diary

Day 1. Qassiarsuk: the main vestiges of the viking period in Greenland

Flight from Keflavik (Iceland’s international airport) to Narsarsuaq. Reception at the airport by our English speaking guide and transfer to the harbor to cross the Eriksfjord in the direction of Qassiarsuk. Once settled in our hostel we are going to start the guided tour of the Viking ruins of Brattahlid (present day Qassiarsuk), learning the history of the arrival of Eric the Red from Iceland at this small settlement in 985. Of particular interest are the reconstructions of a viking house (spacious but cold) and an inuit dwelling (small but warmer), transporting us back in time to the harsh conditions in which these people lived and it definitely shows us how the Inuit knew how to adapt better to the progressive cooling of the climate.

Dinner and accommodation at the Leif Eriksson Hostel or Tasiusaq

Day 2. Tasiusaq Bay

Trekking to Tasiusaq farm where seven people live in notable isolation next to Sermilik fjord, which is almost always blocked by the ice and icebergs coming from Eqaloruutsit glacier.

Preparation of kayak materials, and contact with our new means of transport. Instructional session on the kayak, basic safety tips.

First day of kayaking in the specially protected area of Tasiussaq and Nunataaq farm.

Night in tents.

* The bike tour will be self-guided. Tasermiut will provide the necessary logistics and communication system needed to keep the group in touch with our base in Qassiarsuk.

Day 3. Navigation among icebergs

Travelling by kayak through the foothills of Nordre Sermilik Fjord, which is always filled with icebergs of indescribable colours and textures, coming from Eqaloruutsit Glacier. This is an area in which the kayak is the only possible vehicle at this time of the year, due to the ice which blocks access to the rest of the boats.

At the end of the first kayak day, the camp will be set up on the shores of the fjord. A short hike through the tundra, until we arrive at the point where we can admire the impressive Eqaloruutsit glacier. Night spent in a tent.

Accommodation in tents.

Day 4. Navigation among ice.

Kayak in the mouth of the fiord among lots of ice, spectacular views and navigation with icebergs. Depending of ice possibilities to get close to the area of Kangerdlua, all year round blocked by ice. Return to Tasiusaq farm in the afternoon.

Possibility to go fishing in the fjord.

Night at Tasiusaq or Qassiarsuk Hostel.

Day 5. Flower Valley and Glacier

Transfer in RIB boat through Tunulliarfik Fjord, usually covered by icebergs, to Narsarsuaq.

Preparation of materials and start of the trek in the nearby Narsarsuaq mountains.

Ascent to Mellem Camp, travelling through lakes and rivers, towards Flower Valley. We will carry on with our hike through Flower Valley with spectacular views of an enormous valley created by the withdrawal of and subsequent sedimentation from the glacier, where there are abundant flowers. This is quite possibly the most famous excursion in all of Greenland.

We will go all the way from the famous Kiattut Glacier, with unbeatable panoramic views of the ice.

We will carry on with the hike among tundra and lakes, toward the Mellem cabin, where we will set up camp.

Accommodation in tents at Mellem’s Camp.

Day 6. The Qooroq glacier balcony

From this height today we have easy access through an area of lakes to the Qooroq balcony, where one of the most impressive panoramic sights of the southern Greenland glacier of Qooroq is waiting for us: expelling over 200,000 tons ice a day, it is one of the most active in Greenland.

Night in tents next to the cabin at Mellem.

Day 7. Descent To Narsarsuaq through the Tundra.

In the way back to Narsarsuaq and from a height of less than 1,000 metres, we can observe one of the most privileged panoramas in the south of Greenland. Walking in the Tundra and surrounded by green mountains and valleys dotted with lakes and rivers, we find ourselves in a setting of Inland Ice’s incredible mass of ice at our back (Qooroq and Kiattuut Glaciers) and fjords in front of us.

We will carry on with the hike surrounded by hills and lakes, until we get to a balcony where Narsarsuaq can be seen. And go down to it.

Transfer in RIB boat way back to Qassiarsuk

Special dinner with typical Greenlandic products, whale, seal, caribou, mattak…

Accommodation in the Leif Eriksson Hostel.

Day 8. Cycling in Narsaq

Transfer by RIB boat to Narsaq. We will carry the bike with us.

You will have the possibility to visit by bike  the third most populated town in South Greenland, with about 1500 inhabitants, is the youngest town in Greenland, founded in 1959. The name Narsaq is Greenlandic term that  refers  to the “plain”, on which the village sits.

You will have time to explore on our own the mountain known as Qaqqarsuaq behind the town that contains a mine that  attracts many rock pickers and others who have an interest in geology.

The beautiful bay and the fish market, in the other part of the town is another very interesting point.

When we travel by boat, we will look out for whales, we may see them here.

In the afternoon return to Qassiarsuk by RIB boat.

Accommodation in the Leif Eriksson Hostel.

Day 9. Qassiarsuk-Igaliku

Transfer by RIB boat to Itilleq and from there you will go by bike to the idyllic Igaliku, a small Inuit 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 visiting the ruins you can do by your own an easy hike to a wonderful view point with impressive views of the Qooroq Glacier one of the most active in southern Greenland.

In the afternoon return to Itilleq, and then to Qassiarsuk.

Accommodation the Leif Eriksson Hostel.

Day 10. Qassiarsuk-Sillisit- Kangerdlua

Boat transfer from Qassiarsuk to Sillisit.

Sillisit is the last farm to be linked in the Tunulliarfik Fjord, and from there you will cycle across the Narsaq peninsula to Kangerdlua farm. This is one of the remotest farms in the area situated in the Sermilik Fjord from here you will have a spectacular view of the fjord always full of icebergs coming from the Eqalorutsit glacier. You will go between small gorges, lakes and meadows. This is an area for falcon watchers, and is very impressive and with some rough terrain. There we visit the farm at Kangerlua, the most isolated of the area.

After visiting the farm, you will cycle back to Sillisit an idyllic spot for an overnight.

Accommodation and dinner with the family  in Sillisit Hostel

Day 11. Biking to Qassiarsuk.

From Sillisit you will cycle back to Qassiarsuk towards the farm of Ineruuralik situated in a beautiful place beside the fiord.

The scenery along this stretch, with horses and sheep grazing with icebergs in the background and rocky walls, where at any time it seems that we will meet with Eric the Red, is unforgettable.

Accommodation in the Leif Eriksson Hostel.

Day 12. Flight Narsarsuaq – Keflavik.

Walk around Qassiarsuk, of about 50 inhabitants, mostly farmers, comprising the old Brattahlid, capital of Viking Greenland. This is the place where Eric the Red settled when he started Greenland’s colonisation back in 985.

Cultural visitBrattahlid reconstructions: Guided visit to the original ruins from Erik the Red, and a replica of the original chapel and longhouse.

Free time for shopping, sightseeing, or visiting Narsarsuaq Museum Blue West which reflects the town’s history etc.

Check-in and Flight Narsarsuaq – Keflavik

Credited By: https://www.kayakingreenland.com/trips/kayak-trekking-and-biking/