Ten buildings serve as exhibition spaces for the Nanortalik Museum. The exhibitions cover topics ranging from traditional blubber production, healthcare, and medicinal plants to Viking clothing, radio communications, traditional boats such as the kayak and umiaq, and the shipwreck Hans Hedtoft. Norse history is also visible in Kommune Kujalleq through ruins and discernible foundations.
History in museums and remains
In Igaliku, the remains of Saint Nicholas Cathedral, a church, and a bishop’s residence are part of the Norse site. Also there are the remains of a farm with barns for up to 100 cows and a bishop’s gravestone. The named remains give the site several facets: religious buildings, a residence, and agricultural facilities.
In Narsaq, the Landnám farm is among the area’s oldest Norse ruins. Its outline is still clearly visible near the town center. The Narsaq Museum complements this archaeological connection with a permanent exhibition about the Viking settlement of South Greenland and annual traveling exhibitions. This brings together a permanent exhibition topic and a regularly changing format, without assuming that any particular traveling exhibition is currently on display.
The Qaqortoq Museum also has its own distinctive focus: its collections include tupilaks by master carvers Aron and Cecilie Kleist. The museums in Nanortalik, Narsaq, and Qaqortoq therefore explore different topics and forms of display—from everyday knowledge and communication to a named collection of individual artists’ works.
Hiking trails with a range of destinations
In Igaliku, marked day-hiking trails lead to waterfalls cascading down toward the fjord and to the summit of Nuuluk, which rises above the settlement. This offers a choice between waterfalls and a summit as hiking destinations. Trail conditions may change; check them before setting out. Hikes from Narsaq lead to the mountains Tasiigaaq and Qaqqarsuaq, as well as to Narsaq Point (Nuugaarsuk).
Several day hikes from Nanortalik lead onto Nanortalik Island, including climbs to Qaqqarsuasik and Quassik. The named climbs can be done with a guide or independently. Near Qassiarsuk, day hikes lead to remote sheep farms; they range from 7 to 15 km in length. This range gives you a concrete indication of the distance when planning your day.
Town walks and practical information
A guided town walk in Qaqortoq passes Mindebrønde, Greenland’s oldest fountain, and several works in the Stone and Man open-air exhibition. Great Greenland in Qaqortoq offers another perspective on local production, with a tour of the seal-skin production process. Check current tour arrangements before traveling.
Greenland Sagalands is Qaqortoq’s tourist information center and can help organize tours and transportation, as well as lend equipment for outdoor activities. Ask about which services are currently available before your trip.
There are four sheep farms within the settlement boundaries of Qassiarsuk. For overnight stays, Illunnguujuk offers a bed and breakfast for travelers. The locally run Riding Greenland Hostel has a small dining area for overnight guests and walk-ins. Check Illunnguujuk’s availability and current information about the hostel’s dining area before traveling. Qassiarsuk’s harbor area is also home to Café Thorhildur, which offers food as well as locally made souvenirs and gifts.
Discover more destinations: Alluitsoq, Qaqortoq, Narsaq, Qassimiut, Narsarsuaq.
Discover more destinations: Qeqqata Kommunia, Qaasuitsup, Kommuneqarfik Sermersooq.
Back to the main travel overview: Greenland.
