In South Greenland, Narsarsuaq is the gateway to lush valleys and Norse ruins. As well as the Greenland Arboretum, where you can stroll through a forest of tall trees, there are reminders of its critical role as an Allied air base during WWII. Although the Greenland ice sheet is a mere 6km away, during summer, you can view glaciers from viewpoints dotted with Greenlandic wildflowers.
Below are the highlights of Narsaruaq!
Walking distance from Narsarsuaq is the inland ice. The route takes you through Blomsterdalen (Danish: Flower Valley). There is even a possibility of getting quite close (though it is essential to keep a long safety distance!!!) to the Narsarsuaq Glacier after an almost vertical climb of 300 meters. Apart from the climb, it is a relatively easy walk (10 km), and you can climb it if you are in good shape because ropes support the steepest parts. Arrangements can be made with the tourist office for guided tours.
In Narsarsuaq, you can explore the fjord system and discover great inlets invented by Greenlanders. Be careful when swimming in ice-cold water, even though they are protected from the wind and more turbulent seas.
There is a tourist office and a hotel where souvenirs and postcards can be purchased. Supermarkets (Pilersuisoq) are located nearby, but asking for directions is the best way to find them. The grocery store mainly sells dried reindeer meat for hiking or camping snacks. Dry camping food must be brought from outside Greenland if you want it.
Do you remember the first time you visited a new place and felt a sense of awe? Narsarsuaq is the place where it happens for many visitors. Despite not being as popular as other cities in Greenland, Narsarsuaq is a great place to visit. There is something beautiful about Narsarsuaq, a small, upcoming tourist destination. Visiting this hidden destination will surprise you with some of its unique attractions. Maybe you'll want to revisit Narsarsuaq someday to relax and take a break.
Located in Narsarsuaq, a settlement in the Kujalleq municipality in southern Greenland, Narsarsuaq Airport serves as an airport. Greenland has only two airports capable of handling large airliners, the other being Kangerlussuaq Airport. Southern Greenland's only international airport. Air Greenland's helicopter hubs at Qaqortoq and Nanortalik serve the small settlement, with the airport primarily serving as a transfer point. As well as a cafeteria, a duty-free shop, a small tourist office, and a small duty-free shop, the terminal has a duty-free shop specializing in nanoq bags.
It was not until the end of the 10th Century that Erik the Red established the Eastern Settlement Viking colony in southwestern Greenland. That an estate of his name existed that was Brattahlíð. This is probably the first church built in the New World, where the Americas and Oceania (Australasia) were known as New World. The chapel was recently reconstructed, and a Norse longhouse replica now stands at a distance from the site. There were two entrances to this church (not Thjodhild's chapel) and a hearth in the middle, apparently destroyed by fire. Possibly built around the 14th century, this church sat on the ruins of an earlier structure. There are tombstones in the churchyard, one of which is cut to a cross. A rune rune is engraved on another stand. Stones clearly mark the church's outline today, though they were probably installed recently; the graveyard surrounding the church can also be seen.
The sheep farming village of Qassiarsuk lies across the fjord from Narsarsuaq. The place was initially named Brattahlid by Erik the Red when he settled here. Red dirt roads lead to Qassiarsuk in the middle of green, beautiful countryside. Locals on three-wheeled Hondas whizz by as the red dust swirls. Erik the Red's farm ruins and Tjodhildur's church can both be found in Qassiarsuk. It was built 492 years before Columbus arrived in Central America, making it the first Christian church on the American continent. Despite its small size, the church is a witness to the area's long history of Christianity. As Eriksson brought the first priest to Qassiarsuk 1,000 years ago, a statue of him was erected in 2000 in his honor.
You can also find ruins near Narsarsuaq in Igaliku, another village close to Narsarsuaq. Among the ruins are the Norse diocesan seat and the former Norse settlement of Gardar. To commemorate the 1,000th year of Christianity in Greenland and Leif Erikson's discovery of North America, an ecumenical service was held in 2000. Clergy from around the world attended the service, and the Danish royal ship Dannebrog was also present. In addition to the meeting with his colleagues Per Stig Möller and Colin Powell, Greenland's then Foreign Minister Tuusi Motzfeldt hosted a meeting with Danish Foreign Minister Per Stig Moller. Igaliku's events are probably not the most memorable ones when you visit. This place is a haven for relaxation, thanks to its tranquility, surroundings, and high mountains.
On average, six hours of bright sunshine each day, May, June, and July are the best months to visit Narsarsuaq.
