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Qaqortoq, Greenland Cruise Port Guide
A Greenland cruise will bring you to the port of Qaqortoq, where jauntily colored houses spill over a natural amphitheater that curves around a sheltered bay. Despite the fact that you’re on the edge of the vast Greenland ice sheet here, in a town of only 3,000 people, you’ll find Qaqortoq full of delightful surprises.
This is an arty, creative community that’s proud of its centuries of Norse history. Discover the ghostly ruins of an ancient Viking settlement at Hvalsey Church, and learn about the lives of early settlers in the Qaqortoq Museum. Embrace the outdoors; this is the gateway to the stark beauty of South Greenland. Join a backcountry hike across tundra carpeted in wildflowers. Restore mind and body in the hot springs of Uunartoq, or join a boat tour to marvel at enormous icebergs, keeping a lookout for the humpback and minke whales that feed here in summer.
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Top Sights & Attractions in Greenland
Lake Tasersuaq
Lake Tasersuaq lies next to Qaqortoq, its rippling blue water reflecting the vast skies of South Greenland. Lace up your walking boots and hike one of the lakeside trails against a backdrop of jagged, snow-covered peaks, looking out for hares and Arctic foxes in their gray summer colors. The greens, yellows, mauves, and whites of the tundra’s wildflowers in summer are breathtaking, and wild blueberries flourish along the trail.
Hvalsey Church
This simple but hauntingly atmospheric stone church dates back to around 1300. It was one of the first Christian churches to be built on the North American continent and is mentioned in the ancient Viking sagas. Today, only the ancient stone walls remain, with sheep grazing around the site, but the glacier-scraped fells and the silent fjord are unchanged from nearly 1,000 years ago. Then, boats would gather in the fjord as Christian festivals were celebrated.
Qaqortoq Museum
Occupying the oldest building in town, dating back to 1804, this fascinating museum offers a deep dive into the town's history, featuring a reconstruction of an old peat hut and a collection of harpoons, historic clothing, and Inuit boats. See the room where explorer Knud Rasmussen stayed at the beginning of the 20th century, and the quarters of aviator Charles Lindbergh, who stayed here in the 1930s while scouting an aerial route across the Atlantic.
Qaqortoq Shore Excursions
Things to Do in Qaqortoq
Take an Art Walk
No visit to Qaqortoq is complete without admiring Stone & Man, the town’s unique sculpture display. The initiative was organized in the 1990s by one of the best-known Greenlandic artists, Aka Høegh, who was born in Qaqortoq. She invited artists from all the other Nordic countries to contribute. Now, 40 sculptures are scattered throughout the village, with some being carved into rocks. Either join a walking tour with a local guide or embark on your own scavenger hunt to admire the art.
Admire Icebergs Up Close
Icebergs drift in the frigid waters around South Greenland all year, and getting close to them is a popular activity. Every iceberg is unique, the white ice shot through with layers of aquamarine and sapphire. Some have been sculpted by the wind and waves into dramatic shapes. On an iceberg tour, you might also spot humpback and minke whales, which frequent these nutrient-rich waters in summer.
Learn About Greenlandic Culture
Learn about life on the edge of the Arctic on a guided tour. Your guide will tell you all about Nordic culture and traditions and the history of the town. Explore the harbor area and pass the museum and the Mindebrønden fountain, the oldest one in Greenland. Stop at a local restaurant for a cold beer and a tasting of some local specialties, which might include seafood, the root vegetables that are grown here, and, for the adventurous, iginneq, or fermented seal blubber.
Top Food & Drink in Greenland
Greenlandic cuisine will appeal to the adventurous eater; you’re likely to find whale meat, seal, musk ox, and reindeer on the menu here. There’s also plenty of trout and lamb for those looking for something more conventional. Because the climate and terrain are so harsh, every part of an animal is used, so you could try soups, stews, and sausages as well as steaks. If you don’t want to try the meatier local cuisine, there are places in the town to enjoy coffee and cake or the local beer.
Culture & History of Qaqortoq
The fjord and relatively fertile landscape around Qaqortoq have been settled since prehistoric times. What’s now the town was first inhabited by the Saqqaq people more than 4,000 years ago, and then the Dorset people from Nunavut, Canada, almost 2,500 years ago. The Norse and Thule people followed.
Qaqortoq as we know it today was founded in 1775 by Norwegian trader and explorer Anders Olsen, who named it “Julianehåb” after the Danish queen Juliane Marie. Most of the town’s 3,000 population are Inuit, or of Inuit descent, many of whom still depend on hunting and fishing for their livelihood. A great way to learn about local culture is to join a tour that includes a “kaffemik” in a local’s home; this is a Greenlandic tradition of hospitality, involving coffee, cake, and a chat.
Shopping in Qaqortoq
Look out for locally made jewelry, soapstone carvings, local skincare products, and hats and scarves made from the exquisitely soft musk ox wool. More unusual souvenirs include ulu knives, traditionally used by women, and tupilaks, small carvings made from bone or antler, believed in Greenlandic mythology to ward off evil. You’ll find souvenir stalls dotted around the town and near tourist attractions, although there are no big shops as such. Be aware that an export permit may be required if you buy anything made from whalebone.
Transportation in Qaqortoq
Qaqortoq is compact and walkable; the center is easy to explore on foot. Taxis are available, too, although there are no ride-sharing services. There’s also a bus service. If you book a tour, you’ll most likely travel by boat. Local companies offer helicopter tours in summer for spectacular views down over the fjords and mountains of South Greenland.
Local Currency & Tipping Customs
The official currency of Greenland is the Danish krone (DKK), but you’ll find Euros and U.S. dollars may be accepted in some establishments. You may be given change in krone, though, and will most likely lose out on the exchange rate. Credit and debit cards are less likely to be used in smaller shops. A service charge is typically included in your bill at restaurants.
