Cruise Ship Passenger Port of Call Guide to Narsarsuaq, Greenland

Getting Around Narsarsuaq

Getting around Narsarsuaq is simple. You can walk everywhere within the settlement due to its small size.

You’ll need transport for longer journeys – your hotel can arrange a taxi, or you can use the hotel bus to reach the harbour for £1.20 (free if you’re a hotel guest).

For trips to other towns and fjord exploration, you can book boats through two companies: Diskoline or Blue Ice Explorer. These connect you to nearby towns like Narsaq and Qaqortoq.

Transportation Hub Basics

Narsarsuaq gives you access to South Greenland’s key destinations through its transport connections. Air Greenland runs regular flights from Narsarsuaq Airport, and you can catch helicopter transfers to Qaqortoq and Nanortalik.

You’ll find the main port 2.5 kilometres south of the airport. The port handles cruise ships and local boats. DiskoLine operates settlement shuttles, whilst Blue Ice Explorer runs seven boats between Narsarsuaq, Narsaq and Qaqortoq.

You can take the shuttle bus between the airport and harbour, though no regular taxis operate.

Summer activities let you hire kayaks and bikes to explore the area. The airport will become a heliport by late 2026, with Qaqortoq Airport taking over your international flight options.

Walking Around Town

You can explore Narsarsuaq easily on foot, as most places are within walking distance. The town has simple shuttles between the airport and harbour, but you’ll walk to most other spots.

The paths include:

• Paved roads
• Tractor tracks
• Gravel paths

Visit the Blue Ice Explorer Tourist Office for:

• Trail maps
• Local walking advice
• Taxi bookings

Key walking features:

• Hills and fjord viewpoints along scenic routes
• Signal Hill lookout above the town centre
• Flower Valley’s marked nature trails
• Mix of easy and challenging paths

Walking tips:

• Wear strong boots or walking shoes
• Pack a weatherproof jacket
• Take layers for temperature changes
• Check the weather forecast before you set out

The paths range from flat tarmac to steep hillsides, so you can choose routes that match your walking ability.

You’ll find good signposts on most popular trails, making it simple to navigate around town and into nearby nature areas.

Fjord Transit Options

Transit options in Narsarsuaq’s fjord system connect you to key destinations through several methods:

Water Transport:

• Arctic Umiaq Line runs regular boats to Qaqortoq and Nuuk (May-September)
• Blue Ice Explorer operates summer transfers between Narsarsuaq, Narsaq and Qaqortoq
• Local fishing boats provide short-distance fjord crossings

Air Travel:

• The local airport connects you to Copenhagen, Iceland and other Greenland towns
• Helicopter services reach remote areas through local tour operators

Ground Transport:

• You can travel on the 26km gravel road between Narsarsuaq and Qassiarsuk
• You’ll need taxis for town travel, bookable through hotels or the tourist office
• No roads connect to other towns beyond Qassiarsuk

Your travel timing matters, as most boat services operate only in summer months.

Book taxis and helicopter transfers in advance to ensure availability.

Viking Heritage Sites

Visit remarkable Viking settlements near Narsarsuaq to discover Greenland’s Norse history.

You’ll find the famous Brattahlid settlement, now called Qassiarsuk, just across the fjord. Erik the Red established this settlement, which now features two key attractions: his reconstructed longhouse and Tjodhilde’s Church – the first Christian church in North America.

You can explore:

• Stone foundations marking old Viking farmsteads
• Norse building ruins scattered across green fields
• A fully rebuilt Viking longhouse showing traditional living spaces
• The historic Tjodhilde’s Church reconstruction
• Original stone walls and paths from the Viking age

These UNESCO World Heritage sites let you walk through 500 years of Viking history.

You’ll see how Norse settlers lived, farmed and built their community in this remote corner of Greenland.

Best visiting times are summer months when boats run regularly to Qassiarsuk from Narsarsuaq.

Glacial Excursions

Want to get up close to Greenland’s glaciers? You can take day tours to the Qooroq Glacier from Narsarsuaq port.

The boat trips bring you right to the glacier’s edge, where you’ll watch huge chunks of ice break off into the fjord. You’ll hear the ice crack and see its striking blue colours.

A helicopter tour offers you a different view – you’ll fly over the massive ice sheet to spot deep cracks, ice holes and the dramatic coastline where ice meets water.

Qooroq Glacier Day Tours

Experience one of South Greenland’s most active glaciers at Qooroq, located near Narsarsuaq.

You’ll watch as 200 tons of ice break off into the fjord each day. The cruise takes 1.5 to 3 hours and costs DKK 580.

Your journey includes:

• Sailing among massive icebergs
• Drinking refreshments chilled with thousand-year-old glacier ice
• Witnessing dramatic ice falls into the sea
• Seeing blue icebergs float in clear waters
• Listening to the glacier’s sounds in complete silence
• Viewing ice reflections across the fjord
• Getting close to towering ice formations

You can enhance your glacier experience with a hike to Mellemlandet viewpoint.

This 14-kilometre trek takes 5 hours and offers you stunning views from above.

Contact the local tour office to book your glacier adventure.

Helicopter Glacier Adventures

Experience Greenland’s glaciers from above through thrilling helicopter adventures. You can take off from Narsarsuaq and choose from several flight options. Short scenic flights start at £214, while full tours for groups of four cost £3,000.

Your options include:

• Scenic flightseeing tours
• Glacier landing experiences
• Combined tours visiting ice formations and hot springs

You can book these tours from May to September during optimal weather conditions. Book your spot through Guide to Greenland or Expedition Life to secure your preferred dates.

Some key points to consider:

• Glacier landing tours require good fitness levels
• Scenic flights suit all fitness levels
• Each tour includes safety equipment
• You’ll receive a full safety briefing

You’ll want to book ahead to avoid disappointment, particularly during peak summer months. Each flight gives you unmatched views of South Greenland’s ancient ice formations.

Local Shopping and Dining

You’ll find three restaurants and several shops in Narsarsuaq to cover your basic needs.

Dining Options:

• Restaurant NuNa serves authentic Greenlandic dishes like Suaasat and local seafood.
• Blue Ice Café offers light meals and snacks.
• Polar-tut Cafe provides quick dining options.

Shopping Facilities:

• Pilersuisoq supermarket stocks daily essentials and groceries.
• Hotel gift shop sells local souvenirs.
• Blue Ice Café features traditional Greenlandic crafts.

Important Tips:

• Bring your credit cards as there’s no ATM in town.
• Check opening times before you visit as shops keep limited hours.
• Most venues accept major credit cards.
• Shops close earlier than in larger towns.

The restaurants blend traditional Greenlandic ingredients with modern cooking styles.

You can try fresh Arctic char, local seafood and authentic Greenlandic dishes at Restaurant NuNa’s regular buffets.

The cafés serve hot drinks, pastries and light meals with views of the surrounding landscape.

Wildlife and Nature Encounters

Southern Greenland offers you amazing wildlife encounters in its Arctic wilderness. You can spot two types of Arctic foxes here: the blue coastal fox and the white inland fox. These foxes change their coat colours with the seasons and build their homes in deep underground burrows.

You can take guided tours to watch reindeer and musk ox roaming freely. Arctic hares and sheep wander the mountain slopes, making regular appearances.

The coastal waters bring you close to whales, seals, dolphins and puffins throughout the year.

During summer, you can fish for Arctic char in local waters. Other common catches include cod, redfish and halibut.

The region combines wildflowers, forests and glaciers, giving you perfect spots for wildlife photography and observation.

Onward Travel Options

Getting Around South Greenland

You can travel onward through three main options: air, sea and specialised transport.

Air Connections:

• Direct flights to Copenhagen and Reykjavik via Air Greenland and Icelandair
• Domestic flights link you to seven Greenlandic towns
• Helicopter transfers take you to nearby settlements

Sea Travel:

• Arctic Umiaq Line ferries run May to September
• Routes connect coastal towns up to Ilulissat
• Local fishing boats offer authentic sea experiences
• You can rent kayaks from Blue Ice Cafe

Local Transport:

• Hotel shuttle runs to the deep-water port (10 DKK)
• No roads connect towns
• You must use air or sea transport between locations

The transport network covers South Greenland’s key destinations, with flights to the capital Nuuk and southern towns.

You’ll need to plan your connections carefully as schedules vary by season.

Cultural Highlights

Step into South Greenland’s Norse history, starting at Narsarsuaq.

You’ll discover Erik the Red’s settlement at Qassiarsuk, where you can see replicas of his farmstead and Tjodhildur’s Church – the first Christian church built in the Americas.

You can visit Igaliku across the fjord, where you’ll find the Gardar settlement and its diocese remains.

These UNESCO sites showcase Viking life from over 1,000 years ago. The ancient paths you’ll walk are the same ones Vikings used when they first settled in Greenland.

Make sure you visit Hvalsey’s Norse ruins during your port stop – they’re another remarkable example of Viking heritage in the region.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Best Time of Year to See the Northern Lights?

The Northern Lights are most visible between late September and April. Your optimal viewing window falls between December and March, when you’ll benefit from longer nights and clearer skies. These winter months give you the best conditions to spot this natural light show.

Are Credit Cards Widely Accepted in Narsarsuaq?

Credit card acceptance in Narsarsuaq is limited. You can use Visa and Mastercard at the airport, main hotel and larger tourist facilities. You should carry Danish Krone (cash) for smaller shops, cafes and local services. Some establishments may experience connectivity issues with card payments due to the remote location. Keep cash handy for backup, especially when travelling beyond the main settlement.

Is There Cell Phone Coverage and Wifi Access in Narsarsuaq?

You’ll find reliable cell phone coverage and WiFi access in Narsarsuaq. Your mobile phone will work on local GSM networks throughout the town. You can connect to WiFi at most hotels and public spaces, though connection rates tend to be higher than in mainland Europe.

What Medical Facilities Are Available for Tourists?

Basic medical services are available at Narsarsuaq Health Centre for minor health issues. You need emergency evacuation for serious medical conditions. Queen Ingrid’s Hospital in Nuuk provides 24-hour medical support – call them on +299 55 99 55 if you need urgent care.

Can I Drink Tap Water in Narsarsuaq?

The tap water in Narsarsuaq is technically safe to drink, but you should take some simple precautions. Local mining operations can affect water quality, so your best options are to use bottled water or fill your own bottle from your cruise ship’s supply. If you decide to drink the tap water, let it run for a few seconds first to ensure it’s fresh.