This small Greenland town has 3,000 residents living in colorful houses along a fiord. Local art galleries and an annual summer festival bring cultural life to this Arctic community.
Qaqortoq, a coastal town of 3,050 people in southern Greenland, sits among fjords where humpback whales surface between floating icebergs. You'll find 40 sculptures carved into the town's granite rocks, walk past yellow stone colonial buildings from the 1800s, and swim in the 38°C waters of Uunartoq hot springs while watching ice drift by. The town's oldest building, a black-tarred wooden church from 1832, stands next to Mindebrønden, Greenland's first fountain.
Getting to Qaqortoq
Since Qaqortoq has no airport, you must first fly to Narsarsuaq and then take either a helicopter or boat transfer. The Arctic Umiaq Line ferry connects Qaqortoq with other coastal towns, while local boats take passengers to nearby settlements and attractions. The boat journey from Narsarsuaq typically takes 2-3 hours.
Stone & Man Art Exhibition
Nordic artists carved 40 sculptures into the town's rocks and cliff faces during 1993-1994, led by local artist Aka Høegh. You'll spot these artworks throughout town - some along main streets, others tucked into side paths and hills. Pick up a sculpture location map at the tourist office near the harbor to find all pieces, including the whale tail carving near the central square.
Uunartoq Hot Springs
Three stone-lined pools on Uunartoq island maintain a temperature of 38°C (100.4°F) year-round. You can soak in the warm water while watching icebergs drift in the surrounding fjord. Boats depart from Qaqortoq to the springs twice daily in summer (June-August), with the journey taking one hour each way.
Local Food and Markets
The central market sells seal meat, whale, reindeer, and fish caught in local waters. In July and August, fishermen bring fresh arctic char and salmon from nearby rivers. At the Great Greenland tannery's showroom, you can buy sealskin products from parkas to modern bags. The tannery runs guided tours twice daily showing the step-by-step process of preparing sealskins.
Summer Activities
A marked trail leads to Lake Tasersuaq - a 4-hour round trip hike with views across the fjord system. Morning kayak trips (daily, June-August) often encounter seals in the calm waters. During the Igasa Food Festival in August, local cooks prepare dishes using seasonal ingredients like crowberries, angelica herbs, and fresh seafood.
Norse History
The Hvalsey Church ruins lie an hour's boat ride from Qaqortoq. The 12th-century stone walls reach their original height, with intact window arches and thick stone construction. The last documented Viking event in Greenland - a wedding - took place here in 1408, recorded in Icelandic chronicles. You can walk among the remaining farm building foundations that surround the church.
Winter Northern Lights
From September to April, clear skies above Qaqortoq create good conditions for aurora viewing. The hills around Lake Tasersuaq, a 20-minute walk from town, provide viewing spots away from town lights. Local guides lead evening tours to these locations from 9 PM to midnight, explaining the aurora's scientific patterns and Inuit folklore.
