Qassiarsuk

Greenland

Trek across massive icebergs and explore the haunting ruins of Erik the Red's Viking settlement in Arctic Greenland.

💱 Currency Danish Krone (DKK)

🗣 Language Greenlandic (Kalaallisut), Danish

🕐 Time Zone GMT (UTC+0)

☀️ Best Time to Visit Jun–Sep

🚢 Typical Duration 11-34 nights

💰 Price Range $6,060–$72,928 per person

⚓ Port Type Port of Call

🚤 Tender Port Yes

Gateway to Greenland's Arctic wilderness and Norse heritage, offering expeditions to remote fjords, glaciers, and Inuit settlements in one of the world's most pristine polar regions.

Cruises that visit Qassiarsuk

Build Your Day in Qassiarsuk

Cruise calls are short. Set your ship's arrival time, pick the stops you care about, and we'll show whether they realistically fit before departure.

Ships typically depart around 12:00 PM

Usually about 4 hours ashore

My ship arrives around: Getting around:

Blue Ice Cafe Nice Cafe, even a good Danish beer available! Tourist information center · ★ 4.3 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 8 AM Thu

Leif Eriksson Hostel Great Hostel with a super stuff. Hostel · ★ 4.5 · 0k

Café Thorhildur WiFi can be bought as well as access to the replica Viking houses. Cafe · ★ 4.6 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 11 AM Thu

Brattahlíð: First Norse Settlement in Greenland Site of first known farmstead of Erik the Red in Greenland. Historical landmark · ★ 4.9 · 0k

Pilersuisoq Big thanks for that! Grocery store · ★ 4.5 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM Thu

Tasermiut South Greenland Expeditions He know how to have fun and he really loves what he does . Travel agency · ★ 3.7 · 0k

Opening hours are indicative — always confirm before you go. Travel times are estimates from Google Maps.

Next Departures from Qassiarsuk

About Qassiarsuk

Qassiarsuk serves as a port of call for Arctic explorers seeking one of Greenland's most remote and pristine destinations. Five specialized cruise lines—including Seabourn, Quark Expeditions, and HX Expeditions—call here regularly, with 19 upcoming cruises offering an average duration of 11 nights. These voyages typically connect Qassiarsuk with other legendary Arctic ports like Nuuk, Reykjavík, and the rarely visited Ittoqqortoormiit, making this an ideal stop for serious expedition cruisers. Peak season runs from May through September, with July and August drawing the most sailings.

Ashore, passengers discover the dramatic landscapes and rich Viking heritage that define southern Greenland. The settlement itself provides an authentic window into Arctic life, while the surrounding fjords and ice-laden waters offer unforgettable natural beauty. Most visitors arrive aboard expedition-focused vessels equipped for these challenging waters, ensuring a curated experience designed for travelers seeking genuine polar adventure rather than traditional port amenities.

Erik the Red's Norse Settlement

Walk through history at Brattahlíð, the legendary 10th-century Viking settlement founded by Erik the Red himself. Explore reconstructed turf-roofed Norse buildings and a replica church that reveal how Greenland's first European inhabitants lived. This UNESCO-adjacent archaeological site offers tangible connections to one of history's greatest explorers.

Arctic Char and Local Seafood

Savor fresh Arctic char and traditional Greenlandic seafood at local restaurants overlooking Eriksfjord's pristine waters. Sample muskox and local preparations that reflect centuries of Inuit and Norse culinary traditions. The region's cold waters produce some of the Arctic's most prized fish and shellfish.

Eriksfjord's Dramatic Glacier Views

Witness towering ice cliffs and cascading waterfalls on guided boat excursions through Eriksfjord's breathtaking landscape. Spot icebergs calving from glaciers and observe Arctic wildlife including seals and seabirds. The fjord's stunning scenery showcases Greenland's raw, untamed natural beauty.

Handcrafted Tupilak and Local Art

Browse authentic tupilaks—traditional Greenlandic spirit figurines—and handwoven textiles at local artisan shops. Purchase genuine crafts directly from Kalaallit (Greenlandic) artisans who preserve ancient carving and weaving techniques. These one-of-a-kind pieces make meaningful souvenirs with deep cultural significance.

Kayaking Among Icebergs

Paddle through ice-dotted waters on guided kayak expeditions departing directly from Qassiarsuk's shores. Navigate between icebergs while experiencing the Arctic's profound silence and pristine wilderness firsthand. This immersive adventure offers unparalleled access to Greenland's most iconic landscape.

Cruise Lines at Qassiarsuk

Seabourn (43 cruises)
Swan Hellenic (2 cruises)
HX Expeditions (1 cruise)
Polar Latitudes Expeditions (1 cruise)
Quark Expeditions (1 cruise)

Cruises Departing From Qassiarsuk

Cruises Visiting Qassiarsuk

Ship Schedule at Qassiarsuk

Qassiarsuk Location

Other Cruise Ports in Greenland

Ilulissat (Jakobshavn)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Qassiarsuk and where is it located?

Qassiarsuk is a small village in southwestern Greenland, known for Brattahlid and Erik the Red's manor.

What can I see at the site?

The foundation remains of Erik the Red's manor, the site of the first Christian church in North America, a Norse graveyard, and a Hans Lynge sculpture.

How can I visit?

Accessible via local tours from nearby towns; check with Greenland travel operators for schedules.

Why is this place significant?

It connects Norse exploration with Greenland's history and early Christian heritage in North America.