The Southern side of Greenland blends the snow-capped mountains with the lush green pastures of its countryside, it is no wonder is it known as the ‘Garden of Greenland’
Luxury Holidays in South Greenland
@ André Schoenherr - Visit Greenland
@ André Schoenherr - Visit Greenland
© Aningaaq R. Carlsen
South Greenland, Designed Around You
There is plenty to discover and do in South Greenland – those that enjoy their activities can head out on some magnificent hikes such as walking to the Kiattut Glacier or Munkebugt valley in Qaqortoq.
Those less keen on the active side of things might want to discover the fascinating Viking history that includes seeing the remains of Hvalsey church, once a Norse church, or how about the Qajaq Brewery in Narsaq.
From a photographer’s perspective, you will be blessed with blue skies or dark moody clouds making it hard for you to put your camera down, or maybe you just want to feel like you are somewhere far far away from home and let yourself just be immersed in your surroundings.
Where to Stay: Handpicked for You
From fjord-facing eco-lodges to colourful inns in historic settlements, our South Greenland options bring you close to culture, nature, and quiet luxury.
Hotel Icefjord
Sea views, firsthand vistas of the Disko Bay, sit and watch the icebergs
Hotel Hans Egede, Nuuk
Magnificent views of Greenland from the Skyline Bar on the 5th Floor
Glacier Lodge Eqi
You can see, hear and feel the effect of a calving glacier up close
Hotel Ilulissat, Best Western
The restaurant is at top of the hotel, views of icebergs and the city
Hotel Arctic, Ilulissat
Icefjord is home to one of the largest, most active glaciers in the world
Ilimanaq Lodge
Located on the edge of the mountain, connect with nature at your doorstepThe Guidebook
Explore South Greenland
Here there are farms growing fresh vegetables and the sheep roam the hills which also have historical Viking settlements to discover and hot springs to relax in after some hiking.
Summer is the time to visit this stunning location so can you witness the colours come to life all around you making it ideal for hikers, photographers, and those fascinated by Viking history.
Getting There
South Greenland’s main airport is Narsarsuaq and flights operate here from either Copenhagen or Reykjavik which makes a visit perfect as twin centre with the cities before flying over.
When you arrive the main mode of transport between location is boat which allows for you to get to witness the icebergs and all the incredible scenery from the water.
It is always essential to make sure you have a couple of nights safety net on each side of your visit just in case the elements prevent you from landing there.
Climate
We suggest trips here during the summer where the weather can truly be a mix and, much like Iceland, you need to really be prepared for anything. Waterproofs and jumpers will certainly come in use but don’t forget to bring some suncream and sunglasses.
Spending time on the boats out there means that the sun can reflect off both the sea AND the ice!
Geography
Where 80% of Greenland is known to be covered with its ice sheets the southern part is where most of the greenery is. Here there are many farms with both sheep and fresh produce being cultivated. It makes its location a stunning mix of mountains, hills, and fjords with icebergs floating amongst them.
I would thoroughly recommend this company. Their planning and advice was spot on. Alex responded to my calls and emails very promptly. I will definitely use them again for future trips.
Rosie
Amy planned a fantastic trip! Everything was very well-thought out. All transfers went smoothly, accommodations were amazing, great restaurant recommendations and the tours were once-in-a-lifetime, can’t book it yourself off the internet experiences. The guides were all fantastic. Communications were prompt and everything worked exactly the way it was supposed to. What a pleasure! Already working on our next trip.
Anonymous
Off the Map Travel was great! Alex helped us plan the most amazing 10 day honeymoon to Iceland. He gave us great recommendations and was so patient with us during the planning process!
Tori
What an amazing trip we are having. It is incredible. Many many thanks for arranging such an incredible trip.
Giles
Amy was a great help with planning this trip. Our trip turned out amazing. I also was very grateful for Off the Map’s Front Desk service, which promptly handled an on the spot issue we had.
Karen
We have loved it so much here that we have extended our stay and will come back to Bjornfjell and stay in one of their cabins until Jan 3 then we are staying in the igloo hotel the night of the 3rd. 😊We added a few excursions this week – we did the whale trip on the RIB boat (wow!), toured the igloo hotel (which is why we decided to book the last night!) and did the reindeer sleigh at Sorrisniva. You were so right, the bonfire excursion was incredible!!It has been an absolutely amazing trip!
Kristen
The best travel experience ever on every level you can think of during a Lapland expedition (food, activities, timings, accommodation, transport, service, equipment…). I highly recommend Off The Map Travel for their outstanding level of professionalism and detail oriented mindset!
Sophie & Guy
Hello Lucy!! Kim and I had a fantastic time in Iceland! Probably one of my top 3 trips I’ve ever taken!
It was everything we asked for and you did a wonderful job coordinating it all so beautifully!!
Thank you very much and we will contact you again when we get ready to plan our trip to Norway and Lapland!
Doreen
We originally hired Off the Map Travel in 2020 to set up a trip to see the Northern Lights. That didn’t happen, thanks to COVID. But, we persisted and in March of 2023, we took a 16-day trip that included both Iceland and Norway. IT WAS MAGICAL! Off the Map took care of everything! We were pampered at every stage of our trip. The people they hired and the activities they planned added up to a trip that will set the standard for any we’ll ever take in the future. Alex and his team were fabulous! We recommend them without restraint!
Jim & Kris
Arctic Retreat was simply magical. Graham and his team were superb. Their entire focus was on ensuring we had an outstanding experience. The accommodation, setting and food were all excellent. The team, experienced professionals, each brought their own personal touch and local nuance. It was faultless. The dog sledging trip directly from Arctic Retreat was also superb. We would return to Arctic Retreat in a heartbeat.
George
Well-organized trip to Norway and Svalbard with great accommodations and activities. Gwen was communicative and responsive to requests. Highly recommend!
Russell Snook
Fantastic trip to Svalbard which delivered the true Arctic experience we were hoping for. The hotels were excellent and the activities – dog sledding and snowmobile expedition were lead by first class guides.
Top tip! The champagne tasting in the world’s most northerly wine cellar in the exceptional Funken Lodge is not to be missed!
Faith