Hafen
Nanortalik

Travel into the sea directly off Nanortalik for a close-up view of the massive icebergs that float throughout the waterway. You will cruise in a rigid inflatable boat known as an RIB or in a POCA, a brand of open-air vessel built specifically for the arctic seas. Both types of boat are ideal for cruising among icebergs, some of which have broken off the thick ice sheet that covers all but about 15% of Greenland. As you will see firsthand, these enormous chunks of ice come in all shapes, sizes and even colors, depending on how they absorb and reflect light. White ice tends to be younger and floats higher in the water because of the air bubbles inside. Icebergs with a blue hue are older and more compressed. If you see flat icebergs, they have likely calved from the ice sheet. Also, keep an eye out for marine life, especially humpback and minke whales.

See icebergs up close by cruising into the waters off Nanortalik in a rigid inflatable boat more commonly known as an RIB. These types of boats are designed to be exceptionally stable and seaworthy no matter what the conditions, so they are ideal for maneuvering around icebergs. You may be surprised by the variations in the icebergs that go well beyond their shapes and sizes. The way that the ice absorbs and reflects sunlight affects the color. As a result, some icebergs look white, while others appear to be blue. The purity and density of the water also alters the color of the icebergs. The flatter icebergs are typically chunks that have broken off the edge of the ice sheet that covers most of Greenland. Few sights are quite so spectacular as the icebergs that float in these seas, especially if a humpback or minke whale breaches the water’s surface right in front of you.

Enjoy an enlightening introductory walk through Nanortalik, the southernmost town in Greenland. Founded in 1797, Nanortalik is the country’s 10th-largest town despite having only about 1,350 residents. Even the translation of its name, which means “the place with polar bears,” indicates that nature not people rules supreme.

For an authentic glimpse into daily life in this rather remote town, you will see the local school, police station and fire department. As you walk about, the guide will describe in detail the challenges and joys of living in Nanortalik. You will also browse the open-air museum in old town, a collection of colonial-era buildings such as turf huts that reflect the area’s history. Inside, you will find exhibits of model boats, leather clothing able to withstand harsh conditions and fishing gear that the indigenous Inuits use. It is believed that the Inuits were among the Arctic people that invented the kayak about 4,000 years ago.

Cruise the sheltered waters of Tasermiut Fjord and marvel at the extraordinary scenery along this waterway that stretches deep into southwestern Greenland. You will travel into the fjord’s mouth near Nanortalik and continue on into a natural wonderland of steep-walled mountains, snow-capped peaks and gorgeous vistas that seem to go on forever. Thousands of Norse Vikings settled this area in the 10th century and remnants of their stone buildings still stand in the stark treeless landscape. Today, dozen sheep farms blanket much of the suitable terrain.

You will also pass landmarks such as Nuugaarsuk Point on the fjord’s eastern shore and Saputit, an inlet whose name refers to the stone weirs that the indigenous Inuits built to hold fish. If the conditions permit, you will have the opportunity to disembark and walk on the surrounding ice cap. Be sure to keep an eye out for wildlife such as ringed seals, minke whales and white-tailed eagles.