Narsaq

The Narsaq Museum presents the local history and the Norse settlement of South Greenland. Its permanent exhibitions feature historical objects and interiors from different periods and social strata. A themed exhibition is devoted to kayaks; a house also commemorates Henrik Lund, a poet, clergyman and painter associated with Narsaq. The museum is housed in some of the town’s oldest buildings. Changing annual exhibitions complement the permanent displays.

Archaeological traces

An exhibition tells the story of the Norse settlers who came to South Greenland in 982 with Erik the Red. Tjodhilde is associated with the founding of Greenland’s first church. The museum estimates that the Norse community in the south reached around 6,000 people at its peak; this settlement period came to an end in the 15th century. Remains of farms, stables and storehouses can still be found across the landscape. Landnám Farm, one of the area’s oldest Norse ruins, lies near the town centre. The remains of a church at Dyrnæs are a few kilometres from Narsaq.

Rocks and hiking trails

The museum displays rocks and minerals from the surrounding area, including the rare mineral tugtupite. A permanent exhibition explores the Dyrnæs-Narsaq mineral complex. Visitors who want to explore the geology outdoors can head into the mountains from Narsaq; the landscape is known for its minerals. Tasiigaaq and Qaqqarsuaq rise behind the town. From the Narsaq Point (Nuugaarsuk) viewpoint, visitors can look across Tunulliarfik Fjord towards Narsarsuaq. A longer hike runs for about 60 kilometres through the South Greenland landscape to Qassiarsuk.

The fjord and its surroundings

Boat trips offer a chance to explore the icebergs off the coast and nearby glaciers. Longer excursions pass bird cliffs and a waterfall; whales and seals are among the wildlife found in the region’s waters. Rivers and lakes in the mountainous hinterland also offer opportunities for fishing, for which a fishing licence is required. The town and landscape attractions can be placed in their geographical context: Narsaq lies in the south of Greenland and is one of the ports in the Greenland cruise region. This region is part of the Arctic, whose cruise areas extend far beyond South Greenland.