Qassiarsuk | Tracing Viking Footsteps in South Greenland

Hero Photo by Aningaaq Rosing Carlsen Visit Greenland

At first glance, Qassiarsuk may seem like a remote Greenlandic village — but beneath its quiet charm lies the heart of Norse history in Greenland. Once known as Brattahlid, this was the home of Erik the Red, the site of North America's first Christian church, and the launching point for Leif Eriksson’s voyage to Vinland.

Today, Qassiarsuk stands as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where reconstructed Viking-era buildings overlook the same fjords the Norse once sailed. It’s one of the few places in the Arctic where you can walk through the ruins of a thousand-year-old Norse farmstead — and still hear the bleating of sheep on the same land the Vikings once tilled.

What does Qassiarsuk mean?

The original name of the settlement was Brattahlíð, meaning 'the steep slope’ in Old Norse. The anglicised version,  Brattahlid, appears in medieval Icelandic sagas such as The Saga of Erik the Red and The Saga of the Greenlanders, where it is described as Erik’s homestead and the launch point for voyages to Vinland. 

Founded by Erik in the late 10th century, Brattahlid became the heart of Norse life in Greenland. After the Norse disappeared around the latter half of the 15th century, the site was abandoned. The present-day Greenlandic name of the town is Qassiarsuk, reflecting the modern Inuit community that later resettled in the area.

Located at the protected  end of the Eriksfjord, the land here is unusually fertile for Greenland. The location shields it from the cold winds and waters of the Arctic to a large extent. Since the Norse were dependent on farming and pastoralism, the area suited their lifestyle. Even today, Qassiarsuk thrives on sheep farming, in contrast to the other villages in the region that are driven by the fishing industry.

Erik the Red and the founding of Brattahlid

In the late 10th century, Erik the Red was exiled from Iceland for manslaughter. Setting sail westward, he discovered the fjords of South Greenland and found surprisingly fertile land at the sheltered end of what’s now called Eriksfjord. There, he established Brattahlid — a farmstead that would become the heart of the Norse Eastern Settlement.

How to get to Qassiarsuk

The best way to reach Qassiarsuk is to fly to the Narsarsuaq International Airport in South Greenland. Icelandair and Air Greenland are currently the only airlines offering scheduled flights to Narsarsuaq Airport (IATA: UAK) in South Greenland.

Note: Narsarsuaq Airport is expected to be downgraded to a heliport by late 2026, with Qaqortoq Airport set to become the new international gateway to South Greenland. This may change access routes to Qassiarsuk in the near future.

Once you are in the airport in Narsarsuaq, there are 3 ways to get to Qassiarsuk:

• Visitors generally take a 15-minute boat transfer across Tunulliarfik Fjord from Narsarsuaq to Qassiarsuk, covering approximately 5 km. However, many guided tours extend over 1.5–3 hours, incorporating iceberg drifting, fjord scenery, and historical narration to enrich the experience.

• Alternatively, you can hike the dirt track connecting Narsarsuaq to Qassiarsuk, passing through rugged Arctic terrain with views over the fjord.

For the adventurous, kayaking the same route is an unforgettable way to arrive, tracing the same waters once navigated by Norse settlers.  

When to visit Qassiarsuk 

The best time to visit Qassiarsuk is during the Arctic summer, from June to early September, when the days are long, the temperatures are mild and the region is accessible by boat and air. While it doesn’t experience the full midnight sun, the area enjoys extended daylight hours, ideal for hiking, sightseeing, and photography. 

Summer is also the best time to  explore the archaeological sites and abandoned settlements, and to learn more about Greenland’s past. You can experience the Inuit culture by learning about their myths and legends and visiting artisan workshops. Those seeking a more colourful experience can participate in vibrant cultural activities like the Inuit drum dancing.

Photography in Qassiarsuk

Qassiarsuk offers a striking visual contrast between ancient Norse ruins and modern reconstructions, making it a unique destination for photography. The sweeping views of Tunulliarfik Fjord, with ice drifting past green hills or under glowing Arctic skies, provide ever-changing light and atmosphere — especially during the golden hours of early morning and late evening.

For dramatic landscape shots, climb the hill above the village for a panoramic view of the fjord and settlement. This is an ideal vantage point for wide-angle compositions or long exposures.

In early summer, expect lush greens and high-contrast light; later in the season, fog, golden tones, and drifting ice can create a more moody, textured scene — perfect for storytelling through the lens.

Visiting a living historical site

Qassiarsuk is more than just a historical destination — it’s a living landscape with deep cultural significance. Visitors are asked to respect local guidelines and the fragile archaeological remains that make this site so unique.

Visitors should be accompanied by a guide, and they should stick to gravel roads and visitor pathways. Walking off-trail can damage sensitive areas, including turf walls and foundation stones that have endured for over a thousand years.

By treading carefully and mindfully, you help preserve Qassiarsuk’s past for future generations to experience.