Narsaq

South Greenland’s most fertile town
Narsaq means "the plain" in Greenlandic, and the name is due to the large green plain on which the town lies. With its central location in a huge complex of fjords, Narsaq is a good place to begin a tour of South Greenland. The glaciers north of the town ensure that there are almost always icebergs around Narsaq, and the fjords around the Narsaq peninsula are rich in seals, salmon, trout and minke whales. The temperature varies from plus 22º C (72º F) in the summer to minus 17º C (1º F) in the winter.



	Narsaq's green plains

Activities around Narsaq
Narsaq is the starting point for many activities and excursions. As the town is situated close to the ice sheet, sailing trips to one of the area’s productive glaciers are an obvious possibility, and visits to Norse ruins and long hikes are also popular activities. The valley and the mountains in Narsaq’s hinterland are a paradise for those interested in geology. The area has many rare and unique rocks and minerals that are not found anywhere else in the world.

The town’s population
The municipality of Narsaq has a total population of more than 2,000, of whom 1,700 live in the town itself and the rest in Narsarsuaq, Qassiarsuk, Igaliku or in one of the many sheep-holding stations in the area. The majority are employed in fishing or sheep-farming. Narsaq is a relatively young town, and was only granted civic status in 1959 at a time when there were only 600 people living in the town.

How do I get to Narsaq?
Via the international airport in Narsarsuaq you can fly onwards to Narsaq by means of Air Greenland's helicopter, or you can sail on Arctic Umiaq Line's passenger ship. The helicopter flight lasts around a quarter of an hour, whilst the boat trip lasts around 3 hours. If you wish to travel onwards to other towns in South Greenland, this can be done on Arctic Umiaq Line’s passenger ship or private passenger vessels – enquire at the local tourist office for more details.
Arctic Umiaq Line also sails to other towns on the coast, all the way up to Ilulissat in the north. In the summer season it is a good idea to book your tickets well in advance.

See a map of Narsaq

Narsaq weather: