Narsarsuaq is the natural gateway to South Greenland. All air traffic to South Greenland passes through the town, but Narsarsuaq is so much more than just an airport settlement. It's located within walking distance of the Ice Sheet, and lots of the historic sites of the Norse settlers and idyllic settlements and towns in South Greenland are just a short trip away by boat.

Af Ole G. Jensen

Normally an airport is a necessary evil which is left as quickly as possible as you head for more exciting destinations. In this case, Narsarsuaq is an exception. The location's fascinating history and geography make it definitely worth spending a few days in these historic surroundings.

Narsarsuaq is the Greenlandic expression for 'the large plain' and the town offers several options for staying overnight, ranging from hostel to hotel. In the high season it's recommended that you book in advance. Of course, you can always pitch a tent in the area.

Find out what's on offer at the tourist office

The tourist office in Narsarsuaq is run by Blue Ice Explorer and is located in a small café a couple of hundred metres from the hotel.

Here you can meet other travellers, enjoy a cup of coffee, buy souvenirs and plan your stay and your onward journey or just relax on the terrace with a good book from their library.

On their day of arrival, the majority of travellers tend to be tired, as the clear light and clean air combined with the time difference in relation to Europe mean that few have the energy to set out on any great adventures straight away.

A Greenlandic miniature forest

A quick and enjoyable excursion could be a visit to one of the few forests in Greenland, the arboretum, which lies between the hotel and the airport. There are trails that can be followed amongst the 3-4-metre high trees that primarily consist of different species of birch and larch.

A trial was set up here in the middle of the 1970s whereby more than 100 species of tree and bush from many different areas of forest were planted to see whether they could flourish in Greenland's climate. The arboretum covers around 150 hectares. Enjoy the fragrance of the many trees and the sound of the many small birds that enjoy this plantation. It's actually thought to be one of the biggest arboreta in the world today.

Hiking to the Ice Cap

From Narsarsuaq it's possible to go on a hike to the Ice Cap. You should allow the best part of a day for this hike, and remember to take water, a packed lunch and a mosquito net if it's in the middle of the summer.

Be extremely careful if you want to make your way up the icy slopes at the edge of the glacier, as there's always a risk associated with walking on the ice. The tourist office can show you different routes - or best of all, it can help you by providing a guide for your hike. Keep your eyes and ears open on the hike and enjoy the birdlife and the many flowers that flourish in Narsarsuaq's relatively mild climate. You may also see eagles, falcons and hares.

If you think you suddenly see honeybees in the terrain, your eyes aren't deceiving you. Bee-keeping trials are also taking place here, and at the tourist office you can buy a glass of this very tasty Arctic honey. If you come a little later in the summer, you're assured of the produce of the latest harvest.

You should also visit the small but fascinating museum in Narsarsuaq. As mentioned previously, the airport was originally established by the American military and was an American base for a number of years. Next to the Blue Ice Explorer Café, there's access to the fascinating museum, which is located in one of the old barracks and describes the history of the military base.

In the heart of the settlements of the Norse settlers in Greenland
In most of South Greenland there are well-preserved ruins from this period, so why not take a break from the forest and the Ice Sheet and visit one of the well-known places from the time of the Norse settlers. Just opposite the airport is the sheep-farming settlement of Qassiarsuk. The area is full of ruins and it was here that Erik the Red established his home. He called the place Brattahlid and it was here that Greenland's first church was erected - in fact it was the first Christian church on the North American continent!

At the edge of the settlement a copy of the church as it probably appeared at the time has been built, along with a reconstruction of a longhouse from Erik the Red's time. Exciting stories of the Viking Age are told at the longhouse throughout the summer.

If you haven't had enough of Norse ruins, you can go on a trip to another settlement in the area - Igaliku. You sail from the harbour in Narsarsuaq to Itilleq. From there it's a short trip over the fell along a gravel track until you reach the beautifully-situated settlement. The Old Norse Roman Catholic Episcopal residence, Gardar, was situated here. The Episcopal residence was established in 1121 and a cathedral, the bishop's residence and bishops' palace were constructed at the site.

A South Greenlandic angler's paradise

Before you know it, several days have gone by in Narsarsuaq, as the Blue Ice tourist office has many tours on offer. Regardless of whether sightseeing or onward transport is required, boat trips with modern and comfortable high-speed boats or a flight around the area in one of Air Greenland's small helicopters can be organised.

Did I forget to mention that from July to September there are excellent opportunities for trout fishing in places not far from Narsarsuaq? Indeed, you don't have to go further than the tourist office or to Ipiutaq.gl to begin planning your trip.

You can visit Narsarsuaq by aeroplane from both Denmark and Iceland and of course via a domestic flight in Greenland. Remember that when you arrive at a destination in Greenland, the tourist office is a willing and able ally always ready to help with a wide range of trips and attractions.

Get help for your trip at: http://www.blueice.gl