The Inuits have lived in Qaqortoq both before and after the Norsemen, who came to Greenland 1000 years ago. Was it the Inuit who drove the Norsemen away? It is not known for sure. What is certain is that the hardy Inuit cultures have survived in Greenland by inventing and developing the vital tools and implements that have been adapted and refined over generations and are still used today.

Take a town tour with a guide who knows all the good local stories. The town has a cosy town centre with a small square and Greenland's oldest fountain. Here there are beautiful colonial buildings dating from the town's founding in 1775. Take a walk in the sculpture park "Stone and Man", where art is carved into the town's rock.

Everyday life is often busy in South Greenland's largest town. Yet there is still always time for a chat. Visit animal skin workrooms and artisans and learn about traditions, and the ability to find beauty in simplicity. Taste ingredients that tell their own story. Food and meals are still a central part of Greenland's special hospitality.

If you can't grow vegetables in Greenland - where can you? The fertile region in the south has grown so large that it has become the garden of Greenland. Locally grown potatoes, angelica, turnips and cucumbers make the most wonderful side dishes to trout and game prepared 'mit Gefühl'. The charming town is inhabited by almost 3,000 people, who, just like the tourists, enjoy the culinary offerings of its restaurants and cafés.

Souvenir - an item that brings back memories. For some it may be a little beautiful and imaginative tupilak carved from bone. For others, a fur coat of impeccable quality. Qaqortoq offers the full spectrum of opportunities to take a tangible memory of Greenland's beautiful culture with them home from an unforgettable holiday.

The water is 37-38 degrees Celsius and the air about 10 degrees. Dive into nature's swimming pool and enjoy the surroundings. You sail from Qaqortoq to the tiny deserted island of Uunartoq between Alluitsup Paa and Nanortalik. Here you will find three naturally heated springs, which flow together to a little, stone-dammed pool. Surrounded by sharp mountain peaks and floating icebergs, you can sit back and enjoy the warm water and a very rare view indeed.

Close to Qaqortoq lie the well-preserved ruins of one of the first Christian churches on the North American continent - Hvalsey Church. It was also from here that the last accounts of the Norse settlers stem. Written evidence describes a wedding ceremony on 16 September 1408, and it also reports that there were many people in the church that day. Take time to visit the Norse settlers' Episcopal residence at Igaliku.

A black-tarred colonial estate manager's residence forms the setting for the Qaqortoq Museum. The history of the Norsemen is the main focus, with finds that include harpoons, kayaks and blubber bags. Next to the museum is a faithful copy of a peat hut from the start of the last century. The outdoor gallery "Stone and human" consists of sculptures that have been chiselled into the town's cliffs by 20 or so artists.

Even the most down-to-earth person cannot fail to be spellbound when the Northern Lights surge across the night sky at Qaqortoq. Legends are fed by the fantastic energy displays of nature, and you can understand how the Greenlanders of the past could have thought that the Northern Lights had something to do with life in the hereafter. Today, we know better. Nevertheless, you cannot fail to be spellbound by the celestial phenomenon.

You often come across animals in the wild. At sea, on land and in the air. Seals swim all the way along the Greenlandic coastline and 20 different species of whale live in the waters around it. In the fjords of Qaqortoq there are whales and the surrounding area is inhabited by reindeer, arctic foxes and arctic hares. The raven is perhaps the bird you will see most frequently out of the 50 different species in Greenland, while the majestic sea eagle is a rarer sight.

Greenland from the seaward side treats you to icebergs in all shapes and sizes, playful whales and a glimpse of life in the towns and settlements. Relax in the lounger on deck and enjoy the view.

When you dock at South Greenland's green fjord, there are good opportunities to visit the popular Norse ruins by Hvalsey and Qassiarsuk  - Erik the Red's and Leif the Lucky's home from Viking times.

Welcome aboard! It is almost guaranteed to see whales and icebergs, and the coast and countryside's dramatic encounter with the sea, the mountains and fjords are an amazing sight to behold. Along the coast are towns and villages facing the sea that has always been the main source of income for the population. Arctic Umiaq Line's passenger ship sails between Ilulissat in the north and Qaqortoq in south.

Start your hike with a trip to Qaqortoq's outdoor gallery of sculptures that have been chiselled into the cliff walls. You can also choose to hike from sheep farmer's place to sheep farmer's place, and can quench your thirst en route with the local spring water. Make sure you go past the Hvalsø Church ruins, which is one of the most protected stone churches from Norse times.

Go on a kayaking holiday in Qaqortoq. Paddling in the big lake is also a popular local pursuit. Modern touring and sea kayaks can be hired and if you don't go sea kayaking in Greenland, where do you? The kayak is a genuine Greenlandic invention, which together with the harpoon and needle has been the most important survival tool.

With Qaqortoq as your base, it is easy to get about. Sail into the bottom of the Aqortukulooq fjord and see the Hvalsø's church ruins - the buildings that have been preserved since Norse times. Or sail out to the island with the hot springs for a dip in nature's very own swimming pool. Breathe in the sea and the sky, follow the whales frolicking in the water, and marvel at the weird and wonderful shapes of the icebergs.

The icebergs are smaller in South Greenland, but equally as spectacular. There are icebergs of all shapes in the waters around Qaqortoq, often crisscrossed with green, turquoise and blue ribbons. Some as clear as glass, but don't get too close. It is important to have a deep respect for the power an iceberg can put into play. Even when a small iceberg rotates, it generates enormous power.