Explore the viking settlements, ice bergs and fjords.
Sail and Hike South West Greenland
During this week-long expedition you will explore the wild and mountainous coastline of South Greenland, starting and ending in Qaqortoq. Combining hands-on sailing with time ashore, the journey takes you deep into remote fjords, past towering icebergs, and into landscapes shaped by glaciers and time.
We sail through a constantly changing environment, visiting historic sites such as Hvalsey Church before continuing south toward Nanortalik and into the spectacular Tasermiut Fjord. Often referred to as the “Arctic Patagonia,” this area is defined by steep granite walls, alpine peaks, and vast untouched terrain.
Welcome to the most beautiful fjord in the World; Tasermiut Fjord
A key highlight of this expedition is the time spent hiking in Tasermiut Fjord. With multiple days dedicated to exploring ashore, we access remote valleys, moraine landscapes, and viewpoints beneath iconic peaks like Nalumasortoq and Ulamertorsuaq. Hikes range from moderate to more demanding, typically covering 15–18 km with 600–800 metres of elevation.
Granite peaks rise to over 2,000 metres
Tasermiut translates roughly as the place resembling a lake which is a fitting description for a fjord so sheltered and still, that its waters can sit mirror-flat, reflecting the granite walls above.
Tasermiut stretches 70 kilometres into the southwest corner of Greenland, It runs between two long mountainous peninsulas, and the terrain that lines its shores is on a scale that is hard to anticipate. Granite peaks rise to over 2,000 metres from the eastern shore, their walls dropping almost vertically to the water below. At the inner end, a glacier descends directly from the Greenland ice sheet, which covers roughly 80 percent of the island’s interior.
A short distance from the fjord, the Qinngua Valley holds one of the only natural stands of trees in all of Greenland, birch growing in a landscape that is otherwise defined entirely by rock, ice, and open tundra.
To sail into Tasermiut and then walk beneath its cathedral granite walls is to feel genuinely small in a landscape that has not changed in any meaningful way since the first people arrived here thousands of years ago.
Nanortalik – A small Willage
We round off this journey with a visit to the town Nanortalik, a place with around 1000 inhabitants. On our way back to Qaqortoq, we stop to experience the hot springs of Uunartoq. This place offers a chance to relax in warm naturally heated water in the surroundings with ice and mountains. As we often say in SeilNorge, it is within the contrasts that meaning is to be found.
The Marine Ecosystem
The waters of south Greenland sit at the convergence of Arctic and Atlantic currents, creating unusually productive conditions for such high latitudes. Atlantic cod, Greenland halibut, and Arctic char thrive here, while capelin plays a central role in the fjord ecosystem, drawing humpback and minke whales to feed at the fjord mouths.
Harbour seals move through the coastline year round, and sperm whales, pilot whales, and porpoise are among the species increasingly present in these waters.
Deep glacial fjords concentrate marine life in remarkable ways, with subglacial discharge from marine terminating glaciers sustaining high levels of phytoplankton productivity throughout summer, underpinning a food web that reaches from the smallest organisms to the largest whales.
The Greenlandic Culture
Along the way, we experience Greenlandic culture in small communities where life remains closely tied to the sea. We aim for many visits ashore, including the chance to join a traditional kaffemik, provide insight into local traditions, hunting culture, and everyday life in the Arctic.
The Great Greenland Expedition 2027
Our Greenland Expeditions 2027 are divided into multiple legs, and participants are welcome to join one or several sections of the route. Together, the 8 departures form a complete exploration of Greenland, starting and ending in Iceland.
On all our expeditions we explore the fjords, glaciers, and remote settlements, using the boat as a base for going ashore. Hiking, wildlife spotting, and experiencing local culture are key parts of the journey, alongside the sailing itself.
The voyage is both an adventure and a hands-on learning experience. Throughout the expedition, you will take part in watchkeeping, navigation, sail handling, and decision-making at sea. This is an opportunity to build real offshore sailing experience while being part of a functioning expedition crew.
Join as part of the crew on board
From SeilNorge we will be skipper, co-skipper and an extra crew and guide on board. En route for sail or motor, we include everyone on board in the sailing. We will mostly sail around the clock, and divide everyone into watch teams. Where we rotate with 4 hours on and 8 hours off. In addition, we add a few shorter shifts each afternoon, so that the night shifts also rotate between the watch teams throughout the expedition.
Our expedition vessel, Valiente
On this expedition we’re using our 70-foot expedition boat Valiente. She is a very stable and comfortable boat built in steel for sailing in arctic waters. The boat is well equipped and has large outdoor areas, and a wheelhouse and a saloon with a 360-degree view. Read more about Valiente and see pictures and a movie here.
Environment and sustainability
The Arctic is a vulnerable region under increasing pressure from both human activity and climate change. At SeilNorge, we aim to minimise our impact wherever we go.
We believe that small boats with fewer people, lower emissions, and minimal waste leave a much lighter footprint than large vessels and cruise ships. In the places we visit we collect litter rather than leaving anything behind — aiming to leave a positive handprint.
In Svalbard and Greenland, we follow AECO’s guidelines for encounters with wildlife, beach cleaning, cultural heritage sites and for visitors and operators in the Arctic. You can read more about AECO’s guidelines here.
Once in a lifetime sailing trip among Greenland's icebergs.
Tristan Imbert, Greenland 2025
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome on board in Qaqortoq
We meet in the harbour at Qaqortoq at 18:00 on the first day. After a warm welcome on board, we’ll get to know each other and the boat, talk through safety procedures, and introduce life at sea. Once everyone is settled, we hoist sails and begin our journey. Our first sail takes us into the fjord to Hvalsey Church, the Vikings settled here in Greenland and Hvalsey church is one of the best preserved sites of this era, surrounded by history and quiet Arctic nature.
Day 2: Norse History & Fjord Sailing Towards Nanortalik
Long before Columbus sailed west, the Vikings settled here in Greenland. We wake up overlooking these very ruins and launch the dinghy to go and take a look. The area is being considered as a UNESCO world heritage site and as we take a walk around and immerse ourselves in the stories, it is easy to see why. Later, we return to the boat and begin sailing south out of the fjord. Expect your first real taste of sailing with drifting ice, and a vast glacial landscape. It’s a 60NM passage to Nanortalik, which lies at the entrance to Tasermiut fjord. This will be our first sailing day in more open water along the coast, we use it as a training day practicing manoeuvres together before we settle into a watch system and life on board.
Day 3, 4 and 5: Into the Wild – Tasermiut Fjord, The Arctic Patagonia
We continue into the spectacular Tasermiut Fjord, often called the “Arctic Patagonia.” It is 70 km long with towering granite walls rising 2000m straight from the sea, including famous peaks like Ketil, Nalumasortoq and Ulamertorsuaq. This is one of the most dramatic landscapes in Greenland. If our last expedition here in 2025 taught us about this area, it is to leave more time to hike and explore here. So, we plan for 3 days of hiking on this trip, taking in the big walls of Nalumasortoq and Ulamertorsuaq and Klosterdalen, we have the option to hike around 15 – 18km each day with around 600 to 800 m of elevation. Alternatively, if you would like a chill day you can go out on a fishing party to catch us some prized Arctic Char or soak up the views with a book on deck. These days are dedicated to exploring the wilderness of Greenland. When everyone is back from hiking we enjoy dinner on the boat and move slowly through the fjord to our next hiking spot.
Day 6: Nanortalik - The place where polar bears go
Today we sail out of the fjord after breakfast and visit Nanortalik which is a Greenlandic word that means ‘the place where polar bears go’. With just over a 1000 inhabitants, it is the 11th largest town in the country. After three days in the wilderness we visit Nanaortalik with ambitions to meet local people and learn more about the Inuit culture. We will try to organize a “Kaffemik” with local friends here, to get to know them better.
Day 7: Hot springs at Uunartoq
Today we sail to the famous hot springs of Uunartoq. Here, naturally heated pools sit right by the ocean, often surrounded by drifting icebergs. We anchor in the bay close by and take the dinghy ashore and treat ourselves to a spa day. Soaking in warm water while looking out over the Arctic landscape is a truly surreal experience. We spend time relaxing, swimming, and enjoying this unique place before anchoring nearby for the night. We anchor for our final night in a quiet, beautiful spot along the way. Once the anchor is set, we gather on shore for a bonfire, sharing stories under the Arctic sky.
Day 8: Goodbye for now, in Qaqortoq
The adventure unfortunately comes to an end. We tidy, clean, and pack up before saying goodbye at 09:00.
Changes to the program
The program should be seen as a rough itinerary that we can adapt to the weather and conditions. We also reserve the right to change and improve our itineraries. We will have a dinghy for beach trips and small expeditions, fishing gear for cod, and gear to hike or make bonfires on the beach on all our trips – we are ready for adventure! Are you?
What is included?
- A trip experience with sailboat – experienced skipper with local knowledge on board
- Co-skipper and crew/guide on board
- All food we eat on board during the trip
- Our Comfort Package, which consists of accommodation on board in a shared double cabin (bunk or double bed) with a ready-made bed (warm and nice duvets and pillows!)
- An environmentally friendly, local, sustainable, unique, exotic and exclusive Norwegian adventure holiday
- A shared experience and friendship with like-minded adventurers from around the world
- A lot of time outdoors – raw and honest nature experiences
- Use of our shared equipment if available: dinghies, kayaks, fishing equipment, etc.
- All boat-related costs such as diesel, propane and harbor fees
- Personal safety equipment; Helly Hansen inflatable lifejacket
- Survival suit and Search and Rescue (SAR) Insurance for everyone on board
- Instruction, advice, guidance and practical training in boating and sailing
What is not included?
- Travel to and from the start/end location
- Optional meals at a cafes/restaurants during the trip
- Entrance to galleries, museums, or other alternative activities that you/we may come up with
- Rental of equipment and/or activities from external operators, ex. kayak, glacier hiking or surfing where possible
- Drinks such as wine, beer or exclusive apple juice and other luxuries (yes, we drink beer and wine on board, bring your own)
- Travel insurance and/or cancellation insurance – (up to you, but recommended!)
Important info
Departure and arrival
This trip starts and ends in Qaqortoq, Greenland.
You find more information on travel, equipment and other tips under Practical info.
Deposit and payment
You only pay a deposit (NOK 6000) upon registration, the remainder of the payment is due 60 days prior to departure.
Safety and risk on board
We are all about people, and so we also take safety very seriously. On our trips we practice sail- and boat handling also for safety, and we spend time going through various situations that can arise at sea, how to handle them and how to avoid them.
On board a boat everyone must know what to do in critical situations and in the event of an emergency. Our philosophy is that partaking and participation builds safety. It is important for the safety of the whole boat that you are a participant on board, not just a passenger.
Therefore all our trips are to be considered sailing courses in addition to being great holidays and adventures: You are trained to make up the crew on board and so we build a capable team on board.
Feel free to contact us for a chat about safety and risk on our adventures.
Level of the trip
No sailing experience? No problem! Our sailing adventures welcome both novices and seasoned sailors for an inclusive and enjoyable experience. Whether you’re new to sailing or a salty sea dog, our trips cater to all levels.
We aim to transform beginners into sailors quickly while offering experienced participants greater responsibilities and challenges. Our mainland sailing journeys involve 44-50 feet boats navigating coastal and protected waters, occasionally crossing open stretches for excitement. Route adjustments based on weather and conditions ensure a safe and adaptable voyage.
Our trips aren’t overly strenuous – we rotate positions and tasks, so everyone gets a mix of hands-on sailing and time to relax. Staying active helps prevent seasickness, and if it strikes, it usually passes quickly. Weather up north is unpredictable, one moment it’s smooth sailing and the next the wind picks up, and you’re in the middle of a proper Arctic adventure. Be ready for anything from calm winds to rough weather – because that’s what makes the journey unforgettable!
What we expect from you
Our trips require a little effort from you who are joining – everyone on board must be ready to contribute and to give of themselves also socially; the more you open up, share and interest yourself in the others on board, the more enjoyable it gets.
When you’re sailing with us you will be taking part in the running of the ship and all that comes with it.
You will be sailing, docking, navigating, looking out for whales and icebergs, but also making food, serving others, doing dishes and helping clean the boat during the trip, and contributing in other ways when needed. On board we are all in the same boat and when all help out, the ship is most happy.
Our experience is that doing things together is what creates the best and most memorable moments and stories:)
Equipment and packing
As with all activities, there is plenty of special equipment and clothing for sailing. If you don’t have any of this, you will get very far with normal hiking/outdoor equipment. You do not need to buy a lot of new equipment to join our trips. Use what you have, borrow what you need from a friend, purchase used equipment, and if you have to invest in new equipment – buy quality items that will last! What you need is something waterproof and windproof on the outside, and layered warm clothing underneath.
Some jackets may not be waterproof “enough”, or might not perform too well in salt water, so you can consider a set of oilskin for the wettest days (available for rent or purchase on board). A pair of higher rubber boots for disembarking from the dinghy is very good to have, as well as indoor shoes below deck. Out at sea and in the Arctic it can be cold even in summer, so bring both swimwear and plenty of warm clothes. Well before departure, we will send you a detailed recommended packing list.
Read more and see our packing tips here:
PS: In a sailboat, you pack in a bag or sack, not in a rigid suitcase. 🙂
Food & cooking on board
On our trips, you will be part of the crew on board and get the chance to participate in all tasks for the operation of the boat. This includes cooking and preparing food – everyone take turns in the galley! Skippers and crew assist as much as they can along the way.
We have great menus with tasty, healthy and “boat-friendly” food, and for each trip we order provisions for all meals on board. If you have allergies or preferences, let us know in the registration form and we will take that into account as best as we can. You are also most welcome to bring any special food or drink with you. Why not bring some specialities from your country or region for the boat to enjoy?
During a weeklong trip we often sail by a good restaurant or two where we can have dinner on land. Some places we need to pre-book and we will then need to choose a menu before we arrive. More about all of this when you come on board!
Life on board & accommodation
Life on a sailboat is super social and fun, but it might feel a bit intimate at first. No worries though, that vibe usually fades after the first hour. Everyone chips in to run the boat, and we’re all part of the crew, which means quick bonding.
We’re keen to get to know you and hope you’ll connect with the rest of the crew. It takes some patience, generosity, and an open mind to thrive, but soon you’ll be focused on making new friends and enjoying raw nature experiences once sea life feels like home.
Sleeping arrangements in shared cabins with double or bunk beds can be a bit of a puzzle, but we’re pretty good at figuring it out. Let us know if you have preferences. You’re on your own for land accommodations before or after the trip.
The boat provides heating and good food, but fresh water isn’t always abundant. Water conservation means not showering every day, but when near freshwater sources, we make the most of it. But nothing beats a morning sea swim for that fresh feeling.
Safety and risk on our expeditions
As mentioned, we take safety very seriously. Even more so on our expeditions, as we then explore really remote waters and terrain, cross open oceans and sail into areas with additional risk factors such as sea ice or poor charts and uncharted waters. We deal with this by having an extra focus on the situations we may encounter among everyone on board, for each expedition. We sail in these remote areas only in the most optimal seasons; and we use larger and very solid boats for our expeditions. Which are both equipped and sized to cope with this type of expedition trips and waters very well.
We are absolutely certain that sailing is the safest and most accessible way to visit these very inaccessible places we go on our expeditions. However, all sailing in general, and particularly sailing in arctic regions and over open seas, involves a certain risk that you must be aware of when joining.
Level and goals of the expedition
Some have their first sailing experience ever, joining us on an ocean crossing! Please note that our expeditions require a certain physical health and mobility level.
The boats we sail on our expeditions are larger, robust and sit well in the sea. On our sailing expeditions we both sail in more coastal, sheltered waters, and cross open stretches of waters. On some of our expeditions even ocean crossings over several days at sea. An incredibly wonderful and special experience!
Weather dictates our journey, and we adapt each expedition’s program accordingly, often allowing extra days for flexibility in assessing and choosing optimal weather windows. Despite planning and preparations, we can’t control the weather, so be prepared for various conditions. Please understand that specific goals or landings, especially in areas lacking proper harbors or sheltered waters, are never guaranteed. Consequently, we cannot be held liable for changes to the itinerary or the inability to reach the planned goal, or set foot on specific islands due to sea state, wind, or weather conditions.
The proximity to nature’s forces on such expeditions is a rare and rewarding experience.
On expeditions, we sail with many participants, forming watch teams for a solid on board team spirit. Rotating watches around the clock ensures active involvement without without wearing you out.
As everyone participates actively during the week or more on board, seasickness is rare. If you anticipate seasickness, consider bringing remedies, such as seasickness plasters, often effective for longer expeditions. Consult your doctor for advice on seasickness and any necessary medications. Feel free to ask us about seasickness as well.