Qaqortoq is South Greenland's largest and most colourful town, a harbour settlement of brightly painted houses climbing the hillside above a fjord, and it has just become far easier to reach: a new airport opened in 2026, adding direct flights from Nuuk and seasonal links from Iceland to what was previously a heliport-and-ferry town.
Book an airport transfer to Qaqortoq
Fixed-price private transfers with English-speaking drivers. Meet-and-greet included.
Getting to and around Qaqortoq
## Getting to Qaqortoq
Qaqortoq's new airport, opened in April 2026, takes year-round Air Greenland flights from Nuuk, with up to seventeen weekly rotations in summer, and Icelandair has added seasonal weekly flights from Keflavik. The town also remains a stop for Greenland's coastal traffic: many cruise ships call here, and Qaqortoq is the southernmost port for the Sarfaq Ittuk passenger ferry that runs up the west coast to Ilulissat. The heliport in the southern part of town continues to serve helicopter connections and excursions.
Things to see & do in Qaqortoq
## Things to do
Qaqortoq is compact and walkable, with its attractions clustered around the harbour and main square, home to Greenland's oldest fountain and a colonial old town dotted with rock sculptures carved by Nordic artists. The classic excursions are by boat: to the remarkably preserved Norse ruins of Hvalsey Church, and to the natural hot springs at Uunartoq, where you can soak among icebergs. Helicopter trips reach the Norse sites at Qassiarsuk and Igaliku and the dramatic Tasermiut Fjord near Nanortalik.
Tours & experiences
Top tours & experiences in Qaqortoq
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Neighborhoods & food in Qaqortoq
## When to go and tips
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Practical info & when to visit
June to September is the season: the tourist office is open, boats run to Hvalsey and Uunartoq, and hiking and fishing are at their best. Winter visits are possible, with helicopter excursions running year-round, but visitors need to be more self-sufficient. With the new airport, Qaqortoq now works as a South Greenland base in its own right rather than an add-on, and pairing it with the Norse history sites of the fjords makes a natural itinerary.