Qaqortoq Stone & Man
Discover over 40 unique stone carvings of faces, whales, and fish integrated into the natural landscape of Qaqortoq.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best to see the carvings
Qaqortoq Stone & Man
Best Time
Best to see the carvings
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover over 40 unique stone carvings of faces, whales, and fish integrated into the natural landscape of Qaqortoq.
"Really special carvings in the stone... people, whales, fish. Many using unique features of the stone cliff face."
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking to find the 40+ stone carvings scattered around town. :athletic_shoe:
🗺️ Explore Beyond the Harbor
Most carvings are near the tourist office, but venture further for hidden artistic treasures. :world_map:
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.4 · 27 reviews
Type
Tourist Attraction
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Stone & Man Project
Throughout Qaqortoq
Discover over 40 unique stone carvings of faces, whales, and fish integrated into the natural landscape.
Faces in the Stone
Various locations
Marvel at how artists used natural rock features to create expressive faces of Icelanders and local figures.
Whales and Fish Sculptures
Around the harbor and town
Spot marine life art seamlessly blended into boulders and rock faces, a testament to local heritage.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Open-Air Gallery
Timing Your Discovery
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
How to spend a day meaningfully in Qaqortoq?
I’m currently on a cruise and we’ll be stopping in Qaqortoq for a day soon. I know the way cruises operate is often problematic with limited benefits for locals. But I’m a lower middle class teacher in my home country who had the opportunity to go on this cruise for free…so I…
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking to find the 40+ stone carvings scattered around town. :athletic_shoe:
🗺️ Explore Beyond the Harbor
Most carvings are near the tourist office, but venture further for hidden artistic treasures. :world_map:
Arriving in Qaqortoq in a few days - but what to see?
I'm looking for trips, things to see, anything with nature. And just in general any activities. Where should i look? Sagalands and blueiceexplorer don't have any trips. I'm apparently arriving too early for the summer season. Theres no boat trips. I have been on the local…
visiting Nuuk, Qaqortoq, Nanoratalik
My husband and I love hiking and kayaking. I never thought I'd ever be able to visit Greenland but now we will be heading there this September and we are so excited! We are visiting Nuuk from 8 to 5pm, Nanoratalik 8 to 6, and Qaqortoq 9 to 7pm. We hike a lot of mountains in…
🧐 Look for Natural Features
Artists cleverly used the stone's natural shape to bring the carvings to life. 👀
🕰️ Allow Ample Time
Give yourself a few hours to wander and appreciate the unique open-air museum. :clock1:
Qaqortoq hiking
Hi!! I was given such wonderful, helpful advice when I came on here asking about Nanoratalik so I thought I'd ask about Qaqortoq. We are avid hikers. We will be visiting Qaqortoq for the day via cruise ship. Right now I'd love to hike around Lake Tasersuaq and climb…
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking to find the 40+ stone carvings scattered around town. :athletic_shoe:
🗺️ Explore Beyond the Harbor
Most carvings are near the tourist office, but venture further for hidden artistic treasures. :world_map:
🧐 Look for Natural Features
Artists cleverly used the stone's natural shape to bring the carvings to life. 👀
🕰️ Allow Ample Time
Give yourself a few hours to wander and appreciate the unique open-air museum. :clock1:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are consistently impressed by the unique 'Stone & Man' open-air art project, praising the creativity of integrating carvings into natural rock formations. The sheer number of sculptures and their artistic merit are frequently highlighted as a major draw, offering a delightful and free exploration experience around the town.
"Really special carvings in the stoe... maybe 50 of them... people, whales, fish. Many using unique features of the stone cliff face for individual faces of Icelanders. On the upper sidewalk behind the souvenir shop across from the tender dock. Get right up close... entry to the right up the street facing the shop."
Gary Forster
"All around the small village of Qaqortoq you can find a lot of rock engraving and monuments. They are all part of an open museum that you can visit freely. Most of them are located above the tourist office near the harbor but some others are speeded in the village itself."
Lavi Shiffman
"The rock artwork in Qaqortoq is beautiful. What an awesome experience being here in this amazing Greenland city."
Micheal Hawthorne
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Qaqortoq is primarily accessible by boat, often as a stop on Greenlandic cruises or via ferry services from other towns in Greenland. If arriving by air, you'll likely fly into Narsarsuaq Airport (UAK) and then take a helicopter or boat transfer to Qaqortoq.
Yes, the town of Qaqortoq is quite walkable, especially the areas where the 'Stone & Man' carvings are located. Comfortable footwear is recommended as some paths can be uneven.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the 'Stone & Man' project is an open-air art installation, and viewing the carvings is completely free. You can explore them at your leisure.
The carvings are accessible at any time, but visiting during daylight hours will allow you to best appreciate the details and artistry. Consider the time of year for daylight availability.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The 'Stone & Man' carvings are spread throughout Qaqortoq. Many are concentrated on the upper sidewalks behind the souvenir shops near the tender dock, but others are scattered throughout the town.
Originally there were 24 sculptures, but the project has expanded over the years, and there are now over 40 unique stone carvings to discover.
You'll find a variety of carvings, including faces, whales, fish, and other traditional designs, all integrated into natural rock formations and boulders.
While there isn't a single official map readily available, the tourist office may offer guidance, and exploring the town will lead you to most of the prominent pieces.
📸 📸 Photography
Many carvings are situated with scenic backdrops of the town and harbor, offering great photo opportunities. Look for carvings that use the natural landscape to their advantage.
The carvings are integrated into natural rock, so lighting and angles can vary. Early morning or late afternoon light can often enhance the texture and detail.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit