Qoornoq Norse Ruins
Explore Qoornoq, a charming abandoned village in Greenland, now vibrant with summer homes and whispers of Norse history.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Best light for photos
Qoornoq Norse Ruins
Best Time
Best light for photos

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore Qoornoq, a charming abandoned village in Greenland, now vibrant with summer homes and whispers of Norse history.
"A beautiful village that was abandoned in the 1970s. Today, people use the houses as summer homes."
Book boat tours early
Tours to Qoornoq can fill up, especially during peak season. Book your boat trip from Nuuk in advance! :ticket:
Dress in layers
Arctic weather is unpredictable. Wear layers to stay comfortable on your boat trip and while exploring. :cloud:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Abandoned Village Charm
Qoornoq Village
Explore charming, colorful houses now used as summer homes, offering a glimpse into past life.

Scenic Boat Journey
Coastal waters from Nuuk
The journey to Qoornoq is as stunning as the destination, with breathtaking Arctic coastal views.

Norse Ruins
Near Qoornoq
Discover remnants of Norse settlements, offering a historical connection to Greenland's past.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Getting to Qoornoq
Seasonal Considerations
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Visiting in the Nuuk area for a few days - fishing and eating in Qooqqut or boat tour to Færingehavn/Nordafar?
Book boat tours early
Tours to Qoornoq can fill up, especially during peak season. Book your boat trip from Nuuk in advance! :ticket:
Dress in layers
Arctic weather is unpredictable. Wear layers to stay comfortable on your boat trip and while exploring. :cloud:
Are there any Norse ruins on the Western side of Greenland (such as around Nuuk, Sisimiut or Ilulissat)?
When a storm started whipping up off the fjord, I found shelter from the wind by pitching my tent inside these Norse ruins at Sissarluttoq, Greenland.
Respect summer homes
Remember that houses are privately owned summer homes. Be respectful of residents and their property. :housewithgarden:
Check Norse ruin info
Norse ruins are scarce in this region. Confirm availability and accessibility with your tour operator. :compass:
Hvalsey church, the best preserved Norse ruins in Greenland. It hosted the wedding of Thorstein Olafsson and Sigrid Björnsdóttir on either 14 or 16 September 1408. It is located in the abandoned Greenlandic/Norse settlement of Hvalsey, (now Qaqortoq) on the southern tip of Greenland. [3648 x 2736]
Tips
from all over the internet
Book boat tours early
Tours to Qoornoq can fill up, especially during peak season. Book your boat trip from Nuuk in advance! :ticket:
Dress in layers
Arctic weather is unpredictable. Wear layers to stay comfortable on your boat trip and while exploring. :cloud:
Respect summer homes
Remember that houses are privately owned summer homes. Be respectful of residents and their property. :housewithgarden:
Check Norse ruin info
Norse ruins are scarce in this region. Confirm availability and accessibility with your tour operator. :compass:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Qoornoq to be a beautiful and charming abandoned village, now used as summer homes, offering a unique glimpse into local life and history. The scenic boat journey from Nuuk is frequently praised as a highlight. While the Norse ruins are present, they are noted as being in poor condition and difficult to find.
"A beautiful village that was abandoned in the 1970s. Today, people use the houses as summer homes. Not sure what winter is like here but now, it is amazingly beautiful. Enjoy our visit there."
C Neon
"This is about the trip there😊, sailing there is wonderful. The houses are used as summer houses and they’re very expensive when we visited a few families there."
George Benaroya
"A truly amazing experience"
JustClover Joshua
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The primary way to reach Qoornoq is by boat, typically on organized tours departing from Nuuk. These tours offer a scenic journey along the coast. It's advisable to book these tours in advance, especially during the summer months, as they are popular.
Public transport directly to Qoornoq is very limited or non-existent. Boat tours are the most reliable and common method of access for visitors.
The boat journey from Nuuk to Qoornoq typically takes a few hours, depending on the boat and sea conditions. Enjoy the scenic Arctic coastal views during your trip.
While technically possible to arrange private boat transport, most visitors opt for guided tours from Nuuk for convenience and to ensure access. Independent travel might be more complex and costly.
Expect stunning Arctic landscapes, potential wildlife sightings, and a comfortable ride if the weather is good. Dress in layers as it can be chilly on the water.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
You don't need separate entry tickets for Qoornoq itself, but you will need to book a boat tour or transport that includes access to the village.
The cost will primarily be for the boat tour from Nuuk. Prices vary depending on the tour operator and duration, but expect it to be a significant part of your budget.
Qoornoq is an abandoned village used as summer homes, so there are no official opening hours. Access is generally during daylight hours, and tours operate seasonally.
Yes, many tour operators in Nuuk offer online booking for boat trips to Qoornoq. It's recommended to book in advance, especially during peak tourist season.
Tours usually include boat transportation to and from Nuuk, time to explore the village, and often information about its history and the Norse ruins.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore the colorful abandoned houses, which are now used as summer homes by locals. There are also remnants of Norse ruins nearby, offering a historical perspective.
The Norse ruins are described as 'very poor' and hard to come by, suggesting they are not extensively preserved or easily identifiable. It's best to manage expectations.
Yes, Qoornoq is typically visited as a day trip from Nuuk. The boat journey and exploration can be comfortably completed within a day.
As an abandoned village primarily used as summer homes, there are limited public facilities. It's advisable to bring your own food and water.
You can walk around the village, but remember that the houses are privately owned summer homes. Be respectful of the residents and their property.
📸 📸 Photography
The colorful houses against the Arctic landscape are incredibly photogenic. The coastal scenery during the boat trip also offers stunning shots.
Morning light often provides beautiful, soft illumination for the village and surrounding scenery. Golden hour in the evening can also be magical if your tour allows.
Generally, photography of the landscape and exteriors of the houses is fine. Be mindful and respectful if photographing people or their private property.
A versatile lens for landscapes and village details is useful. Consider a wide-angle lens for expansive views and a telephoto for distant scenery or potential wildlife.
Yes, you can photograph the Norse ruins, but given their condition, focus on capturing the historical context and the surrounding environment.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's important to note that the village is primarily composed of private summer homes, so supervision and respect for residents' property are key. The historical aspect, including the Norse ruins, might be more engaging for older children interested in history. Ensure your tour operator can accommodate children and provides a safe environment.
🚶♀️ Day-Trippers from Nuuk
The boat journey itself is a significant part of the appeal, providing stunning coastal vistas. Upon arrival, you can explore the charming houses and learn about the area's past, including the Norse ruins. Remember to book your tour in advance to secure your spot and make the most of your limited time.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of Qoornoq
Adding to its historical significance are the Norse ruins found in the vicinity. While described as being in 'very poor' condition and difficult to locate, these remnants offer a tangible link to Greenland's early European settlers. Exploring these sites, even in their weathered state, provides a profound connection to the island's layered past.
Navigating the Arctic Waters
It's crucial to be prepared for Arctic weather, even during summer. Dressing in layers is highly recommended to stay comfortable on the boat and during exploration. The sea can be unpredictable, so checking weather forecasts and being ready for changing conditions will enhance your journey.
Social
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