Mountain Valley Hike in Nuuk Fjord – From Fjord to Remote Arctic Valley

Mountain Valley Hike - From Fjord to Valley

This full-day adventure combines two of Greenland’s finest experiences: a scenic boat ride through Nuuk Fjord and a hike across one of its most breathtaking mountain passes. It’s a day of contrasts - calm waters beneath towering peaks, cool air from the fjord, and the quiet reward of reaching a place few ever see.

Into the Heart of Nuuk Fjord

We begin the journey aboard an open speedboat, heading deep into Nuuk’s spectacular fjord system. The fresh wind, the sound of waves, and the feeling of being close to the water awaken every sense. Surrounded by steep mountains and endless views, this is the Arctic at its most alive.

The boat journey takes about an hour and a half, and everyone on board is equipped with warm flotation suits to ensure comfort in the crisp air. For guests who prefer extra comfort, a closed-boat transfer can be arranged both to and from the fjord.

The Hike Begins - Sulussugutip to Qooqqut

We arrive at a quiet fjord branch deep inside Nuuk Fjord - the starting point of our hike. From here, the pace shifts as we step ashore and continue on foot. The route stretches roughly 15 kilometers and takes about 6–7 hours at a moderate pace, allowing time for breaks, photos, and moments to take in the surroundings.

The trail begins with a steady climb - about 450–500 meters of elevation through rugged terrain. This is the most demanding part of the hike, but with every step, the view opens behind us. From above, the fjord spreads out like a living map: icebergs drifting slowly through the channels, mountains rising straight from the sea, and even a glimpse of Kapisillit - the only inhabited settlement within the fjord system.

Where Fjords and Valleys Meet

At the top of the mountain saddle - a natural ridge between two valleys - we pause for lunch surrounded by one of Nuuk Fjord’s most striking viewpoints. Below us lie two large lakes whose waters feed the main river flowing through Qooqqut Valley. From the surrounding mountains, smaller meltwater streams run down the slopes, joining the river that, during summer, becomes home to migrating Arctic char.

The silence here feels almost physical. Standing at this height, you feel grounded - fully present. There’s a sense of belonging, as if the landscape invites you to slow down and simply exist within it. It’s a rare moment where you feel both small and deeply connected, moving in rhythm with a place shaped by ice, water, and time.

This is true wilderness. The only signs of life we may encounter are migrating reindeer or small Arctic wildlife such as hares or ptarmigans moving quietly through the tundra. This is their home - untouched and unchanged.

Descent into the Valley

After a well-earned break, we begin our descent into Qooqqut Valley. The terrain softens, the air grows warmer, and the trail follows streams that merge into the river below. Towering mountains rise on both sides, forming a natural amphitheater of rock and silence.

We stop along the way to refill bottles with fresh water from melt-fed creeks and to take in the stillness. The final stretch follows the river path all the way to Qooqqut - a calm and gentle finish to a journey through Greenland’s wild interior.

Qooqqut - A Natural Ending

We finish our hike in Qooqqut, one of the most peaceful and scenic places in all of Nuuk Fjord. Framed by high peaks and lush summer tundra, Qooqqut feels like a hidden retreat where time slows and nature takes over.

During summer and early autumn, the restaurant Qooqqut Nuan is open - a perfect place to enjoy a cold beer or refreshing soda after a long day on foot. Sit by the terrace overlooking the water, feel the calm of the fjord, and take a quiet moment to reflect on the journey you’ve just completed.

After time to relax, our captain arrives for the return journey - about one hour and ten minutes by boat back to Nuuk. As we sail home through the fjord, the landscape gradually shifts once again - mountains rising and fading behind us, the sea beneath the boat, and a quiet sense of satisfaction settling in after a full day in the wild.

A Journey That Stays With You

From the calm waters of Nuuk Fjord to the remote mountain valleys above Qooqqut, the Mountain Valley Hike connects sea, land, and presence in a single day. More than just a hike, it’s an experience that reminds you how close you are to nature when you move through it the way Greenland was meant to be experienced.