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Qoornoq abandoned village

Explore the abandoned village of Qoornoq on a scenic boat tour through Nuuk Fjord, where Arctic silence, cultural history, and untouched landscapes come together.

Book this tour
Season
All year
Duration
5-hour
Price
From
2.050
DKK

Five hours to a village quietly waiting for summer

Qoornoq is the most photogenic ghost in Nuuk Fjord, an abandoned fishing settlement on a small peninsula, with colourful houses still standing where families once lived year-round.

The village emptied in the 1970s when the fishing economy shifted and Greenland's settlement policy consolidated population in the larger towns.

The boat ride out is two hours of dramatic mountain coastline, granite cliffs, drifting bergs, the wide quiet of the inner fjord. Once ashore, you have around an hour and a half to walk the village, photograph the old fish factory, and absorb the quiet.

Towering blue iceberg framed through a Nuuk boat window

Guest watches sculpted blue icebergs drift past on sunlit Nuuk fjord

Massive blue iceberg drifts past sunlit Nuuk fjord peaks

Guest cruising past floating icebergs on a sunlit Icefjord boat tour

Drifting icebergs glide past the bow on a sunny Nuuk Icefjord cruise

Traveller points at a sunlit iceberg drifting through Nuuk Fjord

Smiling adventurer in wool sweater beside an ice-strewn bay

Hikers pause to take in tundra hills near Icefjord Bay

Drone, binoculars and backpack resting on rocks above drifting sea ice

Travellers gaze across a sea of icebergs in the Greenland Icefjord

Low Arctic sun glows over a fjord scattered with drifting ice

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What our guests say

"We had two great private boat days with Raw Arctic in March. What were supposed to be windy and cloudy days turned out beautiful, sunny and calm. The scenery was something unique and absolutely awesome, breath taking. Icebergs, white mountains, old settlements, Northern Lights, cristal clear waters offered us experience of a lifetime. We even caught a nice sized cod when we did deep sea fishing. Thanks a lot Lucas, Kuluk and Martin! Well captained and great hospitality."

Henri Bergstrom

Finland

"Fantastic trip - Kapisillit Settlement tour. Great customer service during the booking process, an excellent skipper, and an engaging guide throughout the trip. Everything came together perfectly from start to finish — highly recommended."

Kristian Hulmose Nørgaard

Denmark

"I had the chance to visit Greenland for just a few days, and the highlight of my trip was the boat tour with @raw_arctic. A huge shoutout to Casper and Salik – within just a few hours, they completely captivated me with their energy, charisma, and deep knowledge about Greenland, sailing, hunting traditions, and even their personal stories. It was an unforgettable experience and definitely the best boat tour I’ve ever been on. Highly recommended to anyone looking for something authentic and truly memorable in Greenland!"

Paweł Pawelec

Poland

Our local guides offer a deep insight into the lives of the small settlements, sharing memories of summers spent here and stories from across the fjord.

Our Targa boats offer a scenic ride with a spacious deck, ideal for photography and built around safety for the whole family.

A village the cod built

Qoornoq grew around fishing, with a small fish plant that gave the settlement its work. When the catches fell away and Greenland moved people into the larger towns through the 1960s and 70s, the year-round community left.

The houses were never torn down, though. Some of the same families come back each summer, so the village empties and refills with the seasons rather than fading for good.

Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know about this tour — from key details to what you can expect during the experience. If you can’t find your answer here, we’re always here to help.

How cold does it get in Nuuk during winter, and how do you stay warm on the tours?

Winter temperatures in Nuuk typically range from -5°C to -15°C, though the wind can make it feel colder. To stay warm, we recommend dressing in layers, wearing insulated boots, and using hand and foot warmers. Our boats have heated cabins, and warm drinks are provided on excursions, so you’ll always have a place to warm up when needed.

What makes this icefjord different from others in Greenland?

What makes this icefjord special is its seclusion and untouched beauty. Unlike the more well-known Ilulissat Icefjord, which sees frequent boat traffic, this bay is remote, with almost no visitors. This means you can experience the silence of the Arctic, undisturbed by crowds. The contrast between the rugged tundra and the ever-changing ice formations makes this a truly unique and immersive Arctic experience you will remember always.

What makes visiting Nuuk in summer special?

Summer in Nuuk is when Greenland is at its most vibrant. The fjords are ice-filled, allowing for stunning explorations by boat, and the long daylight hours provide more time for adventure. Wildlife is also at its peak, with humpback whales returning to the fjords and Arctic flora in full bloom. It’s the season where Greenland’s raw beauty is most accessible, making it the perfect time to experience everything from hiking and paddleboarding to cultural experiences.

What makes visiting Nuuk in winter special?

Winter in Nuuk is a time of pure Arctic magic. The fjords are covered in white, the mountains are covered in snow, and the crisp, cold air makes the scenery feel even more dramatic. The northern lights dance across the sky on dark, clear nights, and the long winter shadows create a surreal atmosphere. Whether you’re sailing through icy waters, relaxing in an Arctic sauna, or experiencing traditional Greenlandic culture, winter offers a more peaceful and immersive experience than any other season.

Meet our local guides

Ivi Luna Olsen

Sailor & Guide

Always drawn to the Arctic backcountry, Ivi Luna loves exploring by boat, on skis, or on foot. As a Certified Arctic Adventure Guide, she combines genuine passion for nature with strong guiding standards.

Lucas Frank Møller

Fishing Manager and Operations Specialist

Responsible for fishing operations and ensuring safety during expeditions in Greenland’s wilderness. With years of experience as an infantry soldier and training as a combat medic.

Johan Barlaj

Captain

Barlaj has been sailing Greenland’s west coast since he was 13. Now 55, his deep experience and instinct for these waters make him an unmatched skipper in the Arctic.

Kimmernaq Isaksen

Sailor & Guide

Kimmernaq brings infectious energy and a permanent smile to every tour. A certified Arctic and Adventure guide, with a natural gift for guiding guests through Greenland's wilderness.

Start your Arctic adventure with us today

Select a date to see real-time availability and secure your spot. Availability is limited and varies with season and conditions.