A rejuvenating alternative to nourish the mind & soul
We all know the usual suspects in a spa – a trickling water fountain running over smooth stones, a CD lulling ‘Sounds of the Forest II’, a hot jacuzzi to sink into and, of course, loads of green plants to purify the air.
Do you think it is a coincidence that the spa atmosphere aids relaxation by channeling nature? It is basically all the proof you need that a holiday surrounded by natural landscape is the key to rejuvenation. Think outside the boundary of four walls and a receptionist greeting you with a warm robe, and you could easily call South Greenland one giant spa.
Here are 5 things to do in the southernmost part of Greenland that are better than going for a salt scrub and facial.
On a small, now-uninhabited island between Qaqortoq and Nanortalik there is a simple round hot pot made by nature where you can float and find zen.
1. Breathe the naturally pure air
If there is just one touristy thing you do during the whole trip, let it be this, right from the start. After you walk out of the plane in Narsarsuaq, step aside for a minute and fill your lungs with the crispest, cleanest air. Ironically, the sensation might take your breath away.
Just as a massage therapist at a spa would instruct you, concentrate on the moment while you inhale and blow out any stresses or worries on the exhale. Your adventure of a lifetime is here and now.
2. Walk amongst the green things
Even after hearing the whole How Greenland Got Its Name story, most people are still highly surprised to see South Greenland’s green farm pastures and small lush forests that look like an en plein air oil painting.
Immerse yourself in green surroundings and feel your inner happiness level rise. Green is, after all, the colour that cleanses and soothes. Try finding your own slice of heaven in Igalikuto lean back in the grass, or weave through the birch, juniper and spruce trees in Tasermiut Fjord.There is even an Arboretum just steps away from Narsarsuaq Airport. For more hiking choices, check out the new Ultimate Greenland Hiking Guide, Chapter 3.
3. Soak in a hot spring
On a small, now-uninhabited island between Qaqortoq and Nanortalik, there is a simple round hot pot made by nature where you can float and find zen. The mountainous horizon and calm fjord waters are better than all your serene screensavers put together, and the bonus is – you don’t even need to close your eyes to imagine.
4. Listen to birdsong & breezes
It is pretty unique to find a place devoid of traffic horns and your colleague’s loud and fast keyboard typing. Even a spa would still have the low hum of an electric hot stone warmer or other serenity-seekers in the hallway.
In South Greenland, all of these things are pleasantly absent.
Just like eyes adjusting in a dark room, your ears slowly develop the superpower to tune in to the tiniest of noises. Even ‘nothing’ has a particular sound. In the nature, far from everything manmade, you have the luxury of hearing things you probably never thought of before, like the wind coming around the north side of the mountain.
If you are in Qaqortoq, take a walk through the town to a stairway at the end of Peter Høeghsvej. Here there is a row of trees where little birds amuse themselves and chirp all day long.
5. Go to the actual spa!
In the lovely town of Qaqortoq you can spend a day doing the spa the traditional way. At Inua Care Wellness, get the royal treatment from a facial mask designed specifically for your skin, a foot scrub and a body massage that incorporate acupressure and holistic techniques. Their sister company, Inua Care, is a line of organic hair and body products made in Greenland with Greenlandic herbs hand-picked by the owners themselves. It doesn’t get any more luxurious and personal than that!
Get there & get around
Narsarsuaq is the gateway to the south. There are international flights in summer and domestic connections from autumn to spring.
Air Greenland flies several times a week from Copenhagen.
Air Iceland Connect also flies several times a week from Reyjkavík Domestic Airport.
After exploring Narsarsuaq, visit the surrounding towns, settlements and sheep. Make an experience of it with local companies like Greenland Expeditions by Land and Sea, 60 North Greenland, Blue Ice Explorer, South Greenland Boat Charter 44, Greenland Sagalands and Tasermiut South Greenland Expeditions, or take commercial transport by helicopter or boat provided by Disko Line.