It’s scheduled to open in April 2026, replacing Narsarsuaq airport (UAK), the former gateway to South Greenland.
We offer summer flights to Qaqortoq airport 4 times a week, beginning June 2026.
*Fares displayed have been collected within the last 72hrs and may no longer be available at the time of booking. We display fares for Economy Light as standard but it is possible to change your class of service during the booking process. You can also add baggage, meals and extra legroom to your trip during booking.
*Fares displayed have been collected within the last 72hrs and may no longer be available at the time of booking. We display fares for Economy Light as standard but it is possible to change your class of service during the booking process. You can also add baggage, meals and extra legroom to your trip during booking.
Helpful information for US travelers to Qaqortoq
Prices of airline tickets to Qaqortoq tend to fluctuate, and you might be able to find lower fares during peak season months by booking well in advance. Icelandair flies to Qaqortoq from June through September.
There are no direct flights to Qaqortoq from the US. Icelandair has direct flights from Iceland to Greenland: a 3-hour flight from Keflavík International Airport (KEF) in Iceland takes you to Qaqortoq (JJU), the gateway to South Greenland.
Flight time from the US to Qaqortoq takes around 10-13 hours, with a connection in Iceland. Your overall journey time will vary depending on your departure airport and the duration of your stopover.
US citizens can visit Greenland for up to 90 days without a visa. Your passport must be valid for a minimum of 3 months from your planned departure date.
Yes, the airport at Qaqortoq is newly built. It replaces a heliport in Qaqortoq, and an older airport at Narsarsuaq.
Prior to the opening of Qaqortoq's airport (scheduled for April 2026), the main airport serving South Greenland has been a former WWII air base at Narsarsuaq. The Narsarsuaq airport will close once the new airport at Qaqortoq is fully operational.
Icelandair operates direct flights from Iceland to 4 destinations in Greenland. A 3-hour direct flight from Iceland's Keflavík Airport (KEF) takes you to Qaqortoq (JJU), the gateway to South Greenland. Qaqortoq airport is scheduled to open in April 2026 and will replace the airport at Narsarsuaq (UAK), which is 37 miles (59km) northeast.
With a population of just over 3,000, Qaqortoq is the largest town in South Greenland and a great springboard for the region. The southern part of the country lives up to the name 'Greenland': it's known as the garden of Greenland, with flowering plains and fertile valleys, a milder climate, and sheep grazing in pastures. Whether you're interested in Inuit or Norse (Viking) history, hiking and fishing, or just magnificent scenery, South Greenland has plenty to offer. Planning a trip to Greenland? Read our top travel tips to this beautiful but rugged destination.
Qaqortoq is often described as one of Greenland's most picturesque towns thanks to its colorful houses and beautiful setting. It's walkable, with most attractions clustered around the harbor and main square. As you explore, check out the sculptures: Stone and Man is an outdoor art project that features the carvings of 40 artists. Many artworks are chiselled directly into rocky outcrops. You’ll come across whales, native faces, and other traditional designs that feel as if they’ve been there for centuries.
Other town highlights include Great Greenland, a tannery producing clothes from the hides of seals, reindeer, and musk ox. The Qaqortoq Museum houses a wonderful display of tupilaks (small carved figures). For excursions, take a boat tour to the 12th-century Hvalsey Church – it's the best-preserved Norse ruin in Greenland.
South Greenland is the only place in the world with widespread Arctic agriculture, built upon the ancient farm settlements established by Vikings – settlements whose ruins are still visible today.
To visit farms in South Greenland, focus on Qassiarsuk and Igaliku, settlements known for small sheep farms together with great agritourism opportunities from June to September. It's a photographer's dream to capture sheep grazing in fields backed by towering peaks and ice fjords.
Qassiarsuk hosts one of the region's main Norse sites: this is where Erik the Red settled in South Greenland. He called it Brattahlíð, meaning 'steep hill'. The ruins of his settlement are some of the most visited in Greenland, and they're enhanced by reconstructions of his longhouse and also Tjodhilde's Church.
To best experience South Greenland, it’s useful to work with local operators. Utilize their expertise to build a memorable adventure. Popular excursions include hiking, fishing, farm holidays, and visits to the ruins of Norse churches and farms.
For something unique, take a one-hour boat ride from Qaqortoq to natural hot springs on the island of Uunartoq, and enjoy a scenic soak with views of icebergs floating by. If you're up for more of a challenge, try experiences such as fjord kayaking, or rock climbing among the vertical cliffs and steep peaks.
Icelandair offers flights to Qaqortoq (JJU) from June through September, when there are long hours of daylight and the climate is at its mildest. This is a popular time to visit as you can make the most of the range of outdoor activities on offer.
Note that your flight will connect via our hub in Keflavík, offering an excellent opportunity to add a Stopover in Iceland to your journey at no extra airfare.
