Cruise port Hvalsey
Info for port Hvalsey on 5 Jun 2028
Port information & tips for Hvalsey
Hvalsey in picturesque Southern Greenland is a fascinating window into the Viking Age and an untouched jewel of Arctic expedition cruises. The idyllic backdrop of the remote fjord enchants visitors with deep tranquility, lush green meadows, and majestic mountains in the background. Absolute local highlights include the world-famous, exceptionally well-preserved church ruins of Hvalsey as well as the historical remains of the former Norse farmstead. Cruise ships use the protected anchorage in the Hvalsey Fjord, from where passengers arrive via agile tender boats directly at the landing site near the shore. Thanks to its immediate proximity to the water, this history-steeped UNESCO World Heritage site can be explored entirely on foot after just a few steps.
Hvalsey in Greenland is not a traditional cruise port, but rather a remote archaeological site typically visited during expedition cruises. Travel for guests from the DACH region is primarily by plane, as there are no road or rail connections to this remote location. Visiting Hvalsey is usually an organized excursion, often departing from the nearby town of Qaqortoq.
Airplane & Long-Distance Transfer
The main travel route for guests from Germany, Austria, and Switzerland is by plane. Travel usually takes place via international hubs such as Copenhagen (CPH) or Reykjavik (KEF) with direct flights to Greenland. The nearest and primary airport for South Greenland is the new Qaqortoq Airport (JJU), which opened in April 2026 and replaced Narsarsuaq Airport (UAK) as the most important hub. Icelandair already offers flights from Keflavik to Qaqortoq, and Air Greenland connects Greenland with Copenhagen. Due to the long flight times and the special conditions in Greenland, Fly & Cruise packages from the cruise lines are a popular and convenient option.
Local Arrival via Qaqortoq
Hvalsey itself cannot be reached directly by road and has no port or terminal infrastructure. Most cruise ships anchor in Hvalsey Fjord and transport their passengers ashore by zodiac or tender boat. Alternatively, Hvalsey is often visited as part of a shore excursion from Qaqortoq. From Qaqortoq Airport (JJU), it is only a few minutes' drive into town, from whose harbor local boats cover the approximately 11-mile (approx. 18 km) distance through the fjord to Hvalsey in around 45 minutes to an hour.
Pre-Arrival & Embarkation
For a relaxed and smooth cruise to Greenland, especially with expedition ships, we recommend arriving a day early at the international departure airport (e.g., Copenhagen or Reykjavik) or the embarkation port. Greenland flights can be delayed due to weather conditions, which is why an overnight stay before the actual transfer to Greenland or before embarkation is advantageous. Since Hvalsey is not an embarkation port, luggage logistics and boarding take place at the departure port specified by your cruise line, which is often located in Iceland or Denmark.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that your travel documents usually include a fixed time slot for check-in, which is mandatory for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port and bear in mind that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination - is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The following also applies during the trip: For shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the latest announcements and notices on board, as berthing and departure times can change at short notice.
In port on 05 Jun 2028
