Hvalsey is a settlement located in the Qaqortoq municipality in southern Greenland. It is situated on the eastern shore of the Hvalsey Fjord, a narrow inlet of the Tunulliarfik Fjord, and is one of the best preserved Norse ruins in Greenland. Hvalsey was a major trading post during the Viking Age and was one of the last settlements in Greenland to be abandoned by the Norse settlers in the 15th century.
Hvalsey is located at the tip of the Hvalsey Fjord, which is situated in the southern region of Greenland. The area is known for its rugged terrain and spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and fjords. The settlement is surrounded by lush green hills, and the nearby Tunulliarfik Fjord provides an excellent view of the glaciers and icebergs in the area.
The settlement of Hvalsey was first established by the Norse settlers in the 11th century. During this time, the settlement was a major trading post for the Norse and was a hub for trade between Greenland and Europe. In 1408, the last recorded wedding in Greenland was held at the Hvalsey Church, which is now a ruin. This event is seen as a symbol of the end of the Norse colonization of Greenland.
In the years that followed, the settlement of Hvalsey was abandoned and the ruins were left to the elements. However, in the 19th century, the ruins were rediscovered and archaeological excavations began to uncover the remains of the settlement. Today, the ruins of Hvalsey are a popular tourist destination and are visited by thousands of people each year.
Experience Hvalsey with unforgettable activities by our partner GetYourGuide. The offer is also ideal as a special gift idea for family and friends who are planning to visit Hvalsey. Cancellations are possible up to 24h before the start of the activity (unless otherwise stated in the activity description), with a full refund of the booking price.
Hvalsey in Greenland has a cold and wet climate with short, cool summers and long, cold winters. In the summer, temperatures average around 10°C, with the warmest months being June and July. The winter months are much colder, with temperatures dropping to around -10°C. The autumn and spring months are milder and wetter, with frequent snowfall. Although the climate is cold, the Gulf Stream helps to keep temperatures relatively mild.
Our weather forecast for Hvalsey helps plan your stay according to the weather. For sunny days, pack light and breathable clothes, swimwear, and sunscreen. For winter weather, it's recommended to bring warm clothes, gloves, a hat, sturdy footwear, and a raincoat.
| Date | Icon | Temperature | Wind speed/gusts | Cloudiness/Visibility | Air humidity/pressure | Sunrise/Sunset |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec. 22nd 2024 Dec. 22nd 2024 | max: -6.2 °C min: -17.5 °C |
20.5 m/s 32.4 m/s |
99.5 % 12.2 m |
68.5 % 995 hPa |
10:14:20 15:49:49 |
|
| Dec. 23rd 2024 Dec. 23rd 2024 | max: -5.3 °C min: -27.1 °C |
47.9 m/s 61.2 m/s |
28.8 % 20.3 m |
66.3 % 998 hPa |
10:14:40 15:50:30 |
|
| Dec. 24th 2024 Dec. 24th 2024 | max: -24.3 °C min: -27.9 °C |
17.3 m/s 19.1 m/s |
23.1 % 24.1 m |
62.6 % 1,003 hPa |
10:14:54 15:51:17 |
|
| Dec. 25th 2024 Dec. 25th 2024 | max: -4.6 °C min: -24 °C |
23.4 m/s 46.1 m/s |
96.7 % 9.6 m |
76.9 % 998 hPa |
10:15:02 15:52:09 |
|
| Dec. 26th 2024 Dec. 26th 2024 | max: -8.0 °C min: -25.1 °C |
39.2 m/s 52.2 m/s |
13.8 % 21.6 m |
68.5 % 1,005 hPa |
10:15:05 15:53:08 |
|
| Dec. 27th 2024 Dec. 27th 2024 | max: -16.5 °C min: -25.1 °C |
11.9 m/s 10.8 m/s |
59.5 % 24.1 m |
55.7 % 1,016 hPa |
10:15:01 15:54:12 |
|
| Dec. 28th 2024 Dec. 28th 2024 | max: -18.2 °C min: -21.2 °C |
14.0 m/s 13.0 m/s |
0.9 % 24.1 m |
55.6 % 1,024 hPa |
10:14:51 15:55:21 |
|
| Dec. 29th 2024 Dec. 29th 2024 | max: -16.4 °C min: -20.1 °C |
15.1 m/s 14.4 m/s |
0.6 % 24.1 m |
56.0 % 1,030 hPa |
10:14:36 15:56:36 |
|
| Dec. 30th 2024 Dec. 30th 2024 | max: -14.3 °C min: -17.3 °C |
14.9 m/s 13.6 m/s |
0.1 % 24.1 m |
59.3 % 1,032 hPa |
10:14:15 15:57:56 |
|
| Dec. 31st 2024 Dec. 31st 2024 | max: -14.4 °C min: -17.5 °C |
13.2 m/s 11.8 m/s |
52.9 % 24.1 m |
59.0 % 1,025 hPa |
10:13:48 15:59:22 |
|
| Jan. 1st 2025 Jan. 1st 2025 | max: -7.9 °C min: -15.6 °C |
14.4 m/s 14.4 m/s |
67.1 % 24.1 m |
60.9 % 1,023 hPa |
10:13:15 16:00:52 |
|
| Jan. 2nd 2025 Jan. 2nd 2025 | max: -9.3 °C min: -12.3 °C |
13.7 m/s 12.2 m/s |
84.5 % 24.1 m |
63.2 % 1,026 hPa |
10:12:37 16:02:27 |
|
| Jan. 3rd 2025 Jan. 3rd 2025 | max: -6.7 °C min: -10.5 °C |
11.5 m/s 10.1 m/s |
75.4 % 24.1 m |
71.5 % 1,018 hPa |
10:11:53 16:04:07 |
Would you like to travel to Hvalsey on a cruise ship or would you just like to know when a certain ship will dock there? Here you will find an overview of the cruise ships that will be calling at the port of Hvalsey.
| Date | Ship | Arrival | Departure | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jul. 12th 2025 Saturday, 12th of Jul. 2025 | Silver Endeavour | 03:30 pm | 10:00 pm | |
| Aug. 1st 2025 Friday, 1st of Aug. 2025 | Seabourn Venture | 02:00 pm | 06:00 pm | |
| Sep. 11th 2025 Thursday, 11th of Sep. 2025 | Silver Wind Expedition | 03:30 pm | 10:00 pm |
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There are a few basic rules to follow
.| Port | Distance |
|---|---|
| Narsaq in Greenland | 17,29 km |
| Qaqortoq in Greenland | 18,40 km |
| Anywhere in Greenland | 26,33 km |
| Brattahlid in Greenland | 38,47 km |
| Narsarsuaq in Greenland | 41,22 km |
| Sermilik in Greenland | 62,38 km |
| Nanortalik in Greenland | 81,89 km |
| Tasermiut Fjord in Greenland | 87,11 km |
| Aappilattoq in Greenland | 111,40 km |
| Lindenow Fjord in Greenland | 126,71 km |
| Ivittuut in Greenland | 135,52 km |
| Prinz-Christian-Sund in Greenland | 141,88 km |
| Itilleq in Greenland | 154,08 km |
| Cape Farewell in Greenland | 156,09 km |
| Augpilatok in Greenland | 160,15 km |
| Paamiut in Greenland | 243,90 km |
