Qinngua Valley

Qinngua Valley runs inland from the Tasermiut fjord system in the far south, sheltered enough from wind and salt that trees grow to several metres, birch and willow and rowan, which is the only natural forest in Greenland. Everywhere else the growth is scrub at ankle height. The valley is protected and there is no trail into it: reaching it means a boat from Nanortalik and then walking, with no facilities of any kind along the way.

Background

Also known as Qinnguadalen, Kanginsap Qinngua and Paradisdalen, the valley runs about 15 kilometres, roughly north to south, and ends at Tasersuaq Lake, which drains into Tasermiut Fjord. The nearest settlement, Tasiusaq, is about 15 kilometres away. Mountains of up to 1,500 metres flank the narrow floor, and lying about 50 kilometres from the sea, the valley is shielded from the cold winds off the inland glaciers. Over 300 plant species grow here. Downy birch and gray-leaf willow form a thicket up to 7-8 metres tall, with green alder and Greenland mountain ash, usually a shrub, sometimes reaching tree height. Protection may date from 1930, though the current statute is from 2005.

Source: Wikipedia, "Qinngua Valley"

What's there

• The trees - birch, willow and rowan growing to several metres.
• The shelter - the valley walls that keep out wind and salt.
• The contrast - forest in a country otherwise covered in ankle-high scrub.
• The protection - the reserve status limiting what happens in the valley.

When to go

July and August are the only practical months. Snow closes the valley the rest of the year. Boats to the fjord run in summer only.

Before you go

There is no trail, no marking and no shelter; this is unsupported wilderness walking. Access needs a chartered boat and the return must be arranged. Weather in the fjords cancels crossings.

Nearby

Tasermiut Fjord is west, and Nanortalik is beyond it.

Key facts