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.

What you actually see

• 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.

Honest expectations

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.