Travelling by boat we will cross Erik’s Fjord to the village of Qassiarsuk, situated on the very spot of Brattahlid – the farm founded by Erik the Red more than 1,000 years ago. We shall walk through the settlement, where the guide will explain about the sheep breeding which takes place here, and we will visit the Viking ruins. The story of this great race will unfold…

Travelling by boat we will cross Erik’s Fjord to the village of Qassiarsuk, situated on the very spot of Brattahlid – the farm founded by Erik the Red more than 1,000 years ago. We shall walk through the settlement, where the guide will explain about the sheep breeding which takes place here, and we will visit the Viking ruins. The story of this great race will unfold… Erik the Red was originally from Norway, but his father was banished and took the family to live in Iceland. Perhaps ‘like father like son’, the flame-haired Erik was later charged with murder and was also banished, in 982. Leaving Iceland he sailed to the land he named Greenland. After his period of banishment had expired, he returned to Iceland to persuade his friends to set up home with him in Greenland. In 985, Erik founded Brattahlid. And what a spot – the green hills undulate along the blue fjord as far as the eye can see. Erik the Red’s traditional Viking farmstead at Brattahlid was reconstructed and opened to visitors in 2000, in what is present day Qassiarsuk. A statue of Leif Eriksson (who discovered Newfoundland) has been erected at a viewpoint 300 metres (985 feet) about sea level.

There is a walk of approximately two and a half kilometres (one and a half miles) to the ruins and reconstruction of Brattahlid (where there is a small café). On site the walking will be over rough, uneven and sometimes steep ground (unpaved paths and grass), so suitable sturdy shoes should be worn. Not recommended for passengers with limited mobility. If you wish to walk to the statue of Leif Eriksson, the unpaved path is approximately 100 metres (330 feet) uphill. The fjord crossing takes approximately 20 minutes in each direction, depending on the local boat used (do not forget to dress warmly). The ship’s tenders may be utilised for this tour.

DESCRIPTION CORRECT FOR 2008 SCANDINAVIA & BALTIC CRUISES