09.12.22 - Nuuk: Greenland's overlooked capital

By Steffen Fog

Nuuk and the area surrounding one of the world’s smallest capital cities offer lots of adventures and attractions for the curious traveller.

As a holiday destination, Nuuk is first and foremost characterised by its status as the capital of Greenland, and this means attractions such as the cathedral, the National Museum and other museums, e.g. the art museum, Katuaq cultural centre , the Greenland Institute of Natural Resources, etc., are all found here.

 

However – as with all other towns in Greenland – Nuuk is also characterised by its juxtaposition between the fells and the sea. Thus if you turn round and look the other way, towards the sea, you experience another side of Nuuk.

During the summer months (from around June) you may be lucky enough to spot a whale from the shore. Humpback whales are particularly frequent visitors to the fjord at this time of year.

If you wish to get closer and increase your chances of seeing these giants of the sea, you have to go on a whale safari.

Nuuk also offers many other activities and attractions: During the summer, for example, there are sailing trips into Nuuk fjord, its sister fjords and the wilderness of the hinterland to experience the landscape, the wildlife and the ruins from the time of the Norse settlers. Alternatively, you can go on a hike on your own or with a guide.

During the snow season – in particular from February until April – there’s also good skiing on Nuuk’s two small, but highly enjoyable, alpine slopes – and not least the different ski runs that are regularly prepared by the cross-country skiing club.

A few hours by boat from Nuuk is the settlement of Kapisillit, which is a good starting point for hikes in the magnificent scenery alongside great lakes with many good spots from which to fish trout.

More info at the local tourist office and local tour operators.

Getting there and away
Air Greenland has regular flights from Copenhagen to Nuuk via the international airport in Kangerlussuaq. Nuuk is also well connected to the rest of Greenland by means of Air Greenland’s flight connections. You can also arrive at Nuuk via Arctic Umiaq Line’s coastal ship. The coastal ship sails from Easter until Christmas as a scheduled service between Qaqortoq in the south and Ilulissat in the north. Furthermore, from May–September it’s possible to fly via Iceland to Nuuk with both Air Greenland and Air Iceland.