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Welcome to Nuuk!

Nuuk is the capital of Greenland, balancing commerce and culture with fresh air and stunning views. It's one of the world’s smallest capital cities, home to only around 20,000 inhabitants, and it sits at the mouth of a gigantic fjord complex in southwest Greenland. The iconic Sermitsiaq (Saddle Mountain) is 1210 meters (3970ft) tall and sits on an island in the fjord, with its summit visible from most places in the city.

Nuuk boasts cozy cafes and restaurants, museums, a mall, and hotels, and there's a cultural charm that almost makes you forget you're so close to the Arctic Circle. The city is historically impressive, and the nature on Nuuk's doorstep invites visitors to go exploring. Travelling to Nuuk? Explore more top destinations in Greenland!

Tours and activities from Nuuk

The name Nuuk means 'the headland', given to the town due to its position at the tip of a large peninsula at the mouth of a gigantic fjord complex. This makes it the perfect place from which to go exploring, and fjord tours are especially popular. On a whale safari, you can get close to the humpback and minke whales that visit the fjord waters from early summer to the onset of fall. You can also fish for your dinner as you explore – a number of fishing tours include a stop at a remote restaurant where your catch is cooked for you.

In addition, helicopter trips to the ice sheet and Norse ruins are popular excursions, as are visits to the old settlements by boat.

Arts and culture in Nuuk

The Nuuk Art Museum is well worth a stop for its array of historic and more modern art, plus a great collection of carvings in soapstone, bone, wood, and ivory from all over Greenland. The museum has established an Art Walk that allows you to discover sculptures and street art on a route between the museum and the colonial harbor.

The work of local artists and designers can be found in interesting boutiques and souvenir stores in the town. Also stop by the beautiful Katuaq Cultural Centre, with a design inspired by the waves of the northern lights. Today it serves as a venue for art exhibits, concerts, conferences, and film screenings.

Museums and other cultural sites

A visit to the Greenland National Museum is highly recommended. It's found in the old part of town and offers a big-picture understanding of the archaeology, recent history, people, and arts and crafts of Greenland over 4,500 years. The neighboring Nuuk Local Museum, called Nuutoqaq, hosts changing exhibits that spotlight local art, stories, and craft.

To delve deeper into local history, take a boat trip to the abandoned settlements of Qoornoq and Kagneq. Qoornoq is a beautiful small island in the fjord near Nuuk; it was once home to a thriving settlement that was abandoned in the 1960s as the residents and jobs moved to the city. Former residents still use their family homes as a weekend summer getaway.

Nuuk in the summer

While there's no bad time to visit Nuuk, summer (June to September) is the most popular season to travel to Greenland, to experience local weather and activities in their prime.

During summer, temperatures rise and you can experience the wonder of the midnight sun. Wildlife sightings are more frequent in the summer, and it's a better time for activities such as exploring the fjords, kayaking, and fishing.

However, visiting Nuuk in the short shoulder seasons of spring and fall is also a good option. These months offer plenty of activities while prices for flights and hotels tend to be lower due to being outside of the peak tourism period.

Nuuk in the winter

Due to the frequent sub-zero temperatures, it may surprise you to learn that Nuuk is just as popular in the winter months as it is in the summer. In the winter, the long polar nights and the northern lights are the main attraction, and they make regular appearances from September to April.

Activities such as hiking and skiing are also popular in the winter – head to Sisorarfiit Ski Lift for downhill action. There’s also great access to backcountry skiing opportunities.

Despite the weather, Nuuk rarely feels as cold as you’d expect due to the low humidity. With flights to Nuuk offered year-round, it’s easy for travellers to explore this natural wonderland in whichever season they choose.

Exploring the city on foot

Nuuk is one of the world’s smallest capital cities in terms of population, and because of its size you can easily get around on foot in the central area. The city centre is mostly flat but be prepared for some hills once you venture outside the main downtown area.

Be sure to explore the waterfront area of Kolonihavn (the colonial harbor) and the streets of Old Nuuk lined with colorful buildings and houses. Myggedalen is where you'll find the postcard-worthy Nuuk panorama of multi-hued waterfront homes.

For impressive views, climb up to the lookout at Kolonihavn where a statue of Hans Egede stands. Egede, a Danish-Norwegian priest, founded Nuuk in 1728. The red-timber Nuuk Cathedral is nearby, as is the renowned 'Mother of the Sea' statue.

Transport in Nuuk

Your flight will arrive at Nuuk Airport (GOH), which serves as a crucial gateway to the region. Consider booking an Icelandair Stopover on your way at no extra airfare for two arctic adventures at once!

Buses are a popular travel option in Nuuk. The Nuup Bussii is the city’s bus network, which can get you almost anywhere in Nuuk for low fares. You can buy tickets with cash on board, but if you're sticking around for a while, it may be worth buying a 10-trip voucher (from a kiosk, online, or on board). Bus timetables are displayed at each bus stop and also published online.

There are taxis in Nuuk but it's good to be aware that they are the most expensive mode of transport. To explore further afield, and to add a bit of adventure to your journey, consider taking a water taxi that offers stunning fjord views.