Nuuk, the capital of Greenland, is a fascinating destination for those seeking adventure and a unique cultural experience. With a population of just over 18,000, it is a small city that offers a wealth of natural beauty and outdoor activities, such as hiking and skiing. Visitors can also learn about Greenlandic Inuit culture at the Nuuk Museum and the Katuaq Culture Centre. The city is also home to some delicious local cuisine, including fresh seafood and traditional dishes like Suaasat, a soup made with seal meat. Don’t miss the chance to experience the magic of Nuuk.
The biggest city in Greenland, Nuuk is unlike any other capital in the world. Its small population (Nuuk has less than 20,000 people) means there is little air pollution. Peak hour lasts for about 15 minutes. And from Nuuk’s modern city center, you can walk for just a couple of minutes to reach the shores of the Nuuk Fjord – one of the world’s largest fjord systems or drive less than 10 minutes to the base of the tall mountains that mark the entrance to an extensive backcountry. The views are unobstructed and unparalleled.
At the same time, Nuuk is home to gourmet restaurants, fashion boutiques, award-winning architecture, and several museums – including the living museum of Nuuk’s Colonial Harbour, where history and traditions remain strong in this vibrant and rapidly growing city. Nuuk is located on the southwest coast and is one of the few places in Greenland that can be reached directly from another country. Nuuk is accessible via direct flights from Copenhagen and Reykjavik. Air Greenland offers flights from Copenhagen, while both Air Greenland and Icelandair operate direct flights from Reykjavik to Nuuk Airport.
No matter where you are in Nuuk, your view is dominated by mountains. While the iconic Sermitsiaq Mountain forms its island and is not readily accessible from the city of Nuuk, Quassussuaq (Lille Malene) and Ukkusissaq (Store Malene) rise directly up from the suburbs and are very popular with outdoor enthusiasts. Hiking to the top of Ukkusissaq for its 360-degree panoramic views over Nuuk and the Nuuk fjord is a tough but worthwhile summer day-hike while making your way around or over the top of Quassussuaq (which also offers fantastic views) can be done all year round (snowshoes or cross-country skis required during winter).
