CAPITAL CITY NUUK

Nuuk, the capital of Greenland, is a fascinating place where modern civilisation meets the rugged Arctic landscape and millennia-old Inuit culture. Located on the west coast of the island, on the shores of the vast Nuup Kangerlua fjord system, it is home to around 19,000 inhabitants - roughly a third of Greenland's population. Although it may seem like a small town, Nuuk is the political, cultural and economic centre of the entire island and represents a vivid contrast between tradition and modernity.

Nuuk is home to the Greenlandic Parliament (Inatsisartut), which is the northernmost parliament in the world.

The city has colourful houses scattered along the rocky coastline, but also modern buildings, museums, cultural centres and a university. The streets are lined with people in traditional Inuit dress and students with laptops in hand. While snow-capped mountains loom on the horizon, just a few kilometres from the city you may come across reindeer, icebergs or whales. Nuuk is not just an administrative metropolis, but a gateway to authentic Greenlandic life and nature - from fjord tours to cultural events to experiences you won't find anywhere else in the world.

Whether you're tempted by outdoor adventure, exploring the local culture or simply want to visit one of the world's most remote capitals, Nuuk will surprise you with its depth, contrasts and unique atmosphere.

HOW TO GET TO NUUK?

Travelling to Nuuk is a bit of an adventure in itself, as Greenland is not accessible by road or train. Only planes or cruise ships connect to the world, but these usually include multiple destinations. There is no regular inter-country ferry.

BY PLANE

Currently there are only two main countries from where flights to Greenland are regularly operated (Denmark, Iceland). However, United Airlines has announced direct flights from the USA after upgrading the airport in the capital Nuuk. The airline will provide service from John F. Kennedy International Airport to the capital city of Nuuk from June to August 2025.

DENMARK

• Description: Main gateway to Greenland
• Airport: Copenhagen (CPH)
• Carrier: Air Greenland - Nuuk (GOH), Kangerlussuaq (SFJ), Narsarsuaq (UAK) https://www.airgreenland.com/
• Carrier: SAS - Nuuk (GOH) https://www.flysas.com/

ICELAND

• Description: Flexible connections to several destinations in Greenland, including a direct flight to Nuuk
• Airport: Reykjavík / Keflavík (KEF)
• Carrier: Icelandair - Nuuk (GOH), Ilulissat (JAV), Kulusuk (KUS), Narsarsuaq (UAK) https://www.icelandair.com/
• Carrier: Air Greenland - Nuuk (GOH) https://www.airgreenland.com/

USA

• Description: Seasonal connections from June to August
• Airport: New York (JFK)
• Carrier: United Airlines - Nuuk (GOH) https://www.united.com/

GREENLAND

• Description: Domestic flights to 40 destinations throughout Greenland
• Airport: Nuuk (GOH)
• Carrier: Air Greenland - Nuuk (GOH) https://www.airgreenland.com/

CRUISE SHIP

Cruises are offered by a number of cruise companies (Hurtigruten, Royal Caribbean Cruises, MSC Cruises, etc.) with departures from various European and North American cities such as Copenhagen (Denmark), Amsterdam (Netherlands), Reykjavik, Akureyri (Iceland), Boston (USA), Halifax (Canada) and others.

Arrival by cruise ship is possible, but it is not year-round (only in summer, about June - September). These are expedition cruises (not regular service), which depend on weather and ice thickness.

Hurtigruten https://www.hurtigruten.com/en-us/expeditions/destinations/greenland-cruises/

Royal Caribbean Cruises https://www.royalcaribbean.com/cruise-to/nuuk-greenland?&country=USA

MSC Cruises https://www.msccruises.com/int/our-cruises/destinations/northern-europe/greenland

It is also possible to use the price comparison tool of the companies that provide cruises to Greenland.

Seascanner https://www.seascanner.com/greenland-cruises?sortierung=6A,0A

HOW DO I GET FROM NUUK AIRPORT?

PUBLIC BUS

From Nuuk Airport, the city centre is conveniently accessible by Nuup Bussii's public bus service, line 3. The price is DKK 20 regardless of distance. You can pay the ticket in cash at the driver's (no card payment is possible) or online at https://bus.gl/en/. On this page you can also see where the bus is currently located.

The bus service from the airport operates only on weekdays.

Bus line 3 operates only during weekdays and the airport is without public transport during the weekend. However, you can use bus line 2. The nearest bus stop is in Qinngorput, which is 2.5 km from the airport. It takes 40 minutes to get here.

MINIBUS / SHUTTLE BUS

In most cases, travel from the airport will be arranged directly by your hotel. If you are staying in a cheaper hostel or private accommodation, you will need to arrange transport with them in advance or arrange your own transport.

TAXI

There are several taxi services in the city that can be called or arranged in advance. However, most arrive automatically, depending on arrivals. Prices are fixed according to distance, e.g. airport → centre comes out to about 120-190 DKK.

BY FOOT

You can also walk to the nearest hotel in 45 minutes, while the centre can be reached in 1.5 hours.

WHAT TO SEE IN NUUK?

COLONIAL PORT AND OLD TOWN

The historic district of Nuuk with small wooden houses from the 18th century. You will also find a statue of Hans Eged, the Danish missionary who founded the town in 1728.

NATIONAL MUSEUM OF GREENLAND

A great place to understand Inuit culture and history. The most famous exhibits are the mummified bodies from Qilakitsoq - incredibly well-preserved remains from the 15th century. For more information, visit the website at https://nka.gl/

KATUAQ CULTURAL CENTRE

A modern building inspired by the northern lights. It hosts concerts, exhibitions and film screenings. A great contrast to the traditional architecture of the city. For more information, please visit the website https://katuaq.gl/

NUUK ART MUSEUM

A small museum with modern and traditional art. A unique combination of European and Inuit influences. For more information, please visit the website https://www.nuukkunstmuseum.com/en

WHAT TO DO IN NUUK?

LAKE QALLUSSUUP TASIA TRAIL

The hike around Lake Qallussuup tasia (also known as Cirkussøen) is one of the most accessible and beautiful hikes around Nuuk. This route offers a combination of peaceful nature, views of the fjords and opportunities to observe the local flora and fauna. The hike is moderately challenging, suitable for moderately fit hikers. The route follows unpaved roads and rocky paths, with a slight incline in places.

The starting point is the outskirts of Qinngorput township, from where the trail leads towards the lake. The trail is not officially marked but is well trodden and often used by locals.

MOUNTAIN UKKUSISSAT TRAIL

The hike up Ukkusissat Mountain (also known as Store Malene) is one of the most challenging, yet rewarding hikes around the Greenlandic capital of Nuuk. At 772 metres, the peak offers panoramic views of the city, the Nuup Kangerlua fjord system and the surrounding mountains, including the iconic Sermitsiaq peak.

The best time to climb is June to October (winter and spring are dangerous due to snow and ice).

WHALE WATCHING

Whale watching around Nuuk is one of the most breathtaking experiences you can have in Greenland. Nuuk Fjord (Nuup Kangerlua) is the ideal place to see these giants of the sea, especially during the summer months.

Humpback whales are the most common to see, but harbour porpoises and minke whales can also be spotted. More rarely, beluga whales, narwhals, killer whales and even blue whales can be found. The best time for whale watching is from June to September, when humpback whales return to the fjord to feed.

A number of companies offer whale watching cruises. From my own experience I can recommend Nuuk Water Taxi. For more information, visit the website https://nuukwatertaxi.gl/

FJORD NUUP KANGERLUA (NUUK FJORD)

One of the largest fjord systems in the world. It offers boat trips, whale watching, icebergs and fishing. You can visit abandoned settlements such as Qoornoq. For more information, visit the website https://nuukwatertaxi.gl/

KAYAK TOUR

Kayaking around Nuuk is one of the most authentic ways to experience Greenland's Arctic nature. Nuuk Fjord, the second largest fjord system in the world, offers ideal conditions for kayakers of all experience levels. For more information, please visit the website https://nuukwatertaxi.gl/