Nuuk

Nuuk (Greenlandic meaning "The Headland"), also known by its Danish name of Godthåb (Good Hope), is the capital and administrative centre of Greenland, with a population of around 15,000 (about a quarter of the entire population of the country). The city is sometimes accused of being rather soulless, with many high-rise blocks.

Climate
Nuuk, along with most of the population centres of Greenland, has a tundra climate. Being on the coast helps moderate temperatures somewhat, and winter temperatures are not unlike those of northern Europe or central Canada. However, unlike in those regions, summers remain quite cool. For example, in July, the warmest month of the year on average, the daily mean temperature is only, with highs rarely above.

Autumn has the highest rainfall and snowfall, although it is fairly steady all year round.



Get in
There are no roads or railways connecting cities within Greenland. The only practical means to travel is by boat or air. On foot is less practical and far more strenuous.

By plane
The capital's airport, because of length constraints of its runway, only accommodates small aircraft and domestic flights. Flying to Nuuk from abroad requires changing from a large airliner to a smaller aircraft at a neighbouring airport like Kangerlussuaq. The airport's runway and terminal facilities are being expanded so that they can service large aircraft, slated for completion in late 2024.
 * Air Greenland offers connections to various destinations in Greenland, including Kangerlussuaq which has flights to Copenhagen, a major airport. During the summer months they fly to Keflavík Airport, Iceland.
 * Icelandair flies year-round to Reykjavík (domestic airport), three times a week during the summer and twice a week during the winter months.
 * Icelandair flies year-round to Reykjavík (domestic airport), three times a week during the summer and twice a week during the winter months.

By boat/ferry
Arctic Umiaq Line has a passenger terminal to Maniitsoq-Sisimiut-Aasiaat-Uummannaq and Paamiut-Qaqortoq-Narsaq-Narsarsuaq.

Royal Arctic Line and Blue Water are cargo-boat companies operating out of Nuuk.

Get around


Nuuk has a small bus company (Nuup Bussii A/S).

See




The old colonial town is on the east coast side of the town centre.

Here you will also find the statue of Hans Egede, Hans Egede's House and church.





Excursions





 * Whale watching by boat.
 * Helicopter ride to the inland ice, Norse ruins and kaffemik at a nearby village.

Several hiking routes start from Nuuk:


 * An easy hike from the Circuslake around the mountain Little Marlene follows a marked trail.
 * A unmarked trek goes up Big Marlene and offers a view over Nuuk from above. Parts of this trail is on mountain sides with large boulders or steep climbs up loose rocks.

Buy
Handmade seal skin gloves cost around dkk500. Ask in shops near Colonial town.

Drink
Central Nuuk offers a variety of locations for the enjoyment of alcoholic beverages, all within quick walking distance of each other. Nearly all pubs offer the same selection of beer (Classic on tap and Tuborg and Carlsberg in bottles) at the same (expensive) price (dkk60 for 40 cl of draught), but beer from Godthaab Bryghus is also available.

Greenlandic coffee is prepared with coffee, whisky, Kahlua, whipped cream and Grand Marnier. It is prepared at the table in a little show and if you ask, you also get the story.

Stay safe


Nuuk is only a small town, with a population of about 15,000. Crime rates are very low, there are no slums and no places you should avoid.

Go next
You can choose among the destinations served by the boats and planes leaving Nuuk. The very adventurous can travel inland by foot or dog sled.