Spread across a rocky outcrop at the entrance to one of the largest fjord systems on Earth is Nuuk, the capital of Greenland. Like most Greenlandic settlements, it’s on the island’s west coast, situated around 240 kilometres south of the Arctic Circle – almost the exact same latitude as Reykjavik. It’s home to just less than 20,000 people, which equates to around 35 percent of Greenland’s total population, making it one of the smallest (and most remote) capital cities in the world. Although one must venture beyond Nuuk to fully appreciate Greenland at its most spectacular, the capital offers far more than just a convenient gateway to the world’s largest non-continental island. Here, you’ll discover a vibrant cultural scene, an intriguing mix of traditional and contemporary architecture, an eclectic selection of restaurants and truly epic landscapes in the surrounding backcountry.
A long weekend in Nuuk: Discover Greenland's capital
HOW TO GET TO NUUK
Nuuk as seen from above (Photo by Carlo Lukassen - Visit Greenland)
Getting to Nuuk is now considerably more straightforward than ever before, thanks to the opening of its brand new international airport in November 2024. Since then, Nuuk has replaced Kangerlussuaq (a former US military base) as Greenland’s main hub for international travel, with regular direct flights from Copenhagen all year round – a journey of four hours and 50 minutes. This is the most accessible way to reach Nuuk and the one we recommend on most of our Greenland itineraries.
Alternatively, you can also fly to Nuuk from Reykjavik with Air Greenland or Icelandair, which is ideal if you’re tempted to combine Greenland and Iceland in a single trip. Air Greenland also operates seasonal direct connections with Aalborg and Billund in Denmark and Iqaluit in Canada, while from June 2025, United Airlines will begin direct flights between Nuuk and New York.
Although there is a public bus that stops at the airport, it’s not particularly frequent, so a pre-booked private transfer is the quickest and most reliable way to get to the city centre.
From Nuuk, you can easily fly with Air Greenland to other, smaller Greenlandic towns, such as Ilulissat and Sisimiut. While Nuuk is not connected by road to any other settlements, it’s possible to travel north or south along the west coast on the Sarfaq Ittuk ferry, which typically runs between April and January.
WHEN TO VISIT NUUK
There’s no bad time to visit Nuuk, or indeed Greenland in general – it all depends on what you’re looking to get out of your trip (and your tolerance for sub-zero temperatures). Much like other destinations at such northerly latitudes, there are rather extreme differences in temperatures and daylight hours between the seasons, so it’s important to know what to expect when planning your trip.
Summer
Summer in Nuuk (Photo by Mads Pihl - Visit Greenland)
There’s no darkness at all in Nuuk throughout the summer months, as the sun barely dips below the horizon before rising again, therefore bathing the city in 24/7 daylight. Expect temperatures in the region of 8-10°C, though it can be considerably warmer than this. This is prime time for hiking, kayaking, whale watching and boat tours on the Nuuk Fjord. Bear in mind that mosquitoes are prevalent at this time of the year, so be sure to pack repellent (and preferably a headnet) – particularly if you’re venturing into the backcountry.
Autumn
Autumn is an excellent time to see the Northern Lights (Photo by Mads Pihl - Visit Greenland)
Autumn is a fabulous time to visit Nuuk. It’s quieter than the peak summer period, which tends to be reflected in lower prices and better availability of accommodation, while from late August, it becomes dark enough to see the Northern Lights in the evenings. Snowfall is possible, but temperatures usually remain comfortable and hiking trails are still typically accessible.
Winter
Winter in Nuuk (Photo by Rebecca Gustafsson - Visit Greenland)
Winters in Nuuk are cold, but perhaps not quite as much as you’d expect. Temperatures tend to hover around -5°C to -10°C, but can occasionally rise above zero. Snowfall is common and sometimes heavy, while the pavements can be perilously icy – so it’s imperative to take extra care when walking around the city. Winter storms can be severe, so flight delays and cancellations are a possibility, which is why factoring in a ‘buffer day’ or two as part of your trip is a very good idea in case plans need to change. In the darkest period of December, the sun rises at around 11.20am and sets at 3.30pm, but there’s a prolonged twilight period on either side. If the skies are clear, winter also brings strong chances of spotting the Northern Lights.
It’s important to note that dog sledding is not possible in Nuuk, as on the west coast, Greenlandic sled dogs are only found north of the Arctic Circle.
Spring
Spring in Nuuk (Photo by Filip Gielda - Visit Greenland)
Spring is perhaps the most unpredictable time of year in Nuuk. One day, it might be comfortably above freezing with clear blue skies; the next, it could be snowing again. Every year is different, and just when it seems as though summer is around the corner, it’s not unusual for winter’s icy grip to return. As such, you should be prepared for all weather conditions when visiting in spring. It’s still possible to see the Northern Lights until mid-April, after which the lack of true darkness gradually renders them invisible.
HOW LONG TO SPEND IN NUUK
Many travellers use Nuuk merely as a gateway to other destinations in Greenland, often staying overnight or even just for a few hours in the airport before boarding their next flight – often further north, to the likes of Ilulissat. However, if time and budget allows, it’s certainly worth spending a little longer to get a more rounded feel for the city, which, although rather compact, has much to offer for curious visitors before continuing your journey elsewhere. A couple of days is generally sufficient to cover the highlights of Nuuk and perhaps take a boat trip along the fjord.
If you’re just looking to keep things simple and get an initial taste of Greenland that offers a blend of urban sightseeing and adventures in nature, Nuuk is a thoroughly worthwhile standalone destination for a long weekend.
WHERE TO STAY IN NUUK
View from the Sky Bar at Hotel Hans Egede (Photo by Rebecca Gustafsson - Visit Greenland)
For a city of its size, Nuuk offers a plentiful choice of accommodation. We tend to recommend the four-star Hotel Hans Egede, which is ideally situated right in the city centre and houses two restaurants alongside a rooftop bar with superb panoramic views overlooking Nuuk. It’s one of Greenland’s largest hotels and the standout option in the capital. Alternatively, consider the HHE Express, which offers comfortable, budget-friendly rooms a little further down the same street.
THINGS TO SEE & DO IN NUUK
Boat tour on the Nuuk Fjord
Nuuk Water Taxi (Photo by Alex Savu - Visit Greenland)
If time allows, a boat tour on the Nuuk Fjord is an absolute must when visiting Greenland’s capital. You’ll see the city from a totally different perspective, get up close to the majestic Sermitsiaq mountain and venture deep into the untouched wilderness of one of the largest fjord systems on the planet. Depending on the time of year, it’s also a great way to spot marine wildlife, icebergs and, if you take a night tour, the Northern Lights.
Greenland National Museum and Archives
Greenland National Museum (Photo by Peter Lindstrom - Visit Greenland)
There’s no better place than the National Museum to gain an in-depth understanding of Greenland’s history and culture stretching back 4,500 years. Through a series of richly informative exhibitions, you’ll learn all about Greenland’s first settlers, the Saqqaq and Independence cultures, the Norse settlements, the arrival of the Thule people and Inuit culture in Greenland today.
Old Nuuk
Old Nuuk (Photo by Matthew Littlewood - Visit Greenland)
The area known as Old Nuuk holds a special place in Greenland’s history. This is where the city (originally known as Godthåb) was originally founded in 1728 by the Danish-Norwegian missionary Hans Egede, whose former home still stands today at the Colonial Harbour. A statue of Hans Egede stands on the nearby hillside – a source of controversy over the years, given its symbolism of Danish colonialism. Other notable landmarks in Old Nuuk include the Mother of the Sea sculpture (depicting the Inuit goddess of the sea) and the wooden, red-painted Church of our Saviour.
Nuuk Art Museum
Nuuk Art Museum (Photo by Rebecca Gustafsson - Visit Greenland)
Founded in 2005 in a former Adventist Church, this museum houses over 1,200 historic and contemporary artworks by local and international artists, including around 300 paintings and 400 Greenlandic sculptures. It’s free on Thursdays, but be sure to check the website for full details regarding the latest prices and opening times ahead of your visit.
Nuuk Boardwalk
Nuuk Boardwalk (Photo by Peter Lindstrom - Visit Greenland)
This wooden boardwalk running alongside Nuuk’s western seafront is a delightfully scenic spot for a leisurely stroll, offering wonderful views of the city’s colourful houses and out across the fjord. It can get extremely slippery in winter, so take extra care and ensure you have suitable footwear.
Myggedalen viewpoint
Myggedalen viewpoint
Continue past the Colonial Harbour and the Church of our Saviour in Old Nuuk and you’ll soon arrive at Myggedalen, a small hill by the sea with postcard-worthy views of Nuuk’s signature colourful houses with the mighty peak of Sermitsiaq mountain in the background.
Northern Lights
Northern Lights over Nuuk (Photo by Rebecca Gustafsson - Visit Greenland)
If you’re in Nuuk any time from late August to mid-April, there’s a strong possibility you’ll see the Northern Lights if the skies are clear at night. At 64° N, Nuuk lies directly beneath the auroral oval, meaning even relatively low levels of geomagnetic activity can produce stunning Northern Lights displays. The more nights you stay, the higher your chances of the conditions lining up in your favour. While it’s certainly possible to see them from the city centre, it’s best to find a spot away from artificial light pollution for the best views.
Hiking in the backcountry
Hiking in the Nuuk backcountry (Photo by Mads Pihl - Visit Greenland)
The mountainous backcountry that surrounds Nuuk is a haven for hiking, especially during the summer and autumn months when the trails are largely free from snow (though winter hiking is also possible with snowshoes). One of the most popular and easily accessible routes leads to the Quassussuaq mountain on the city’s eastern outskirts, with magnificent views from the top at 433 metres above sea level.
Katuaq Cultural Centre
Katuaq Cultural Centre (Photo by Camilla Hylleberg - Visit Greenland)
This curving wooden masterpiece of contemporary architecture takes centre stage on Nuuk’s main pedestrian street, Imaneq. It hosts all kinds of cultural events, concerts and conferences, as well as a cinema and a cafe serving authentic Greenlandic dishes.
Nuuk Centre
Nuuk Centre (Photo by Filip Gielda - Visit Greenland)
Right next to the Katuaq Cultural Centre you’ll find the Nuuk Centre – Greenland’s first shopping mall and tallest building. It houses a supermarket, a cafe and numerous local and international clothing stores.
WHAT TO EAT IN NUUK
Greenlandic cuisine places a strong emphasis on fresh seafood and meats such as musk ox, reindeer and seal, as well as foraged berries and herbs. It’s these ingredients that have sustained the Inuit people for thousands of years, enabling them to build a unique way of life in one of the harshest and most isolated places on Earth.
There are several excellent places to sample traditional Greenlandic dishes in Nuuk, a city which harbours a thriving and diverse culinary scene. Sarfalik at Hotel Hans Egede is one of the most highly regarded restaurants specialising in authentic local dishes, while Cafe Inuk (a 30-minute walk from the city centre) and the Katuaq Cultural Centre both offer Greenlandic specialities in a more casual setting. For delicious Thai food, look no further than Restaurant Charoen Porn, and if you’re fancying a pizza, IGGU is the place to go.
Nuuk also has several cosy cafes where you can stop by for a hot drink or a bite to eat, including Cafe Esmeralda, Cafe Pascucci and Kunguak Cafe. And if you’re keen to try some Greenlandic beers, head to the Godthaab Bryghus microbrewery complex, a popular gathering point for locals and visitors alike.
