Experience a slice of Greenland on a fantastic long-weekend in Nuuk, one of the world’s smallest and most remote capital cities, situated on a rocky outcrop at the entrance to one of the largest fjord systems on Earth. After a night in Copenhagen, you’ll fly directly to Nuuk, where a guided walking tour will offer a fascinating introduction to the city’s rich history and cultural heritage. You’ll also enjoy a couple of boat trips, including one at night as you sail in search of the Northern Lights, and another during the daytime that brings you up close to the majestic Sermitsiaq mountain. There’s ample time to explore at your own pace, too, whether you fancy visiting a local art museum, taking a scenic stroll along the Nuuk Boardwalk or treating yourself to an authentic Greenlandic meal at one of the city’s finest restaurants. Finally, fly back to Copenhagen, where you’ll spend the night before the final leg of your journey home.
A Long Weekend in Nuuk: Discover Greenland's Capital
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At a glance…
A fascinating introduction to life in one of the world’s smallest and most remote capital cities, offering a snapshot of Greenland’s rich culture and spectacular nature.
» 7 day tailor-made break
» Accommodation: Standard A good standard of clean and comfortable accommodation with a reasonable range of facilities (typically 3 stars)
» Price from: £1,905 pp incl. flights
Day by day itinerary
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Day 1 » Fly to Copenhagen
Begin your journey by flying to Copenhagen, Denmark’s delightful capital city. On arrival, make your way to your hotel overlooking the famous Nyhavn canal, lined with a colourful array of 17th and 18th-century townhouses. The rest of the day is then yours to spend exploring Copenhagen at leisure. Perhaps you’ll cross over the harbour to explore the charming canals of Christianshavn, climb the Round Tower for fabulous views overlooking the city’s historic centre, peruse the market stalls of Torvehallerne or visit Tivoli Gardens – Scandinavia’s most popular amusement park. Later on, why not make the most of the opportunity to delve into Copenhagen’s world-renowned culinary scene?
Stay: 71 Nyhavn, Copenhagen
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Day 2 » Fly to Nuuk, guided city walk & Northern Lights boat tour
After breakfast, head back to the airport for your flight to Nuuk – a journey of around four-and-a-half hours. On arrival in Greenland’s capital, an included transfer will bring you to your hotel in the city centre, within striking distance of numerous restaurants, shops and cultural landmarks. A guided city walk will then offer a fascinating introduction to life in one of the world’s smallest and most remote capital cities, including a visit to the Greenland National Museum and an exploration of the historic neighbourhood known as Old Nuuk. Here, you’ll find Nuuk Cathedral, as well as a statue of Hans Egede, the Danish-Norwegian missionary who founded Nuuk (formerly Godthåb) in 1728. You’ll also stop by a local market where the likes of fish, seal and reindeer meat are sold, before rounding off your tour at the Katuaq Cultural Centre, one of Nuuk’s most striking pieces of modernist architecture.
Later on, once darkness falls, you’ll set off on a boat tour on the Nuuk Fjord, leaving the artificial light pollution of the city far behind as you go in search of the Northern Lights. Although their appearance can never be guaranteed, Nuuk is an excellent place to see them due to its location at 64 °N, directly beneath the auroral oval. With a slice of fortune regarding clear skies, you’ll have the opportunity to witness this majestic phenomenon while sailing along one of the largest fjord systems on Earth.
Stay: HHE Express Hotel, Nuuk
Meals: Breakfast
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Day 3 » Boat trip to Sermitsiaq
Today, you’ll embark on another boat tour, this time during the day time, setting your sights on the distinctive Sermitsiaq mountain, whose jagged peak rises 1,210 metres on a small island just outside of Nuuk. It provides a dramatic backdrop when walking around the city, but a boat trip allows you to appreciate its beauty from a totally different perspective. While from some angles it appears sharp and jagged, from other angles it’s much smoother and rounder in appearance. In the summer months, waterfalls cascade down the mountainside, while in winter they freeze over. As you glide among the serene waters of the Nuuk Fjord, keep your eyes peeled for humpback whales, seals and sea eagles.
Stay: HHE Express Hotel, Nuuk
Meals: Breakfast
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Days 4-5 » Exploring Nuuk at leisure
The next two days are free for you to explore Nuuk at your own pace. A leisurely stroll along the Nuuk Boardwalk (a wooden path that runs along the seafront) is a must, as is a visit to the iconic Myggedalen viewpoint, where you’ll be greeted by postcard-perfect views of Nuuk’s colourful timber houses with the Sermitsiaq mountain in the background. Also consider stopping by the Nuuk Art Museum to admire the work of some of Greenland’s finest artists, and take a look inside the Nuuk Center – Greenland’s one and only shopping mall.
For something a little out of the ordinary, consider taking a trip to the Malik Swimming Pool in the Nuussuaq district, which houses a large indoor pool facing the fjord, as well as hot tubs and a sauna. You could even take the bus out to Qinngorput, Nuuk’s newest neighbourhood on the eastern outskirts, to discover a more modern side to the city. In the evenings, meanwhile, take your pick from Nuuk’s plentiful choice of restaurants, which specialise in everything from traditional Greenlandic cuisine to authentic Thai food and pizzas. There’s also a rooftop bar on the fifth floor of Hotel Hans Egede and a microbrewery complex, Godthaab Bryghus, where you can sample the local beers.
Stay: HHE Express Hotel, Nuuk
Meals: Breakfast
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Day 6 » Return to Copenhagen
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before returning to Nuuk Airport in time for your flight back to Copenhagen as you bid farewell to Greenland.
Stay: Clarion Hotel Copenhagen Airport
Meals: Breakfast
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Day 7 » Return to UK
Your journey concludes with a flight from Copenhagen back to the UK.
Meals: Breakfast
Gallery
To book call us on:
At a glance…
A fascinating introduction to life in one of the world’s smallest and most remote capital cities, offering a snapshot of Greenland’s rich culture and spectacular nature.
» 7 day tailor-made break
» Accommodation: Standard A good standard of clean and comfortable accommodation with a reasonable range of facilities (typically 3 stars)
» Price from: £1,905 pp incl. flights
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