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.

Understand

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 7 °C (45 °F), with highs rarely above 15 °C (59 °F).

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

Nuuk
Climate chart (explanation)
JFMAMJJASOND
 
 
 
42
 
 
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58
 
 
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45
 
 
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Average max. and min. temperatures in °C
Precipitation+Snow totals in mm
Source: Wikipedia. Visit the Met Office for a five day forecast.
Imperial conversion
JFMAMJJASOND
 
 
 
1.7
 
 
22
13
 
 
 
2.3
 
 
22
12
 
 
 
1.9
 
 
23
13
 
 
 
1.8
 
 
30
23
 
 
 
2.3
 
 
39
30
 
 
 
1.9
 
 
47
36
 
 
 
2.6
 
 
52
40
 
 
 
3.4
 
 
50
40
 
 
 
3.4
 
 
44
36
 
 
 
2.8
 
 
36
29
 
 
 
4.2
 
 
29
22
 
 
 
4.5
 
 
26
18
Average max. and min. temperatures in °F
Precipitation+Snow totals in inches

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 Nuuk airport is, as of May 2022, being considerably expanded and supposed to cater to larger aircraft once the expansion is done. This is expected to happen in late 2023, after which Nuuk should be considerably more accessible.

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
  • 🌍 Greenland National Museum (Greenlandic: Nunatta katersugaasivia allagaateqarfialu), Hans Egedesvej 8, ☏ +299 32 26 11, . 16 Sep-31 May: Tu-Su 13:00-16:00; 1 Jun-15 Sep: 10:00-16:00 daily. The crown pieces of the museum are 500-year-old mummies discovered in 1978 and remarkably well preserved, with some of their facial tattoos still recognisable. Free entry in winter and on Sundays, DKK 30 in summer. (updated Jul 2020)
  • 🌍 Nuuk Art Museum (Danish: Nuuk Kunstmuseum), Kissarneqqortuunnguaq 5, ☏ +299 32 77 33, . (updated Feb 2020)
  • 🌍 Nuuk Cathedral (Greenlandic: Annaassisitta Oqaluffia). Also known as the "Cathedral of Our Saviour", the red wooden church building was established in 1849. During National Day celebrations, large crowds usually gather around the church. 

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.

  • 🌍 Statue of Hans Egede. (updated Oct 2017)
  • 🌍 Hans Egede's House. Built in 1728 and reputably the oldest house in the country. The former residence of Hans Egede and later used for the country's prime minister. It is now used for government receptions. (updated Oct 2017)
  • 🌍 Hans Egede Church. A wooden Evangelical Lutheran church. (updated Oct 2017)

Do

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.

Events

Buy

Handmade seal skin gloves cost around 500 kr. Ask in shops near Colonial town.

Eat

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 (60 kr 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.

Cafés
  • Barista, Spindlers Bakke 10C, ☏ +299 321114. 11:00-00:00. The place to get good coffee, slushies, and sandwiches 25 kr for coffee. 
  • 🌍 Kaffivik, Nuukullak 35, ☏ +299 55 96 72. Su-Th 11:00-21:00, F-Sa 11:00-23:00. 

Bars
  • 🌍 Kristinemut, Aqqusinersuaq 7, ☏ +299 348094. M-Th 13:00-00:00, F 13:00-03:00, Sa 12:00-03:00, Su 12:00-00:00. The oldest bar in Nuuk. Very lively 
  • 🌍 Daddy's, Imaneq 30 (Next to Godthåb Bryghus). Irish-inspired pub. 

Sleep

Connect

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.

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