Nuuk

Although there are few other well-marked trails in the Nuuk area, experienced hikers would do well to purchase the book “Trekking Around Nuuk” for ideas, or challenge themselves to the ~140km long- Nuuk – Kapisillit route (which is also done as a 3-day adventure race during the summer).

A hiker on the climb to Ukkusissaq – Store Malene peak in Nuuk. Photo – Mads Pihl

If water sports are more your thing, there are kayaking opportunities from Nuuk and stand-up paddle boarding is a rapidly growing activity. Rent a board or take an introductory lesson in the quiet waters of the Colonial Harbour, or join an excursion that allows you to paddleboard amongst the icebergs of the Nuuk Icefjord or in another equally impressive part of the Nuuk Fjord. You may even get to paddleboard with whales!

By far the most popular way to explore the Nuuk Fjord, however, is on one of the many boat tours that operate all year round. Options range from a general fjord tour that lasts a few hours, to those that visit abandoned and still-functioning settlements, to full-day trips to the Icefjord at the furthest extent of the fjord system. You can also charter a boat and design your own schedule. A particular favourite is the Ameralik Fjord – just south of Nuuk, which is crossed by the longest span of overhead electrical powerline in the world.

SUPs in the Nuuk Fjord. Photo – Aningaaq R. Carlsen

During summer, there are opportunities to go fishing for cod or redfish (make sure you buy a fishing licence first) and then have your catch cooked for you at Qooqqut Nuan – a gourmet restaurant situated on an old sheep station in the Nuuk Fjord.  Or go fly-fishing for Arctic Char between July and September. And although there are no specific whale-watching tours from Nuuk, you should always keep a sharp eye out during the warmer months as Humpbacks, Fin whales, and Minke Whales are known to call into the Nuuk Fjord as they migrate up the coast.

Hunting for meat and skins (not trophies) is a way of life in Greenland, but you must be licensed. Between August and October it is possible to join a hunt for caribou (reindeer) from Nuuk to learn everything about this Greenlandic tradition – from hunting and weapons theory, to how to butcher the animal and what cuts of meat are best for what purpose.

Humpback whale spotted on a Whale Safari in the Nuuk Fjord. Photo by Rebecca Gustafsson

Although you can often see the Northern Lights from the centre of Nuuk, for the best views, we recommend escaping the city and joining a tour that is specifically designed to take you to the darkest places. Both car and boat options are available, with the added advantage that you have a warm space to retreat to if you are getting cold.

Finally, treat yourself to a helicopter scenic flight for some of the best views over Nuuk and the Nuuk Fjord. Landing near the summit of Sermitsiaq or taking a twilight flight over the city are the ultimate ways to top off your vacation to Greenland’s capital.

Another of the stops on the Nuuk Art Walk is the Katuaq Cultural Centre. A focal point for the city, its striking architecture was inspired by the rippling curtains of the northern lights and it features the ever-popular Cafetuaq,  Nuuk’s cinema (Katuaq Bio, which has latest release movies typically shown in original language with Danish subtitles), art exhibitions, and live performances. If you happen to be in Nuuk when a concert is scheduled – you should definitely buy a ticket!

View over the colonial harbour in Nuuk where the cathedral and the ‘Mother of the Sea’ are located. Photo by Filip Gielda

Greenlandic music is relatively unknown, but some of the best in the world. It is a testament to the skill of the musicians that although most of them sing in Greenlandic, their music transcends the language barrier. Alternatively, experience a play at the National Theatre in Nuuk. There are occasional performances in English, but even if the play is in Danish or Greenlandic – it is an amazing experience.

Other architectural gems in Nuuk include the buildings which house Ilimmarfik, part of the University of Greenland, Pinngortitaleriffik, the Greenland Institute for National Resources, and Malik – Nuuk’s award-winning swimming hall that features several pools (including two hot tubs) and “silent swimming” for adults every second Friday night. You could also seek out the picturesque old Moravian Mission church, Noorlernut, with its extensive burial ground and perfect view over the Nuuk fjord.

The University of Greenland in Nuuk. Photo – Rebecca Gustafsson

Nuuk also has a golf course (there are indoor simulators for winter golfing) and a downhill ski runs (winter) where you can hire equipment. The top of the runs – the summit of Quassussuaq (Lille Malene) – offers expansive views over the snowy city and the Nuuk fjord and, during summer, is one of the most popular day hikes from the capital of Greenland.

And you can always simply head out on a self-guided hike, or sit by the Nuuk fjord with a fishing rod in hand and work on catching your dinner. Just be sure to purchase a fishing license before you start.