Nuuk, the Capital of Greenland - The Complete Guide

What is the Capital of Greenland?

Are you planning a trip to Greenland? Whether you’re following your own itinerary or have a stopover on an expedition cruise, be sure to reserve a few days for the capital city of Nuuk! Nuuk is one of the world's smallest capital cities by population, home to just 20,000 residents who represent one-third of Greenland's entire population. Located in southwest Greenland at the mouth of Nuup Kangerlua—the world's second-largest fjord system—this remarkable city sits 240 kilometers south of the Arctic Circle, accessible only by air or sea.

What makes Nuuk truly special is its unique blend of traditional Inuit culture with modern Nordic lifestyle, all set against a stunning backdrop of towering mountains and pristine fjords. The name "Nuuk" means "cape" in Greenlandic, perfectly describing its dramatic geographic position.

Visitors can explore world-class museums showcasing Greenland's 4,000-year history, experience contemporary Nordic dining featuring local ingredients like muskox and Arctic char, embark on kayaking adventures among icebergs, witness the northern lights dancing across winter skies, or enjoy the midnight sun of Arctic summer. Whether you arrive on an expedition cruise or independent journey, Nuuk offers an unparalleled gateway to Greenlandic culture and Arctic wilderness.

Top 5 Reasons to Visit Nuuk

Explore one of the world’s most accessible Arctic fjord systems. Nuup Kangerlua stretches roughly 160 kilometers (99 miles) inland and offers incredible views of icebergs and wildlife.
Experience the unique spirit of Nuuk, where modern urban flair meets Inuit culture in one of the most remote places on Earth.
Dive into the cultural life of the city at Nuuk’s Art Museum and Katuaq Cultural Center. Meet the local community of designers, musicians, and craft artists.
Discover Nuuk’s historic past, rooted in Norse and Inuit culture, meet the locals, and join unique Greenlandic festivities.
See the northern lights!

What is The Best Time to Visit Nuuk?

What Is the Capital of Greenland?

Imagine a quaint town nestled in a beautiful fjord – that’s Nuuk, covering an area of merely 690km2 (266 square miles). As of 2025, the city has just about 20,000 inhabitants, meaning around one-third of Greenland’s population resides here. Greenland is a self-governing, autonomous country within the Kingdom of Denmark, and Nuuk, located 3,534 km (2,195 miles) from Copenhagen, serves as its political and cultural center. Founded in 1728 by the Danish-Norwegian missionary Hans Egede, today, the historic colonial area along the waterfront still reminds visitors of the early days of its establishment (Old Nuuk). The official languages are Greenlandic and Danish, but English is also widely used. Today, Nuuk blends its Inuit cultural roots with modern life, making it the perfect destination to experience history, modern urban life, and Arctic wilderness.

What Is the Best Time to Visit Nuuk?

There isn’t a bad time of the year to visit Nuuk. When to visit depends on your adventurous spirit and what activities you plan to do in and around the city. Visit in summer to experience the midnight sun and explore freely with nearly 24 hours of daylight. Summers are ideal for hiking, fishing, and other outdoor activities, but don’t let the winter temperatures put you off! Winters in Nuuk are magical. Go cross-country skiing or snowshoeing, and see the northern lights!

Winter and Spring in Nuuk

Average temperatures in January range around -5°C to -10°C (23°F to 14°F). Activities to enjoy during a winter trip include:

Catch the northern lights. The best time to spot the aurora borealis is from mid-September to mid-April.
Hit the slopes. Nuuk and its surroundings offer a vast selection of winter outdoor activities such as skiing and snowshoeing.
Celebrate with the locals. In January, it’s a Greenlandic tradition for people to go door to door, demanding gifts. Imagine a scarier version of Halloween, as locals dress as scary as possible. Come in March and see impressive ice-carved sculptures at the Nuuk Snow Festival.
Celebrate the holidays in Nuuk! Visit the Christmas market (Inussivik Hall), and ring in the New Year with local Greenlandic cuisine and a mesmerizing firework.

Summer and Fall in Nuuk

Summer is peak season and the best time for outdoor activities, and autumn offers aurora borealis viewing. Temperatures in July are around 4°C to 11°C (39°F to 52°F), with nearly 24 hours of daylight.

Must-do summer activities in Nuuk include:

See the fjords! Take a boat or book a fishing tour.
Try hunting and gathering: pick berries, herbs, and mushrooms.
Explore the area on foot. Summer is the time for hiking! Join a guided tour or follow some of the well-marked trails around Nuuk.
Float and paddle at your own speed. Rent a paddleboard or kayak and roam Nuuk’s waterways.
Join the summer festivities. Celebrate Greenland National Day (June 21), join the colorful Nuuk City Marathon (August/September), enjoy the local food festival in September, or come for the week-long Nuuk Nordisk Art Festival (September/October).

How to Get to Nuuk

Greenland is an island, and outside of the cities, there are no roads. There are only two ways to reach the capital of Greenland: by air or sea. If you decide to come by plane, choose Air Greenland or Icelandair. Another comfortable way to reach Nuuk is with an organized Greenland cruise.

Nuuk Flights

Reach Nuuk with Air Greenland via transit in Reykjavik (Keflavik International Airport) or transit in Billund or Copenhagen (Denmark). Note that on this route you will have a stopover in Kangerlussuaq (Greenland). Also, plan enough time for transits! Icelandair operates direct flights to Nuuk from Reykjavik Domestic Airport (Iceland). Since summer 2025, United Airlines has been offering seasonal, direct flights from Newark Airport (US) twice weekly.

Note that the weight limit on flights to Greenland is 20kg (around 44 lbs.) and it’s strictly enforced. We recommend booking travel insurance, as flight delays occur due to unpredictable weather. Generally, flights during the summer tend to be more expensive, while around January you may be able to get the best deals.

How to Get to Nuuk

Nuuk Arrival Information

Arriving at Nuuk Airport, you have several options on how to get into town. You can either hire a taxi, book your hotel’s airport transfer service, take the public bus #3 (pay in cash), or pick up a rental car. In case you are an avid walker, try to walk! It’s only around 5km (3 miles) into the city. The official currency is the Danish Krone, but most places accept credit cards.

Arriving by Boat to Nuuk

If you visit Greenland as part of an expedition cruise, you’ll likely dock in Nuuk. If possible, we highly recommend adding a few days to your trip to explore Nuuk and its surroundings. Travelers arriving from other parts of Greenland may use the ferry (operated by the Arctic Umiaq Line), which transports passengers twice a week between Qaqortoq (South Greenland) and Ilulissat in northern Greenland. Arriving on the ferry or by cruise ship gives you amazing views of Nuup Kangerlua fjord, its icebergs, and surrounding mountains.

Getting Around Nuuk

Thanks to its compact size, most of Nuuk’s attractions are within walking distance. But that’s not the only way to explore the capital. Take the bus, get a taxi, board a water taxi, or rent a car to extend your roaming grounds. And if you feel active, rent a bike and combine sightseeing with a sporty outing.

Walking Around Nuuk

Nuuk isn’t that big, and even the laziest walker can get around on foot. While the outskirts of Nuuk are hilly, the central areas are comfortably flat for leisure walks. It’s safe to walk on the roads, as cars usually give way to pedestrians, but you can also venture through residential areas using small stairs and pathways.

Biking in Nuuk

If you visit the capital of Greenland during the summer months, why not try biking? With the center of the city being rather flat, you won’t lose your breath while exploring. It gives you the freedom to move at your own pace and venture further out of the city. There are several bike rentals in Nuuk; for example, Pikkori Sports offers rentals for around 200 DKK (30 USD) a day.

Nuuk’s Buses

Nuup Bussii (the local bus company) is a cheap and comfortable way to get around the capital. Look for large yellow buses and green bus stops in town. You can buy your ticket at the kiosks in town and on board the bus.

Taxis

Nuuk taxis are comfortable but rather expensive. You may need a taxi for airport pick-up and drop-off, and there are several taxi companies in town, such as Taxagut or Nuuk Taxa. Note that around 8am and 18pm (during peak times) you may have to wait longer to get a taxi. A cheaper alternative, depending on your plans in Nuuk city, may be buses or even a rental car.

Renting a Car

If you have seen the movie The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (starring Ben Stiller), you know that renting a car (red or blue) is a great way to get around the capital of Greenland. If you plan to explore extensively and aren’t a great walker, renting a car may be the best option to move around town. There are several rental companies located at the airport, and even those located in town may offer airport pick-up and drop-off services.

Water Taxis

Outside of Nuuk, you won’t find an established road system. If you want to explore beyond the city limits, the best way to get around is on water. There are various options of water-based taxis: for six or 12 passengers, closed and open cabins. Choose from various tours to see the Nuuk Fjord or cruise around Sermitsiaq Mountain. You can also book a charter and create your own itinerary.

Nuuk Flights

Where to Stay in Nuuk

Nuuk offers various accommodations for any budget, from 4-star hotels to guesthouses and hostels, and you can even stay with local families. Check out our top picks of accommodation options in Nuuk:

Nuuk Seamen’s Hotel (Hotel Chain SØMA)
A family-style hotel only 15 minutes by foot from the city center, with its own cafeteria (the menu changes every week). Book here.

Hans Egede Hotel
This 4-star hotel is located in the center of Nuuk and is the largest hotel in town. It also features two renowned restaurants on its grounds: Sarfalik and Hereford Beefstouw, as well as a Skyline Bar with beautiful views over Nuuk. Book here.

Hans Egede Express Hotel
As an eco-certified 3-star budget hotel, it offers several room options (including family-style rooms), with a small café in the foyer. Book here.

Inuk Hostel
Enjoy one of the best views in town! The hostel offers rooms with shared kitchen and bathroom facilities. Book here.

Where to Eat and Drink in Nuuk

Don’t miss out on the culinary highlights of Nuuk! Recharge your batteries after a long day of exploring, and grab a bite to eat. The capital of Greenland features many different restaurants for every taste. Check out our top eateries in town:

Dine with the best views at Café Inuk
A little outside the Nuuk center, but worth the trip! Enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner at Café Inuk with spectacular views of the Nuup Kangerlua Fjord. The menu changes seasonally and offers a Sunday brunch buffet.
Meats and more at Hereford Beefstouw
Beef, reindeer, sheep, and muskox are on the menu at Hereford Beefstouw at the Hans Egede Hotel restaurant. Enjoy high-quality meat cuts and seafood, paired with a comprehensive international wine selection.
Get local cuisine at Cafétuaq at the Katuaq Cultural Center
Try Greenlandic fish and meats and enjoy a meal in this café beautifully decorated by local artists. Try their reindeer schnitzel, muskox pie, or a hot sled dog, a wild sausage hot dog wrapped in bacon.
Go international
Had enough of the local food? Then try one of the world cuisine restaurants in Nuuk. Get a pizza at IGGU, an American-style burger at Bone’s, or Thai delicacies at Charoen Porn. And if you need a cold one after a long day exploring, stop by Godthaab Bryghus and try their tasty beers.

Nuuk Arrival Information

What to See in Nuuk

Greenland tourism is not only about incredible nature experiences. A visit to the capital of Greenland is a must. Get to know the unique feel of a modern city and Greenlandic culture. There are lots of interesting things to see in Greenland’s capital, and most of them are within walking distance from each other.

Greenland National Museum
Take a tour through Greenland’s culture and history, starting from prehistoric days to modern life. Some of its artifacts date back to 2400 BC. You can also see 15th-century Qilakitsoq mummies.
Nuuk Art Museum
Explore historical and contemporary art exhibitions. The museum also offers a self-guided audio program called ArtWalk that will lead you to 20 points of interest around downtown Nuuk.
Katuaq Culture Center
The unique architecture of Nuuk’s cultural center was inspired by the aurora borealis, featuring a wavy façade of glass and wood. You can enjoy events with Greenlandic music, poetry readings, and various exhibitions, as well as Nuuk’s cinema.
Colonial Harbour
It’s not only the departure port of many boat tours but also the oldest part of Greenland’s capital city. Here you’ll find museums, cafes and colorful historical houses. Take a walk at the harbor and see the Lutheran church built in 1849, with its iconic red clock tower.
Hans Egede House
This is the oldest house in Greenland, built in 1728 by Norwegian Lutheran missionary Hans Egede. It features a vegetable garden and is now a venue for state events and receptions.

What to See in Nuuk

Activities In and Around Nuuk

Boat Tours

If you visit Nuuk, you’ll quickly understand why a boat tour is the perfect way to explore. See Nuup Kangerlua Fjord, the Nuuk Icefjord, Sermitsiaq Mountain (1,210m or 3,970ft) and charming settlements such as Kapisillit, Qoornoq, and Kangeq. There are also tours focusing on whale watching, puffin safaris, northern lights viewing, and deep-sea fishing. You’ll need a boat to reach the famous restaurant Qooqqut Nuan, which serves Greenlandic cuisine and is only accessible by water, as it is located deep in the fjord. Got a little more time? Consider a multi-day boat cruise to explore West Greenland, offering scenic hikes, cabin experiences, and glamping.

Stand-up Paddleboarding and Kayaking

Visiting Nuuk in summer is the best time for water sports such as kayaking and paddleboarding! From May to September, you can rent equipment from operators such as the Nuuk Water Taxi at the Colonial Harbour and explore either solo or with a personal instructor. Feeling a bit more adventurous? Join a guided kayak and paddleboard tour to Nuuk Fjord, where you can paddle amid icebergs and even spot whales! (Link to PE Kayak page?)

Hiking

Start your hike right in the suburbs. Looking for spectacular views of the capital city and the iconic Sermitsiaq Mountain? Summit Quassussuaq for the best views in the area! It’s considered a moderate hike with well-marked trails. If you’re looking for a more challenging journey, hike up Ukkusiassat. Always check weather conditions, carry extra layers, and bring proper hiking boots, as the terrain can be wet and rocky.

Scenic Flights

Get a bird’s-eye view and see Nuup Kangerlua Fjord (Nuuk Fjord) from above! A helicopter flight will treat you to the best views, with possible landings near the summits of iconic peaks (such as Sermitsiaq Mountain) and the Nuuk Icefjord. Short flightseeing tours over Nuuk start at 30min, and summit-landing tours usually last around two hours. See incredible sunsets over Nuuk and book a twilight flight to enjoy the breathtaking scenery.

Fishing

Catch your own dinner! Nuup Kangerlua Fjord is a dream for anglers. Various species of fish thrive in the cold waters, and you can expect cod, Acadian redfish, trout, and ammasat, a small fish that can be shoveled into your boat. Master the art of longline fishing or catching crab. Combine helicopter flightseeing with fishing and book a private heli-fishing tour, which will take you to remote and inaccessible rivers around Akia.

Quick Facts About Nuuk

Population: Around 20,000 (as of 2025, about one-third of Greenland’s total)
Founded: 1728 by Hans Egede
Former Name: Godthåb (Good Hope)
Currency: Danish Krone (DKK)
Languages: Greenlandic (official), Danish and English are widely spoken
Location: Southwest Greenland, about 240 kilometers (150 miles) south of the Arctic Circle, at the entrance of the Nuup Kangerlua Fjord
Access: Reachable only by air or sea
Climate: Average winter temperatures ranging from -5°C to -10°C (23°F to 14°F), summer 10°C to 15°C (50°F to 59°F)
Status: Autonomous, part of the Kingdom of Denmark

Traveling Around Nuuk

FAQs

Can I See the northern lights in Nuuk?

You can see northern lights in Greenland’s capital of Nuuk between September and March. For the best sightings, we recommend you board a cruise to East Greenland.

What’s the temperature in Nuuk?

While during the summer you can expect a comfortable 10°C (50°F) during the day in the city, winters are colder with an average temperature of -9°C (16°F). On the Greenland ice sheet, the temperatures are much lower than in the capital of Greenland, at around -20°C (-4°F) to -31°C (-24°F) depending on the exact location.

When can I see the midnight sun in Nuuk?

As Nuuk is located a bit below the Arctic Circle (on the southwest coast of Greenland), you may have to move further north to fully enjoy the midnight sun. Still, if you visit Nuuk during the summer months (late April to late August), it never gets completely dark.

What’s the currency In Nuuk?

Greenland uses the Danish Krone as its official currency. You can also find ATMs in Nuuk. Check with hotels, restaurants, and shops beforehand if they accept credit cards (most places accept major credit cards such as Visa and Mastercard, but not all do).

Does Nuuk have a post office?

Yes, Nuuk has a post office from which you can send mail and postcards.

Where do cruises depart from in Nuuk?

Larger freight ships and cruise ships dock at Port Nuuk. Fjord cruises and water taxis depart from Nuuk’s Colonial Harbour.

Do they speak English in Nuuk?

Yes. While Greenlandic is the official language, most people, especially in Nuuk, speak English as well as Danish.

What language do people speak in Nuuk?

Greenlandic is the predominantly spoken language, followed by Danish, which is taught in schools. English is commonly used in the tourism industry and by the younger generation.

Is Nuuk safe to visit?

Generally, Nuuk is very safe, with low crime rates. Standard precautions apply, like in any capital city. Take precautions during wildlife encounters. Polar bears are rarely seen in Nuuk, but stay alert in remote areas. If you head outdoors for activities such as hiking or kayaking, always check weather conditions and bring proper equipment. Consider a guide in unfamiliar conditions.

Is Nuuk expensive to visit?

Greenland has a high cost of living, and food, accommodation, activities, and travel tend to be pricey. Expect accommodation costs of 100EUR to 200EUR per night, meals starting from 20EUR per person for casual eateries, and 40EUR plus per person at more upscale restaurants. Day tours typically start from around 100 EUR per person.

What's the population of Nuuk?

As of 2025, Nuuk has a population of 20,000 people, making it one of the world’s smallest capitals by population. Around one-third of Greenlanders live in the capital.