What you'll do
The Nuuk itinerary offers a blend of cultural exploration and outdoor adventure, highlighting the city’s rich history, stunning natural landscapes, and unique Greenlandic traditions.
Visitors can explore museums, hike scenic trails, take boat tours to the fjords and icebergs, and immerse themselves in local culture through art, cuisine, and folklore. It’s a perfect mix of urban charm and Arctic wilderness, with opportunities for wildlife spotting, historical insights, and nature-based activities
Day 1
Transfer from the airport to Nuuk city
My top recommendation:
Rental car: you can pre-book a rental car and choose to pick up the car in the airport and drive yourself to the city center. Book your rental car here with Nuuk Rental. To make the most out of your stay in Nuuk you will explore more with a car on your own.
Puclic bus: you can take bus no. 3 from the terminal to Nuuk City. Make sure to check the bus schedule as it depends on the week day how often the bus will depart. You can check the bus schedule here.
Taxi: the taxies will hold outside the airport terminal and wait for arriving passengers. You can also pre-book a taxi here.
Check into your accommodation.
Hotel Hans Egede
hôtel
Unique Arctic Hotel in Greenland
Hotel Hans Egede is a unique hotel located in Nuuk, Greenland, offering stunning views of the surrounding scenery. Whether you're a tourist exploring the area or in town for business, this hotel is the place to be. With comfortable rooms, two exciting restaurants serving innovative Arctic gastronomy and delicious steaks, and facilities like a gym, it's the perfect spot for a memorable stay. Plus, with the opening of Nuuk International Airport, getting here just got easier, making it even more enticing for travelers looking for a one-of-a-kind experience in Greenland.
For breakfast or brunch:
Try Café Kunuaq for a Greenlandic twist on coffee and pastries. This place is located just on the old colonial harbour offering a view over the harbour and fjord sorounding Nuuk.
For the bigger selection or more traditional brunch I would go for Pascucci Cafe, Katuaq or Esmarelda.
Pascucci Cafe
café
Popular burger spot in Nuuk
Caffe Pascucci in Nuuk is a popular spot known for its variety of burgers and generous portions. The cafe has a cozy atmosphere. Prices are fair, and the food is tasty, so it's a good choice if you're looking for a satisfying meal in Greenland's capital city.
Next up you can do a city walk to get all the historic and culture elements included in your walk around Nuuk.
If you prefer to do this exploration on your own then you should start by the colonial harbour by visiting the historic buildings, the statue of Hans Egede, Nuuk Cathedral and the Mother of the Sea.
Hans Egede Statue
Visite
Controversial Hans Egede statue in Nuuk
The Hans Egede Statue is a monument in Nuuk, Greenland, honoring the Danish-Norwegian missionary who founded the city in 1728.
There is a good view from the statue over the city and the fjord. You can find the path to the statue right behind the yellow house.
Paid for by Greenlanders and erected in 1922, the statue depicts Egede holding a staff and a bible. However, recent controversies have arisen, with the statue being vandalized multiple times and calls for its removal due to Egede's controversial missionary practices.
Despite debates, a poll in 2020 showed mixed opinions on whether the statue should stay or be removed, highlighting the ongoing discussion surrounding its presence in Nuuk.
Old Nuuk
Visite
Historic settlement in Greenland
Old Nuuk, originally known as Godthåb, holds a special place in Greenland's history. Founded in 1728 by the Danish missionary Hans Egede, it was the first European settlement on Greenland and served as the administrative center for the Danish colony of South Greenland. Over the years, it also became a hub for Moravian missionaries. Despite facing hardships such as smallpox epidemics and cultural clashes, Old Nuuk played a crucial role in shaping the country’s history, laying the foundation for the vibrant, modern capital it has become today.
At the heart of Nuuk lies the Old Colonial Harbor, a charming district that beautifully blends history, culture, and natural beauty. For any visitor to Nuuk, this is the perfect starting point—a tranquil, picturesque area where you can slow down and immerse yourself in the essence of Greenland’s past and present.
Dating back to the 18th century, the Old Colonial Harbor is a living testament to Nuuk’s colonial roots. Its colorful, colonial-style wooden houses, cobblestone streets, and cozy cafés evoke a sense of stepping back in time, while also highlighting the city’s vibrant modern spirit. Here, the historic charm of the old settlement stands in contrast to the sleek, contemporary buildings that define Nuuk today.
As you wander along the waterfront, you’ll be captivated by the striking juxtaposition of traditional Greenlandic architecture against the backdrop of Nuuk's striking skyline and the majestic surrounding mountains. The harbor is still home to whaling boats, which are used by local fishermen, and it's common to spot seals basking on nearby rocks or seabirds soaring above. The combination of old-world charm and natural beauty creates a captivating atmosphere that is uniquely Nuuk.
Walking through the Old Colonial Harbor offers more than just a glimpse into the city’s past. It’s an opportunity to connect with the present-day culture of Greenland, with galleries like the Nuuk Art Museum showcasing contemporary local artists and spaces for reflection on the country’s Inuit heritage. Whether you're drawn to the area’s historical significance, its artistic energy, or the simple beauty of the harbor and surrounding landscapes, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
For a deeper dive into the city’s history and culture, I highly recommend taking a guided city tour. A local guide will bring the stories of Old Nuuk to life, offering insights into its rich heritage and vibrant present-day culture, ensuring you don’t miss any of the hidden gems in this charming corner of Greenland’s capital.
So, take your time to wander the cobbled streets, soak in the stunning views, and let the history and beauty of Nuuk’s Old Colonial Harbor unfold before you. It’s an experience that connects the past and the present in the most unforgettable way.
A city walk around the old part of Nuuk
Visite
Learn about the local city-life
You walk through Nuuks history as well as the cultural landscape. A few stops around areas of interest such as the parliament, the new boardwalk the colonial harbour and a nice viewpoint of the oldest part in Nuuk.
This is a walking tour - so remember to dress according to the weather.
After dinner you can take a walk along the coast in Nuuk on the Coast Path.
You can start your way on the stairs from the colonial harbour front and make your way back to your accommondation from here.
Make sure to take a look for whales when walking here!
Sarfalik
restaurant
Cozy seafood brasserie with wines
Sarfalik Seafood at Hotel Hans Egede in Nuuk offers a cozy and relaxed dining experience inspired by French and Italian cuisines. With a focus on seasonal produce from local suppliers, the brasserie menu provides exciting flavors without breaking the bank. The wine bar adds to the charm, offering a great selection of wines to enjoy with a stunning view of Nuuk. Don't miss out on this delicious dining spot for a taste of Greenland's bounty!
Stairs along the coast in Nuuk
activité
Stairs going from the old colonial harbour
The coast path is a scenic coastal trail that stretches along the shoreline near Nuuk, Greenland, offering visitors a unique opportunity to explore the natural beauty of the area. This trail is part of the larger The coast path project aimed at enhancing accessibility to nature, promoting sustainable tourism, and preserving the coastal environment around Nuuk.
The trail, which is a part of the municipality’s urban planning and tourism development, is designed for outdoor enthusiasts who want to experience Greenland's raw, rugged beauty in a sustainable and immersive way. It’s particularly popular among locals, hikers, and tourists who are drawn to Greenland's landscapes, wildlife, and tranquil atmosphere.