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 1/4 of the entire population of the country). The city is sometimes accused of being rather soulless, with many high-rise blocks.
Nuuk, along with most of Greenland, has a subarctic climate. Being on the coast helps moderate temperatures somewhat, and winter temperatures are not unlike those of northern Europe or central Canada. However, in July the average temperature is only, with highs rarely above .
Autumn has the highest rainfall and snowfall, although it is fairly steady all year round.
- Greenland National Museum, +299 32 26 11.
- Nuuk Art Museum.
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.
- 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.
- Hans Egede Church. A wooden Evangelical Lutheran church.
Greenland National Museum, +299 32 26 11.
Nuuk Art Museum.
Statue of Hans Egede.
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.
Hans Egede Church. A wooden Evangelical Lutheran church.
- Katuaq, +299 36 37 70.
- Nuuk Marathon.
- 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.
Nuuk Marathon.
Whale watching by boat.
Helicopter ride to the inland ice, Norse ruins and kaffemik at a nearby village.
Katuaq, +299 36 37 70.
Handmade seal skin gloves cost around 500 kr. Ask in shops near Colonial town.
- Nuuk Center. First shopping mall in Greenland.
- Atuagkat Bookstore, +299 32 17 37.
Nuuk Center. First shopping mall in Greenland.
Atuagkat Bookstore, +299 32 17 37.
- Cafe Esmeralda, Aqqusinersuaq 6, 1. sal, +299 48 22 03. 10:00-21:00, bar closes 01:00 on weekends. Pasta, wrap, burgers, omelettes and sandwiches. 100 kr.
- Godthaab Bryghus, Imaneq 30, +299 34 80 80. This brewpub has good beer and good food. Burgers and steaks, often serves muskox, reindeer and lamb. 200 kr.
- Sarfalik. Gourmet food at reasonable prices. They have both a global menu and a local menu with muskox, carabou, seal, whale, etc. the course menu: 550 kr.
- Charoen Porn, Aqqusinersuaq 5, +299 325759. Good Thai food with a Greenlandic touch: mattag, halibut, whale and musk ox 100 kr for mains, 300 kr for the big menu.
- Red Dragon, Imaneq 30, +299 34 80 80. A self-described Chinese-Greenlandic fusion restaurant, with a wide range of dishes. Main meals from around 80 kr.
Cafe Esmeralda, Aqqusinersuaq 6, 1. sal, +299 48 22 03. 10:00-21:00, bar closes 01:00 on weekends. Pasta, wrap, burgers, omelettes and sandwiches. 100 kr.
Godthaab Bryghus, Imaneq 30, +299 34 80 80. This brewpub has good beer and good food. Burgers and steaks, often serves muskox, reindeer and lamb. 200 kr.
Sarfalik. Gourmet food at reasonable prices. They have both a global menu and a local menu with muskox, carabou, seal, whale, etc. the course menu: 550 kr.
Charoen Porn, Aqqusinersuaq 5, +299 325759. Good Thai food with a Greenlandic touch: mattag, halibut, whale and musk ox 100 kr for mains, 300 kr for the big menu.
Red Dragon, Imaneq 30, +299 34 80 80. A self-described Chinese-Greenlandic fusion restaurant, with a wide range of dishes. Main meals from around 80 kr.
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.
Bars
- Kristinemut, Aqqusinersuaq 7, +299 348094. M-Th 13:00-midnight, F 13:00-03:00, Sa noon-03:00, Su noon-midnight. The oldest bar in Nuuk. Very lively
- Daddy's, Imaneq 30 (Next to Godthåb Bryghus. Irish-inspired pub.
Barista, Spindlers Bakke 10C, +299 321114. 11:00-00:00. The place to get good coffee, slushies, and sandwiches 25 kr for coffee.
Kristinemut, Aqqusinersuaq 7, +299 348094. M-Th 13:00-midnight, F 13:00-03:00, Sa noon-03:00, Su noon-midnight. The oldest bar in Nuuk. Very lively
Daddy's, Imaneq 30 (Next to Godthåb Bryghus. Irish-inspired pub.
- Public and National Library of Greenland, Imaneq 26, +299 32 11 56.
Public and National Library of Greenland, Imaneq 26, +299 32 11 56.
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.
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.