What to do in Nuuk?

Nuuk is much more than Greenland’s capital city. When you look around, you’ll see you’re surrounded by beautiful nature. Mountains and fjords share the view with manmade structures.

Summer - Things to do in Nuuk Winter - Things to do in Nuuk

Summer - Things to do in Nuuk

Wondering what to do in Nuuk? In summer, Nuuk—the capital of Greenland—comes alive with adventure and activities for everyone.  You can hike in the green hills, join boat tours to spot icebergs and whales, or explore museums and the colorful harbor. Enjoy outdoor cafés, local events, and the stunning Arctic scenery that makes Nuuk unforgettable.

People on a yellow boat, watching a whale's tail sticking out of the water.

Whale watching

Nuuk Fjord system is filled with lots of natural resources, and humpback whales are protected here as something unique. We are in fact the only place in Greenland, where hunting humpback whales is prohibited. Humpback whales are one of the animals in the world that travel the furthest, and we are lucky they visit us in Greenland during the summer period! Baleen whales also typically come from Haiti and Puerto Rico, where they breed during the winter. The humpback whale is the whale we often see in our fjord system, since it’s easily seen and recognized by it’s humped dorsal fin and beautiful tail.

Price: 1.249,- DKK / 168 EUR
Duration: 3-4 hours
Includes: Whale guarantee, coffee, tea and hot chocolate

Two people taking picture of the beautiful view of ice frjord.

Ice fjord sailing

We travel deep into Nuuk’s ice fjord, where all the ice originates. The journey there, takes about 2 hours and we may be lucky to spot whales, eagles and perhaps even seals! We will get close to many icebergs to enjoy their various shapes and colours. Once we reach there, we will turn off the engines, to listen to the sound of crackling and melting ice. The trip takes place on our own boats, which are equipped with heated cabins, as well as both in- and outdoor seatings. It’s a very good idea to bring your own lunch along with you! 

Price: 2.295,- DKK / 308 EUR
Duration: 6 hours
Includes: Coffee, tea and hot chocolate

A happy woman who has just captured two fish.

Qooqqut Nuan Fish and Eat

This tour is a 3-in-1 experience; a boat trip through the fjord in Nuuk, a fishing trip for fresh Greenlandic fish, and dining at a cozy restaurant. For about an hour we sail about 50km from Nuuk. During this boat trip through the fjord, we will catch fresh fish, which we will bring to the restaurant after the trip. The restaurant then prepares the freshly caught fish, where you can watch as the fish are filleted. It is possible to get a vegetarian meal at the restaurant, which serve a delicious menu that combines spices from the Far East with European cuisine. 

Price: 1.649 DKK / 221 EUR
Duration: 6 hours
Includes: Coffee, tea and hot chocolate

Beautiful view of the city with colorful housesby the blue ocean. Mountains in the background and beautiful blue sky.

Qoornoq – abandoned village

Available all year
Although Qoornoq is called “The Bear Island”, the chances of seeing one is extremely small! We will head to the abandoned settlement of Qoornoq to explore the area. The island is now a popular vacation spot with a summer house community for Nuuk’s residents, offering a stunning view marked by icebergs. After our walk there, we will sail south to pass the waterfall of the backside of Semisiac Island, before we return to Nuuk.

Price: 1.499,-DKK / 201 EUR
Duration: 4-5 hours
Includes: Coffee, tea and hot chocolate 

Two people walking in the beautiful nature with fjord in the background.

Kapisillit Ice Fjord Hiking Tour

We sail for about 2,5 hours to the tip of Kapisillit fjord, where you will be dropped off. From there, you walk for about 45 minutes on a flat terrain, until you get a view of the ice fjord. We then hike through the stunning nature, until we reach another breathtaking viewpoint, overlooking the ice floes that fill the water. We might get lucky to see wildlife like whales, seals and eagles during our trip! There’s also a chance for us to see sheep roaming the area, as well as local wildlife like reindeers, foxed and hares. We highly recommend good hiking boots, as we walk about 2 km in uneven terrain to the fjord viewpoint. 

Price: 2.395,- DKK / 321 EUR
Duration: 8 hours
Included: Guide, local captain, coffee, tea and hot chocolate

Nuuk Fiord Adventure

Available all year
This tour is amazing for families who love nature. The tour is a great combination trip to enjoy the views of some of the most beautiful mountains in the Nuuk fjord, while we catch some cod or redfish. We head into one of our fjords to catch cod, where you can check the “Polar Plunge” off your list. Afterwards, we enjoy a warm drink together, before we continue with our bags filled with fish.

Price: 895,- DKK / 120 EUR
Duration: 2-3 hours
Includes: Coffee, tea and hot chocolate

Two puffins flying over the ocean.

Puffin Tour

Join us on a small island, south of Nuuk, where puffins nest and lay eggs during the summer period. On this tour, we look for puffins, who roam the open sea and come ashore to breed. These puffins are recognized by their colorful beaks and their size, about 30 cm. However, we cannot 100% guarantee that we will be able to find the birds, as they are wild animals after all, and the nature itself can be a tough adversary with predators around. 

Price: 1.249,- DKK / 168  EUR
Duration: 3 hours
Includes: Coffee, tea and hot chocolate

Sunset Cruise

Join us for a magical midnight sun cruise in Nuuk’s beautiful fiord. Enjoy peaceful waters, breathtaking views, and a special midnight toast to “Maliina,” the sun in Greenlandic folklore. Tour highlights include sunset sailing, iceberg spotting, and stunning Arctic scenery with snow-capped peaks, wildlife, and waterfalls—all under the colorful glow of the midnight sun.

Price: 949 DKK / 128 EUR
Duration: 2 hours
Included: Guide, local captain, coffee, tea and hot chocolate

Things to do on land

In Nuuk, there are many fun things to do on land. You can hike or snowshoe in the mountains, visit museums to learn about Greenland’s history, or explore the old colonial harbor. Walk along the boardwalk, shop for local crafts, and relax in cozy cafés. There’s something for everyone to enjoy.

3 smiling people standing on a small hill, with a beautiful view of the city and it's colorful houses in the background. Bright blue sky and ocean in the backgorund.

City tour of Nuuk with guide

Available all year
Join us to experience well-known places such as the Parliament, the National Museum and the breathtaking viewpoint that’s often found on postcards from Nuuk! The Parliament is just a quick stop for us, where we will talk about Greenland’s history, as well as the sculptures and paintings around us. We will then walk down Tuapanniguit, along Nuuk’s coast, to Nuup Saava, where we can look towards Kangeq, where Hans Egede originally settled.  The tour then takes us to the viewpoint, with old colorful houses and the iconic Sermitsiaq mountain in the background, which many can recognize from Greenlandic postcards. 

Price: 399,- DKK / 54 EUR
Duration: 2 hours
Includes: Guide

City tour of Nuuk by private car

Available all year

A guided city-tour by car or bus through the neighborhoods in Nuuk. From the newest suburbs to the old "Koloni"-harbor. You will hear about the past, right back to the beginning of the colonial era and right up to the moderne Greenland with Home Rule Governement (today; Self-Government). During the tour there will be plenty of opportunities to stop and take pictures or take a short walk up to the statue of Hans Egede next to the cathedral.

Price: 1.595,- DKK / 214 EUR per car (max 4 persons pr. car)

Duration: 1.5 hours

Includes: Local guide / driver

Hike to Quassussuaq Mountain

Enjoy a 3-hour guided hike around Quassussuaq (Lille Malene) mountain in Nuuk. Walk through beautiful, untouched nature, climb up to 300 meters, and take in amazing fjord views. The trail suits most hikers and includes a break at the top with hot drinks. Bring your own lunch if needed.

Price: DKK 695
Duration: 3 hours
Difficulty: Medium
Includes: Guide, snowshoes/hiking poles, coffee, tea and hot chocolate

Hike along Nuuks Coastline

Enjoy a relaxing 2-hour hike along Nuuk’s stunning coastline, perfect for both beginners and experienced hikers. Take in beautiful views of fjords, green hills, and the blue sea under the summer sun. Guided by locals, you’ll learn about Nuuk’s nature and history, and visit a cultural heritage site. Experience the fresh sea breeze and Greenland’s unique summer landscape.

Price: DKK 499
Duration: 1,5- 2 hours
Difficulty: Easy
Includes: hiking poles, coffee, tea and hot chocolate

Stay at Camp Kangiusaq

Camp Kangiusaq is a special place to experience Greenland’s wild nature in comfort. After a scenic boat ride from Nuuk, you’ll stay in cozy tents, enjoy hot meals, and relax in a big communal tent. The camp is surrounded by stunning fjords, icebergs, and wildlife like whales and caribou.
You can join guided kayak, fishing, or hiking tours, or explore on your own. All meals and hot drinks are included in your stay.

Price, 1 night: DK 4.595 / EUR ​616
Price, 2 nights: DKK 7.495 / EUR ​1.005

Nuuk - on your own

The capital is full of history and culture. The Greenland National Museum & Archives are divided into several buildings with an interesting story to tell about Greenland's history. The museum has excellent collections, including the well-preserved mummies from Qilakitsoq near Uummannaq. The mummies were found by locals back in 1972, in a burial ground for 6 women and 2 children.
A walk in the old colonial harbour is a must in Nuuk. The National Museum and other protected and well-preserved, colourful buildings are located there.
The Mother of the Sea is a beautiful sculpture located near the colonial harbour. The sculpture is partially covered by water at high tide, so it’s best viewed at low tide.

There are also several eateries and cafés. Nuummiutter (Nuuk Citizens) like to go out and socialise. So go out - it's a great way to meet or observe the locals.

The Foundation of Nuuk and Hans Egede's Mission

In 1728 Greenland's current capital Nuuk, was founded under the name Godthåb by the Danish-Norwegian priest Hans Egede. He travelled to Greenland in 1721 to spread Christianity.

About Nuuk

Nuuk is a vibrant city in rapid development. With nature as the backdrop, you’ll find an international airport, Ilisimatusarfik University of Greenland, a hospital, schools, courthouse, an award winning swimming pool, several ports, numerous shops, restaurants and cafes, the lovely Katuaq Cultural Centre, the National Museum and many major organisations.

Many bohemian artists live in Nuuk side by side with the serious business professionals. There is room for everyone here.

Dog sledding: No
Midnight Sun in the summer: YES in the period 23 May to 23 July, rest of the summer its bright 24 hours a day
Northern Lights: Yes, in a dark sky and with suitable atmospheric conditions
Former Danish name: Godthaab


Where is Nuuk?

Nuuk is the capital of Greenland, found on the southwest coast. It’s surrounded by mountains and fjords, making it a great spot for adventure and hiking. Many people visit Nuuk to explore Greenland’s nature and culture, and there are different types of accommodation for your stay.



How to get to Nuuk?

You can only get to Nuuk by flying, as there are no roads between Greenland’s towns. Most flights go through Iceland or Denmark. Once you arrive, you can start your adventure, go for a hike, and enjoy everything Nuuk has to offer. There are plenty of accommodation choices in the city.



Where to stay in Nuuk?

Nuuk has many types of accommodation, from hotels to guesthouses and hostels. Whether you want adventure, plan to hike, or just relax, you’ll find a place that fits your needs. Many places to stay have great views of the mountains and fjords, making your Greenland visit special.

Camp Kangiusaq

Hotel Hans Egede - Nuuk.

Known locally as HHE, Hotel Hans Egede is a comfortable 4-star hotel located right in the centre of Greenland’s capital city Nuuk.

Hotel Hans Egede Express - Nuuk

Nuuk, budget hotel within walking distance to Nuuk city.

Request a Tailormade Tour in Greenland

Packages visiting Nuuk

Winter - Things to do in Nuuk

Nuuk, the capital of Greenland, is a great place for winter adventure. You can go snowshoeing, hike in the snowy mountains, or try to see the northern lights. Explore local attractions, enjoy cozy cafés, and take in the beautiful Arctic scenery. There are plenty of things to do for everyone in Nuuk during winter.

Yellow boat holding still by the ice in the ocean, with a person standing on the ice next to the boat. Beautiful view of the blue ocean and ice, and colorful mountain in the background because of sunset.

Winter ice fjord sailing

We travel deep into Nuuk’s ice fjord, where all the ice originates. The journey there, takes about 2 hours and we may be lucky to spot whales, eagles and perhaps even seals! We will get close to many icebergs to enjoy their various shapes and colours. Once we reach there, we will turn off the engines and walk onto the ice. For those interested in winter swimming, there is an opportunity to jump into the water. The trip takes place in our own Targa boats, with heated cabins, as well as in- and outdoor seating. 

Price: 2.295,- DKK / 308 EUR
Duration: 6 hours
Includes: Coffee, tea and hot chocolate

Beathtaking Northern lights over the ocean and fjord.

Northern Lights Boat Tour

On this new tour, we go out to explore the cold Arctic night, to search for the northern lights. From our meeting point, we head towards Akia and deeper into the fjord, to avoid disturbing lights around us. Since it’s difficult to predict a natural phenomenon like the northern lights, we can’t guarantee that you will experience them. If it becomes cloudy at the last second, we may cancel the trip. However, we will offer you a refund, or another date to experience the northern lights. We don’t sail, unless the sky is reasonably clear.

Price: 949,- DKK / 127 EUR
Duration: 3 hours
Includes: Coffee, tea and hot chocolate

Beautiful view of Kapisillit, covered by snow with sunset in the background.

Kapisillit - Day tour

This tour is perfect for those, who want to experience a longer boat trip, with stunning aspects of Greenland. We sail deep into the eastern part of Nuuk’s fjord system, to experience some of the oldest mountains in the fjord. This is the place where local artists come, to find precious materials for art and handicrafts. After arriving in Kapisillit, we walk to the church with a breathtaking view of the fjord. You can also go for a winter swim, if it’s an interest. 

Price: 1.995,- DKK / 268 EUR
Duration: 5-6 hours
Includes: Coffee, tea and hot chocolate

Stunning view of the island covered in snow, with blue sky and ocean.

Northern Lights Photo Tour to Qoornoq

Join a Northern Lights Photo Tour to peaceful Qoornoq Island with Nuuk Water Taxi. Enjoy a quiet night surrounded by icebergs and mountains, and get help from a professional photographer to capture the Northern Lights or starry sky. The tour includes time on the island and a scenic boat ride. Dress warmly and bring extra light for photos.

Price: DKK 1.995 / EUR 268
Duration: 5 hours
Includes: Professional photographer, coffee, tea and hot chocolate

Aurora Chase Boat Tour - Evening

Set sail with Nuuk Water Taxi for an evening boat tour in search of the northern lights. Leave the city behind and enjoy the peaceful Arctic night, guided by a friendly crew who share local stories and insights. Even if the aurora doesn’t appear, you’ll experience the magic of the fiord, starry skies, and complimentary hot drinks for a cozy, unforgettable adventure.

Price: DKK 995 / EUR 134
Duration: 3 hours
Includes: Guide, coffee, tea and hot chocolate

Fish and Feast - Winter

Enjoy a fishing adventure in Nuuk Fjord, where you’ll try to catch cod or redfish with provided gear. After the trip, head to Inuk Hostels, where skilled chefs cook your catch for dinner. Watch the cooking, relax with fjord views, or enjoy the spa or sauna (arranged seperately). Vegetarian meals are available, and warm clothing is recommended.

Price: 1.649 DKK / 221 EUR
Duration: 6 hours
Includes: Guide, fishing hear, coffee, tea and hot chocolate

Stunning northern lights over the beautiful city.

Northern lights with car

Join us in a green hybrid car to experience a cozy tour, to the most beautiful and darkest viewpoints around Nuuk. The tour is guided by a local, who will tell you about various folk tales related to the aurora, as well as the history and culture of the city. We provide a warm drink during the tour, especially during the cold stops where we step outside to hopefully witness one of the most majestic natural phenomena in the Arctic. If we are unlucky with the unpredictable northern lights, you can join another aurora tour for free!

Price: DKK 650 / 87 EUR
Duration: 2 hours
Includes: Local guide, coffee, tea and hot chocolate

Snowshoe Hike to Quassussuaq Mountain

Join a snowshoe tour around Quassussuaq (Lille Malene) mountain in Nuuk. Walk through snowy, untouched nature, climb up to 300 meters, and enjoy amazing fjord views. The trail suits active hikers and includes a break with hot drinks. Learn about the local landscape from your guide. Bring your own lunch and wear warm outdoor clothing, especially snow pants.

Price: DKK 695 / 93 EUR
Duration: 2 hours
Difficulty: Medium
Includes: Guide, snowshoes/hiking poles, coffee, tea and hot chocolate

Snowshoe Hike along Nuuks Coastline

Join a 2-hour snowshoe hike along Nuuk’s beautiful coastline. Enjoy easy walking with great views of fjords and mountains, guided by friendly locals who share stories about the area. The route is suitable for beginners and experienced hikers, and you’ll visit Nuuk’s only well-preserved turf hut. High-quality snowshoes and gear are provided for a warm, fun winter adventure.

Price: DKK 499 / 67 EUR
Duration: 2 hours
Difficulty: Easy
Includes: Guide, snowshoes/hiking poles, coffee, tea and hot chocolate

Packages visiting Nuuk