Nuuk
Greenland's capital, on a peninsula at the mouth of Nuuk Fjord under the peak of Sermitsiaq, now reached by jet direct from Copenhagen and New York.
- Arrival
- Nuuk Airport · GOH
- To the city
- About 4 km from the centre
- Private jets
- 2,200 m runway, customs on notice
- Best time
- June to August
The city
A capital on the fjord.
Nuuk is the seat of Greenland's government and by far its largest town, with apartment blocks and glass-fronted offices rising behind the old Colonial Harbour. The fjord system behind it runs deep inland, and from the upper floors of the town the eye goes straight to Sermitsiaq across the water.
From June to August the days are long and bright; people kayak and walk, and there are whales in the fjord. On 21 June, National Day, the Colonial Harbour fills with music, folk dancing and cannon salutes. In February the hills around town turn to skiing and snowshoeing.
- The Colonial Harbour Nuutoqaq, the oldest part of town, and the stage for National Day each 21 June.
- Nuuk Fjord A long system of fjords running inland, under the summit of Sermitsiaq.
- Greenland National Museum By the old harbour, the country's collection of Inuit history and art.
Arriving
Jets since 2024.
Since 28 November 2024 Nuuk has had a 2,200-metre runway with an instrument landing system, replacing a 950-metre strip, and a new terminal with separate Schengen and non-Schengen gates. The airport is about four kilometres from the centre.
- Montreal 3 h 35
- Boston 3 h 50
- Frankfurt 5 h 15
- Riyadh 10 h 30 long-range jet
- Mumbai 12 h 40 long-range jet
When to go
June to August.
Sub-Arctic and maritime: colder than Europe but milder than the north of Greenland. July and August reach about 10 °C and bring the long, light days; from November to April the highs stay below freezing.
- -5° J 39 -1°
- -5° F 45 -1°
- -5° M 49 -1°
- -1° A 45 -1°
- 3° M 54 0°
- 8° J 60 1°
- 10° J 83 2°
- 10° A 91 4°
- 6° S 87 4°
- 1° O 68 2°
- -2° N 72 1°
- -4° D 54 0°
Where to stay
In the centre of town.
Shown for information. We have no arrangement with any of these hotels.
Where to dine
Dinner above the fjord.
No MICHELIN Guide covers Greenland. Visit Greenland names Sarfalik the fine-dining restaurant of Hotel Hans Egede, and it sits in the top price band on Tripadvisor.
- Sarfalik Visit Greenland, fine dining Fish and seafood $$$$ Hotel Hans Egede, fifth floor, Nuuk centre
Elsewhere in Greenland
More reasons to come.
Flying to Nuuk?
Choose how you arrive.
A Business or First Class seat on a scheduled airline, or an aircraft of your own. Tell us the date and how many are travelling, and we reply with one final price, our margin included.