Hotel Hans Egede, Nuuk
In 2013, I visited Greenland for the first time, but on that trip, I didn’t visit Nuuk—a destination I had placed on my bucket list of the most important places I wanted to see. Nuuk and Greenland as a whole are fascinating, and although expensive to reach and stay in, this is not entirely a negative for travellers, as it adds a level of exclusivity due to the lack of mass tourism.
Hotel Hans Egede is Greenland’s most renowned hotel, located in the heart of Nuuk, the largest town and cultural centre of the world’s biggest island. Named after the 18th-century Danish-Norwegian missionary who founded Nuuk in 1728, the hotel blends Arctic charm with modern comforts, making it the top choice for both business travellers and adventurous tourists seeking the best and most comfortable place to stay in Nuuk.
The hotel offers 140 rooms, ranging from standard doubles to suites and 10 serviced apartments, catering to a wide variety of guest preferences. Each room provides stunning views—either of Nuuk’s colourful townscape or the vast, icy fjord that borders the city. Thoughtful Scandinavian design, complimentary Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and modern furnishings are some of the highlights. I liked my room, which was as comfortable as many rooms in chain hotels I’ve stayed in. The feeling of being in Nuuk was also very exciting, as it was probably the number one destination I would like to visit of the places I had not visited previously.
Another of Hotel Hans Egede’s standout features is its culinary scene. The hotel hosts two on-site restaurants. Sarfalik, the fine-dining option, offers a refined Greenlandic-Nordic fusion menu that includes fresh local ingredients such as musk ox, Arctic char, and seaweed. Meanwhile, A Hereford Beefstouw—a Danish chain restaurant I know from Denmark—is a more casual, steakhouse-style eatery known for its quality meats and hearty sides. Both venues offer beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and sea, enhancing the overall dining experience.
On the top floor, the Skyline Bar is a popular evening spot, offering cocktails, live music, and panoramic views. Whether you’re enjoying a quiet drink, meeting locals and fellow travellers, it’s an ideal place to experience Nuuk’s atmosphere. Hotel Hans Egede also serves as Nuuk’s primary conference and event venue. With modern facilities, including a large conference centre and multiple meeting rooms, it regularly hosts local and international gatherings, making it a central hub for Greenland’s evolving economy and governance. I was impressed by the service at the hotel; the staff were both friendly and professional. A big thank you to Corinne for her kind help before, during, and after my stay.
Thanks to its prime location, guests are within walking distance of Nuuk’s key attractions, such as the Greenland National Museum, Katuaq Cultural Centre, and the lively colonial harbour. For those interested in nature, nearby hiking trails and boat tours offer the chance to encounter icebergs, whales, and Arctic wildlife. After my stay, my conclusion about Nuuk is clear: It’s a fantastic and fascinating destination, which I am thankful for having been able to visit. Walking around the town, going on a fjord tour and experiencing the Northern Lights were all impressive experiences.
Whether you’re visiting for business, culture, or a taste of the Arctic wilderness, Hotel Hans Egede provides a warm and welcoming base in one of the world’s most remote capitals. It’s not just a hotel—it’s an introduction to Greenlandic hospitality and modern Arctic life.
