Nuuk with Guide to Greenland
Guide to Greenland is a Greenlandic company passionate about growing tourism to Greenland in a sustainable manner. 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.
Nuuk, the capital of Greenland, is a fascinating blend of old and new, Inuit tradition and Scandinavian modernity. Nestled between majestic mountains and the vast fjord system of southwestern Greenland, this small city of around 19,000 people offers a unique Arctic experience that few other destinations can match. As Greenland’s cultural, political, and economic centre, Nuuk is both a window into Greenlandic life and a gateway to adventure.
The city’s name means “cape” in Greenlandic, referencing its position on a peninsula jutting into the sea. Despite its small size, Nuuk has a surprisingly vibrant atmosphere. Colourful wooden houses stand against dramatic backdrops, while sleek modern buildings reflect the country’s growing infrastructure.
My experience started at Nuuk’s newly opened international airport before taking the public bus into the city, where I checked into Hotel Hans Egede. A comfortable hotel, similar to many chain hotels and with an excellent location in the centre of the city. After a walk in Nuuk, I went on a Fjord tour of Nuuk booked through Guide to Greenland. It was a fantastic travel experience with stunning fjord views from the boat. Although Greenland is expensive, this tour is great value as the experience is so impressive.
Nature lovers can find plenty to admire in and around Nuuk. The surrounding fjords are teeming with wildlife—whales, seals, and seabirds are common sights. Hiking trails lead to stunning viewpoints, such as Lille Malene and Store Malene, offering panoramic views of the city, fjords, and distant icebergs. The waters around Nuuk are great for kayaking and boat tours, and in winter, the northern lights are often above the city.
After the fjord tour, I found out my flight the following morning would leave much earlier, so I quickly went out to explore Nuuk on foot. In the evening, I went on a combined city tour/Northern Lights tour by car with the CEO and founder, Mads Nordlund and another visitor. It was a memorable evening. We had a great conversation where I was told interesting information about Greenland before experiencing the Northern Lights.
To make the most of a visit to Nuuk and the wider Greenlandic wilderness, Guide to Greenland is a great resource. This comprehensive online platform connects travellers with local tour providers, accommodations, and travel advice across the island. Whether you’re looking to explore remote settlements, take boat trips, join a whale-watching tour, learn about Inuit culture, or much more, Guide to Greenland offers curated experiences to suit every interest and comfort level.
What sets Guide to Greenland apart is its strong emphasis on local knowledge and sustainability. Greenland is a vast and delicate environment, and the platform ensures that visitors travel in ways that respect local customs and preserve natural ecosystems. With first-hand insights and a wide selection of experiences, the site is ideal for planning both independent and guided travel. It’s also one of the few resources that provide up-to-date logistical information, which is crucial in a country with limited infrastructure and changing weather conditions.
Visiting Nuuk offers a rare chance to see how tradition and modern life coexist in one of the world’s most remote regions. From sipping Greenlandic coffee in a cosy café to watching icebergs drift past in the fjord, the city provides both comfort and adventure. And with the help of Guide to Greenland, travellers can go beyond the capital and immerse themselves in the raw, majestic beauty of this Arctic frontier.
Whether you’re an intrepid explorer, cultural enthusiast, or nature lover, Nuuk and Guide to Greenland open the door to a truly unforgettable journey.
Nestled along the southwestern coast of Greenland, Nuuk is the country’s capital and cultural heart. With a population of just under 20,000, it is the largest city in Greenland, yet it maintains a cosy, small-town atmosphere infused with modern energy. The city blends old and new, where colourful colonial-era buildings stand alongside sleek architecture, and traditional Inuit culture thrives beside contemporary art, music, and cuisine.
Nuuk is surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty—dramatic fjords, towering mountains, and endless Arctic wilderness. The city itself offers attractions like the Nuuk Art Museum, the Greenland National Museum with preserved mummies from Qilakitsoq, and Katuaq, the cultural centre that hosts concerts, film screenings, and exhibitions. It’s also home to the northernmost cathedral in the world and some of the best cuisine in the Arctic, including restaurants that serve reindeer, musk ox, and freshly caught fish.
For those eager to explore beyond Nuuk, the Guide to Greenland is the perfect partner. This company is the country’s leading travel platform and tour provider, offering a wide range of experiences, accommodations, and practical information for both first-time visitors and seasoned Arctic travellers.
Guide to Greenland functions as a one-stop shop for planning trips across the vast island. Whether you want to book a multi-day dog sledding expedition, a Northern Lights tour, whale watching, or a helicopter flight over the ice cap, the platform connects travellers with trusted local operators. Their website allows easy booking and filters by location, activity type, and season, ensuring a seamless experience.
In Nuuk, Guide to Greenland offers curated tours that highlight the city’s history and stunning natural surroundings. Popular excursions include boat trips to the nearby Nuuk Fjord—one of the largest fjord systems in the world—where visitors can spot icebergs, humpback whales, and even ancient Norse ruins. During winter, the company helps travellers chase the aurora borealis, while summer tours focus on kayaking, hiking, and cultural experiences with local Inuit communities.
What sets Guide to Greenland apart is its focus on sustainability and authenticity. The company partners with local guides and businesses to ensure tourism benefits the communities involved. Their team is also made up of passionate Greenlanders and Arctic experts who deeply understand the landscape, climate, and culture. This commitment ensures a more personal and meaningful travel experience.
Whether you’re looking for a relaxed city break in Nuuk or an off-the-grid Arctic expedition, Guide to Greenland provides the resources, knowledge, and connections to make it happen. The company’s user-friendly platform includes not only tour bookings but also travel blogs, destination guides, and tips for responsible tourism in Greenland’s fragile environment.
In short, Nuuk offers a unique blend of culture, wilderness, and modernity—and with Guide to Greenland by your side, it becomes a gateway to one of the most awe-inspiring regions on Earth.