Nuuk Tours and Vacation Packages

Overview

Nuuk is the capital and largest city in the autonomous Danish territory of Greenland. While its population is small compared to other capital cities worldwide (just under 20,000 people), it’s not lacking for infrastructure, with surprisingly robust shopping, restaurant, and cultural scenes. Colourful homes line the deep blue waters of the harbour; historic church spires pierce the clear northern air. A new international airport connects the city to international gateways as well as settlements across Greenland. Nuuk is also a port for northern cruises through Greenland and other parts of the Atlantic. 

Located only 241 km (150 mi) south of the Arctic Circle, Nuuk is surrounded by gorgeous northern landscapes. It’s close to and named after Nuuk Fjord, the world’s second-largest fjord system. It’s also only a 10-minute drive from snow-capped mountains. Nuuk is something of a northern outpost town and the starting point for most adventures through Greenland. 

Nuuk is gorgeous, especially in the height of summer when the Midnight Sun bathes the surrounding fjord and coastline in golden light for long hours every day. During this time of year, you can spend long days hiking the surrounding fjords before retiring to local wine bars and cafes to bond with the locals, who are always curious about the stories of travellers who make it up to Nuuk. 

Founded by Danish missionaries in 1728 on the site of an existing Inuit settlement, Nuuk struggled to establish itself throughout the 18th and 19th centuries. However, midway through the 20th century in the wake of World War II, it gained increased self-governance from a distant Denmark, achieving Home Rule in 1979 and further governance with the Self-Government Act in the early 21st century.

Recent decades have seen Nuuk build its local infrastructure to shore up the burgeoning tourism industry and grow the economy. The Colonial Harbour is ground zero for historical sightseeing in Nuuk, as it provides insight into the city’s past with a variety of museums and historic homes. Visit the Greenland National Museum and Archives for a more comprehensive history of the nation. You can also tour the Nuuk Art Museum to learn about the history of Greenlandic art and see works by some of the most celebrated artists in the far north.