About City :
Nuuk often referred to as the Arctic Metropolis, is both the largest city and the capital of Greenland. It is the country’s economic and cultural center. This city is governed by the Sermersooq Municipality.
Nuuk has a long history of habitation that dates back to 2200 BC when it was occupied by the Paleo-Eskimo members of the Saqqaq culture. It was later occupied by the Dorset culture before the Viking explorers inhabited it in the 10th century. Nuuk also saw the existence of the Norse settlement in the area before they disappeared during the 15th century. The present site of the city was founded by the missionary Hans Egede in 1728 as the fort of Godt-Haab. Around 1850 Nuuk faced a cultural and identity crisis under Danish influence, and this led to the establishment of Greenland’s first newspaper. World War II saw a reawakening of the national identity of Greenland.
Currently, Nuuk is home to 19,000 Inuits and Danes that make up one-third of the total population of the country. The prevalent religion here is Lutheran Christianity. The official language of Nuuk is Greenlandic.
Geography :
Nuuk gets its name from the Kalaallisut word for “cape” because of its geographical position at the mouth of the Nuup Kangerlua Fjord, situated about 10 km from the shores of the Labrador Sea on the south-western coast of Greenland. This city lies 240 km south of the Arctic Circle, making it the world’s northernmost capital. Spreading over an area of 265 sq. km, Nuuk is surrounded by the Sermitsiaq Mountain.
How to Reach (Transport) :
Nuuk is easily accessible by boat and air. It has one international airport located about 4 km northeast of the city, Nuuk Airport. This is served by various airlines like Air Greenland, Air Iceland, and Air Nuvanut that connect Nuuk with other cities. Nuuk is also served by coastal ferries of the Arctic Umiaq Line twice a week.
It is easy to get around in Nuuk on foot as it has quite an advanced road network. Bus and taxi services are also available easily.
When to Visit :
Nuuk has a subarctic climate with temperatures going as low as -30 degrees Celsius in winters. The best time to visit this place is between May-June when the temperature is comparatively warmer with less snowfall.
Fairs and Festivals :
- The most important event in the capital of Greenland is the Nuuk Snow Festival. Since 1994, Nuuk has hosted this annual snow sculpture competition every February-March. Accomplished snow artists from all over the world use traditional tools to sculpt their creations.
- National Day, celebrated on June 21, is Greenland’s most important national holiday. This also happens to be the longest and the sunniest day of the year. The summer solstice is celebrated with church services, speeches by local officials, folk songs, and dances.
- The return of the sun in January after months of darkness is celebrated throughout the nation with coffee, music, and family get-togethers.
Besides these, there are several races and marathons that take place in Greenland in which Nuuk takes an active part.
Points of Interest (Places to Visit in Nuuk) :
Nuuk has a number of sites that attract tourists from different parts of the world.
- Nuuk Art Museum is a private museum that boasts of a collection of over 300 paintings by Emanuel A. Peterson. It also has an expansive collection of ivory and wood carvings.
- The National Museum of Greenland contains exhibits of the nation’s historic past, covering both Inuit and Norse culture.
- Katuaq Culture Center is ideal for meetings and conventions held in Nuuk.
- Whale watching is an interesting activity one must not miss out on in Nuuk. Three species of whales can be sighted in the fjord from May to November.
- Alpine skiing and heli-skiing are popular in Nuuk among thrill-seeking tourists.
Accommodation :
There are a number of hotels present in Nuuk where accommodation is available at a reasonable rate. Some of the noteworthy hotels are Hotel Hans Egede, Hotel Nordbo, Hotel Paarnat-Kapisillit, and Hotel Seamen’s Home, which provide their occupants with all the basic as well as modern amenities. Apartment rentals are also available in Nuuk through the Touring Greenland office.
Greenland Hotel