Everything you need to know about Nuuk

Photo by Gerth Lyberth, Visit Nuuk

Nuuk is located in the western region of Greenland, the world’s largest island. The city is rapidly growing and evolving into the modern capital of Greenland. We live in close relationships with each other, greeting one another on the streets with a smile. It is deeply rooted in our culture to be open and welcoming to new faces as well as old ones. Today, Nuuk offers all the amenities of any other modern capital. We go to the cinema, attend concerts, and have coffee at the local café. Furthermore we live close to nature, which is and always has been, a crucial part of our way of living. Welcome to Nuuk.
Nuuk - Population (2024)
19,872
Size of Nuuk (km²)
49
Size of Nuuk Fjord (km)
160
Avg. Temperature (°C)
-1.3

Photo by Gerth Lyberth, Visit Nuuk ; Data: stat.gl, Wikipedia

Nuuk Wiki offers comprehensive insights into Greenland’s dynamic capital. Read some facts about Nuuk!

Explore how Nuuk leads in sustainability, blending modern living with respect for nature.

Obtain practical insights, covering everything from local transport options to understanding the typical weather patterns.

Connect with Nuuk's community - experience the warmth and uniqueness of our local way of life.

NUUK WIKI

Explore Nuuk Wiki for a comprehensive and factual exploration of Greenland’s dynamic capital city.

Nuuk’s size:

690 km2 – 428 sq miles, 21.432 inhabitants

Coordinates:

64°10′53″N 51°41′39″W

Time zone:

UTC−02:00 (UTC−01:00 in summer)

Postcodes:

Nuuk - 3900, Nuussuaq/Qinngorput - 3905

Closest settlements:

Kapisillit lies within Nuuk Fjord with around 40 permanent citizens

Currency:

DKK – Danish Krone. Card payment accepted at most places, but not all.

Municipality:

Sermersooq Municipality is the largest municipality in the world, spanning Nuuk, Paamiut and East Greenland and several settlements around the coast

Fjords:

Nuuk fjord is the second largest fjord in the world, and is filled with adventure, available all seasons by boat and snowmobile in the winter

City areas:

Nuuk, Nuussuaq, Qinngorput

Emergency numbers

Fire brigade:

113

Police:

+299 70 14 48

Hospital:

+299 34 40 00

PRACTICAL KNOWLEDGE

Public WiFi is available in several central locations in Nuuk, making it easy for visitors to stay connected while exploring the city. Speeds are generally stable in public institutions and cafés, though connectivity can vary due to Greenland’s remote infrastructure.

  • Katuaq Cultural Centre – Reliable and widely used by visitors
  • Nuuk Center – Shopping mall with accessible WiFi
  • Nuuk Public Library – Free access for guests
  • Cafés and restaurants in the city centre (connection quality varies)
  • Some hotels and accommodations (often faster and more stable)

Nuuk’s public library is a calm and welcoming space for both locals and visitors, offering access to books, digital resources, and a quiet place to work or relax.

  • Nuuk Public Library (Nunatta Atuagaateqarfia)
  • Free entry and WiFi access
  • Collections in Greenlandic, Danish, and English
  • Reading areas, study spaces, and occasional cultural events
  • Located centrally, within walking distance of key attractions

Taxis are a convenient and widely used way to get around Nuuk, especially during winter, late evenings, or outside bus hours. Service is reliable, though waiting times can vary during busy periods or bad weather.

  • Call Nuuk Taxi directly at +299 36 36 36
  • Most hotels and cafés can also help arrange a taxi
  • Advance bookings are recommended for airport transfers and early departures
  • Card payment is standard in most taxis
  • Ride-sharing services such as Uber are not available in Greenland

For flights departing early in the morning, it is recommended to pre-book your taxi the evening before.

Pre-booking

Taxi reservations can be arranged by phone or email:

public-transport-nuuk-bus

Nuuk has a simple and reliable public bus system connecting the main districts of the city.

Additionally, buses in Nuuk are a great way to experience the city like a local, offering insights into daily life. Payment options on buses typically include cash and, sometimes, digital payments; it’s advisable to have small denominations for convenience.

  • Operated by Nuup Bussii
  • Distinctive yellow buses
  • Covers key areas: city centre, Nuussuaq, Qinngorput, and airport
  • Affordable fares compared to taxis
  • Reduced frequency in evenings and weekends
  • Tickets can be purchased onboard or via local systems

Nuuk is multilingual, and most visitors will find it easy to communicate.

Greenlandic, the official language, is an integral part of the city’s identity. Danish and English are also widely spoken, making it easier for international visitors to communicate. Language plays a key role in understanding Nuuk’s cultural nuances. Visitors interested in a deeper cultural immersion often find language classes or online resources beneficial.

  • Official language: Greenlandic (Kalaallisut)
  • Danish is widely spoken and understood
  • English is commonly spoken, especially in tourism, shops, and restaurants
  • Signage is typically in Greenlandic and Danish, with increasing English support

Nuuk’s climate is Arctic but relatively mild compared to other parts of Greenland due to its coastal location.

  • Weather can shift quickly within a single day
  • Wind and humidity significantly affect perceived temperature
  • Summer (June–August):
    ~5°C to 15°C (can occasionally reach ~18°C)
  • Winter (December–March):
    ~-5°C to -15°C (wind chill can make it feel colder)
  • Shoulder seasons:
    Rapid weather changes; layered clothing is essential

Nuuk has a modern road network within the city, but like the rest of Greenland, there are no roads connecting it to other towns.

Nuuk has a modern road network within the city, but like the rest of Greenland, there are no roads connecting it to other towns. The entire road network is local and self-contained, linking districts like city centre, Nuussuaq, Qinngorput, and the airport. Total road length is relatively small (approx. 100 km range, often cited slightly above depending on inclusion)

  • Well-maintained asphalt roads within city limits
  • No intercity roads – travel between towns is by boat, plane, or helicopter
  • Traffic is light compared to European cities
  • Winter conditions can include snow and ice; roads are regularly cleared
  • Walking is common, especially in central areas

SUMMER IN NUUK

Long days, golden light, and fresh air - summer in Nuuk invites you to hike rugged trails, sail through vast fjords, and enjoy the capital’s thriving cultural life.

Photo – Peter Lindstrom , Visit Greenland

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Nuuk?

Nuuk is in the mid-western part of Greenland, right between Paamiut and Sisimiut

How to travel to Nuuk Greenland

Greenland is an island, the most common way to travel to the country is flying.  There are two airports that travel to Greenland now, Copenhagen airport and Keflavik airport. The Airlines are Iceland Air and Air Greenland.

If you travel from Copenhagen you need to stop at a hub station in Greenland called Kangerlussuaq and get into a smaller plane from there to Nuuk. But this is included in the ticket so you don´t need to book separate tickets to travel to Nuuk

If you fly from Keflavik, you fly directly to Nuuk

Where to stay in Nuuk

Nuuk has many options for accomodations ranging from hotels to rentable apartments, visit our accomodation page to explore your options

Business travel in Nuuk

As the largest city in Greenland, Nuuk comes with many options for business related activies in the city

Places that offer conference rooms are

Hotel Hans egede

Greenland Escape

Inuk Hostels

Katuaq

If you need larger facilities that can house several hundreds of people you can look at

Inussivik and Godthåbhallen our stadiums

And the open spaces of our cultural center Katuaq

NUUK AS A SUSTAINABLE CAPITAL

Nuuk is known as the smallest metropolitan city in the world, the keyword here is small, which means that the city can be susceptible to stress.

Sustainability pledge

Nuuk, the capital of Greenland, became EarthCheck certified based on criteria formulated by GSTC. This means that throughout every sector we are looking to improve economic, social, cultural and environmental aspects.

 

Opening up to the world

In 2024, Nuuk will open its new international airport and welcome direct visitors from all over the world.

AECO

AECO is the association of arctic expedition cruise operators who in their own words exists “To ensure that expedition cruises and tourism in the Arctic is carried out with the utmost consideration for the vulnerable, natural environment, local cultures and cultural remains, as well as the challenging safety hazards at sea and on land.”

The city of Nuuk has in collaboration with AECO created community guidelines on how to act sustainably in nature, around our culture.

Photo – Rebecca Gustafsson , Visit Greenland

Local Tips

Recommendations on what to experience in Nuuk, straight from the locals! In the section below, you can filter what you want to know, from practical tips to adventures. All recommendations come directly from locals, ensuring you experience the city like a resident. Here you’ll find everything from the best place to get your coffee to hidden gems for hiking in the backcountry.
THE ULTIMATE GUIDE

Hiking in Nuuk

Whether you’re out for a stroll or a serious trek, find routes and insights in one place.

Photo – Aningaaq R. Carlsen, Visit Greenland

Nuuk Stories

Dive deeper into the local culture through the Nuuk Stories section. All the stories aim to provide you with the most authentic perspectives on what our home has to offer. We hope that these stories enhance your knowledge and expectations of Nuuk today and shed light on how the city is developing in the future.

Maps of Nuuk