What to pack for your trip to Nuuk

What to pack for your trip to Nuuk

So, you’ve done it. You’ve booked your ticket to Kalaallit Nunaat. Your Greenlandic vacation of a lifetime is going to become a reality. Now you have questions about clothing, shoes, and what’s practical in the Arctic? Worry no more! The team at Visit Nuuk is here to guide you through what to pack for your trip to Nuuk.

Footwear & Clothes

So, you’ve done it. You’ve booked your ticket to Kalaallit Nunaat. Your Greenlandic vacation of a lifetime is going to become a reality. Now you have questions about clothing, shoes, and what’s practical in the Arctic? Worry no more! The team at Visit Nuuk is here to guide you through what to pack for your trip to Nuuk.

If you wear sneakers, then I’ve got news for you, sneakers are hugely popular in the Arctic capital of Nuuk. Some locals even swear to sneakers during winter blizzards. Athough this is not recommended for tourists. Safety is our highest priority! We recommend a quality pair of hiking boots that will keep your feet dry and warm. People tend to be active outdoors so it is common to see people in hiking boots paired with casual local fashion in the city.

The common style in Greenland is a combination of practical outdoor wear with a dash of personal taste. We are keenly aware that we live in the Arctic, and we know that there is a need for clothes that offer some kind of protection from the cold and/or from the sun & snow depending on the season. This means layering is a must and you will often find that you’re a bit cold when you first go out, but then your body insulates the heat and then you get warm. It’s always nice to be able to adjust our outfits to the (sometimes sudden) weather changes.

Accessories & Summer essentials

You will find that many of us love to spice up our outfits with a few accessories, whether its practical or aesthetic. A cap, (or any hat), can function as both a visual statement while also protecting your head from the wind and your eyes from the sun. Tunnel scarfs are very popular in the Arctic because they keep your neck warm and cozy but can immediately be makeshifted into a headband, if necessary.

Sunscreen and sunglasses are a must! The sun is powerful and sometimes you won’t feel its heat even when it’s shining its UVA’s and UVBs rays directly at you. To save yourself from the pain of sunburn (and the risk of potential skin cancer), sunscreen is your friend and you should apply it often as needed.

Insects & Winter essentials

Mosquito spray is a must! There is no avoiding the mosquitos in the Arctic summer season. If you are sensitive to the buzzing bullies, you may want to invest in a mosquito head net to protect your head. They are not be the most fashionable summer accessory, but you’ll thank yourself in the long run, especially on windless days. You will mostly use the spray when you are out in nature. No fashion police there!

Bring really.warm.outer.wear! This means a big warn jacket and also snow pants. A beanie or some kind of warm insulated hat to keep your ears protected from the cold. Gloves are absolutely necessary. They should be windproof. Also, a scarf is recommended to protect your neck. A base thermal layer (a layer under your regular clothes) is also a good idea for added protection from the elements. Fun extras Binoculars are amazing to have on hand when you are in nature. You’ll be able to see, up close to many beautiful sights without even moving. What a treat! Portable games, of some kind like card games or small board games are a great idea as well. There is a high probability of delays when you travel in the Arctic, so its a good idea to be prepared. And you might as well have some fun while you wait.