*New Atlantkaj was the primary port facility in Nuuk until the opening of the container terminal. New Atlantkaj is today used primarily for trawler operations and cruise vessels during the cruise season (June-September). Length 100 m. depth (LAT) 10 m. Height (MW) 4,0 m Load 2000 kg/sqm Bollards 100 t
Nuuk
Greenland’s Capital
Official Name:
Nuuk
Region:
West, Greenland
Municipality:
Kommuneqarfik Sermersooq
Location - coordinates:
64’10’N/51’43’W
Postcode:
3900
Population:
19.783
Fresh Water Supply:
Yes
Ice Condition:
Occasional glacier ice
Pier 1:
Atlantic Quay*
Safe Anchorage:
64’ 10’N / 51’45’70’’W - At the Old University
64’ 10’ 35 N / 51’ 42’W - At the Colonial Harbour
64’ 08’N / 51’ 42’W - Southerly wind; no passenger tender
Summer Time:
WGST UTC -1
Western Greenland Summer Time
Western Greenland Summer Time
Winter Time:
WGT UTC-2
Western Greenland Time
Western Greenland Time
Nearby Destinations
Qeqertarsuatsiaat: Steeped in history as a former colonial trading post, Qeqertarsuatsiaat thrives as a small but resilient fishing community. Traditional hunting and maritime culture remain central to everyday life amidst its stunning coastal landscapes.
Kapisillit: Nestled deep in the Nuuk Fjord, Kapisillit is Greenland’s only natural salmon spawning site. It offers visitors a rare blend of pristine wilderness, traditional fishing culture, and a gateway to the breathtaking Ice Cap.
Culture & History of Nuuk
Nuuk, the capital of Greenland, is where the pulse of modern Arctic life beats in harmony with centuries-old traditions. Founded in 1728 by Danish missionary Hans Egede, the city began as a mission station and quickly grew into a key colonial centre. Today, Nuuk is not only the political and administrative heart of the country but also its cultural and creative capital.
Greenlandic identity thrives in Nuuk’s vibrant arts scene. At the Katuaq Cultural Centre, visitors and locals gather for concerts, exhibitions, and performances celebrating both traditional and contemporary expressions of Greenlandic culture. The National Museum of Greenland invites you to enter the past with exhibits featuring Inuit mummies, ancient tools, traditional clothing, and intricately crafted kayaks. Here, age-old practices like drum dancing and throat singing are not relics but living parts of community life.
Nuuk’s food culture tells its own story – one of deep connection to the land and sea, infused with innovation. Dishes featuring musk ox, reindeer, seal, and Arctic fish meet modern Nordic culinary techniques in the city’s evolving restaurant scene. Events like the Suialaa Arts Festival bring together artists from across the Nordic region, underscoring the city’s role as a cultural hub far beyond its size.
Though small in scale, Nuuk is dynamic in spirit. It’s a city constantly evolving while staying deeply rooted in its heritage, where visitors can experience the essence of Greenland, both old and new.
About Nuuk
As Greenland’s capital and largest city, Nuuk is home to approximately 20,000 residents and is the country’s political, economic, and cultural centre. Nestled on the southwestern coast, Nuuk is surrounded by vast fjords, towering mountains, and breathtaking Arctic landscapes, offering visitors an extraordinary mix of city life and nature.
Nuuk seamlessly blends modern comforts with traditional Greenlandic heritage. Visitors can explore cafés, boutiques, and museums, including the National Museum, where Inuit history and artefacts are displayed. The city’s bustling harbour is a focal point of life, where fishing boats and cruise ships arrive, emphasising Nuuk’s role as a maritime hub. The city is also home to Ilisimatusarfik, Greenland’s only university, making it a centre for education and research.
With its cool Arctic climate, Nuuk experiences mild summers with temperatures reaching 10-15°C, while winter provides the perfect conditions to witness the northern lights dancing across the sky. Outdoor enthusiasts can embark on whale-watching tours, go hiking in the Nuuk Fjord, or visit nearby settlements like Qeqertarsuatsiaat, offering a deeper look into Greenlandic village life.
Nuuk’s new international airport is now open, offering improved connectivity and making it easier than ever for travellers to reach Greenland’s vibrant capital. Whether seeking cultural experiences, outdoor adventures, or a gateway to the Arctic wilderness, Nuuk perfectly balances tradition and modernity.
Key Activities in Nuuk
Nuuk isn’t just Greenland’s capital but also a thriving hub of Arctic adventure, culture, and natural beauty. Surrounded by mountains, fjords, and the sea, the city offers various activities year-round for cruise visitors and explorers alike. Whether you’re seeking unforgettable wildlife encounters, northern lights magic, or authentic Greenlandic flavours, Nuuk delivers it all with a blend of modern comfort and raw nature.
Here are five must-try activities that make Nuuk a standout destination on your journey through Sermersooq Municipality.
To explore even more experiences in and around the capital, visit VisitNuuk.com’s full activity guide and plan your adventure in detail.
Useful links
Paamiut
Nestled in the Kuannersooq Fjord, Paamiut is a tranquil coastal town steeped in history and surrounded by raw natural beauty. Famous for its sea eagles, vibrant houses, and deep-rooted fishing culture, it offers an authentic window into daily life in Greenland. With genuine hospitality and vast wilderness, Paamiut invites visitors to unwind and discover its quiet charm on their terms.