

Must-see nature attractions in Nuuk
Jump to chapter
Published: 04/08/2024
Reading time: 4 minutes
Dreaming of experiencing Greenland’s raw nature around Nuuk?
Greenland is renowned for its breathtaking nature, and the Nuuk area is no exception. Whether you enjoy fjord excursions, mountain hikes, kayaking among icebergs, or cozy cabin trips in the backcountry, this Arctic destination has something for every adventurous soul.
Here’s my top 5 recommendations:

1. Glide next to the huge icebergs
It is a surreal and unique experience. With a bit of luck, you might even spot a humpback whale. There’s also the chance for a “polar dip.”
It’s pure meditation when you find yourself in the tranquility of the melting icebergs, feeling small and marveling at these wonders at your own pace.
You can book your stand up paddlebording tour among the icebergs here.
Wondering if there are any icebergs in Nuuk and how they look? Take a look at my instagram here.

2. Taste your own freshly caught fish
My personal favorite trip in the GodthÃ¥bsfjord is a fishing trip to Qooqqut. Here, you get the chance to have your freshly caught fish prepared and eaten shortly after. They also offer a “safari” option, where you can try musk, reindeer and fish.
A bonus to this trip is that you will have an unbelievable view during sunset.

3. Nuuk’s iconic mountain peaks
The mountains, Lille Malene and Store Malene, are two iconic peaks around Nuuk, offering stunning views and various hiking routes for both beginners and experienced hikers.
- Lille Malene (in Greenlandic, Quassussuaq)
- Height: 443 meters
- Length: 4-5 km
- Duration: 2-3 hours
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Lille Malene is a relatively accessible hike, leading you through gentle hills and rocky trails to the top, where a spectacular panoramic view of Nuuk and the GodthÃ¥bsfjord awaits. The hike is suitable for beginners but still offers enough challenge to be interesting for more experienced hikers. Several routes lead to the top, but the most well-known and best-marked trail follows Nuuk’s ski trail.
Book a guided tour around Lille Malene here.
- Store Malene (in Greenlandic, Ukkusissat)
- Height: 772 meters
- Length: 10 km
- Duration: 5-6 hours
- Difficulty: Hard
Store Malene is a more demanding route, challenging you with steep climbs and rugged terrain. The reward is a breathtaking view from the top over the entire Nuuk area and surrounding fjords. This hike requires good physical condition and experience in mountain hiking but is a must-do for those seeking adventure.
Book your climb to the top of Ukussissat here.

4. Adventures in Nuuk’s backcountry
A cabin trip in Nuuk’s backcountry offers you an authentic experience of Greenland’s wild nature. Cabin trips can be a relaxing escape from the city’s noise. It’s also an opportunity to hunt for birds or reindeer in the Greenlandic wilderness.
Here are my favorite cabins:
- Kapisillit
- Qooqqut
- Qoornoq
Still not convinced about doing this trip? I’ll give you some more inspiration here.
Insider tip: Consider such a trip during the seasons when there are northern lights. Here, you are away from the city’s light pollution, providing a unique view that is hard to find in the city.

5. Climbing Nuuk’s landmark, Sermitsiaq
The distinctive pyramid-shaped mountain, Sermitsiaq, is a landmark visible from all over Nuuk and offers one of the most exciting and challenging hikes in the area.
- Height: 1210 meters
- Length: 7 km
- Duration: 4-6 hours
- Difficulty: Hard
Climbing Sermitsiaq requires good fitness and experience in mountain hiking. The route to the top is steep and can be technically challenging, but the view from the summit over Nuuk and the surrounding fjords is nothing short of spectacular.
Insider tip: Start your hike early in the day to avoid being caught by afternoon weather, and bring snacks, extra warm clothing, and water for a break at the top.
If you’ve had enough of hiking in Nuuk after conquering all the nearby mountain peaks, you can also take a flightseeing tour by helicopter, which lands on Sermitsiaq.
Read more travel blogs from Line Hedegaard
-
5.00(5)
Meet Sled Dogs | Ilulissat | Disko Bay
Tour startsIlulissatDuration1.5 hoursFrom 350 DKKSee more -
Including flights from Iceland
Tasiilaq Winter World | 8 Days | East Greenland
Tour startsTasiilaqDuration8 daysFrom 29650 DKKSee more -
Nuuk Unveiled: 4-Day Through Greenland’s Capital & Nuuk Icefjord | West Greenland
Tour startsNuukDuration4 daysFrom 15700 DKKSee more -
4.88(24)
Nuuk Icefjord | Nuuk
Tour startsNuukDuration6 hoursFrom 2195 DKKSee more -
Winter In Ilulissat | 5 Days | Disko Bay
Tour startsIlulissatDuration5 daysFrom 5500 DKKSee more -
1 To 6 Passengers Included
Private Deep Sea Fishing Tour | Nuuk
Tour startsNuukDuration3 hoursFrom 7000 DKKSee more -
City walk | Uummannaq | North Greenland
Tour startsUummannaqDuration2 hoursFrom 600 DKKSee more -
5.00(2)
5-Day Adventure Camp in the Heart of Nuuk Fjord | West Greenland
Tour startsNuukDuration5 daysFrom 13000 DKKSee more -
5.00(1)
Northern Lights from a mountain top | Snowshoe tour in Nuuk
Tour startsNuukDuration3 hoursFrom 2800 DKKSee more -
5.00(2)
Oqaatsut Kayaking Day | Ilulissat | Disko Bay
Tour startsIlulissatDuration7 hoursFrom 2195 DKKSee more -
5.00(3)
Dog sledding expedition | Kangerlussuaq to Sisimiut | West Greenland
Tour startsKangerlussuaqDuration3 daysFrom 17800 DKKSee more -
New Exiting Tour
Guided tour in Nuuk with UTV (Utility Terrain Vehicles) | Nuuk
Tour startsNuukDuration1.5 hoursFrom 1700 DKKSee more -
5.00(1)
Afternoon Ilulissat Icefjord sailing | Ilulissat | Disko Bay
Tour startsIlulissatDuration2 hoursFrom 700 DKKSee more -
Including flights from Denmark!
West Greenland Exploration | Ilulissat & Kangerlussuaq | 6 Days |
Tour startsFrom CopenhagenDuration6 daysFrom 44200 DKKSee more -
4.75(8)
Closed boat Fjord Adventure | Nuuk
Tour startsNuukDuration2 hoursFrom 850 DKKSee more -
1 To 6 Passengers Included
Sea Fishing | Private tour | Ilulissat | Disko Bay
Tour startsIlulissatDuration4 hoursFrom 7700 DKKSee more -
VIP tour for 4 people!
Helicopter tour to the icefjord | Nuuk
Tour startsNuukDuration2 hoursFrom 27000 DKKSee more