

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(2)
Discover Dogsledding | 2 hours | Sisimiut
Tour startsSisimiutDuration2 hoursFrom 1900 DKKSee more -
5.00(2)
Snowshoe Hiking & Sauna experience | Ilulissat | Disko Bay
Tour startsIlulissatDuration4.5 hoursFrom 675 DKKSee more -
Flights included
Nature Adventure | South Greenland
Tour startsFrom IcelandDuration8 daysFrom 24200 DKKSee more -
City walk | Uummannaq | North Greenland
Tour startsUummannaqDuration2 hoursFrom 600 DKKSee more -
4.00(2)Flexible departures!
UNESCO 5 days package | South Greenland
Tour startsNarsarsuaqDuration5 daysFrom 8200 DKKSee more -
4.75(8)Extraordinary Dining
Catch’n’Eat | Qooqqut Nuan| Nuuk
Tour startsNuukDuration6 hoursFrom 1595 DKKSee more -
4.33(3)New Tour!
Sail under the Midnight Sun | Nuuk
Tour startsNuukDuration2 hoursFrom 895 DKKSee more -
Follow an Inuit Hunter under the Midnight Sun | Qaanaaq
Tour startsQaanaaqDuration8 daysFrom 28000 DKKSee more -
Flights included!
Hike and Kayaking | South Greenland
Tour startsFrom Copenhagen From IcelandDuration8 daysFrom 21400 DKKSee more -
Musk Ox, Reindeer & Ice Cap Tour | Kangerlussuaq
Tour startsKangerlussuaqDuration25 minutesFrom 1350 DKKSee more -
Luxury Overnight in Iliminaq settlement | West Greenland
Tour startsIlulissatDuration2 daysFrom 3950 DKKSee more -
4.50(2)
Snowshoe hike and restaurant H8 | Oqaatsut | Disko Bay
Tour startsIlulissatDuration6 hoursFrom 1895 DKKSee more -
Sailing to Karale & Knud Rasmussen Glacier | Tasiilaq | East Greenland
Tour startsTasiilaqDuration8 hoursFrom 2000 DKKSee more -
VIP tour for 4 people!
Helicopter tour to the icefjord | Nuuk
Tour startsNuukDuration2 hoursFrom 27000 DKKSee more -
4.00(2)
Morning Kayaking the Ilulissat Icefjord | Ilulissat | Disko Bay
Tour startsIlulissatDuration3 hoursFrom 1250 DKKSee more -
5.00(3)
Chasing the Northern Lights | Ilulissat | Disko Bay
Tour startsIlulissatDuration2 hoursFrom 395 DKKSee more -
Sailing Adventure
Set Sail on a Summer Odyssey Through the Arctic Wonders | 8 Days | West Greenland
Tour startsIlulissatDuration8 daysFrom 63500 DKKSee more -
5.00(3)
Ice climbing & Ice Cave Tour | East Greenland
Tour startsTasiilaqDuration4 hoursFrom 2800 DKKSee more -
Authentic experience!
Expedition on Dogsled | 2 Days | Ilulissat
Tour startsIlulissatDuration2 daysFrom 10700 DKKSee more