This is what it looks like when you go paddleboarding in the Nuuk fjord.

Must-see nature attractions in Nuuk

By Line Hedegaard Verified Expert

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.

To explain the tour of kayaking amongst the icebergs. — You can come close to the icebergs either by kayak or on a paddle board depending on what you feel the most confident in. Don’t worry you will have a drysuit on, so nothing will happen, if you fall into the water.

2. Taste your own freshly caught fish

My personal favorite trip in the Godthåbsfjord 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.

Book your tour here.

A bonus to this trip is that you will have an unbelievable view during sunset.

Here I caught a red fish, which shortly after wash prepared and cooked for dinner.

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 Godthåbsfjord 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.

The view when you hike up Ukussissat, the highest mountain in Nuuk.

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.

Book your weekend trip here.

The northern lights are more clear when you are away from the light pollution in the cities.

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.

Book your tour here.