Photo: Peter Mortensen
Sailing trips and nature around Nuuk
Often asked about nature experiences in Nuuk:
- Hiking: The area is rich in trails of varying difficulty. For example, the route around Lille Malene is a favorite among our visitors. As well as the “Board-walken”, which encircles Nuuk.
- Sailing: Explore the fjords and icebergs on a boat trip.
- Paddle: Possible, in June-August.
- Kayak: Sail away and experience Nuuk from the waterside. Here is a magical calm!
- Fishing and hunting: The fjords and lakes offer great fishing opportunities. A popular experience is organized by Nuuk Water Taxi, where you sail out and then have your caught fish cooked on a remote 50 km from Nuuk.
For reindeer hunting, ask around, only in season. - Northern Lights: During the winter months, Nuuk is an ideal place to see the Northern Lights dancing in the night sky.
- Organizers: We work with local organizers where safety and knowledge are top notch. Contact us and we’ll help you organize.
- Transportation/logistics: Car rental is possible. We can arrange a shuttle bus.
Spot the sea eagles in Nuuk Photo; Lasse Nymand.
Some think Nuuk needs more offers for experiences, others think there is too much going on. For me, Nuuk is perfect; nature, culture and warmth between people are all here in one. – Elise Bruun, owner of Travel by Heart – Greenland.
Nuuk. Photo: Aningaaq R. Carlsen, Visit Greenland.
Nuuk, the city by one of the world’s largest fjords.
The water is soft and the light is bright. The fjord off Nuuk has a life that is part of the soul that inhabits Nuuk. The fjord is always present. Always right there wherever you look. It can storm, it can snow, and the water can lapping lightly against the shore.
The Arctic nature close to Nuuk is, for those of us who live here, a mix of dramatic landscapes – raw wilderness and quiet beauty. It’s not uncommon to see a sea eagle, a seal, and in the summer; whales coming to feed. The fact that our city is surrounded by mountains and the fjord towards the open sea makes the area around Nuuk ideal for those who want to get close to nature, on water, on land, and with the city as a base.
The fjord landscape in Nuuk.
In Nuuk you will experience the Godthåbsfjord, one of the largest fjord systems in the world. The fjord is characterized by deep blue streams, icebergs and further away – glaciers – in contrast to the mountains behind us.
There are also smaller fjord arms and inlets that extend deep into the landscape and are ideal for kayaking and exploring. These places open up new landscapes that seem untouched. It’s not uncommon to spot wildlife here.
Mountains and hiking trails in Nuuk.
The surrounding mountain landscape is dominated by iconic peaks such as “Big Malene” and “Little Malene”. The mountains are popular with locals and our visitors for hiking and climbing. Hiking in Nuuk: The area is rich in trails of varying difficulty. For example, the route around Lille Malene is a favorite among hikers.
From the top of the mountains, you’ll get amazing views of Nuuk, the fjords and the snow-capped mountain peaks on the horizon.
Flora, fauna and wildlife.
The vegetation near Nuuk is characterized by the Arctic tundra with moss, lichens, small bushes and wildflowers that bloom during the short summer months.
Wildlife is abundant, with reindeer and various Arctic bird species such as ravens, sea eagles and guillemots.
Seals and whales are often spotted in the fjord and along the coast, while Arctic foxes can be seen further inland.
Glaciers and ice near Nuuk.
The area around Nuuk offers access to several smaller glaciers and although most of the larger ice caps are further inland, icebergs can be seen floating in the fjords. The nearest glaciers are not right next to Nuuk, but they are relatively easy to reach by boat or helicopter. Most visitors combine glacier visits with other nature experiences in the fjord system, making it a memorable experience.
Do you want to experience the nature around Nuuk?
Send us an email and we’ll help make it happen.
