Nuuk: The Capital of Greenland

Nuuk is the capital of Greenland, the world’s largest island, and also its most populous city. Despite being the country’s largest urban center, Nuuk is among the smallest capitals in the world, with a population of approximately 18,800 as of 2021. The city was founded on 29 August 1728 by the Norwegian Lutheran priest Hans Egede and today serves as Greenland’s economic, cultural, and administrative center. Among its notable landmarks are the Hans Egede Statue and Hans Egedes Hus, which now serves as a museum showcasing Greenlandic history.

Nuuk is located on the southwestern coast of Greenland, along the shores of the Labrador Sea in the North Atlantic, at the mouth of the Nuup Kangerlua fjord. The city hosts several important government institutions, including the Inatsisartut, Greenland’s parliament. It is also home to the country’s largest port, the Port of Nuuk, as well as Nuuk Airport, which provides international air connections.

The city’s economy is mainly based on fishing, mining, and tourism. Nuuk is home to the University of Greenland, established in 1987 and currently the only university on the island. The university offers academic programs in fields such as business and administration, law, health, and teacher training and education sciences. Nuuk also features the Nuuk Center, the city’s main shopping mall, which opened on July 27, 2012. Located next to the Katuaq Cultural Centre, the complex includes 26 stores and an eight-story office tower, making it the tallest building in Greenland.

Sports and indoor recreation play an important role in city life. Godthåbhallen, a handball arena, serves as the home venue for matches of the Greenland men’s national handball team. Nuuk Stadium, with a capacity of 2,000, hosts football matches, while Inussivik, an indoor arena with a seating capacity of 1,035, has hosted several international events, including the 2002 Arctic Winter Games, the 2018 Pan American Men’s Handball Championship, and the 2023 Nor.Ca. Women’s Handball Championship.

Top Attractions in Nuuk

The Greenland National Museum, located at Hans Egedesvej 8 (64.1770546, -51.7464997), presents exhibitions on Greenland’s history through handicrafts, archaeological finds, and historical objects. Established in 1965, it is one of the earliest museums in Greenland.

Nuuk Cathedral is a historic red wooden Lutheran cathedral featuring a clock tower and an organ. Founded in 1849, it is located near the Hans Egede Statue at latitude 64.1797525 and longitude -51.7441724.

The Nuuk Art Museum, located at Kissarneqqortuunnguaq 5 (64.1779066, -51.7291353), is another important cultural attraction in Nuuk. Founded in 2005, the museum houses artworks collected by Svend Junge, along with a significant collection of works by Emanuel A. Petersen.