Flight to Nuuk was a short 1 hour and 50 min flight from Iqauit. The sky was sunny and landing on the tarmac was beautiful. As we flew in, Nuuk was straight ahead and for landing we took a left-hand turn. This allowed for a lovely city tour from above. The city's population is just over 17, 600 (2017).
I took a taxi to the visitor center near the National Museum however, they were relocated. So, I decided to walk to the next visitor center called Tupilak and see what adventures could be booked on Day 1.
Tupilak visitor center
At the visitor center I learned about the 4-day ferry ride up the coast to Ilulissat. Once there, you can go kayaking in Disko Bay. However, that meant I would have to run to catch the ferry right away and make sure that there are no delays on Tuesday to reach my charter flight back to Iqaluit. Too close for comfort. Plus, I wanted to discover Nuuk and the surrounding areas instead.
Therefore, I opted to stay close to the city and take two separate day trips by boat.
Saturday's boat ride took us to Kangeq and Island of Hope. Here is a map of Kangeq and the fjord near by.
Sunday's boat ride was through the Qoornoq passage towards the Kangersuneq/ Icefiord. We stopped on the way to walk through the village of Qoornoq. A settlement which is no longer inhabitted, but our tour guide stated that families who owned houses or land here are slowly moving back to these abandoned locations. In 1960s, many of these villages were cut off from necessary supplies, including electricity, in order to force the inhabitants to the mainland which is now the city of Nuuk. However, slowly there is a transition back to these villages for summer holiday homes. Services are still not set up therefore, it is like being 'out on the land'.
Friday and Monday were my days spent discovering Nuuk and all the amazing activities it has to offer. Since the flight is very short, we had time Friday to walk around and visit all the museums and art centers. Even Monday night was long enough to attend a theater performance in the industrial district at the National Theater of Greenland.
The library is central and offers free wifi :)
Places to eat were many:
Tuaq serves country food, located in the Katuaq Cultural Center. It is a beautiful building which had an art exhibit when I was there.
Restaurant Charoen Porn had great Thai but I ate mostly sushi and sashimi.
Hotel Hans Edge had fancy drinks and a club vibe.
IGGU is a pizza joint but very popular with the local young crowd.
Cafe Toqqorfik is another lovely place and close to the Sedna and Hans statue, including the many colourful houses. The cafe is across from the National Museum where mummified babies are on display. I believe these were from the time when the Qilakitsoq were migrating from Alaska to Greenland and met with the Vikings on the way. Thule culture is fascinating and very interesting to learn about at the museum.
The harbours offer many old fashioned fish and chips places. Highly recommended by me :)
Nuuk shopping mall had a location outside where the fishermen sold their catch and the local ladies sold their craft. I spent a few dollars there buying local goods. I think this was directly across from the Hans Hotel. Just around the corner to this place was the Salvation Army where I bought a few clothing pieces as souvenir from Greenland. Second-hand shopping is my favourite thing after adventures.
