Recently, Greenland and its capital, Nuuk, have become very popular. The city is located in the subarctic belt, the conditions of staying here can hardly be called comfortable, but the local nature is extraordinarily picturesque. Perhaps, it is this unique combination of coastal greenery and majestic icebergs that is the place and is due to the fact that people from the most ancient times settled here - it is known that the settlements here were already 4200 years ago. And today the unique nature, interesting museums and, of course, the opportunity to observe the northern lights attracts a lot of tourists to Nuuk. In the waters of Nuuk, there are 15 species of whales, many other marine animals and fish.
More about the city
Nuuk is located at the mouth of the largest in the Labrador Sea fjord of Good Hope, or Gotkhob. The city was founded in 1728 by the Norwegian missionary Hans Egged and originally had the same name as the fjord. The name Nuuk he received after gaining Greenland autonomy in 1979.
The town of Nuuk is the island's largest city; its area is 690 km 2 . It has a well-developed infrastructure. The population of Nuuk is about 17 thousand people. Most of it is Greenlandic Eskimos, which speak the Greenlandic language (kaallallisut); Danish is also common. Most of the population is engaged in fishing - the benefit of this water is rich in fish and crabs.
Weather
Nuuk is only 240 km south of the Arctic Circle. The climate here is subarctic, but due to the Gulf Stream the conditions here are much milder than in the central part of Greenland . The hottest month is July; the average daily temperature is + 7.2 ° C. However, sometimes the air warms up much more strongly - the recorded temperature record is +26 ° С. In winter, the average temperature is -8 ° C. However, the weather in Nuuk does not deter tourists, rather local climatic features make it a more attractive place for recreation for exotic lovers.
Sights of the capital
Nuuk represents an original combination of traditional for the Scandinavian countries colorful colorful houses, multi-storey houses and a small number of samples of the Greenland town planning. The historical center of the city is Kolonihavnen, where almost all the local attractions are located (you can even say that they occupy a small triangle bordered by two streets): the house of Eggede (now the Parliament Reception Hall), the Church of Savour Church, the Arctic Garden, the Queen Margrethe Memorial , the house and office of Santa Claus, the University of Ilisimatasarfijk, the Greenland College (this building is the main symbol on the city coat of arms) and the hospital bearing the name of Queen Ingrid. This is a fishing village, which from a distance looks like a lego-city.
On the highest hill there is a monument to the founder of the city, the Norwegian missionary Hans Egged. This monument, like the sculpture of the Mother of the Sea, is a visiting card of the city. The latter is on the beach, and it can be fully considered only at low tide. There are also museums in Nuuk: the Greenland National Museum, famous for the mummies found in the north of Greenland, and the ancient harpoon artifacts, the Museum of Art, where you can see pictures of local artists. Also worthy of attention is the building of the Treasury, known for its tapestries, and the cultural center of Catouac.
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Entertainment in the city
Nuuk offers a wide range of opportunities for outdoor activities. Here you can ride a dog sled, raft on kayaks, visit the municipal pool, where there are jumps and a sauna (by the way, the building itself also deserves attention - it is built in avant-garde style, the wall facing the bay is made of glass). Also very popular is the whale safari, during which these sea giants can be viewed from a very close distance.
From Nuuk, you can take a helicopter to see the glacial dome and the ruins of the Nord settlements. Every year, Nuuk hosts a snow sculpture festival; At the end of summer, an international marathon is held in the city.
Where to live?
In Nuuk there are not so many hotels, and most of them are small, family type, offering only a few rooms, so if you decide to visit this city - book the room in advance. The best are the hotels Hotel Nordbo Apartments, Nordbo Sea View Apartments, and, of course, the Hans Edege Hotel, bearing the name of the city's founder. If you prefer a cheaper apartment - you can stay at the hostel Vandrehuset.
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Restaurants
The cuisine of Nuuk is based on seafood dishes; their cooking amazes with its variety. Of course, the tourist wants to get acquainted with the local cuisine closer, but it's better not to overdo it and do not eat local delicacies in large quantities, as your stomach can simply not take them. Here you should taste eggs of sea birds, dishes from shark meat and deer milk. The best restaurants and cafes of the city are Nassifik, Sarfalik, Godthaab Bryghus, Bone's Nuuk, the restaurant of the famous Danish network Hereford Beefstouw.
Safety of tourists
Crime in the city is at a very low level, even theft here is a rare phenomenon, in addition, the tourists here are very friendly, so you can be on the street at any time of the day, completely without fear. However, just in case, try to avoid visiting blocks of block buildings - there lives a "dysfunctional contingent". The main danger that lies in wait for you in Nuuk is unpredictable weather conditions. Firstly, you can be taken aback by a drop in temperature, and secondly, the sun is very active here in the summer, so you should definitely wear (at least - with you) sunglasses, or, better, sunscreen. Another problem is white polar nights: some tourists can not sleep properly under these conditions, and this can lead to serious health problems.
It is advisable not to drink raw water, do not eat heat-poorly processed meat and fish. Do not throw garbage in the wrong places, it is also not worth burying it in the ground - otherwise you will have to pay a very palpable penalty. And, of course, refrain from using the word "Eskimo". The self-name of local residents is Inuit, and the word "Eskimo" is offensive, because in translation means "dwarf".
Shopping
In general, tourists acquire as a memory of the visit to Nuuk tulip figurines, jewelry made of stones, masks and other products of folk crafts. It is worth to visit the Bredtet meat market - it is very colorful, and the market Kalaliralak - here fishermen sell their catch, and hunters - game.
How to get to Nuuk?
Nuuk Airport is 3.7 km from the city. This is one of the six international airports in Greenland . It was built in 1979. The size of the runway (its length is 950 meters, and width - 30) do not allow to serve large airliners; here sit only De Havilland Canada Dach 7 and Bombardier Dash 8 and Sikorsky S-61 helicopters.
The airport accepts domestic flights operated by Air Greenland and international flights from Reykjavik operated by Air Iceland. Thus, to get to Nuuk, you need either to fly here from Reykjavik (these planes fly only in the summer, 2 to 4 times a week), or from Denmark to Kangerulussuaka airport, and from there on an internal flight to Nuuk. You can get to the city and by water - the ship of the company Arctic Umiac Line (it performs flights of their Narsarsuka to Iulissass from Easter to Christmas).
Transport in the city
The central streets of Nuuk have a beautiful hard surface. Public transport works very well - here there are buses and taxis. In winter, snowmobiles and dog sleds are a popular transport. In Nuuk all major attractions are within walking distance. But if you want, you can rent a car - you need to be over 20 years old and have a driving experience of at least a year. The car can be rented for a period of 2-3 days, and it should be returned with a full tank.
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