Resources & References: Nuuk

Digital Resources

Essential Apps for Your Trip

Google Maps
Helpful for general navigation within Nuuk and for public transport routes. Download offline maps.
Maps.me
Offers detailed offline maps of Nuuk and surrounding areas, useful without cellular data.
Weather Apps
AccuWeather or Yr.no (Norwegian meteorological app) provide real-time conditions.
Currency Converter
Quickly convert Danish Krone (DKK) to your home currency to understand costs.
VPN Service
A virtual private network, like NordVPN, protects your online privacy.

Helpful Websites for Planning

Visit Greenland
The official tourism portal provides information on destinations, activities, and logistics across Greenland.
Nuuk Tourism
Look for specific sections on Visit Greenland's site dedicated to Nuuk or the Nuuk Municipality website for local updates.
Air Greenland
For booking flights to and within Greenland.
Arctic Umiaq Line
Information and bookings for the coastal ferry service.
Social Media
Follow official tourism accounts like @visitgreenland for inspiration and updates.

Print Resources

Guidebooks & Maps

Comprehensive guidebooks on Greenland often include detailed sections on Nuuk. Local tourist information centers provide free city maps.

Books About Greenland

Explore historical accounts like "Greenland, the First Americans, and the Last Vikings" or fiction like "Smilla's Sense of Snow."

Local Publications

Look for local newspapers like Sermitsiaq.AG or free tourist pamphlets at your accommodation or the tourist office for current events.

Document & Safety Preparation

Document Backup

Create physical and digital backups of passport, visa, insurance, and flight details.
Store backups separately from original documents.
Inform a trusted person at home of your itinerary and emergency contacts.

Emergency Contacts

Keep emergency numbers readily accessible.
Know the contact information for Queen Ingrid's Hospital.
Have your embassy or consulate information handy for Copenhagen.

Lost Document Procedures

Report lost passports or visas to local police immediately.
Contact your country's embassy or consulate in Copenhagen for replacement documents.

Emergency & Medical Information

Emergency Contacts & Medical Facilities

Emergency Numbers

For all emergencies (Police, Fire, Ambulance), dial 112.
This is the common emergency number throughout Greenland.

Hospital Location

Queen Ingrid's Hospital (Dronning Ingrids Hospital)
Sygehusvej 1, 3900 Nuuk
This is Nuuk's main hospital and medical facility.

Consular Information

Consular services for most nationalities are handled by embassies in Copenhagen, Denmark.
Keep their contact information handy for lost passports or other matters.
Report lost passports to local police immediately, then contact your embassy.

Health Precautions

Vaccinations & Medical Kit

Consult your doctor or a travel clinic for routine vaccinations.
Discuss any other recommended health precautions with a medical professional.
Consider packing a basic first-aid kit with common remedies.

Travel Insurance

Purchase comprehensive travel insurance.
Ensure coverage for emergency medical expenses and medical evacuation.
Trip cancellation and lost baggage coverage are highly recommended.

Safety & Awareness

Natural Disaster Protocols

In case of severe weather events like blizzards or storms, follow local authority advice.
Flights may be delayed or canceled due to weather.
Tune into local radio or check local news websites for updates and safety instructions.

Personal Security

Nuuk is generally safe; exercise normal precautions.
Stay aware of your surroundings.
Keep valuables secure.

Responsible Travel Guidelines

Environmental Responsibility

Minimize waste and use reusable items like water bottles and shopping bags.
Conserve energy and water in accommodations.
Stay on marked trails when hiking to protect fragile vegetation.
Observe animals from a respectful distance; never feed wild animals.
Pack out everything you pack in, leaving no trash behind.

Cultural Etiquette

Engage with locals politely and with an open mind.
Always seek consent before taking photos of individuals, especially children.
Make an effort to learn about and appreciate the unique Greenlandic way of life.
Understand their traditions, even if different from your own.
Approach your visit with humility and curiosity.

Document and Itinerary Management

Document Duplicates

Make physical and digital copies of all important documents and store them separately.

Itinerary Sharing

Inform a trusted person at home of your itinerary and emergency contacts before you depart.

Photo Records

Take photos of your packed luggage and important documents for insurance or lost item reports.

Critical Note

Report lost passports or visas to the local police (by dialing 112) immediately.

Pre-Trip Checklist

Chronological Planning Timeline

+ Months Before Your Trip

Passport Validity Check
Ensure your passport is valid for at least three months beyond your intended departure from Greenland.
Visa Requirements
Determine if your nationality requires a visa for Greenland; begin the application process immediately if so.
International Flight Booking
Secure international flights to Copenhagen (CPH) or Reykjavik (KEF/RKV).

Critical Bookings

Connecting Flights to Nuuk
Book your connecting flight to Nuuk (GOH) with Air Greenland or Icelandair early.
Main Accommodation
Reserve your main accommodation in Nuuk; options are limited, especially in high season.
Travel Insurance
Obtain robust travel insurance. We recommend World Nomads for comprehensive coverage.

Mid-Term & Final Preparations

Month Before

Reserve popular tours like fjord cruises or Northern Lights excursions. Outline your daily activities, allowing for flexibility.

Health & Packing

Consult your doctor for vaccinations. Begin gathering climate-appropriate clothing and gear.

Week Before

Confirm all bookings. Pack appropriate layering and waterproof gear. Arrange for local currency (DKK) or inform your bank of travel plans.

Arrival Checklist

First Steps Upon Arrival

Clear immigration at Nuuk Airport with passport and visa documents ready.
Retrieve your checked bags from baggage claim.
Locate an ATM for Danish Krone (DKK) cash or a Tele Greenland shop for a local SIM card.
Proceed to your pre-arranged transport, taxi stand, or public bus stop (Route 3) to your accommodation.

Orientation & Initial Purchases

Check in to your accommodation and drop off your bags.
Take a short walk to get your bearings; note nearby shops, bus stops, and landmarks.
Visit the local tourist information office for maps, brochures, and current event information.
Supermarkets (Brugseni, Pisiffik) are good for initial snack, drink, or basic grocery purchases.

Departure Preparation

Souvenirs & Logistics

Purchase souvenirs in advance as local shops may have limited hours.
Inquire about shipping costs and customs for items made from animal materials.
Tax refund procedures for tourists are not typically available as Greenland is not part of the EU VAT system.
For packing and organizing, explore products from Eagle Creek.

Final Departure Steps

Allow ample time for airport check-in and security, especially for international flights.
Arrive at Nuuk Airport at least 2-3 hours before your scheduled departure.
Confirm your onward travel details, including flight times and connections.
Ensure all necessary documents for your next destination or re-entry into your home country are ready.

Travel Note

Double-check your flight terminal and gate numbers for both your departure from Nuuk and any connecting flights.

Resources & References