Nuuk Old Harbour

Nuuk's old harbour, Kolonihavnen, is where Hans Egede established the mission in 1728 that became the capital, and the cluster of timber buildings around it includes the oldest structures in Greenland: Egede's own house, the 1849 cathedral, the old hospital and warehouses, several now holding the national museum. The museum's central exhibit is the Qilakitsoq mummies. A statue of Egede stands on the rock above, and has been contested more than once.

What's there

• Egede's house - the mission building from the 1720s, the oldest in Greenland.
• The national museum - the collections in the old warehouses, including the mummies.
• The 1849 cathedral - the red timber church above the harbour.
• The Egede statue - the contested monument on the rock overlooking the quarter.

When to go

June to September has the longest days and the museum's full hours. Winter is dark but the quarter is compact and walkable. The museum closes some days off season.

Practical notes

The quarter is small and an hour covers the walking. The museum is the substance of the visit and its hours are limited off season. Nuuk around it is a modern town of apartment blocks.

Nearby

Nuup Kangerlua is inland, and Nuuk's centre is a short walk north.