Nuuk

Nuuk, the capital of Greenland, is the world's northernmost capital and, with around 19,000 people, one of its smallest, a surprisingly colourful and cosmopolitan little city set against a backdrop of towering mountains and a vast fjord system. Its old colonial harbour district of brightly painted wooden houses, the historic cathedral and the excellent Greenland National Museum, home to the remarkably preserved Qilakitsoq mummies, sit alongside modern cafes, cultural centres and university life. It offers a fascinating window into contemporary Greenlandic and Inuit culture at the edge of the Arctic wilderness.

What you actually see

• The colonial harbour - the colourful old wooden houses and cathedral.
• The National Museum - the Qilakitsoq mummies and Inuit heritage.
• The Nuuk Fjord - the vast fjord and mountains around the city.
• The modern culture - the cafes, art and cultural centre.

When to go

June to September, the summer, for the mildest weather, long daylight and boat trips into the spectacular fjord; winter brings deep cold, snow and the possibility of the northern lights. The city is walkable and pleasant to explore in the summer months, with whale-watching and hiking nearby.

Honest expectations

Nuuk is small and, while colourful and cultured, is a working modern town rather than a picturesque village or a place of grand sights, so a day or two suffices; the weather can be grey and changeable even in summer. As the beating heart of contemporary Greenland, though, blending Inuit heritage, colonial history and a spectacular fjord setting, it is a fascinating and worthwhile introduction to the country.

Nearby

The Nuuk Fjord, its abandoned settlements and hiking trails are close by.