Reykjavík Grapevine - 19.06.2009, Side 39

Not far from the city centre, and conve-
niently accessible by bus number 3, is
Quassussuaq (Lille Malene), with a peak
of 443 m. In the winter months Quassus-
suaq is a ski hill, so it’s easy to spot the
most reasonable hiking terrain based on
where the ski-lift poles are located. The
view from the top is exquisite, offering a
panorama of the city and harbour to your
left and Nuuk’s landmark mountain,
Sermitsiaq, to your right, which stands
an imposing 1210 m.
At the Greenlandic National Museum in
the Colonial Harbour (Hans Egedevej 8)
you can check out a range of traditional
Greenlandic costumes, some set-ups of
how traditional Greenlandic and Danish
homes (in Greenland) looked back in the
day, and the Qilakitsoq mummies.
The Nuuk Kunstmuseum (Kissar-
neqqortuunnguq 5) holds a collection of
Greenlandic art that is reflective of the
country’s culture and history. If you’re
not a fan of historical art, this museum
also exhibits the work of up and coming
Greenlandic artists.
Katuaq – The Culture House (Imaneq
21) – is easily distinguishable in the city
for its impressive architectural design,
mimicking the wave of the northern
lights. The impressive building houses
the country’s only Greenlandic cinema,
Greenland Art School, the Nordic Insti-
tute (NAPA), and a large auditorium for
concerts, lectures and plays. Katuaq also
has a café where you can chow down on a
musk ox burger, if you’re so inclined.
Everybody we spoke to sung the praises
of Manhattan nightclub, so check that
out (hopefully it will be busier than the
Thursday night we stopped by). Other
hot spots that the locals favour are Bry-
ghuset, Daddy’s and Skyline at the Ho-
tel Hans Egede. Expect to pay 62 to 92
Danish kronas for a beer. You may want
to consider staying on the wagon for the
duration of your trip.
Guided hikes for Esja and Helgafell
Information:
www.mountainclimbing.is
27
The Reykjavík Grapevine
Issue 8 — 2009
Travel | Activities
Go to Nuuk, Do Things
…because why would you go to Nuuk and not do things?
Nuuk is, admittedly, not the most
aesthetically pleasing of towns.
Whatever impression of charm is
instilled by the quaint and colourful
wooden homes dotting the rocky
coast is partially negated the
instant the colossal blocks of run-
down apartments come into view.
But that is Nuuk. Its infrastructure
reflects its politics and history, and
can even prove to be a point of
interest for culturally or historically
minded tourists to the area. But, if
exploring the ghettos of Nuuk isn’t
your cup of tea, rest assured that
there are many other activities at
your disposal while in town.
» CLIMB A MOuNTAIN « » NIGHTLIFE «» CHECk OuT SOME ART,
CuLTuRE AND STuFF «
Greenland trip
provided by
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Fly and discover
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Air Iceland is your West Nordic airline, a customer-driven service
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Air Iceland offers a variety of day tour packages, in Iceland
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Lake Mývatn
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12 hour Day Tour
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10 hour Day Tour
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12 hour Day Tour
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2 or 5 hour Evening Tour
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CATHARINE FuLTON
JuLIA STAPLES
Nuuk Faacts:
» AKA: Godthåb
» Location: 64°10′N 51°45′W
» Population: 17,834
» Settled: 2000 B.C.
» (claimed by the Danes in 1728)
» Economic Cornerstone: Fishing
» Where to Stay: Hotel Hans Egede
» Where to Eat: Godthåb Bryghus
» Where to Drink: Skybar
» Where to Dance: Manhattan