Iceland review - 2015, Page 78

76 ICELAND REVIEW
The Many Colors
of the Arctic
VESTNORDEN
Home to the world’s largest icecap outside the Polar Regions,
Greenland’s breathtaking landscape is dominated by glaciers.
The people of Greenland have learned to live in harmony with their
harsh environment and their unique culture is deeply connected
with nature. But there’s more to Greenland than ice and snow.
THE NATION’S BEATING HEART
Being home to approximately 17,000 of Greenland’s 56,300 inhabi-
tants, Nuuk is the country’s largest city, but one of the world’s small-
est capitals by population. Established in 1728, Nuuk is also Green-
land’s oldest city, serving as its cultural, economic and political
center. Located just below the Arctic Circle, Nuuk basks in the glory
of the midnight sun during the summer and is graced by dazzling
northern lights in winter. With untouched wilderness in its backyard,
it’s an excellent base for exploring the world’s largest island.
But before heading out on one of the many tours available from
Greenland’s capital—hiking, skiing, snowboarding, whale watching,
hunting, fishing, or sailing among the icebergs—make sure to ex-
plore Nuuk, too. Take a helicopter tour and marvel at the size
and beauty of Nuuk’s complex fjord system, before enjoying
a glass of champagne at the top of the Sermitsiaq glacier. Or
catch a glimpse of domestic life in Greenland and get to know
the locals through kaffemik (literally: ‘coffee, please’—coffee
and sweet treats) in a private home.
MULTI-COLORED, MULTICULTURAL CITY
Nuuk is a small city with a big personality, a place where the
traditional, the new, the edgy, and the beautiful all coexist side
by side. When picturing Nuuk, many people think of the city’s
rainbow-hued houses, and so its new slogan, ‘Colourful Nuuk,’
certainly seems fitting. But it’s not just the surroundings that are
colorful—it’s also the city’s inhabitants. Multicultural, diverse,
and trendsetting, Nuuk is a vibrant melting pot, brimming with
life.
The capital is home to several museums, displaying Green-
land’s contemporary art, cultural heritage and archaeological
artifacts, as well as a wide variety of cafés and restaurants.
Don’t miss out on a taste of fantastic Nordic cuisine, traditional
Greenlandic dishes made with local ingredients and cooked in a
modern style. Or, you can join the ‘Fish&Dish’ day excursion to
Qooqqut that begins with sea angling and ends with a delicious,
fresh-caught meal of cod and redfish.
Locals take pride in their warm hospitality, and so whatever
adventures you choose, you will certainly be made to feel wel-
come in Nuuk’s vibrant community.
colourfulnuuk.com

While in Greenland, make sure to
experience the vibrant culture of Nuuk.
SPECIAL PROMOTION
P
H
O
TO
C
O
U
R
TE
S
Y
O
F
TH
E
N
AT
IO
N
A
L
TH
E
AT
R
E
.
PHOTO BY AIRZAFARI GREENLAND/TOKE BRØDSGAARD.
P
H
O
TO
B
Y
G
R
E
E
N
LA
N
D
.C
O
M
.
P
H
O
TO
B
Y
A
B
C
/M
A
LA
N
. J
O
H
N
S
E
N
.
P
H
O
TO
C
O
U
R
TE
S
Y
O
F
TH
E
N
AT
IO
N
A
L
TH
E
AT
R
E
.