Nuuk Cathedral
A historic red wooden Lutheran cathedral, established in 1849, serving as Greenland's spiritual heart and a picturesque landmark.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best light for photos
Nuuk Cathedral
Best Time
Best light for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic red wooden Lutheran cathedral, established in 1849, serving as Greenland's spiritual heart and a picturesque landmark.
"A beautiful small church by the sea, offering great spots for pictures of the city center."
📸 Great Photo Spot
The area around the cathedral offers fantastic city and sea views for memorable photos.
⛪ Interior Access Limited
The cathedral is often closed to tourists, especially during services. Check local schedules.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Exterior Architecture
Nuuk City Center
A vibrant red wooden Lutheran cathedral with a distinctive clock tower and spire, a picturesque sight by the sea.
Hans Egede Statue Viewpoint
Hill above the Cathedral
Enjoy panoramic city and sea views from the hill where the statue of Greenland's missionary stands.
Colonial Harbor Proximity
Adjacent to the Cathedral
Explore the historic colonial harbor, offering a glimpse into Nuuk's past, right next to the cathedral.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit to Nuuk Cathedral
Capturing Nuuk Cathedral's Charm
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Great Photo Spot
The area around the cathedral offers fantastic city and sea views for memorable photos.
⛪ Interior Access Limited
The cathedral is often closed to tourists, especially during services. Check local schedules.
🚶 Explore Nearby
Combine your visit with the Colonial Harbor and Hans Egede statue for a fuller experience.
📍 Historic Location
Situated in the heart of Nuuk's historic center, it's easily accessible.
Things to do in Nuuk for 2 days
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Great Photo Spot
The area around the cathedral offers fantastic city and sea views for memorable photos.
⛪ Interior Access Limited
The cathedral is often closed to tourists, especially during services. Check local schedules.
🚶 Explore Nearby
Combine your visit with the Colonial Harbor and Hans Egede statue for a fuller experience.
📍 Historic Location
Situated in the heart of Nuuk's historic center, it's easily accessible.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Nuuk Cathedral is a visually striking landmark, praised for its vibrant red exterior and picturesque seaside location, offering excellent photo opportunities. While interior access is often restricted due to services, its historical significance and proximity to other key sites like the Colonial Harbor make it a worthwhile visit for appreciating Nuuk's charm.
"I'm not sure if the church is open for tourists, but it was surely closed at the time that I was visiting Nuuk. At the same time, I recommend you to stop by there, as you get a great spot to take some pictures of the city center with church on the side. These are the nicest pictures of Nuuk that I have form my trip."
Jana Krištanová
"Beautiful small church by the sea. They do not allow tourists to view the inside during services and it is closed most often. You will definitely be able to view the outside at any point but getting inside will be another task."
Max M
"The "Church of the Savior" in Nuuk, Greenland, is officially known as
- Nuuk Cathedral
- (Greenlandic: Annaassisitta Oqaluffia,
- Danish: Vor Frelser Kirke).
Here's some information about it:
History and Construction: It's a wooden Lutheran cathedral established in 1849. It was built between 1848 and 1849 and consecrated on April 6, 1849. The church was originally constructed with half-timbering but was later paneled externally with red wood panels, and the interior was paneled and painted white. The wooden church tower was added in 1928.
Significance: It became the official Cathedral of Greenland on May 6, 1993, when the Law of Greenland's Church and School became effective. It's a prominent red building with a spire, easily recognizable in the Nuuk landscape.
Location: It's located in the Old Nuuk neighborhood, near the colonial harbor.
Features: The church has an 11-rank 1970 Marcussen & Søn organ. Inside, the altarpiece features a copy of Bertel Thorvaldsen's Christ.
Surroundings: A statue of Hans Egede, the Danish-Norwegian missionary who brought Christianity to Greenland, is located on the hill above the church. There is also a bronze bust of celebrated organist Jonathan Petersen in front of the cathedral.
It's a significant landmark and a popular gathering place, especially during National Day celebrations."
patrick walsh
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Nuuk Cathedral is located in the historic center of Nuuk, the capital of Greenland. It's easily accessible on foot from most central accommodations. If arriving by air, the new international airport (Nuuk Airport) has made access easier, and local taxis or buses can take you to the city center.
Yes, Nuuk Cathedral is a prominent red building with a spire, making it easily recognizable in the city's landscape. It's situated near the colonial harbor, a well-known landmark.
Walking is the best way to explore the historic center, including the cathedral, colonial harbor, and nearby museums. This allows you to soak in the atmosphere and discover hidden gems.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Generally, no tickets are required to view Nuuk Cathedral from the outside. However, access to the interior may be restricted, especially during services, weddings, or funerals.
Specific opening hours for interior visits are not consistently published and can vary. The cathedral is often closed to tourists, particularly when services are taking place. It's best to check locally or be prepared to admire it from the exterior.
While it's a functioning church, interior access for tourists can be challenging. Visitors often find it closed, especially during services. If you're lucky, you might catch it open, but viewing the exterior is always possible.
There is typically no entrance fee for Nuuk Cathedral. However, donations are always appreciated if you are able to contribute to the upkeep of this historic site.
📸 📸 Photography
The area by the sea offers beautiful perspectives, and the hill above the cathedral, where the Hans Egede statue is located, provides a stunning panoramic view of the city and the cathedral.
Photography rules inside active churches can vary. If you are able to enter, it's always best to be respectful and check for any posted signage or ask a church official before taking pictures.
Daytime offers the best natural light for capturing the vibrant red exterior and the surrounding scenery. Golden hour, just after sunrise or before sunset, can also provide beautiful, soft lighting.
🎫 🏛️ History & Culture
Nuuk Cathedral, officially known as Annaassisitta Oqaluffia, was established in 1849. It's a wooden Lutheran cathedral that became the official Cathedral of Greenland in 1993. It features a red wood-paneled exterior and a spire.
It's a prominent landmark in Nuuk and a significant religious and cultural site. It's a focal point for community gatherings, especially during National Day celebrations.
The cathedral is located near the historic Colonial Harbor, the National Museum of Greenland, and the Kittat Sewing Workshop. The statue of Hans Egede is on a hill overlooking the church.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
🚶 History Buffs
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into Nuuk Cathedral's Past and Present
The cathedral's interior features an 11-rank 1970 Marcussen & Søn organ and an altarpiece that is a copy of Bertel Thorvaldsen's Christ. While its historical and architectural significance is undeniable, visitors often find that interior access can be limited. Many reviews mention the church being closed, particularly during services, weddings, or funerals. This means that for many, the experience of Nuuk Cathedral is primarily an exterior one, appreciating its beauty from the outside and its role as a central point in the historic district.
Surrounding the cathedral are other points of interest that enrich a visit. A statue of Hans Egede, the Danish-Norwegian missionary credited with bringing Christianity to Greenland, stands on the hill above, offering a vantage point for city views. In front of the cathedral, you'll find a bronze bust of the celebrated organist Jonathan Petersen. The proximity to the Colonial Harbor further enhances the historical context, making Nuuk Cathedral not just a religious site but a gateway to understanding Nuuk's cultural and historical narrative.
Photography Opportunities Around Nuuk Cathedral
For the best photographic perspectives, consider the viewpoints around the cathedral. The area adjacent to the Colonial Harbor offers a classic maritime feel, while the hill above the cathedral, crowned by the Hans Egede statue, presents an elevated vantage point. From here, you can capture sweeping panoramas of Nuuk, including the harbor, the colorful buildings, and the distant mountains, with the cathedral often featuring prominently in the frame.
Timing is also crucial for capturing the best light. Visiting during the daytime ensures good illumination for the cathedral's details and the surrounding landscape. However, the soft, warm light of the golden hour, either shortly after sunrise or before sunset, can add a magical quality to your photographs, highlighting the textures of the wooden panels and the serene atmosphere of Nuuk.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit