Nuuk

Heraldry of the World Civic heraldry of Greenland

NUUK (Godthåb)

Incorporated into : 2009 Sermersooq

Origin/meaning :
The arms were granted in 1973.

Nuuk is the capital of Greenland and by far the largest town. The arms show the teacher school of Greenland, Ilinniarfissuaq, which during the last 152 years has been the most important cultural institution in developing Greenland to a modern society. The building itself is one of the oldest (from 1907) and nicest in Nuuk.

In the background is the mountain Sermitsiag (The Saddle) which is 1210 m high. The mountain can be seen from most parts of the town.

The oar refers to fishing and hunting which is the aboriginal way of living in the district. The blue waves symbolise the sea and the white waves symbolise the ice around Greenland.

Literature : Achen, S.T. : Danmarks Kommunevåbener. Komma, København, 1982.