Quassussuaq (Lille Malene, 440 m) is a stunning mountain near Nuuk, offering a fantastic hiking experience with breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes.

A firm favourite with locals, it offers spectacular views for relatively little effort and can be enjoyed all year round.

• Height: 443 meters

• Distance: 4-5 km

• Duration: 2-3 hours

• Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

Lille Malene is a relatively accessible hike that takes you up soft hills and rocky paths to the summit, where a spectacular panoramic view of Nuuk and the Godthåbsfjord awaits. The hike is suitable for beginners but still offers enough challenge to be interesting for more experienced hikers. There are several routes to the top, but the most well-known and best-marked path follows Nuuk's ski trail.

During the Winter, it is home to Nuuk’s ski resort – Sisorarfiit – which comprises 2 decent runs for experienced skiers and 3 pom-style ski-lifts. It is also very popular for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling, and you will almost always find locals either making the loop around it or heading beyond it into the back-country on the weekends.

Quassussuaq loop hike is also an option. The hike around Quassussuaq can start from two locations, both easily accessible by bus from the city center. You can either drive to Nuuk Airport or take the bus to the city’s newest district, Qinngorput. It’s a matter of personal preference which route you take, but if you have chosen to take the bus to Qinngorput. Here, you will get off at the first major intersection. While the bus continues downward, you turn left and head up towards the mountain and the valley between Store Malene and Lille Malene.

Your first stop is Cirkussøen, named for the circular shape of the mountain slope on one side of the lake. At the far end of the lake, you’ll come across a small waterfall and ascend the mountain beside it. From there, you can walk along the foot of Lille Malene, with the mountain on your left. As you continue, you will pass a couple of smaller lakes. After a while, as you walk through the valley between the mountains, you will start to catch glimpses of Godthåbsfjorden in the distance.

As you approach the fjord, you’ll continue to circle the mountain. You’ll walk above the area known as Paradisdalen (Paradise Valley), offering stunning views. Afterward, the beautiful scenery gives way to a view of the Prison for Convicted Offenders, which, though it might not sound as charming as Paradise Valley, is equally noteworthy. There are clear markers indicating where you should go, so there’s nothing to worry about in terms of navigation.

Eventually, you’ll reach Lufthavnsvejen (Airport Road). From here, you can either choose to walk to the airport and take a bus or taxi back to town, or continue straight ahead and return to the center of Nuuk.

This hike offers a fantastic opportunity to experience Nuuk’s dramatic landscapes, from peaceful lakes to spectacular fjord views, with a perfect balance of nature and city access.