Kangerlussuaq is a contrast to most other places in Greenland, where fjords and mountains often surround the towns – here the landscape is open, raw and almost deserted.
One of the most special experiences in Kangerlussuaq is meeting the ice sheet. Standing on the ice itself is completely different from seeing it far away on the horizon. Feeling the creaking, frozen surface under your feet and knowing that this gigantic ice sheet stretches thousands of kilometers inland gives you a sense of how small you really are in the big picture.
Kangerlussuaq also has a wealth of wildlife that you don’t experience in the same way in other Greenlandic cities. Here you can come face to face with musk oxen that move across the tundra like ancient, prehistoric creatures. Or you might see reindeer roaming close to the roads, almost as if they own the place.
In summer, the sky is gigantic and the sunsets can last for hours, bathing the tundra in a golden color. In winter, the Northern Lights are spectacular – there is almost no light pollution, so the sky becomes a living spectacle of dancing green and purple waves.
Photo; Hike on the ice sheet, Peter Lindstrom, Visit Greenland.
The ice cap.
One of the main attractions in Kangerlussuaq is the opportunity to visit the Ice Sheet, which covers around 80% of Greenland. You’ll experience one of the world’s largest ice caps, and at Point 660 you can stand on the huge mass of ice and experience the feeling of seeing infinite white. Read more about the ice sheet.
Photo; Russel Glacier at Kangerluusuaq, Alex Stead, Visit Greenland.
Russell Glacier.
Experience the Russell Glacier, an impressive ice formation located approximately 25 km from Kangerlussuaq. The glacier has tall, vertical ice walls that shine in beautiful shades of blue and white.
Photo; Reindeer on the tundra, Alex Stead, Visit Greenland.
Tundra – Musk oxen and reindeer.
Kangerlussuaq is one of the best places in Greenland to experience wildlife. The area is home to a large population of musk oxen, which can be seen on guided safari tours. Reindeer, Arctic hares and Arctic foxes can also often be spotted in the surrounding landscape. For nature lovers, this is a unique opportunity to experience Greenland’s wildlife.
Photo; Nordlys.
The magic of the Northern Lights – Aurora Borealis.
Kangerlussuaq has one of the highest chances of seeing the Northern Lights in Greenland. Due to the stable climate and minimal light pollution, the town is a perfect destination to see the Northern Lights from September to April. The dancing green and purple lights in the night sky are a magical experience every time.
Ride on a dog sled.
Experience the Arctic sense of adventure with dog sledding in Kangerlussuaq as you travel through the snowy landscape pulled by eager sled dogs while enjoying the raw and breathtaking nature. Feel the silence broken by the powerful pull of the dogs and experience an authentic Greenlandic tradition up close.
Photo; Dog sledding; Matas Hesthaven, Visit Greenland.
Hiking in the Arctic landscape.
Kangerlussuaq offers countless hiking opportunities in the magnificent Arctic landscape. A popular route goes to Tacan Mountain, where you’ll get a unique view of the town and fjord. Hiking in the area allows visitors to experience the harsh but beautiful Greenlandic nature up close.
Photo; Hiking by the ice sheet and around Kangerlussuaq, Alex Savu, Visit Greenland.
Historical pores from 2. World War II.
Get close to the history of the former American military base during World War II. You can still see remnants of old military buildings and infrastructure from that time. There are guided tours that explain the importance of the base to Greenland and its development.
Kelly Ville Radar, Aningaaq Rossing Carlsen, Visit Greenland.
Photo; Johanne from Travel by Heart Greenland on a fishing trip.
Fishing and hunting.
For those who wish, Kangerlussuaq offers opportunities for Arctic char fishing in the nearby rivers. Musk ox and reindeer hunting is also popular and regulated to ensure sustainability.
