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Kangerlussuaq is located in western Greenland and is a small town at the eastern end of a deep fjord. This town is known for its airport, Greenland's central international transport hub. It has very few inhabitants and is a desirable destination. The climate here is subarctic, bordering on a tundra climate with an area receiving very little rainfall. Only a few people stopover in this port village, but it could easily be a destination in its own right. Moreover, there are a couple of stops on the way to enjoy the spectacular landscape. However, there is plenty to look at, such as flowers, animals, and unique vegetation.
Below are the significant highlights of Kangerlussuaq!
Before its decommissioning in 1992, Kangerlussuaq served as an American early warning facility during the Cold War. Despite Greenland's many research facilities and base camps, this airfield is a central staging area for scientific personnel manning its many research facilities. In the 1970s and 1980s, several sounding rockets were launched from an area to the east of town for upper atmospheric studies. During the 1980s, the U.S. government set up a meteorological station in Kellyville, west of the city, in cooperation with the Danish Meteorological Institute. There are two parts to the town itself: the original settlement and the area that was once a military base on the other side of the airfield. After the military base was closed, many former barracks were converted for civilian use.
There is no other place where you can find unique, handmade goods like Greenland souvenirs. Using traditional methods and customs, Greenlandic artists manage to create individual works while at the same time incorporating their own ideas and skills into their work. You'll find what you're looking for easily as a visitor.
Although Kangerlussuaq appears modest, there is much more to it than meets the eye. With its 500 souls, this small town is surrounded by some of the most stunning scenery on earth. There is plenty to do in Kangerlussuaq, even if it looks slipshod. Here's our list of what to do in Kangerlussuaq to help you enjoy your stay.
East of town is the Greenland ice sheet, a spectacular sight to behold. From the east end of the runway, a gravel road leads out of town to the ice sheet. There is ice at Russell's Glacier, about 20 km (14 miles) from town. The road is relatively flat, so you can finish the hike in a single day, though you might enjoy spending a couple of days near the ice and then visiting some of the lakes by the ice. Expect a continuous daytime "ice breeze" of cold air blowing from the glacier near the ice, as it can significantly decrease the temperature of the surrounding air.
A mix between an ox and a sheep, Kangerlussuaq is a great place to see these majestic animals. Kangerlussuaq's valleys are filled with large herds of grazing animals. Tours are usually organized by the local tourist offices and can last anywhere from a few hours to a full day. It is also a chance to see some of Greenland's primitive animals, such as musk oxen, birds of prey, arctic foxes, and alpine hares.
Kangerlussuaq airport is the home of Air Zafari. The area surrounding Kangerlussuaq can be explored on an aerial flight, including the Arctic desert, massive fjords, glacier lakes, hills, glaciers, and the edge of Greenland Ice Cap. Aerial photography is possible thanks to extra-large windows and well-maintained aircraft in their aircraft. Flightseeing tours are operated at the lowest possible altitude throughout most of the flight so that you can see the landscape and wildlife from the best vantage point.
Russell Glacier, also known as Reindeer Glacier, extends westward from the ice sheet. A fresh meltwater outflow from the adjoining ice sheet skirts this active glacier that advances approximately 25m yearly. There are a few viewpoints on most tours of the ice sheet. A night at one of the world's finest campsites is the best way to get the most out of your experience.
Greenland's Point 660 is a popular tourist destination. Ice walking is permitted at a well-known spot by the ice. There is nothing but ice on end in three directions when you stand there with your back to the edge. Ice covers the ground even below you. The Greenland Ice sheet is not very thick at the edges, but at its center, it is over three kilometers thick. Observing the Inuit on the ice, one wonders how they survived for thousands of years without down jackets and electricity. A barbecue can be combined with this excursion in the summer (May-September). A great meal will be served in an area of stunning beauty after visiting the Greenland Ice Sheet.
The best time to visit Kangerlussuaq in Greenland is from June to August, when the temperature is freezing, but the rainfall is limited. During the summer and autumn, hikes and wildlife spotting are the main activities, while dogsledding dominates the winter in Kangerlussuaq.
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