7 things to do in Kangerlussuaq, Greenland

7 things to do in Kangerlussuaq, Greenland

Our selection of the best things to do in Kangerlussuaq will help you make the most of your time in this remote corner of the world

At first glance, the lonely settlement of Kangerlussuaq in Greenland appears to be little more than a necessary stepping stone for travelers heading to Ilulissat, Greenland's most popular tourist destination.

However, Kangerlussuaq's modesty obscures something that lies beneath. This small town of 500 souls is actually a gateway to some of the most spectacular scenery found in the extremes of the planet.

Get ready because this sleazy town hides some fantastic mini and not so mini adventures.

Things to do in Kangerlussuaq

Whether you're like me, passing through to hike the Arctic Circle Trail or heading to Ilulissat, our picks for the best things to do in Kangerlussuaq will help you make the most of your time.

1. The ice cover at point 660

Seasons: All year round

The most popular activity in Kangerlussuaq is visiting the ice cap. The Greenland ice sheet is generally thicker than 2 km (3 km at its thickest), covers about 80% of Greenland's land surface, and is the second largest ice mass in the world. Only the Antarctic ice sheet is larger.

alt="activities in the Greenland ice sheet of Kangerlussuaq">Atlas & BootsThe Greenland ice sheet is the second largest ice mass in the world

I took an Albatros Arctic Circle bus tour to the ice sheet and there are smaller 4WD options. I arranged with the driver to drop me off near Russell Glacier on the way back. I camped near the glacier for the night and then hiked to Kangerlussuaq the next morning.

For more information, see my post about visiting the Greenland Ice Sheet and Russell Glacier.

2. Russell Glacier

Seasons: all year round (except Dec-Jan)

alt="Watch the wall while visiting the Greenland ice sheet and Russell Glacier">Atlas & BootsAn ice wall on Russell Glacier

To the west of the ice sheet extends the Russell Glacier, also known as the “Reindeer Glacier”. This active glacier advances about 25 m each year and is surrounded by fresh meltwater runoff from the adjacent ice sheet.

Most tours to the ice cap stop at a few viewpoints. However, to get the most out of the experience, I highly recommend taking an overnight trip and spending a night at one of the most beautiful campsites in the world.

For more information, see my post about visiting the Greenland Ice Sheet and Russell Glacier.

alt="One of the best campsites in the world when visiting the Greenland Ice Sheet and Russell Glacier">Atlas & BootsOne of the most beautiful campsites in the world

3. Climb Sugarloaf Mountain

Seasons: Spring to Autumn

alt=“the view from Sugar Loaf over Kangerlussuaq”>Vojtech Jirka/ShutterstockThe view from Sugarloaf Mountain

It may not offer quite the same iconic panoramas as its namesake in Rio de Janeiro, but Greenland's Sugarloaf Mountain makes a great half-day hike from the city. The striking, steeply sloping hill watches over the route between Kangerlussuaq and the ice sheet and offers an excellent vantage point.

At the summit you have views inland of the ice cap or beyond Kangerlussuaq to the fjord and even the distant Maniitsoq ice cap.

The path to the top of the 353 m high peak begins about 8 km from the city. Hikers can either walk the dirt road out of town or arrange a taxi to drop off and/or pick them up at the trailhead.

4. Sightseeing flight

Seasons: Spring to Autumn

alt="A sightseeing flight over the ice sheet">Vadim Nefedoff/ShutterstockA sightseeing flight offers unparalleled aerial views

If you are short on time, a sightseeing flight is a good option. Kangerlussuaq is located off the coast and enjoys more than 300 days of clear skies a year. It is known for its (relatively) good weather conditions.

Kangerlussuaq offers unparalleled aerial views of the surrounding landscape and is a growing hub for scenic flights. The most popular and shortest flights to the Ice Sheet and Russell Glacier start at 25 minutes from 1,250 DKK (190 USD) per person with AirZafari.

There are longer routes that include wildlife and sweeps of the Blue Lakes and Paradise Valley Nature Reserve. There is also the option to explore north to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Ilulissat Icefjord.

5. Dog sledding

Seasons: Only in winter

alt="Huskies and dog sledding in Kangerlussuaq">Atlas & BootsHow can anyone resist?

If you're a dog person, like me, you'll jump at the chance to meet Arctic sled dogs. I met huskies in Tromso, Norway during an Aurora Husky hike, an experience that still makes me smile every time I watch (and re-watch) that silly video.

Dog sledding in Kangerlussuaq is far more demanding than my evening in Norway, but also far more dramatic. Dog sledding tours, which take advantage of the frozen winter fjord near town, can be anything from a short two-hour excursion to a three-day expedition to Sisimiut.

6. Ice storage

Seasons: Spring to Autumn (March-October)

alt="Ice camping on the glacier Activities in Kangerlussuaq">AACThe best way to experience the ice sheet is with an overnight ice camp

If you have time, the best way to experience the ice sheet is with an overnight ice camp and trekking. This mini-expedition follows in the footsteps (albeit very briefly) of legendary explorers like Fridtjof Nansen.

After arriving at point 660, the campers hike a few kilometers across the ice cap, where they set up camp for the night. Mini explorers must pitch in to prepare their hot drinks and dinner before enjoying a night under sail at one of the world's most remote and remote campsites.

7. Northern Lights

Seasons: Autumn to Spring

alt="Northern Lights seen from Kangerlussuaq">Dan Bach Kristensen/ShutterstockThe Northern Lights seen from Kangerlussuaq

Kangerlussuaq is located about 50 km north of the Arctic Circle and, as mentioned, enjoys more than 300 days of clear skies a year. The reliable weather combined with its position as a transportation hub in Greenland makes it one of the best places in the world to see the famous Northern Lights.

The best time to see the lights are the darker months of September to April, when the days are shorter and the Northern Lights appear at their strongest. Albatros Arctic Circle runs a number of Northern Lights excursions.

Activities in Kangerlussuaq: the essentials

What: Things to do in Kangerlussuaq, Greenland.

Where: In Kangerlussuaq, I stayed at the simple but clean Polar Lodge (795 DKK / 120 USD) upon arrival and then camped at the nearby campsite for 60 DKK (9 USD) on my second visit. Other options include the Kangerlussuaq Hotel at the airport and the Kangerlussuaq Youth Hostel.

During my overnight trip to the ice sheet and Russell Glacier, I camped at a place called Israndsdalen near Russell Glacier. There is a picnic area nearby with a few eco-toilets along a path that leads back to the main road.

When: The best time to trek in Greenland is June to August, when the weather is warmest and the days are longest (sometimes endless). In August and September temperatures drop and snow arrives overnight. However, many tours take place all year round.

How: Most tours can be easily booked through the area's most popular tour operator, Albatros Artic Circle. There are several smaller companies that offer more customized tours for smaller groups and with customizable itineraries.

Guide to Greenland and the Visit Greenland website are good places to find providers that cover the best things to do in Kangerlussuaq.

I flew from London to Kangerlussuaq via Copenhagen, Denmark. Air Greenland essentially has a monopoly on domestic flights to other destinations. Book via Skyscanner.

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If you plan to hike in Kangerlussuaq, the Cicerone Guide to Trekking in Greenland is the ideal companion and covers many of the above activities in Kangerlussuaq.

Mission statement: Atlas & Boots

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