Kangerlussuaq: Discover History and Landscapes

Kangerlussuaq combines a distinctive local history with spectacular landscapes: the Arctic Circle Trail starts here, and nearby you’ll find Russell Glacier, Lake Ferguson and Point 660. When choosing a holiday rental, consider whether your trip will focus mainly on a multi-day hike, seasonal activities or excursions in the surrounding area.

The Arctic Circle Trail: a multi-day hike

The Arctic Circle Trail is a 160-kilometre backcountry hiking route between Kangerlussuaq and Sisimiut. It crosses natural terrain, and hikers typically take eight to ten days to complete it. The trail is suitable only for experienced long-distance hikers with strong navigation skills. It is therefore a trip in its own right, not a short walk near town.

There are eight basic huts at various points along the route. They usually offer sleeping space for four to six people, and some have toilets. They are located on the Arctic Circle Trail between Kangerlussuaq and Sisimiut. If you choose Kangerlussuaq as your starting point, you can weigh up whether a multi-day hike should be the main focus of your trip or whether you’d prefer excursions in the surrounding area.

Glaciers, the ice sheet and Lake Ferguson

At nearby Russell Glacier, ice flows down from a high plateau. You can often watch ice break off and tumble into the river below. Point 660 is a destination for trips to the Greenland ice sheet. These destinations offer different landscape experiences: views of a glacier, the action along the river or an excursion to the ice sheet.

Lake Ferguson is a popular place for kayaking in summer and cross-country skiing in winter. It is about five kilometres further along the road, on the other side of town. The lake offers different activities depending on the season, while Russell Glacier and Point 660 provide further destinations for nature and landscape enthusiasts.

Seasons and activities

Dog sledding is possible in Kangerlussuaq in winter and spring; February, March and April are considered the best months for it. Weather and snow conditions vary. The seasons offer different activities: in summer, Lake Ferguson is associated with kayaking, and in winter with cross-country skiing; dog sledding is also available in winter and spring. If you’re planning your trip around a particular activity, it’s worth including the right months in your plans.

Town layout and history

Kangerlussuaq stretches out on both sides of the runway. Walking from one side of town to the other can therefore take a long time. The bus passes each stop approximately every 30 minutes. One stop is just outside the airport, opposite the souvenir shops. Check locally for current bus information. When choosing your base, the side of the runway and the location of the bus stop may be relevant to finding your way around town.

The Kangerlussuaq Museum at the airport explores the town’s history as an American base and its subsequent development into an important transport hub for Greenland. Another focus is the history of aviation in Greenland before, during and after the Second World War. The museum also covers the history and development of the area, from the first Inuit summer camps to the present day. Alongside its nature excursions, the town therefore has a distinct historical dimension.

When searching for a holiday rental, you can first decide whether the Arctic Circle Trail, seasonal activities, or the landscape and history will shape your stay. You can then consider where in town to stay, taking its layout on both sides of the runway into account.

Discover more destinations: Maniitsoq, Sisimiut, Uummannaq, Aasiaat.

For the broader travel overview: Qeqqata Municipality.