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Greenland🇬🇱 | villagesKangerlussuaqIce sheet access, Point 660, old US airbase, tundra | things to do and best time to go

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Backpacking in Kangerlussuaq
🌟 Highlightvillage ranked #4
By Johan Kruseman 🇳🇱 | Updated October 22, 2026

Musk oxen sometimes graze on the tundra beside the airport road, and the dust of the old US air base blows across the runway apron where the terminal sits. Kangerlussuaq is in western Greenland, at the head of a long fjord, about 50 km north of the Arctic Circle, with the ice sheet an hour's drive east. The air is dry and sunny, the ground is crunchy lichen and dwarf birch, and the wind carries a gritty, sandy smell off the glacial river flats. Walking the gravel road to the ice cap rewards you with caribou, wide-open views and silence broken by the odd truck. The town itself is small and plain, built of airport hangars, a hostel, a supermarket and a few lodgings. Evenings are quiet and early, with shared meals at the hostel and easy chats with hikers waiting on flights. Unlike Ilulissat, which has icebergs and a lively harbor, Kangerlussuaq offers tundra, dust and ice cap access.

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✨ Why go?
Ranked #4 village in GreenlandWhat makes this village worth visiting

Kangerlussuaq handed its role as Greenland’s international hub to Nuuk in 2024, but it keeps domestic flights and a seasonal Copenhagen service, and many hikers stay on purpose. The reason is the ice sheet. A gravel road runs about 35 km east to Point 660 and the edge of the ice, and a branch reaches the Russell Glacier about 25 km from town. Hikers also start the Arctic Circle Trail here, a roughly 160 km walk to Sisimiut that takes most people 7 to 10 days. The town works as a pause rather than a destination: a night or two to sort gear, buy fuel and food, and watch for musk oxen. Social life is low-key. The hostel and the lodge bring together trekkers, scientists and airport workers, so conversation comes easily over dinner, but nothing stays open late. This suits hikers, wildlife watchers … read more 👉
Kangerlussuaq handed its role as Greenland’s international hub to Nuuk in 2024, but it keeps domestic flights and a seasonal Copenhagen service, and many hikers stay on purpose. The reason is the ice sheet. A gravel road runs about 35 km east to Point 660 and the edge of the ice, and a branch reaches the Russell Glacier about 25 km from town. Hikers also start the Arctic Circle Trail here, a roughly 160 km walk to Sisimiut that takes most people 7 to 10 days. The town works as a pause rather than a destination: a night or two to sort gear, buy fuel and food, and watch for musk oxen. Social life is low-key. The hostel and the lodge bring together trekkers, scientists and airport workers, so conversation comes easily over dinner, but nothing stays open late. This suits hikers, wildlife watchers and solo travelers who want calm and big skies. If you want colorful houses, boat trips and cafes, continue on to the coastal towns.

💡 HighlightsDon't-miss highlights and experiences

  1. Russell Glacier viewpoint: The best-known sight here is the ice sheet's edge at Russell Glacier, reached on a rough track east of town. Expect a wall of blue-gray ice, meltwater roaring in the river and occasional cracks and thuds from calving. Go in summer, when the track is open. Tours run about US$100 to 150, and the trip takes 4 to 6 hours.
  2. Point 660: A gravel road leads to the edge of the ice cap, the start of the Greenland Ice Sheet for visitors. The name comes from its elevation of about 660 meters. You can walk onto the ice for photos and feel the cold wind off the surface. Summer is best. Organized trips cost roughly US$100 to 150 and take 4 to 5 hours.
  3. Kangerlussuaq Old Airbase and Sondrestrom heritage area: The buildings, hangars and wartime relics tell the story of the US base that
… read more 👉
  1. Russell Glacier viewpoint: The best-known sight here is the ice sheet's edge at Russell Glacier, reached on a rough track east of town. Expect a wall of blue-gray ice, meltwater roaring in the river and occasional cracks and thuds from calving. Go in summer, when the track is open. Tours run about US$100 to 150, and the trip takes 4 to 6 hours.
  2. Point 660: A gravel road leads to the edge of the ice cap, the start of the Greenland Ice Sheet for visitors. The name comes from its elevation of about 660 meters. You can walk onto the ice for photos and feel the cold wind off the surface. Summer is best. Organized trips cost roughly US$100 to 150 and take 4 to 5 hours.
  3. Kangerlussuaq Old Airbase and Sondrestrom heritage area: The buildings, hangars and wartime relics tell the story of the US base that created the town. You can wander the road and view the old structures and the airport at no cost in an hour or two. Late afternoon, when the light is softer, is a good time to go.
Day trips from Kangerlussuaq could include the Arctic Circle Trail start, the Sugar Loaf viewpoint hike, Lake Ferguson and the fjord shoreline, all reachable on foot or by tour. The Russell Glacier trip and Point 660 combine well in one day, since both use the same eastern road and tours often link them.
Spotted a mistake or missing something? Contact us.

🌤️ When to go?Seasonal considerations and timing

  • Summer (June to August): Kangerlussuaq is at its easiest from late June to mid-August, with highs of 10 to 20°C (50 to 68°F) and occasional days above 20°C. Daylight is long, mosquitoes are fierce in July, and flights and rooms cost the most.
  • Autumn (September to October): Highs fall to 0 to 8°C (32 to 46°F), the tundra turns red and gold, and musk oxen are active. Crowds vanish and the aurora season opens.
  • Winter (November to March): This is the driest, sunniest part of Greenland, with clear, still days. Temperatures of -10 to -25°C (14 to -13°F) are common, and daylight is short. Northern lights viewing is excellent and rooms are cheaper.
  • Spring (April to May): Snow is still firm, days lengthen fast, and highs creep from -10°C to 3°C (14 to 37°F). Ski and snowmobile trips run on the ice cap.
… read more 👉
  • Summer (June to August): Kangerlussuaq is at its easiest from late June to mid-August, with highs of 10 to 20°C (50 to 68°F) and occasional days above 20°C. Daylight is long, mosquitoes are fierce in July, and flights and rooms cost the most.
  • Autumn (September to October): Highs fall to 0 to 8°C (32 to 46°F), the tundra turns red and gold, and musk oxen are active. Crowds vanish and the aurora season opens.
  • Winter (November to March): This is the driest, sunniest part of Greenland, with clear, still days. Temperatures of -10 to -25°C (14 to -13°F) are common, and daylight is short. Northern lights viewing is excellent and rooms are cheaper.
  • Spring (April to May): Snow is still firm, days lengthen fast, and highs creep from -10°C to 3°C (14 to 37°F). Ski and snowmobile trips run on the ice cap.
Book flights and beds by March if you want July dates.


source: climatestotravel.comJANJanuary: below average for travelingFEBFebruary: below average for travelingMARMarch: below average for travelingAPRApril: fair for travelingMAYMay: fair for travelingJUNJune: highly recommended for travelingJULJuly: excellent for travelingAUGAugust: highly recommended for travelingSEPSeptember: good for travelingOCTOctober: fair for travelingNOVNovember: below average for travelingDECDecember: below average for traveling
greenland-city-kangerlussuaq
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🛏️ Where to stay?Best areas and accommodation options

Kangerlussuaq Youth Hostel is the best budget bed in town, with dorm beds from roughly US$60 to 90 a night. Kangerlussuaq has no true backpacker scene, so options are few and they fill in summer.

The hostel occupies former airbase buildings near the airport and has shared kitchens and bathrooms, which lets you cook and cut food costs. Rooms are simple, bring your own towel.

Hotel Kangerlussuaq, the town's main hotel beside the terminal, has private rooms from about US$200 to 300 and a restaurant with a good view of the runway. It is the easy choice after a late arrival or before an early flight. … read more 👉
Kangerlussuaq Youth Hostel is the best budget bed in town, with dorm beds from roughly US$60 to 90 a night. Kangerlussuaq has no true backpacker scene, so options are few and they fill in summer.

The hostel occupies former airbase buildings near the airport and has shared kitchens and bathrooms, which lets you cook and cut food costs. Rooms are simple, bring your own towel.

Hotel Kangerlussuaq, the town's main hotel beside the terminal, has private rooms from about US$200 to 300 and a restaurant with a good view of the runway. It is the easy choice after a late arrival or before an early flight.

The Old Camp area has small cabins and rooms for groups, usually around US$100 to 180 depending on the season. Camping is the cheapest route. Pitching a tent on the tundra outside the settlement is possible in summer, and a campsite near the airport area offers facilities for around US$15 to 25. Bring a stove, since fuel is hard to buy, and a head net for July.

Book everything ahead for July and August. Winter beds are easy to find, though heating makes them feel cozier than the prices suggest.
Best hostels in Greenland


Best quality hotels in Greenland

🚌 Day tripsWhere to go beyond the main area

Kangerlussuaq works well as a day-trip base because the few tracks and trails here lead to big sights, but nearly everything needs a tour or a long walk.
Russell Glacier:
The 25 km gravel road to the ice edge takes about 1.5 hours each way by tour vehicle. The glacier face rises over a silty meltwater river, and chunks calve with a thump you feel through your boots. Tours run roughly US$100 to 180 and operate from May to October. Walking the road is not realistic for most people, so book a seat instead of hoping to hitch.

Point 660 on the Ice Cap:
The route continues from the glacier road onto the ice sheet at Point 660, named for its altitude in meters. A guided trip of 5 to 6 hours costs about US$150 to 250, and you can walk on the surface in crampons. Summer is easiest, and clear spring … read more 👉
Kangerlussuaq works well as a day-trip base because the few tracks and trails here lead to big sights, but nearly everything needs a tour or a long walk.
Russell Glacier:
The 25 km gravel road to the ice edge takes about 1.5 hours each way by tour vehicle. The glacier face rises over a silty meltwater river, and chunks calve with a thump you feel through your boots. Tours run roughly US$100 to 180 and operate from May to October. Walking the road is not realistic for most people, so book a seat instead of hoping to hitch.

Point 660 on the Ice Cap:
The route continues from the glacier road onto the ice sheet at Point 660, named for its altitude in meters. A guided trip of 5 to 6 hours costs about US$150 to 250, and you can walk on the surface in crampons. Summer is easiest, and clear spring days also work. Wear proper boots and bring sunglasses, since glare is brutal.

Sugarloaf Mountain Hike:
This is the budget option, a 3 to 4 hour round trip on foot from the settlement over tundra and lake views. The route is free, and musk oxen sometimes graze nearby. Go in late summer when bugs ease. Many first-timers underestimate the wind and start without a windproof layer.

Musk Ox Safari:
Half-day wildlife outings of 3 to 4 hours cost about US$90 to 150 and are best from August to October. Guides know where herds are feeding on the tundra.

FAQTraveler FAQ

Fly to Kangerlussuaq from Copenhagen on Air Greenland’s seasonal direct service, about 4.5 hours, or from Nuuk on a 1 hour domestic hop. Fares from Copenhagen typically run US$500 to 1,000 return, and Nuuk flights roughly US$250 to 450. No roads link Kangerlussuaq to other towns, so flying is the only way in.
Yes, Kangerlussuaq is worth the trip if you want the ice cap without a pricey expedition. Russell Glacier and Point 660 are reachable in a day for about US$100 to 250, and musk oxen and caribou roam the tundra. Plan 2 to 3 days, and skip it if you want a traditional Greenlandic village, as this is a former US airbase.
Kangerlussuaq is easily done on a day trip as a layover, because the sights are close to the airport. A Russell Glacier tour takes 3 to 4 hours and costs roughly US$100 to 180. Check that your layover is long enough before booking.
⚠️ Things can change over time, so always validate details locally before you go.

Other Greenlandic villages near Kangerlussuaq

Explore more nearby:

  • Qasigiannguit—Disko Bay shore, Saqqaq finds, 1700s trading post, halibut harbor| 203 km away
  • Qeqertarsuaq—Disko Island, basalt cliffs, Arctic Station, whaling museum| 275 km away
  • Saqqaq—Nuussuaq Peninsula, Saqqaq culture, wooden church, fish landing| 338 km away

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We 💚 feedbackSumming up the experience

Kangerlussuaq suits hikers, photographers and anyone who likes big, quiet land more than a town with things to do. I would book it as a base for two or three nights, not a layover, so you can walk out to the ice sheet road or the tundra lakes at your own pace. Skip it if you want nightlife or crowds. Bring a head net for summer mosquitoes, and a warm layer for the wind off the ice.

✍️ Help improve this page!
The information on this page is based on in-depth research, insights shared by experienced travelers, and feedback from the local travel community in Greenland. While every effort is made to keep the information accurate and current, conditions can change — so if you spot anything incorrect or outdated, please get in touch.



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