Kangerlussuaq

Located just 25 km (16 mi) from the Greenland Ice Sheet, Kangerlussuaq is the ideal base for exploring Western Greenland’s unique landscapes. The area offers rich wildlife, grassy tundra, and dramatic glacial terrain — a dream for nature lovers and adventurers alike.

Kangerlussuaq is home to Greenland’s largest and most centrally located airport, making it a key entry point for both domestic and international travelers. Just nearby lies the UNESCO World Heritage Site Aasivissuit – Nipisat, stretching from the Ice Sheet to the Davis Strait.

Kangerlussuaq has been inhabited for over 4,000 years, first by the Saqqaq culture. In 1941, it became the site of an American military base, later known as Sondrestrom Air Base, which played key roles during WWII and the Cold War. The base was decommissioned in 1992 and sold to Greenland’s Home Rule for just $1 USD. Today, it serves as Kangerlussuaq’s international airport.

From Kangerlussuaq, you can easily access the Greenland Ice Sheet and even walk on it — a rare and unforgettable experience. AAC offers guided tours to this immense ice cap, which covers about 82% of Greenland.
Another must-do is a tundra safari, where you may spot musk oxen, reindeer, Arctic hares, and a variety of birds. The area is especially known for its healthy musk ox population.
In winter, try a classic dog sled tour — a traditional way to explore Greenland’s snowy wilderness. While snowmobiles are common today, dog sledding offers a deep connection to the country’s heritage and natural beauty.

Shaped by the last Ice Age, Kangerlussuaq’s landscape features soft, rounded mountains and glacial lakes. Its inland location brings a dry, stable climate with up to 300 clear nights a year. Summers can reach 20°C , while winters drop to -40°C.

Although somewhat isolated from Greenland’s cultural centers, Kangerlussuaq offers raw, untouched nature right outside your door — waiting to be explored.