Kangerlussuaq
Qeqqata Kommunia
Kangerlussuaq, located in western Greenland's Qeqqata municipality, is situated at the head of a long fjord sharing its name. Originally established as a U.S. military airbase during World War II, it transitioned into a civilian settlement in 1992. The town's geography features vast alluvial plains at the estuary of two major rivers flowing from the Russell Glacier, with easily accessible glacier edges and ice sheet highlands nearby that attract tourists. It hosts Greenland's most diverse terrestrial fauna, including muskoxen, caribou, and gyrfalcons, making it a prime destination for nature enthusiasts. The settlement's economy revolves around the airport and tourism, with a small population reliant on these sectors. Notably, Kangerlussuaq is the only Greenlandic town not directly on the open ocean but instead positioned at the fjord's inland end. The Arctic Circle Trail begins here, offering adventurous trekking opportunities. The legacy of the U.S. military presence is evident in infrastructure and electrical standards. Despite its remote and Arctic location, Kangerlussuaq offers a combination of natural beauty, wildlife, and historical significance that makes it a compelling destination.
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Tip: The best time to visit Kangerlussuaq is during the Arctic summer months when the glacier and surrounding nature are most accessible. Booking flights and accommodations in advance is recommended due to limited transport options. Visitors can benefit from guided tours to the Russell Glacier edge and wildlife excursions. Note that Kangerlussuaq operates on U.S. electrical standards (60 Hz), differing from other Greenlandic towns. Dress warmly and prepare for Arctic weather conditions year-round.
Interesting facts
- •Kangerlussuaq is home to Greenland's most diverse terrestrial fauna, including muskoxen, caribou, and gyrfalcons.
- •It is the only town in Greenland not located directly on the open ocean but at the end of a 160 km long fjord.
- •The town's electricity supply uses the American standard frequency of 60 Hz, unlike the rest of Greenland which uses 50 Hz.
- •The Arctic Circle Trail, a famous trekking route, starts in Kangerlussuaq.
- •Kangerlussuaq Airport was Greenland's main air transport hub until the opening of Nuuk Airport in 2024.
History
Founded on October 7, 1941, as Bluie West-8, Kangerlussuaq served as a U.S.
military airbase during World War II under Colonel Bernt Balchen.
After Denmark's occupation by Germany, the U.S.
took responsibility for Greenland's defense, establishing multiple bases including this one.
The base was briefly under Danish control in 1950 but reopened by the U.S.
in 1951 as Sondrestrom Air Base during the Cold War, supporting the Distant Early Warning Line.
Civilian transatlantic flights began in the mid-1950s, with Scandinavian Airlines operating polar routes.
The Cold War's end and closure of DYE stations led to the U.S.
military departure in 1992, after which the site became a Greenlandic settlement, retaining much of the original infrastructure.
