09.09.16 - Kangerlussuaq - the gateway to adventure

By Steffen Fog
I'm on a hike near Kangerlussuaq - which is Greenlandic for "The Long Fjord".

I try to walk slowly and deliberately, but the overwhelming feeling of bubbling joy and craving for adventure has worked its way down to my legs and feet - and I end up almost dancing my way over the fells.

I'm happy - in fact, I'm in seventh heaven! Unfettered nature, fresh air and wide open skies. This is what I call adventure!

I sit down - almost as if I were the audience to the silence and magnificence of the performance that's about to commence; the show that's put on by the area around Kangerlussuaq; the adventures of which I'm now going to be a part:

- The Ice Sheet is Kangerlussuaq's main attraction and lies just 25 km from the airport. Several tour operators offer motorised transport to the edge of the Ice Sheet, as well as tours which take you up onto the Ice Sheet itself (Point 660)

- The fells, scenery and wildlife: The area around Kangerlussuaq is ideal for hikes of varying length. If you prefer a faster form of transport, the fells can also be explored in a four-wheel drive vehicle or on a mountain bike which can be hired locally. As autumn comes around, however, snow can make such activities difficult.

- The nature around Kangerlussuaq is rich in flora and fauna: muskoxen, reindeer, arctic foxes, birds of prey such as peregrine falcons and eagles, grouse, ravens and other species of birds, mountain hares, etc.

- The Northern Lights: Kangerlussuaq is blessed with a stable continental climate that means warm summers, cold, clear winters and clear skies 300 days a year on average. This makes Kangerlussuaq one of the best places to see the Northern Lights.

Getting to and from the area: Air Greenland has four flights a week from Copenhagen during the autumn, winter and spring seasons. Many travel agencies have special offers during the autumn half-term holiday and during the rest of the autumn season.

There are many flight connections to the rest of Greenland from Kangerlussuaq.

Another beautiful region blessed by magnificent fjords is East Greenland. The region also offers many unique travel opportunities during the autumn months. Check the websites of travel agencies for special offers or make sure you read the next issue of our newsletter, where focus will be on East Greenland.