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Kangerlussuaq to the Ice Cap — Greenland — Adventure
North America

Kangerlussuaq to the Ice Cap

Greenland

In short: Kangerlussuaq to the Ice Cap is a 40 km adventure road trip in Greenland, typically driven over Half day, best in June to September. Highlights: Kangerlussuaq Airport, Kangerlussuaq, Old U.S. DYE-2 Radar Station.

Distance
40 km
Duration
Half day
Best Season
June to September
NotableModerate4WD onlyAdventureOff-road sectionsGuide recommended

Leave Kangerlussuaq and head west across raw inland Greenland to the edge of the vast Russell Glacier and the ice cap beyond. The drive is short but dramatic, with tundra, braided meltwater streams, and an unforgettable first look at the Greenland Ice Sheet.

Practical notes
This is not a normal paved road trip: reaching the ice cap typically requires a guided 4WD excursion from Kangerlussuaq, often on rough gravel and tundra tracks. Weather can change quickly, and conditions may limit access even in summer.
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Stops along the route

Kangerlussuaq Airport — Departure — Kangerlussuaq to the Ice Cap — Greenland
Departure
Kangerlussuaq Airport
Begin in Greenland's main inland hub, where gravel roads leave the runway and head straight into the tundra.
Kangerlussuaq — City — Kangerlussuaq to the Ice Cap — Greenland
City
Kangerlussuaq
This small settlement sits at the head of the fjord, backed by wide valleys and stark Arctic hills.
Arrival
Greenland Ice Sheet Edge
Reach the edge of the vast ice sheet and stand before a silent wall of ancient ice stretching to the horizon.

Things to Do

Landmark
Old U.S. DYE-2 Radar Station
A Cold War relic on the ice sheet route, its white dome is a surreal landmark in the empty landscape.
Point 660 — Landmark — Kangerlussuaq to the Ice Cap — Greenland
Landmark
Point 660
A common turnaround point with a direct view onto the ice cap. The air feels colder here and the horizon turns white.
Nature
Meltwater Streams of the Inland Road
Braided streams cut across the gravel track, flashing blue-green against the brown tundra.
Russell Glacier — Nature — Kangerlussuaq to the Ice Cap — Greenland
Nature
Russell Glacier
Towering ice walls and deep crevasses make this one of the most dramatic glacier fronts near Kangerlussuaq.
Russell Glacier Tour — glacier viewing — Kangerlussuaq to the Ice Cap — Greenland
glacier viewing
Russell Glacier Tour
Take a guided 4WD trip to the glacier front for close-up views of the ice cliffs. This is one of the best ways to see the Greenland Ice Sheet near Kangerlussuaq.
Point 660 Excursion — ice cap access — Kangerlussuaq to the Ice Cap — Greenland
ice cap access
Point 660 Excursion
Visit one of the most accessible viewpoints on the ice cap road. The contrast between dark tundra and white ice is unforgettable.
Road to the Ice Sheet — scenic drive — Kangerlussuaq to the Ice Cap — Greenland
scenic drive
Road to the Ice Sheet
Ride the rough inland track across moraine, tundra, and meltwater channels. The journey is as memorable as the destination.
Lake Ferguson — nature walk — Kangerlussuaq to the Ice Cap — Greenland
nature walk
Lake Ferguson
Walk the shoreline near Kangerlussuaq for a calm contrast to the icy interior. It is a good spot for photos and birdwatching in summer.

Where to Eat

Restaurant Roklubben — Danish, Greenlandic — Kangerlussuaq to the Ice Cap — Greenland
Danish, Greenlandic
Restaurant Roklubben
A classic stop near Kangerlussuaq with views over Lake Ferguson and hearty meals for the road. Good for lunch before or after a glacier excursion.
Kangerlussuaq Youth Hostel Cafeteria — Cafe, sandwiches — Kangerlussuaq to the Ice Cap — Greenland
Cafe, sandwiches
Kangerlussuaq Youth Hostel Cafeteria
A practical place for simple meals and coffee in town. It is a useful pre-tour stop for snacks and warm drinks.
Kangerlussuaq Airport Cafeteria — Cafe, quick bites — Kangerlussuaq to the Ice Cap — Greenland
Cafe, quick bites
Kangerlussuaq Airport Cafeteria
The airport area is the easiest place to grab a quick breakfast or takeaway snack. Expect simple fare suited to tour departures.

Explore related routes

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Frequently asked questions

How long is the Kangerlussuaq to the Ice Cap drive?

The Kangerlussuaq to the Ice Cap covers 40 km from start to finish.

How long does the Kangerlussuaq to the Ice Cap take to drive?

Most travellers spend Half day on the Kangerlussuaq to the Ice Cap, depending on stops and pace.

When is the best time to drive the Kangerlussuaq to the Ice Cap?

The recommended season for the Kangerlussuaq to the Ice Cap is June to September.

Where does the Kangerlussuaq to the Ice Cap start and end?

The Kangerlussuaq to the Ice Cap runs from Kangerlussuaq Airport to Greenland Ice Sheet Edge.

What are the main stops on the Kangerlussuaq to the Ice Cap?

The Kangerlussuaq to the Ice Cap passes through Kangerlussuaq Airport, Kangerlussuaq, Old U.S. DYE-2 Radar Station.

How difficult is the Kangerlussuaq to the Ice Cap to drive?

The Kangerlussuaq to the Ice Cap is rated moderate and is best handled with 4wd only.

Do I need a 4WD for the Kangerlussuaq to the Ice Cap?

Yes — the Kangerlussuaq to the Ice Cap includes off-road or rough sections that require 4wd only.

Is the Kangerlussuaq to the Ice Cap safe to drive?

This is not a normal paved road trip: reaching the ice cap typically requires a guided 4WD excursion from Kangerlussuaq, often on rough gravel and tundra tracks. Weather can change quickly, and conditions may limit access even in summer.

What scenic tier is the Kangerlussuaq to the Ice Cap?

The Kangerlussuaq to the Ice Cap is a notable drive — Notable scenic drives — strong character routes that locals know well and that reward travellers willing to step beyond the most-photographed roads.