Kangerlussuaq in Greenland

www.greenland-travel.com
Kangerlussuaq in Greenland
A guide to experiences all year round
”
We know a place…It is the most beautiful country in the world – Greenland.
From the gentle breeze of the midnight
sun and the bright colours of late
summer to the dark nights of autumn
with dancing northern lights and winter
with dogsledding and creaking snow.
Sheer, breath-taking beauty, always.
Wilders Plads 13A
DK-1403 Copenhagen K
+45 3313 1011
[email protected]
www.greenland-travel.com
GREENLAND-TRAVEL.DK
GREENLAND-TRAVEL.COM
Sled dog, the tundra at Kangerlussuaq, hikers on the Ice Cap (Photos: Mads Pihl – Visit Greenland)
WELCOME TO KANGERLUSSUAQ – THE GATEWAY TO GREENLAND
On the far end of a 180-kilometer-long fjord, Greenland's biggest and busiest airport, Kangerlussuaq, is
located; well protected in a wonderful scenery. Kangerlussuaq is Greenland's busiest village where the
little more than 500 citizens make sure that life in this epicentre of traffic in Greenland is going according to plan.
Almost every visitor to Greenland will pass through Kangerlussuaq. We recommend spending a night
there, giving you time to experience the Ice Cap. In no other place in Greenland, the Ice Cap is as accessible as it is here. The ice can be reached after a few hours' drive from the village, and you are even
able to see it from the village.
However, Kangerlussuaq has much more to offer than an airport and the Ice Cap. Here is an incredible Arctic tundra with a
rich wildlife, and the winter offers ideal conditions for dogsledding and witnessing northern lights.
In this guide, you can read more about
• Travelling to Kangerlussuaq
• The interesting history of the area
• All the experiences
• Places to stay
• Places to eat
• How to get there?
TRAVELLING TO KANGERLUSSUAQ
You can take direct Air Greenland flights from Copenhagen to
Kangerlussuaq all year round. The flight takes 4.5 hours, but
due to the four-hour time difference, you will land at 9:40 a.m.
local time despite having left Copenhagen at 9:00 a.m. local
Danish time.
Beginning in 2016, you can also fly from Reykjavik, Iceland, to Kangerlussuaq. From Kangerlussuaq,
domestic flights will take you almost anywhere in Greenland.
Kangerlussuaq – formerly known as Sondre Stromfjord
If you look at older maps of Greenland, you will discover that Kangerlussuaq was once called
Søndre Strømfjord. Kangerlussuaq is the Greenlandic name, meaning "the long fjord", and refers
to the 180-kilometer-long fjord on the far end of which the village is situated. It is possible to sail
all the way from Kangerlussuaq and out to the coast, and many whalers and fishermen choose
the waterway when transporting their catch home.
GREENLAND-TRAVEL.COM
The Russell Glacier in winter, an ice cave, the Ice Cap in summer (Photos: Mads Pihl – Visit Greenland)
FROM INUIT CULTURE TO GREENLANDS LARGEST AIRPORT
Inuit summer hunting ground
Kangerlussuaq is located far inland, contrary to many of the other towns and villages in Greenland, and
the area is known for its very stable and warm summers with a rich wildlife. The place has always offered ideal conditions for hunting during summer.
In fact, the fjord was used as a summer hunting ground by the Saqqaq culture approximately 4,000
years ago. Since then, also the Dorset culture and Thule culture used Kangerlussuaq as a hunting
ground.
The climate in Kangerlussuaq is continental, so winters can get very cold. Therefore, no traces of permanent settlements have been found. The stable, warm summers are still enjoyed by visitors today.
And, fortunately, modern conveniences such as electricity have made it possible to live in and visit
Kangerlussuaq all year round.
From American military base to village
From 1941 to 1992, Kangerlussuaq was home to the American military base Bluei West-8, which was
later renamed Sondrestrom Air Base. This Americanised name lent from the Danish name of the fjord,
Søndre Strømfjord.
During World War II, the American military base was essential to flights between North America and
Europe. In 1960, the radar stations DYE-2 and DYE-3 were established on the Ice Cap as part of the
American aircraft warning system DEW Line, and it became the main task of the base to service these
in connection with the Korean war and the cold war. At its most active, 1,400 soldiers were stationed at
the base. In 1992, the DEW stations on the Ice Cap were closed, and the Americans left Sondre Stromfjord.
'Street' and 'road' replaced by 'aqqutaa'
The fact that Kangerlussuaq is an old airport built by the Americans is very evident in the architecture,
although it has been adapted through the years. Many of the old military buildings form a straight perpendicular line along the roads that still carry names testifying to the presence of the Americans. Although, the words 'street' or 'road' have now been replaced by the Greenlandic word 'aqqutaa'. The
American influence has also provided the small village with a bowling alley, a golf course on gravel and
a cinema. The village is located on each side of the landing strip, and the citizens still refer to the airport
side and the base side.
KANGERLUSSUAQ
Kayakers on the fjord, summer break at the Russell Glacier, excursion to the Ice Cap (Photos: Mads Pihl – Visit Greenland)
The Kellyville research facility
Near Kangerlussuaq Airport, the Kellyville Kangerlussuaq research facility (a.k.a. the Sondrestrom Upper Atmospheric Research Facility) is located. It is jointly operated by Stanford Research Institute and
the Danish Meteorological Institute, and it functions as a radar station, conducting research into the
ionosphere with its radar measuring 32 meters across. The station has previously been placed in Los
Angeles and Alaska, but has been located in Kangerlussuaq since 1983.
Modern town and gateway to Greenland
Today, the airport employs the predominance of people living in the village, but other functions can be
found here too, including a school, a kindergarten, a home for young people, a post office, restaurants
and the like. Right behind the airport, you can also find a well-assorted store selling everything from
food to clothes.
Kangerlussuaq is a somewhat atypical Greenlandic village as it has relatively few citizens but a lot of
facilities, which one would normally only expect to find in larger towns. This can of course be attributed
to the busy airport where a lot people arrive and depart every day. Here, you might meet international
actors, royalty, politicians, scientists as well as ordinary Greenlanders and tourists.
EXPERIENCES OUT OF THIS WORLD
Due to the short flight time and the experiences waiting for you almost right on the tarmac when the
plane touches down, Kangerlussuaq is a very popular destination for mini breaks in Greenland – and
especially outside of the summer period, the short tours are ideal if you want to go dogsledding, see
northern lights and experience the Ice Cap.
Actually, some of our most popular tours are the five-day tours to Kangerlussuaq. Many of our travellers
who have previously visited Greenland during summer are particularly fond of experiencing Greenland
with snow, to go dogsledding and, not least, to witness the magic of northern lights.
"I'm extremely happy that I decided to go on this tour to Greenland. It gave me an unforgettable
experience, which will probably be one of the best chapters in the story of my life.
Not one day has passed where I haven't praised this amazing tour to Greenland."
M. Akale – traveller on the tour 'Winter days by the Ice Cap'.
On the following pages, you can read about summer experiences, winter experiences and all-year experiences. Some experiences, like dogsledding and northern lights, depend on the season as they require snow and a dark night sky. Other experiences can be enjoyed all year round. Summer tours are
ideal for the active travellers who like tying their hiking boots and setting out into the wild with their
lunch in their backpack.
WINTER ADVENTURES
Sledge dogs and the driver, Johanne. The sledges are short and wide, perfect for driving on the fiord ice, coffee break (Photos: Mads Pihl - Visit Greenland)
POPULAR WINTER ADVENTURES
The two most popular winter experiences in Kangerlussuaq are dogsledding and northern lights.
Dogsledding
Kangerlussuaq is located north of the Artic Circle, making sled dogs permitted here. And where you find
sled dogs, you will also find dogsleds – so if you find yourself here in winter, you should definitely try to
go dogsledding. It is an incredible experience to ride a dogsled, and the experienced drivers ensure that
you have a safe ride.
Two or four-hour dogsled rides
It would be silly to miss out on this great experience, and to many people, it will often be enough just to
try it. You can go on some wonderful short rides on a dogsled, giving you a sense of what it feels like to
glide smoothly through the snow and ice. Powered by his dogs, the sled driver takes you across the
thick ice on the fjord where you get to experience the real Greenland.
Two-day sled trips incl. accommodation
On a two-day sled trip from Kangerlussuaq, we will be driving on the fjord with snow-clad mountains to
both sides, and later we will drive out into the terrain and up into the mountains. We will usually spend
the night in a hunting cabin, but in some instances, we may also have to sleep in a tent. We enjoy the
evening in the cabin, but we also have to get out and experience the amazing polar night – and with a
little luck, we might even see northern lights dancing above.
Dogsled trip from Kangerlussuaq to Sisimiut – three days
On the journey between Kangerlussuaq and Sisimiut you are in for an expedition-like experience that
allows you to test your limits under controlled conditions. The trip lasts three days, and often you will be
spending the nights in hunting cabins, but you may also have to sleep in a tent. It is not as cold as it
may sound. During the trip, we will meet other sleds but also snow scooters that dash between the town
and the village. The sled trip can begin in either Kangerlussuaq or in Sisimiut.
The longer sled trips
Along with the driver, you will experience Greenland's harsh and fascinating nature where people
and animals live in unison with the elements. During the trips, you are part of the team and will
help cook, chop ice or collect snow for coffee, pack the sled and feed the dogs. At times, the trips
can be quite challenging, and participants should be in good shape. We do not recommend the
longer trips for people with back problems. You are also welcome to contact us for more information before choosing one of the shorter rides.
Northern lights outside the village, Camp Ice Cap, northern lights above the Airport (Photos: Mads Pihl – Visit Greenland)
Northern lights
Only a few people are aware that northern lights do not appear everywhere in Greenland. In the far
north, for instance, you will not see much of it. In other places, however, it is very visible.
In Kangerlussuaq, the northern lights are quite strong in spring, winter and autumn, so keep an eye on
the sky when travelling during these seasons. People travel very far – some all the way from Japan – to
experience the northern lights in this particular place.
You can go on a special northern lights excursion where we will drive out into nature where no artificial
lighting can reach us. Here, nature is free to amaze us with its spectacular light show. All you have to
do is look up – but on these excursions, the sight is enhanced by the guide telling stories about the
phenomenon and the many Greenlandic myths that the northern lights have inspired over the years.
Ice fishing
The local excursion office lets you try ice fishing. You are driven to the harbour from where you will walk
onto the thick ice on the Kangerlussuaq fjord to find a good spot for ice fishing; drill holes in the ice and
try your luck. Usually there are plenty of fish!
Polar Circle Marathon
The Polar Circle Marathon is an extraordinary marathon taking place in incredible scenery. Combine
your visit to Greenland with a unique race where you will be running on the enormous Ice Cap. Watch
films from the race on our website and read the accounts of our colleague Tina Mogensen who has participated several times. Find the film at www.greenland-travel.com/polarcirclemarathon – or by clicking
the play button below.
ALL-YEAR ADVENTURES
The edge of the Ice Cap, lunch at the Russell Glacier, hikers near Point 660 (Photos: Mads Pihl – Visit Greenland)
ALL-YEAR ADVENTURES IN KANGERLUSSUAQ
The ice cap
The ice cap is located just 30 kilometres from Kangerlussuaq and is the best place in all of Greenland
to get close to the Ice Cap. This has also been the point of departure for most of the expeditions across
the Ice Cap. However, you do not have to embark on an expedition in order to step onto the Ice Cap.
As 30 kilometres will be too far to walk for most people, the local excursion office offers rides to the ice
in large, cross-country vehicles.
Towards the ice, you will pass a very varied landscape. To one side of the car, you will see lush, green
swards and tiny, whirling sand tornados in the Arctic dessert to the other. Do not be alarmed by the
word 'tornado' – the whirlwinds rarely become taller than a couple of metres. But they are there and
make for a beautiful photograph. Generally, the surroundings are spectacular, and chances are that you
may spot musk oxen, reindeer and maybe even ptarmigans and mountain hares.
Excursion to Point 660 at the Ice Cap – one of the most popular places in Greenland
Point 660 is a well-visited place by the ice where you can actually get up and walk on the ice. It is an
incredible feeling standing there with your back to the edge, realising that there is nothing but kilometre
after kilometre of ice in three directions. Even below you there is only ice. By the edge, the ice is obviously not that thick, but at the centre of Ice Cap, the thickness is actually more than three kilometres.
When you walk around on the ice, you cannot help but wonder how the Inuit survived in the Arctic for
thousands of years without down jackets and electricity. In summer (May-September), you can combine
this excursion with a barbecue. We will make a stop after visiting the Ice Cap and enjoy a great meal in
an area of divine beauty.
Watch films from the Ice Cap at www.greenland-travel.com/kangerlussuaq – or by clicking below.
ALL-YEAR ADVENTURES
Excursion to the Russell Glacier, musk oxen, calving at the Russell Glacier (Photos: Mads Pihl & Dan Bach Kristensen – Visit Greenland)
Excursion to the Russell Glacier
The Russell Glacier is a leg of the Ice Cap, which towers in the landscape. With its 60-metre-tall vertical
wall of ice, it is an impressive sight. The interesting route to the spectacular glacier goes through a partially off-road terrain. It is a beautiful drive sitting in a four-wheel driven vehicle or custom-built bus. You
can get quite close to the glacier, but you cannot get onto the ice like at Point 660.
Standing there on the edge and seeing the colossal mass of ice twinkle in white, blue and green shades
is nothing less but fantastic. You can spend hours letting your eyes wander all over the vertical, rugged
ice wall with ridges made by melt water. Maybe you will also experience the loud crashes when pieces
of ice break off. It is a sight and a sound that you will never forget.
If you are up for it, in good shape and a nature lover, head out towards the Ice Cap on a hike or on a
mountain bike in the summer. Pack your backpack and saddlebag with a tent and some food.
Explore the tundra
In many aspects, Kangerlussuaq is simply unique, and in terms of terrestrial wildlife, no other place in
Western Greenland can compare. Especially musk oxen have a unique and interesting history in the
area. Moreover, it is an impressive animal. On this trip through the beautiful tundra in a custom-built
bus, the guide will tell you all about the musk oxen, how it came to Kangerlussuaq (believe or not; it
flew here) and about the Arctic tundra.
Musk oxen are free to roam the area. We cannot promise that you will get close to the animal or whether you will just have to watch it from afar. The guide always brings binoculars to improve your chances
of catching a look at these impressive animals or some of all the other wildlife living in the area.
Guided excursion in and around the village
Joining a guided tour of a new place is always a great way to get familiar with it, and Kangerlussuaq is
no exception to this rule of thumb. The village was once an American air base, but is now Greenland's
principal airport. On the guided tour of Kangerlussuaq, you will learn more about the interesting story
starting from World War II, continuing via the cold war to today's international airport. The area around
the village has Greenland's longest network of roads, and we take some of these roads to see several
interesting places and meet the astonishing Greenlandic nature.
The excursion will also take you to the harbour to see the fjord, past the Kellyville research facility about
12 kilometres from the airport and of course around the former base area. A visit to the local kennels is
also part of the excursion allowing you to get close to the Greenlandic sled dog. Kangerlussuaq and
Sisimiut are the two southernmost places on the west coast where keeping sled dogs is permitted. Further south there simply is not enough snow throughout the year. This guided tour is an excellent opportunity to get an overview of the village and the surrounding area.
SUMMER ADVENTURES
Hiking on the Ice Cap, hikers, the long Kangerlussuaq fjord (Photos: Mads Pihl – Visit Greenland)
SUMMER EXPERIENCES
Kangerlussuaq is made for summer hiking – when the snow has melted and the green grass shoots up
to our joy as well as to the joy of the many animals in the area. Whichever direction you choose, you
are in for a great experience. Due to its state as former base area, you will find a lot of roads here compared to elsewhere in Greenland.
Hiking to the Garnet Mountain
This is a wonderful all-day excursion. The local excursion office will drive you to the top of Tacan – the
mountain south of Kangerlussuaq – from where you will enjoy a splendid view. Now begins the hiking,
and we start by circling the Great Salt Lake. For most of the way, we will be descending, although we
will obviously come across some hills that we have to ascend.
After approximately 2.5-3 hours of walking, we will arrive at the Garnet Mountain. Now it is time to get
out the hammer and chisel that you have carried with you and begin searching for red Garnets. Between the hammering, there will be time to eat the pre-packed lunch. Peregrine falcons breed near the
mountain, so perhaps we are fortunate enough to hear and see them. We will often also spot musk oxen in the area.
We continue back alongside the beautiful Lake Ferguson where we are likely to see great northern divers who have nests along the lakeside. At the end of the lake, we will be picked up by a car/bus that
will take us back to Kangerlussuaq. You are obviously also able to do the hike on your own, but you
might want to be driven some of the way – otherwise it will become a rather long all-day excursion.
Other hiking options
Kangerlussuaq has many great hiking options of various lengths. Popular hiking destinations include
the waterfall, the Sugar Loaf Mountain with an incredible view across the ice and the entire area. The
Fossil Plain near the Old Camp and going up into the Kitchen Mountain make for short but excellent
hikes. The very active hikers can obviously fill their backpack, bring their tent and set out for several
days and hike all the way to the ice.
Be cautious!
Regardless of how you have arrived at the Ice Cap, follow this one crucial rule: Stay on the
marked paths and keep your distance to the glacial walls, which might calve. Ice is an elastic material in constant movement, so respect nature and do not take unnecessary risks.
SUMMER ADVENTURES
See the ice from above on a sightseeing flight, hiker near the ice, mess tent at Camp Ice Cap (Photos: Mads Pihl – Visit Greenland)
Flightseeing
Go on board the sightseeing flight and view the rear area of Kangerlussuaq and the Ice Cap from
above. The flight goes up through the Sandy Valley towards the Russell and Leverett Glaciers. From
there, you will fly across the Ice Cap and around the Navigator's Rock – a very distinctive rock encircled
by the Ice Cap. Here you can really see the force of the vast icy landscape pushing against the rock.
The flight continues out through the Dessert Valley heading in the direction of the Garnet Mountain
where you have good chances of spotting musk oxen along the way. And then we return to Kangerlussuaq. The flight takes place in a comfortable twin-engined Partenavia with a capacity of five passengers
with window seats for everyone and headphones with built-in noise reduction.
All-day hike on the Ice Cap
On this exciting excursion, you will follow the schedule of the four-hour excursion to Point 660 on the
Ice Cap, but get an additional four hours to explore the actual Ice Cap. Only a few people go further in
than 200 metres on the Ice Cap, which is a shame as it is an incredible icy landscape that unfolds in
there. You will be hiking among hills and valleys surrounded by crystal blue torrents, rivers, waterfalls
and lakes – all made by melt water from the ice.
Equipped with crampons (spikes) and staffs, everyone can take this hike. The Ice Cap is not more challenging than regular hilly terrain. With several hundred metres of ancient ice underneath our feet, we
will find a beautiful spot on the Ice Cap to eat our pre-packed lunch – water is included… directly from a
glacial lake!
Camp Ice Cap – two amazing days on the Ice Cap
The most adventurous travellers can experience summer nights in a tent on the Ice Cap. Walk in the
footsteps of Fridtjof Nansen and other Arctic explorers and spend two days on the Ice Cap. Along with
an experienced guide, we will walk out onto the Ice Cap, and after a light hike, we arrive at Camp Ice
Cap.
After shedding the baggage at the camp, we will enjoy a cup of coffee and the total silence in the world
of ice that surrounds us. We will settle down for the night below the midnight sun in our warm sleeping
bags. The next day, we will be going on an adventure and experience interesting phenomena such as
glacial rivers and lakes.
The Ice Cap
You cannot mention Kangerlussuaq without also mentioning the Ice Cap. Kangerlussuaq is the
only place in Greenland you can drive to the Ice Cap. Ice covers 81 % of Greenland, the majority
of which is the Ice Cap. The Ice Cap is reached 30 kilometres from Kangerlussuaq, and it is possible to walk upon the actual ice. If you have come this far, do not miss out on this unique experience. Kangerlussuaq is a known transit place but also a beautiful destination in itself.
Reindeer, Arctic fox, musk oxen (Photos: Peter Christensen, Aqqa Rosing Asvid, Dan Bach Kristensen – Visit Greenland)
THE WILDLIFE OF KANGERLUSSUAQ
Musk oxen
Kangerlussuaq is home to a rich wildlife. The most famous species are probably musk oxen and reindeer. The musk oxen in the area were actually moved here from North-Eastern Greenland in the 60s. A
total of 27 musk oxen were flown to the other side of the ice, and the project has been a staggering
success.
The milder climate and the large pastures of the west have meant that – instead of giving birth to only
one calf every second year – the average musk oxen now typically produce two calves per year. And
the population is now one of the largest in the world, counting 3-4,000 animals. You will not always encounter musk oxen, who – especially during hunting season – like to play hide-and-seek. If you are
lucky enough to spot them, however, remember to keep a safe distance of at least 30-40 metres. They
may look like hippie cows but they are not to be taken lightly. If the oxen feel threatened, they will begin
running and – despite weighing 3-400 kilos – they are very athletic and fast.
Reindeer
Rudolph is probably the most famous reindeer in the world. His cousins live a more withdrawn life near
Kangerlussuaq, and they appear to be enjoying it fully. The reindeer are numerous in the area where a
count in 2007 reached approximately 98,000 reindeer.
Reindeer are Greenland's only species of deer and the population varies from season to season. When
there are too many animals, they overgraze, causing the population to dwindle as it takes a long time
for the Greenlandic flora to recover following such overgrazing. Consequently, the population is also
regulated by hunting, in order to ensure reindeer and musk oxen can be hunted part of the year. And
therefore, you will find many local delicacies made from these animals on menus in Greenland.
Other animals
Greenland has a rich wildlife – particularly when considering how cold it becomes part of the year. Arctic foxes, gerfalcons, eagles and ravens are some of the other animals you can be fortunate enough to
come across in the Kangerlussuaq area.
Books and maps
There is a lack of recent guidebooks about Greenland in English. Most of them are pretty old and
outdated, so beware that they might not be entirely updated. We recommend you to visit amazon.com and search for “Greenland”. “Greenland and the Arctic” from Lonely Planet contains 165
pages about Greenland.
ACCOMMODATION
The main building at Old Camp with icicles, room at Polar Lodge, Hotel Kangerlussuaq located in the airport building.
ACCOMMODATION IN KANGERLUSSUAQ
Polar Lodge
Polar Lodge, which has some of the best rooms in Kangerlussuaq, is regarded as a hotel by some and
as a premium hostel by others. It is centrally located, less than 100 metres from the airport buildings,
near grocery shops and eateries. Behind Polar Lodge, the steep Mount Hassel rises. In colloquial
speech, Mount Hassel is called the Kitchen Mountain, because many can view the mountain from their
kitchen.
Polar Lodge has 13 double rooms and three single rooms with bathrooms and toilets placed in the corridor. The rooms are spacious and cosy. Polar Lodge has a nice dining and living room, where breakfast is served, as well as a modern kitchen where you can cook your own food. Wireless internet is
available at affordable rates. Moreover, Polar Lodge has a souvenir shop with decent prices.
Old Camp
Old Camp is a traditional and cosy hostel in Kangerlussuaq, located 2 kilometres from the airport. Old
Camp occupies the former military barrack units that have been turned into a classic hostel. The hostel
has a TV room, common facilities, a souvenir shop, and you can also book excursions here. The rooms
are nice and neat with toilets and showers in the corridor. Bedding and towels are included. Breakfast is
served in the dining room every morning.
Hotel Kangerlussuaq
Located inside the airport building, Hotel Kangerlussuaq could not possibly be placed at a more central
location. You just have to take your baggage from the conveyer belt and carry it to the reception. All
rooms are spacious and overlooks either the so-called Kitchen Mountain or the village and its surroundings. Hotel Kangerlussuaq has more than 150 beds in 70 rooms (single and double rooms as well as
suites). The hotel also disposes of an annex with 40 rooms and 100 beds. Each year, more than 15,000
guests check in at Hotel Kangerlussuaq.
Book well in advance
Regardless of where you choose to stay in Kangerlussuaq, you will be staying near the village centre,
as the village is not very big. Therefore, your choice depends on your requirements of comfort and
price. During peak seasons, all rooms and beds are often occupied, so we recommend booking well in
advance. This applies to other places in Greenland too. The capacity is limited, so rooms are in great
demand.
SPISESTEDER
Cooking out in the open, Restaurant Roklubben, food made from delicious produce.
PLACES TO EAT IN KANGERLUSSUAQ
You eat well in Greenland, and Kangerlussuaq is no exception. With nature's own larder right on the
doorstep, tasty and fresh produce is highly accessible, including musk oxen, reindeer and seafood.
Restaurant Roklubben (Roklubben means the rowing club in Danish)
At Restaurant Roklubben, you will find the best food in and around Kangerlussuaq. Roklubben (the
Rowing Club) is beautifully situated on Lake Ferguson, approximately 5 kilometres outside Kangerlussuaq. For several years, both locals and tourists have dined here. The restaurant gives you a taste of
the best the Greenlandic kitchen has to offer in a relaxed atmosphere.
The menu at Roklubben follows the seasons and always consists of fresh, local produce. In the shoulder season (1 February – 30 April and circa 20 September – 28 November), the restaurant only serves
a daily special. During summer, you can also eat à la carte. A free bus will transport you from Kangerlussuaq to Roklubben and back again.
From 1 February to 30 November, a Greenlandic buffet is served on Sundays. It is a lavish experience
with more than 30 different dishes, including: Shrimp, fish, home-smoked musk oxen and reindeer, mattak, scallops, roasted musk oxen and reindeer, cake and much, much more – almost everything made
from local produce.
The location in itself is worth a visit. The restaurant is situated on Lake Ferguson in a totally unspoiled
area. Read reviews of Restaurant Roklubben on Trip Advisor.
Restaurants at the hotel
A high-quality restaurant, Greenland's most visited cafeteria, the Green Bar/Naapiffik and the new Café
Isikkivik on the first floor of the departure terminal offer a wide variety in food and beverage options.
The relatively new café/bar Naapiffik has great food that you can enjoy alongside a wonderful view of
the area.
The cafeteria is legendary in Greenland and open every day from 6:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Choose between some Greenlandic food, something healthy or perhaps a quick musk oxen burger with sides. The
options are plentiful, but remember that it is no gourmet restaurant but a cafeteria.
The restaurant is also open during planned functions, courses etc. Thus, you can often book a table
even if you are not part of these events. The food is excellent, inspired by French, Danish and Greenlandic cuisine. Enquire about the restaurant's opening hours at the reception either prior to or upon your
arrival.
KANGERLUSSUAQ
Melt water on the Ice Cap, woman by the edge of the Ice Cap in summer, winter hiking on the Ice Cap (Photos: Mads Pihl – Visit Greenland)
Pizzeria and other fast-food restaurants
Right behind the airport, you will find a wonderful pizzeria, and on the base side of the airport a fastfood restaurant is located. The opening hours are subject to change – depending on the season. We
therefore recommend that you look into these upon your arrival.
At the reception of Hotel Kangerlussuaq (which is located in the airport building), a notice board advertises current events taking place in Kangerlussuaq. You will find a great mixture of both public and private notices.
HOW TO GET THERE?
If you are convinced that Greenland and Kangerlussuaq are must-visit places, your next step is to plan
your trip. You can find much more inspiration on our website. We are never more than a phone call or
an email away, and we are happy to answer any and every question you may have.
More inspiration from Greenland
Where to go in Greenland, when to travel, and what are the most popular places, towns and experiences in Greenland? You will find much more inspiration, photos and films from Greenland on our website.
Visit our inspirational section and let yourself go: www.greenland-travel.com/inspiration. Here, you will
also find more guides like this one.
Frequently asked questions
Which is the easiest way to get to Greenland? Are there mosquitoes? How cold is it? Should I choose a
guided package tour or travel without a guide? In our FAQ section, we have gathered the most frequently asked questions. Perhaps you will also find an answer to your own questions, and if not, please
do not hesitate to contact us. You can find questions and answers at www.greenland-travel.com/faq.
Use our trip finder
We are the biggest travel agency in the world specialising in Greenland, and therefore we offer a large
selection of package tours all year round. You can use our trip finder to see, which tours are best suited
for you and match your preferences for experiences, mode of travel and level of activity. You can also
use it to get a general view of options and prices. www.greenland-travel.com/tripfinder.
What are our travellers saying about us?
On Trustpilot.com, our customers are free to speak their mind. You can read all the comments on
www.trustpilot.com – type 'greenland-travel.com' in the search field or follow this link.
GREENLAND-TRAVEL.COM
Man at the Russell Glacier, mountain biking near the Russell Glacier, sunshine at the Russell Glacier (Photos: Mads Pihl – Visit Greenland)
GREENLAND TRAVEL
Whether you want a complete package tour or a customised tour, we can find the right solution for you.
We also arrange tours for special groups, conferences and associations. The common denominator for
all our tours is that we create a travel experience that suits you and takes you on a journey of a lifetime.
We are more than 30 employees in Denmark and Greenland, and – in all modesty – we are the world's
biggest and most dedicated specialist in Greenland. Therefore, we know what we are talking about.
A part of Air Greenland Group
Greenland Travel is part of Air Greenland Group, which also comprises Air Greenland, Hotel Arctic and
Arctic Umiaq Line. Moreover, we are co-owners of the excursion operator World of Greenland in Ilulissat. We help develop the excursion possibilities in Greenland and work closely together with those offering excursions and accommodation all over Greenland.
Find us in Greenland
Greenland Travel is the only travel agency, which is present locally in several towns in Greenland. Our
headquarters are located in Copenhagen, but we have three offices in Nuuk, Sisimiut and Ilulissat.
Are you curious?
If you want to know who we are, our smiling faces will greet you on our website where you can also
read more about our different backgrounds: www.greenland-travel.com/team.
Why our customers choose us
The world's biggest specialist in Greenland
We are the world's biggest specialist in Greenland, Iceland and the Arctic regions, and our senior
travel consultants have many years of experience with our destinations. Use it to your advantage.
Excellent service
At Greenland Travel, excellent service is still at the heart of everything we do. 98% of our customers recommend us due to our excellent service. We are always available – by phone, email or
chat.
Peace of mind
We are a member of the Association of Danish Travel Agents and Tour Operators, the Travel
Guarantee Fund and a IATA agent, which is your guarantee for a serious travel agency.
Version 15/03/16/lge
Reliable guidance
We have been there. We would never dream of selling a tour to a destination we do not know
ourselves. Things change quickly in Greenland, so we always stay up to date.