Understand

Kangerlussuaq, a town located in Greenland, has a rich history as an important stopover point for aircraft during World War II. Serving as a vital link between North America and Europe, it played a crucial role in military operations. Furthermore, during the Cold War era, the airfield in Kangerlussuaq served as a U.S. early warning facility, heightening its significance. Today, Kangerlussuaq boasts one of Greenland's largest airfields, which is still actively utilized as a staging area for scientific personnel working in the country's numerous research facilities and base camps. Additionally, the town houses a historic site to the east, previously used as a launch site for upper atmospheric studies. In the 1970s and 1980s, several sounding rockets were launched from this area, contributing to advancements in our understanding of the atmosphere. Moreover, a radar facility, operated by the U.S. National Science Foundation and the Danish Meteorological Institute, conducts important ionospheric studies to the west of the town at Kellyville. When exploring Kangerlussuaq, visitors will find that the town is divided into two distinct sections. The original settlement forms one half of the town, while the former military area occupies the other half, situated on the opposite side of the airfield. As the military base closed its doors, many of the former barracks have been gradually repurposed for civilian use, adding a unique charm to the town's evolving landscape. Experience the fascinating blend of history and modernity in Kangerlussuaq.