The Ice Sheet Road in Greenland: Driving to the Edge of the World's Ice Sheet
The Ice Sheet Road is located in western Greenland, in the Qeqqata municipality. It runs northeast from Kangerlussuaq to the vast Greenland Ice Sheet, a world-class attraction and one of the island's most prominent landscape features.
What is the Ice Sheet Road?
This groundbreaking infrastructure project distinguishes itself from conventional paved roads found in most countries. It's designed specifically for off-road vehicles, primarily 4x4s, ATVs, and snowmobiles in winter.
How long is the Ice Sheet Road?
The Ice Sheet Road is a 38.3 kilometers (23.79 miles) long gravel road.
Why was the Ice Sheet Road built?
In the late 1990s, the road initially served as a venue for car endurance experiments. The German Volkswagen Group, through its car testing company Nausta, initiated its construction to test vehicles in near-freezing temperatures. Skanska's Greenlandic entity completed the road's construction in 2001.
When was the Ice Sheet Road built?
Construction of the road from Kangerlussuaq to "Point 660" (a location on the ice sheet) was initiated by the German Volkswagen Group in 1999. Skanska's Greenlandic entity completed construction of the main gravel road in 2001. Later, the road was extended by 120 km onto the ice sheet for a car test industry named Aurora.
Why is the Ice Sheet Road important today?
Since Volkswagen's departure in 2004, the Municipality of Qeqqata took over the road. It has become increasingly vital for tourism, providing essential access to the ice sheet. Furthermore, the road is now highly valued by the scientific community. It offers easier access for climate change research and enables scientific projects related to the tundra, wildlife, glaciers, and lakes, particularly when compared to Antarctica.
Is the Ice Sheet Road worth the drive?
The journey offers an exhilarating driving experience with superb views. Along the way, drivers will see an old airplane wreckage from a USA military aircraft, a Lockheed T-33. There are numerous viewpoints, both official and unofficial, offering great views of lakes edging the ice, often with small icebergs floating in them. If you're lucky, you might spot local wildlife like Reindeer, Musk Ox, Arctic Fox, and various types of birds. The area is also known for strong auroral activity, offering potential for Northern Lights viewing.
How challenging is the Ice Sheet Road?
The Ice Sheet Road is a remote gravel road that is fairly flat. However, drivers must be prepared for colder temperatures near the ice, as it can significantly decrease the temperature of the surrounding air and create a constant daytime "ice breeze" of cold air blowing from the glacier.
When was the Ice Sheet Road repaired?
The Ice Sheet Road underwent significant repairs between 2021 and 2024. In 2021, the first 20 kilometers were improved, which facilitated easier access for trucks and buses to the Extreme E event site in August 2021. The subsequent 8 kilometers were repaired in 2022-2023, with the final 7 kilometers, including two small bridges, completed in 2024.