Russell Glacier Access Road

The Russell Glacier road is your gateway to standing at the edge of the world’s second-largest ice sheet. This 19-kilometer dirt track leaves Kangerlussuaq and winds through Arctic tundra before ending at a dramatic overlook where the Russell Glacier meets the land. The road was originally built to service research stations and ice drilling operations, and while it’s not technically challenging, the remoteness and exposure make it serious business. The final stretch offers incredible views of the glacier terminus and the endless white expanse beyond.

Any high-clearance vehicle can handle this route during summer months, but weather changes fast and you’re completely exposed. The road is rough gravel and dirt with some rocky sections, but the real challenge is the Arctic environment itself. July through September offers the best conditions, though even then you might hit snow or ice. No permits needed, but bring emergency gear and extra fuel. This is as close as most overlanders will get to the Greenland Ice Sheet, and the experience of standing at the edge of that frozen desert is unforgettable.