Trekking in Greenland: The Arctic Circle Trail

The Arctic Circle Trail covers more than 165 km in 7 to 10 days, crossing the largest ice-free area in West Greenland. This splendid trekking route, located 25-30 miles north of the Arctic Circle, runs from Kangerlussuaq to Sisimiut (both with airport access).

The landscape between the two towns of Kangerlussuaq and Sisimiut is extremely remote and those who choose to take this route must be self-sufficient. The trail traverses remote, empty and silent arctic tundra.

Practical guide

When to go?

This is a summer trek, ideally from mid-June to mid-September, when the tundra is teeming with life; during the long winter, snow and ice, short days and bitter cold are the norm.

Cities & Services

Start at Kangerlussuaq and end at Sisimiut - In between a vast empty land.

Difficulty, logistics and equipment

Not particularly difficult, mostly gently sloping, but with a few short, steep, but very remote rocky slopes; hikers must be completely self-sufficient, but basic huts are available at regular intervals.

Not to be missed

1. Excursions to the ice cap.
2. Visit to the Arctic Desert
3. Ascent of Sugar Loaf.
4. Kangerlussuaq.
5. Tarajornitsut salt lakes.
6. Paddling in the lake of Amitsorsuaq.
7. Kangerluatsiarsuaq beach.
8. Views from Iluliumanersuup Portornga.
9. The valley below Nerumaq.
10. The valley of Qerrortusup Majoriaaa; Nasaaq
11. Sisimiut

Map

Stages

• Optional - ice cap to Kangerlussuaq
• Stage 1 Kangerlussuaq to Hundesø
• Stage 2 Hundesø to Katiffik
• Stage 3 Katiffik to Canoe Centre
• Stage 4 Canoe Centre to Ikkattooq
• Stage 5 Ikkattooq to Eqalugaarniarfik
• Stage 6 Eqalugaarniarfik to Innajuattoq
• Stage 7 Innajuattoq to Nerumaq
• Stage 8 Nerumaq to Kangerluarsuk Tulleq
• Stage 9 Kangerluarsuk Tulleq to Sisimiut

Travel accessories

In Kangerlussuaq we will be able to opt for:

• Ascent of Sugar Loaf.
• Getting to Ice Cap, the ice cap

In Sisimiut:

• Ascent of Nasaaq