Trekking in Greenland - The Arctic Circle Trail
From Kangerlussuaq to Sisimiut
Trekking in Greenland - The Arctic Circle Trail
From Kangerlussuaq to Sisimiut
A comprehensive guidebook for hiking the Arctic Circle Trail, which crosses the largest ice-free area of West Greenland, 25-30 miles north of the Arctic Circle. At just over 100 miles long, and taking 7 to 10 days to complete, this splendid backpacking route runs from Kangerlussuaq to Sisimiut - both with airport access.Trek the Arctic Circle Trail, a 160km (100 mile) long-distance route across one of the largest ice-free wilderness areas in West Greenland, linking the inland settlement of Kangerlussuaq with the coastal town of Sisimiut. This remarkable Arctic journey traverses vast tundra landscapes dotted with countless lakes, low mountains and endless open skies, offering a rare opportunity to experience true solitude north of the Arctic Circle.
Taking 7–10 days to complete, the Arctic Circle Trail is suitable for experienced trekkers capable of self-sufficient travel in a remote environment. The route is described in 9 stages of 11–22km (7–14 miles) and can be walked from east to west, with options to start at Point 660 on the Greenland ice cap and optional ascents of prominent peaks such as Sugar Loaf and Nasaasaaq for expansive views over Sisimiut and the surrounding wilderness.
- Step-by-step, stage-by-stage route descriptions for the full Arctic Circle Trail from Kangerlussuaq to Sisimiut, including the optional Point 660 ice cap start and additional mountain ascents for extended exploration.
- Each stage of the Arctic Circle Trail includes 1:100,000 Harvey mapping, distance, terrain description, navigation guidance and practical information for trekking through remote Arctic tundra.
- Detailed information on huts, wild camping, canoe crossings, transport logistics and resupply considerations along the Arctic Circle Trail to support safe and efficient planning.
- GPX files for the Arctic Circle Trail available to download, making it easier to follow the route using GPS devices or smartphone navigation apps in this remote region.
- Comprehensive advice on preparation, equipment, timing and self-sufficiency for trekking the Arctic Circle Trail in one of the world’s most isolated and rewarding environments.
- Background information on Greenland’s Arctic landscapes, wildlife and trekking conditions, helping walkers better understand and appreciate the unique character of the Arctic Circle Trail.
Plan your Arctic Circle Trail adventure with confidence and explore one of the world’s last great wilderness treks with this comprehensive and trusted guidebook.
Trekking in Greenland - The Arctic Circle Trail - Quick Facts
Trail name: Arctic Circle Trail
Location: West Greenland, approximately 40–50km north of the Arctic Circle
Designation: Remote long-distance trekking route
Distance: ~160km / 100 miles
Typical duration: 7–10 days
Start: Kangerlussuaq
End: Sisimiut
Route format: Linear hut-to-hut and wild camping trek, with optional start at Point 660 ice cap
Stages: 9 stages (east to west), with optional mountain ascents and ice cap extension
Navigation: Marked intermittently by cairns; map, compass and GPS essential
Terrain: Arctic tundra, glacial valleys, lakes, rocky hills and remote wilderness
Difficulty: Challenging – suitable for experienced and self-sufficient trekkers
Best season: Summer (late Jun–early Sep)
Accommodation: Basic huts and wild camping throughout the route
Author Highlight
“Well-prepared walkers, who take care to pack lightweight and efficient gear, will doubtless rank the Arctic Circle Trail as one of the classic walks of the world. There is an incredible sense of open space from start to finish, and if blessed with sunny and stable weather, few walkers would wish to be anywhere else.”
- Paddy Dillon, author of Trekking in Greenland - The Arctic Circle Trail
Printed book
A guidebook with detailed route descriptions, stage breakdowns, accommodation listings, profiles and maps - everything you need on the trail.
ISBN
9781852849672
Availability
Published
Published
22 Feb 2019
Reprinted
17 Jan 2023
Edition
Second
Pages
136
Size
17.20 x 11.60 x .85cm
Weight
160g
eBook
The complete digital edition of the guidebook, with full route descriptions, accommodation listings, profiles and maps, ready to use on any device.
Map key
Polar view of Greenland
Overview map
Introduction
Geology
The ice cap
Wildlife
Plants and flowers
History
Culture
Travelling to Greenland
When to go
Accommodation
Toilets
Health and safety
Food, drink and fuel
Language
Money
Communications
Trekking in Greenland
River crossings
What to take
Waymarking and access
Maps
Emergencies
Using this guide
Last chance to see?
The Arctic Circle Trail
Kangerlussuaq
Preamble – Ascent of Sugar Loaf
Optional Extension – Ice cap to Kangerlussuaq
Day 1 Kangerlussuaq to Hundesø
Day 2 Hundesø to Katiffik
Day 3 Katiffik to Canoe Centre
Day 4 Canoe Centre to Ikkattooq
Day 5 Ikkattooq to Eqalugaarniarfik
Day 6 Eqalugaarniarfik to Innajuattoq
Day 7 Innajuattoq to Nerumaq
Day 8 Nerumaq to Kangerluarsuk Tulleq
Day 9 Kangerluarsuk Tulleq to Sisimiut
Sisimiut
Post-amble – Ascent of Nasaasaaq
APPENDIX A Route summary table
APPENDIX B Language notes and glossary
APPENDIX C Useful contacts
Seasons
a summer walk, ideally from mid-June to mid-September, when the tundra is bursting with life; during the long winter, snow and ice, short days and bitter cold are the norm
Centres
start at Kangerlussuaq and finish at Sisimiut - vast empty landscapes inbetween
Difficulty
not particularly difficult, mostly gently graded, but with a few short, steep, rocky slopes but very remote; trekkers must be completely self-sufficient but basic huts are available at good intervals
Must See
trips to the ice cap; visiting an arctic desert; climbing Sugar Loaf; Kangerlussuaq; Tarajornitsut saline lakes; paddling the lake of Amitsorsuaq; beach at Kangerluatsiarsuaq; views from Iluliumanersuup Portornga; the valley below Nerumaq; the valley of Qerrortusup Majoriaa; Nasaasaaq; Sisimiut
November 2021
Road construction
Pages 44 & 45
These pages mention the possibility of a dirt road being constructed across the tundra to link Kangerlussuaq and Sisimiut. This project was completed late in the summer of 2021 and there are changes to the Arctic Circle Trail that trekkers need to be aware of. First of all, the 'road' has been designed for ATV (quad bike) use, so it is narrow and has a very rough surface. It is unlikely to be busy, but of course it is visually intrusive. It remains to be seen whether the small huts that were once in remote locations suddenly become busier once they can be reached by vehicles.
Leaving Kangerlussuaq on Day 1, the ACT used to run onto the tundra from a road-end beyond Kelly Ville. This road has now been extended to distant Sisimiut, so it is important to leave it in order to stay on the ACT and head for Hundesø. The new road stays well clear of the ACT until Day 6, when it suddenly reappears. The new road either runs close to the ACT, or is actually built on top of it, throughout Day 6, 7, 8 & 9. While some trekkers might welcome the provision of the new road in order to make rapid progress, others will want to avoid it as much as possible.
In order to avoid as much as possible of the road, a new southern trail has been established in order to avoid the trail, and this will be walked, checked and described in a future edition of the guidebook. It is already marked with cairns, with some parts already featuring a trodden path, and huts are due to be established. In short, the new trail leaves Eqalugaarniarfik in the direction of Sarfannguit, where there is a small settlement on an island separated from the mainland by a narrow channel. The idea is to attract the attention of a boatman in order to visit the village, otherwise continue high across a slope, well above the sea, descending to pass an inlet at Utoqqaat. The trail climbs and descends again to reach Kangerluarsuk Tulleq, at the end of Day 8. There is no way to avoid the road on Day 9 to finish at Sisimiut.
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