Step into the icy Greenlandic world on this 13-day guided Arctic Circle Trail tour! We’ll backpack through the longest ice-free section of Greenland, encounter diverse fauna and marvel at stunning Arctic landscapes. From wild camping and hiking along the shores of the fjords to reaching famous landmarks like Point 660 and Russell Glacier, we’ll meet something else Greenland has to offer. Group gear is provided, while full board ensures you’re fueled for the journey ahead. Get ready to push your boundaries and create memories to last a lifetime.
Arrive in Greenland by plane. Alternative means of transportation can also be arranged. Upon reaching Sisimiut, we’ll arrange the last groceries before exploring the harbor. Here, you’ll witness firsthand the authentic daily life of Arctic Circle locals, providing an immersive experience unlike any other.
Accommodation: Guesthouse, hotel, or hostel
Seize the day! Our Arctic Circle Trail tour begins with an inland hike. Stretching from the port town of Sisimiut to the picturesque fjord Kangerlussuaq Tulleq, this scenic trail offers a moderate ascent and leads us to a breathtaking camping spot where we’ll set up for the night.
Hiking: 22.5 km / 14 miles
Accommodation: Tent
Trekking along the shores of the fjords, our journey to the Nerumaq hut entails crossing several rivers. The route is extremely idyllic and the scenery unparalleled—and it comes at a steep price. Be prepared for huge numbers of mosquitoes, particularly in fair weather, and don’t forget your head net—it’s absolutely essential!
Hiking: 17 km / 10.5 miles
Accommodation: Hut
This leg of the journey winds through boggy sections, where at times you might find yourself sinking knee-deep. If you manage to keep your feet dry by the end of the day, you’ve crossed this stretch without a hitch!
Hiking: 17.5 km / 11 miles
Accommodation: Tent or hut
Today’s highlight involves a serious river crossing that requires your attention. To ensure a smooth passage, we’ll tackle this task in the morning when the current is gentler. This keeps us safe and adds excitement to our Arctic Circle Trail tour!
Hiking: 20.7 km / 13 miles
Accommodation: Tent or hut
On today’s trek from Eqalugaarniarfik to Ikkatooq we’ll pass through a canoe center. Depending on the wind direction, we can paddle a portion of the stage or opt for hiking instead. It’s worth noting that the available old canoes are in poor condition and may not be conveniently located on the right side of the bank.
Hiking: 12.6 km / 8 miles
Accommodation: Tent or hut
We continue hiking, soaking in the scenery as we go. Keep an eye out for deer and arctic foxes while we stroll by a stunning lake along the way. And, why not grab some arctic berries for breakfast? It’s all about embracing the natural delights that make this Arctic Circle Trail tour unforgettable.
Hiking: 19.2 km / 12 miles
Accommodation: Tent or hut
From Amitsorsuaq, a stage awaits us that stretches along a beautiful lake. We walk past a canoe center where canoes are often to be found. In good weather, these serve as a quick and efficient alternative to hiking the route. Once we reach the other shore, we can pull the canoes ashore again before setting up our base camp and ending the day.
Hiking: 19 km / 12 miles
Accommodation: Tent or hut
This part of your Arctic Circle Trail tour guides us toward our first settlement, promising new encounters and discoveries. On the way, we’ll pass by a tranquil saltwater lake and find an abandoned hunter’s hut, a testament to the region’s rich history.
Hiking: 17 km / 10.5 miles
Accommodation: Tent or hut
As we continue our hike, we’ll tread along a dusty dirt road that winds its way towards Kangerlussuaq. Amidst the rugged beauty of the landscape, each step brings us closer to the end, marking the conclusion of an unforgettable expedition through Greenland’s untamed wilderness.
Hiking: 19 km / 12 miles
Accommodation: Tent or hut
The best is saved for last! Today, we’ll hike past our destination towards the legendary Point 660, a must-see spot with a view of one of Greenland’s most beautiful ice landscapes. Here, the land turns into eternal ice—the vast expanse of the Ice Cap, stretching up to 2,900 kilometers (1,800 miles) long and 1.5 kilometers (1 miles) deep. If we’re short on time and our energy levels are low after our Arctic Circle Trail tour, we can hop on a local bus to reach the place. Tonight, we’ll set up camp in front of the glacier break.
Hiking: 35 km / 22 miles
Accommodation: Tent
After a cozy night with a glacier backdrop, we’ll hike back to Kangerlussuaq. Once we’re back in the village, it’s time to pack up, enjoy some more tasty local dishes, and then head over to the airport.
Hiking: 35 km / 22 miles
Accommodation: Guesthouse, hotel, or hostel
We’ve kept one day as a buffer for flexibility—whether it’s for a well-deserved rest, engaging in another on-site activity, or as a backup plan in case of bad weather on the trail. Our Arctic Circle Trail tour ends after today and we bid farewell to our group, reminiscing about the memories made in Greenland’s wilderness.
What you get on this adventure:
What’s not included:
To embark on this Arctic Circle Trail tour, a high level of fitness is essential. You should be accustomed to hiking and capable of carrying a 20 kg backpack for approximately 8 hours a day. With daily treks ranging from 15 to 25 kilometers (9.5 to 15.5 miles), totaling 230 kilometers (145 miles) over the course of the journey, endurance is key.
The Arctic Circle Trail tour presents challenging terrain, traversing through varied landscapes from coast to inland ice. It is not a walk in the park—it’s a test of endurance, adaptability, and self-sufficiency, a real trekking expedition that pushes your limits!
Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:
Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.
During your Arctic Circle Trail tour, you’ll primarily stay in tents or huts, depending on the available facilities. The accommodation along the trail consists of a combination of tents and huts. Before and after the trek, i.e., on Day 1 and Day 12 you’ll spend the night in a guesthouse, hotel, or hostel, depending on availability in the area.
You can expect Alpine gourmet cuisine and a full board service! The food during the Arctic Circle Trail tour is of fine camping style, with freshly cooked meals or high-quality dehydrated trekking food. Vegetarian options are available as standard, as your guides do not offer fish or meat on the tour, but they can accommodate special dietary requirements such as vegan and gluten-free upon request. Feel free to bring and consume your own food of animal origin at any time.
You are welcome to bring your own snacks to replenish energy levels between breakfast and dinner or for appropriate days on the Arctic Circle Trail. Keep in mind that your backpack shouldn’t be too heavy. Lightweight options such as dried fruit, chocolate, cheese, wholemeal bread and energy bars are recommended.
While your guides have a strong track record of spotting wildlife like deer, arctic foxes, moose, and ptarmigans, encountering them is never a sure thing. In July and August, higher temperatures can lead to reduced wildlife activity, particularly among larger mammals. However, hiking on the Arctic Circle Trail—the area of musk oxen, increases your chances of wildlife encounters significantly. Sightings cannot be guaranteed, but your guides are skilled at navigating the terrain and maximizing opportunities to experience the stunning Greenland’s fauna.
Group sizes and pricing
Arctic Circle Trail tours can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.
Min. age requirements
To get to Sisimiut, the starting point of your Arctic Circle Trail tour, most people fly into Kangerlussuaq Airport (SFJ) or Nuuk International Airport (GOH). From there, you can fly to Sisimiut Airport (JHS), only a few minutes drive from Sisimiut.
Alternative means of transportation can also be arranged. If you need assistance selecting the right flights, let us know and we will be happy to help!
Once you and your guide agree on the details of your itinerary, your guide will suggest the best place to meet before exploring the harbor, whether that’s at the guide shop or a predetermined location.
We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both emergency medical and travel insurance.
With medical insurance, if you have an accident or medical emergency on or off the mountain, you’ll avoid paying out of pocket for costly expenses. This covers everything from hospital treatments to emergency air transportation and more. Travel insurance covers canceled flights, natural disasters and other scenarios that may interrupt your travel plans.
We also expect you to respect local regulations and take measures to protect yourselves, your guides, and the communities you’re traveling to. If you need assistance selecting the right insurance for your group, let us know and we will be happy to help!
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