Arctic Circle Trail

Distance: 160 km
Duration: 9 - 11 days
Country:
Greenland flagGreenland
The Arctic Circle Trail offers an unparalleled immersion into Greenland's vast, untouched wilderness, where you're more likely to encounter reindeer than humans. Traverse 160 kilometers of tundra, crystal-clear fishing lakes, and Arctic silence, all under the ethereal glow of the Midnight Sun.

Trekking Arctic Circle Trail

Prepare for an adventure treking Arctic Circle Trail. This overview provides essential details on routes, difficulty, costs, and the best times to go, helping you plan a successful trek.

When to go

  • July and August

Accommodation

huts, camping

Pictures from trekking Arctic Circle Trail

These are pictures taken while trekking Arctic Circle Trail. They're shown here to give you an idea of what the route is like. You're welcome to share your own pictures of hiking Arctic Circle Trail, to help the community of hikers. Picture here are either uploaded by members (there own, or creative commons pictures), or guides.

Arctic Circle Trail itinerary

Trekking the Arctic Circle Trail in Greenland
Day 1

Kangerlussuaq to Hundeso (250 m)

Distance: 15 kmTime trekking / climbing: 6 hoursElevation change: +200 m
Begin trekking from Kangerlussuaq to Hundeso. Enjoy the stunning Arctic landscape.
Day 2

Hundeso to Katiffik (300 m)

Distance: 18 kmTime trekking / climbing: 7 hoursElevation change: +50 m
Continue the trek to Katiffik. Experience the wilderness of Greenland.
Day 3

Katiffik to The Canoe Center (100 m)

Distance: 20 kmTime trekking / climbing: 8 hoursElevation change: -200 m
Trek to The Canoe Center. Enjoy the serenity of the Arctic landscape.
Day 4

The Canoe Center to Ikkattooq (200 m)

Distance: 17 kmTime trekking / climbing: 7 hoursElevation change: +100 m
Continue the journey to Ikkattooq. Explore the remote beauty of Greenland.
Day 5

Ikkattooq to Eqalugaarniarfik (150 m)

Distance: 14 kmTime trekking / climbing: 6 hoursElevation change: -50 m
Trek to Eqalugaarniarfik. Marvel at the Arctic flora and fauna.
Day 6

Eqalugaarniarfik to Innajuattoq (270 m)

Distance: 19 kmTime trekking / climbing: 8 hoursElevation change: +120 m
Continue the trek to Innajuattoq. Witness the rugged beauty of Greenland's wilderness.
Day 7

Innajuattoq to Kangerluarsuk Tulleo (100 m)

Distance: 33 kmTime trekking / climbing: 11 hoursElevation change: -170 m
trek to Kangerluarsuk Tulleo. Anticipate encountering increasingly boggy and waterlogged valley terrain ahead.
Day 8

Kangerluarsuk Tulleo to Sisimiut (5 m)

Distance: 22 kmTime trekking / climbing: 9 hoursElevation change: -95 m
Trek to Sisimiut, the endpoint of the Arctic Circle Trail. Celebrate your accomplishment.

How difficult is Arctic Circle Trail

The trek is 4 / 10, based on the below factors:

Terrain & route condition 4 / 10

Treks that involve rugged or uneven terrain, such as rocky paths, scree slopes, or dense forests, may require more technical skills or physical effort.

Altitude / Elevation 2 / 10

Considering the maximum altitude reached during the trek. Higher altitudes can present challenges like thin air, low oxygen levels, and potential altitude sickness.

Distance 6 / 10

The total distance of the trek. Longer treks generally require more endurance and physical fitness.

Elevation gain 3 / 10

Total elevation gain throughout the trek. Treks with significant altitude changes can be more challenging, especially if they involve steep ascents or descents.

Technical difficulty 2 / 10

Some treks may require basic technical skills like river crossings, using ropes, or scrambling over rocks.

Access to facilities / Remoteness 7 / 10

Based on the availability of support facilities such as accommodation, food, water sources, and emergency services. Treks with limited infrastructure or remote areas can be more challenging due to self-sufficiency requirements. The less support facilities there are the harder the trek.

Climate & weather 5 / 10

How tough are the prevailing weather and climate conditions during the trek. Harsh weather, extreme temperatures, or unpredictable conditions can add to the difficulty.

Arctic Circle Trail Accomodation

What is the accommodation like treking Arctic Circle Trail

There is a mix of basic huts and campsites. Take a tent.

Arctic Circle Trail access - getting there

How to get to Arctic Circle Trail

  • Flying into Kangerlussuaq: Most trekkers start the Arctic Circle Trail from Kangerlussuaq, which has an international airport. Flights from Copenhagen are the most common way to reach here.
  • Bus to the Trailhead: From Kangerlussuaq, you can take a local bus to the trailhead, which is about 13 km away.
  • Hiking to the Trailhead: Alternatively, some choose to hike to the trailhead from Kangerlussuaq, adding an extra day to the trek.
  • Ending in Sisimiut: The trail ends in Sisimiut, which has a domestic airport with flights to Nuuk and Ilulissat.
  • Ferry Services: During the summer, there are also ferry services from Sisimiut to other towns, but these are less frequent.
  • Helicopter Services: In some cases, trekkers use helicopter services to get back to Kangerlussuaq, but this is a more expensive option.

Arctic Circle Trail Links

useful websites, Groups and communities

Groups / links with more info on the Arctic Circle Trail route.