Arctic Circle Trail hiking

The Arctic Circle Trail from Kangerlussuaq to Sisimiut is the classic Greenland traverse from the Ice Cap all the way to the coast.

This demanding hike is roughly 165 km and you shouldn’t set off unless you’re well-prepared, but for the experienced hiker this is a highly rewarding, truly remote adventure into the heart of Greenland.

For most hikers the trip begins in Kangerlussuaq which is the location of the country’s largest international airport, but you can equally well start off in Sisimiut and head eastwards along the Arctic Circle.

The route meanders through a mountainous landscape from the rounded moraine hills and the parched interior around Kangerlussuaq to the hilly terrain with high mountains and coastal climate near Sisimiut.

Between the two town there are nine basic backcountry huts for accommodation. But we always recommend bringing take a tent, along with a lot of other stuff, since these cabins cannot be booked in advance and available bunks are never a guarantee.

Also, for some hikers it will be more than a day’s walk between huts, and since the weather can change very quickly in this region, a tent is a welcome friend to have with you on the road.

About 2/3s of the way from Kangerlussuaq, on the coastal leg of the route, is the settlement of Sarfannguit, and we heavily recommend taking this trail, visiting the lovely little town, and staying with Piitaaraq Fleischer and his family in what must be one of the coolest bed & breakfast settings in the country

Summer and early autumn until late september are the best times to hike the trail, and as you are above the Arctic Circle and most likely at the height of summer the Midnight Sun is out, meaning you’ll never have trouble seeing the cairns marked with red semi-circles.

But don’t rely too heavily on cairns of visible trails out there. Instead, use your backcountry skills and enjoy this stunning overland adventure.

We have built a strong trail resource dedicated to all things related to the trail, so visit arcticcircletrail.com for all your planning needs.