- Region
- Qeqqata, Greenland
- Best season
- Spring, Summer
- Permits
- Confirm current permit requirements and ac…
- Managed by
- Destination Arctic Circle, the tourism promotion body for Arctic Circle Business in Qeqqata Municipality, Greenland.
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Photos of Arctic Circle Trail
How to get there
Plan arrival and departure around Kangerlussuaq and Sisimiut, the trail’s two endpoints. Kangerlussuaq has an airport and sits at the head of its namesake fjord in western Greenland. Confirm current transport connections and the exact trail access arrangements at both ends before booking.
- Kangerlussuaq
The inland endpoint of the Arctic Circle Trail, in Qeqqata Municipality at the head of the Kangerlussuaq fjord. The settlement has an airport; confirm the current walking-route access locally.
- Sisimiut
The ocean-side endpoint of the Arctic Circle Trail and the opposite end of the crossing from Kangerlussuaq. Confirm local trail access and onward transport before committing to the traverse.
Sources: doi.gov · Wikipedia · Wikivoyage. Confirm road and trailhead conditions with the managing agency before you leave.
Qeqqata, Greenland · Season: Best: July - August
- Sea Kayaking
- Beachcombing
- Hiking
- Backpacking
- Winter Camping
- Wildlife Viewing
The country
Connecting the inland ice sheet directly to the Atlantic Ocean, this pristine wilderness covers rolling tundra, deep fjords, and massive freshwater lakes. The ecology is purely low-level shrub and moss, brilliantly colored but entirely devoid of trees. Fauna includes Arctic foxes, reindeer, and prehistoric-looking muskoxen roaming vast valleys.
Why enthusiasts come
Backpackers take on the Arctic Circle Trail for the profound, terrifying expansiveness of Greenland's roadless interior. The route takes 8 to 11 days of complete self-sufficiency, appealing to those who crave true wilderness navigation and solitude. It offers the chance to physically touch the Greenland Ice Sheet before marching off toward the coast.
Top experiences
Starting the trek at Point 660 allows hikers to briefly walk on the towering blue edge of the actual Greenland Ice Sheet. Foraging for crowberries directly off the tundra in late August supplements lightweight camp meals. Reaching the colorful coastal town of Sisimiut marks a triumphant return to civilization through a dramatic mountainous valley.
Planner-relevant notes
There are zero resupply points. You must carry all food, stove fuel, and gear for the entire 10-day journey. Simple, tiny wooden A-frame huts are scattered along the trail for emergency shelter, but carrying a 4-season tent is mandatory. Navigation in fog relies heavily on tracking rock cairns and using GPS, as the trail itself often vanishes into the spongy terrain.
Field notes
- Greenlandic mosquitoes in July are aggressively thick; bring full head nets and cover all exposed skin.
- The terrain is spongy and permanently wet (permafrost melt); waterproof boots and extra camp shoes are critical.
- Water is incredibly abundant and generally safe from the lakes and streams; many locals drink without filtering.
- If you encounter a muskox, give it a wide berth and do not approach; they are violently defensive if threatened.
Where on earth
Satellite imagery flying in from a world view to Arctic Circle Trail, Qeqqata, Greenland. Use the + / − buttons, or click the map to zoom with your scroll wheel; drag to pan and pinch to zoom on touch.
Coordinates
- Decimal degrees
- 66.9380, -52.7930
- Latitude (DMS)
- 66° 56′ 16.8″ N
- Longitude (DMS)
- 52° 47′ 34.8″ W
Coordinates are an access-point reference for Arctic Circle Trail, not a route. Carry a paper map and confirm trailhead or put-in access with the managing agency before you go.
Topic summary
A massive, sweeping trek across raw Arctic tundra from the edge of the ice cap to the sea.
Key takeaways
- Region: Qeqqata, Greenland
- Best season: Best: July - August
- Coordinates: 66.938, -52.793
Climate suitability
Best: July - August
Keep planning
Popular pursuits at Arctic Circle Trail
- Sea Kayaking
Coastal crossings, tides, and protected camps.
- Beachcombing
Tide-line walking between camps.
- Hiking
Day miles on marked trail, with route notes and trail links below.
- Backpacking
Multi-day travel with everything on your back — see the packing blocks below.
- Winter Camping
Cold-season travel and camp craft; layering matters more than mileage.
- Wildlife Viewing
Best light, best season, and where animals move.
Animals around Arctic Circle Trail
A long-distance crossing in western Greenland
The Arctic Circle Trail connects Kangerlussuaq and Sisimiut in Greenland’s Qeqqata Municipality, stretching approximately 100 miles from the icecap side of the region toward the ocean. It is an established long-distance hike through remote, rugged backcountry, rather than a series of short walks linked by easy transfers. The route also traverses the Aasivissuit – Nipisat World Heritage Site, making cultural heritage part of the journey alongside the Arctic landscape. Plan around the demands of carrying equipment and supplies over rough ground and camping independently. The two endpoints give the trip a clear structure, but the distance alone does not describe the commitment: a suitable itinerary needs to match the group’s fitness, load-carrying experience, and ability to look after itself in remote country.
Self-sufficiency and care on the trail
Treat this as a self-supported backcountry trip. Remote camping and carrying all necessary equipment and supplies are central to travel through this rugged Arctic terrain. Pack a camping system suitable for Arctic conditions, plan food and water needs carefully, and leave room in the schedule for weather and slower progress under a loaded pack. Trailside huts are part of trail-management planning, but confirm their current condition and availability rather than making shelter assumptions. Around Kangerlussuaq, terrestrial wildlife includes muskoxen, caribou, and gyrfalcons; observe animals at a distance and avoid disturbing them. Fragile ecosystems also call for deliberate choices underfoot and at camp. Minimize trampling, carry out rubbish, and confirm local waste-disposal guidance before leaving the endpoints. Self-sufficiency should include limiting the impact of the trip, not just carrying enough gear.
Check the alignment before committing
Destination Arctic Circle manages the trail as the tourism promotion body for Arctic Circle Business, which represents businesses in Qeqqata Municipality. Trail planning has included a proposed reroute of a southern portion to preserve the remote experience, protect sensitive ecosystems and cultural resources, and address a planned ATV trail overlapping parts of the walking route. Do not assume that a proposed alignment is complete or that an older route description reflects current conditions. Before setting an itinerary, ask Destination Arctic Circle about the current recommended alignment, trail markings, hut information, and any access requirements. Confirm permit requirements with the managing body as well. Because the trail crosses the Aasivissuit – Nipisat World Heritage Site, respect cultural features and follow local guidance on where to walk and camp.
Route options
- Kangerlussuaq to SisimiutApproximately 100 milesDemanding: rugged terrain, remote camping, and carrying equipment and supplies.
Follow the full Arctic Circle Trail from its inland endpoint toward the ocean, traversing remote backcountry and the Aasivissuit – Nipisat World Heritage Site. Confirm the current alignment with Destination Arctic Circle.
- Sisimiut to KangerlussuaqApproximately 100 milesDemanding: rugged terrain, remote camping, and carrying equipment and supplies.
Travel the same endpoint-to-endpoint crossing in reverse, from the ocean side toward Kangerlussuaq. This is a direction choice rather than a separate trail; check current route guidance and endpoint logistics before selecting it.
Sample itineraries
- Kangerlussuaq to Sisimiut: self-supported traverse · 14 days
Follow the approximately 100-mile Arctic Circle Trail from Kangerlussuaq to Sisimiut through the Aasivissuit–Nipisat World Heritage Site. Use two weeks as a planning framework, consistent with backcountry fieldwork on this route, not a guaranteed completion time. Confirm the current alignment with Destination Arctic Circle and carry camping equipment and supplies.
- Sisimiut to Kangerlussuaq: reverse traverse · 14 days
Plan the same end-to-end route in reverse, finishing at Kangerlussuaq. This two-week framework is not a verified stage schedule. Adjust daily progress to rugged terrain, conditions and pack weight. Confirm route changes and suitable overnight locations with Destination Arctic Circle before setting out.
Seasonal conditions
Spring
Confirm locally before choosing dates
Do not assume the Arctic backcountry is ready for hiking. Ask Destination Arctic Circle about current ground conditions and route suitability; plan clothing and shelter for cold and changing weather.
Summer
July is documented for backcountry fieldwork
Summer fieldwork on the trail involved rugged terrain, remote camping and carrying all equipment and supplies. That supports self-sufficient trip planning, not an assumption of easy conditions or a confirmed season-wide hiking window.
Fall
Confirm locally before choosing dates
Check current weather and route conditions before committing to a remote traverse. Carry insulation and weather protection appropriate to an Arctic environment; do not rely on a fixed daily schedule.
Winter
Confirm winter suitability with Destination Arctic Circle
Do not treat a summer backpacking plan as a winter itinerary. Seek current local guidance on conditions, equipment and whether the route suits the party's skills.
| Season | Window | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Confirm locally before choosing dates | Do not assume the Arctic backcountry is ready for hiking. Ask Destination Arctic Circle about current ground conditions and route suitability; plan clothing and shelter for cold and changing weather. |
| Summer | July is documented for backcountry fieldwork | Summer fieldwork on the trail involved rugged terrain, remote camping and carrying all equipment and supplies. That supports self-sufficient trip planning, not an assumption of easy conditions or a confirmed season-wide hiking window. |
| Fall | Confirm locally before choosing dates | Check current weather and route conditions before committing to a remote traverse. Carry insulation and weather protection appropriate to an Arctic environment; do not rely on a fixed daily schedule. |
| Winter | Confirm winter suitability with Destination Arctic Circle | Do not treat a summer backpacking plan as a winter itinerary. Seek current local guidance on conditions, equipment and whether the route suits the party's skills. |
Permits, fees & closures
Confirm current permit requirements and access rules with Destination Arctic Circle, the trail manager.
Official source: [PDF] Short-Term Assignment - DOI.gov · Verified October 2, 2026
Hazards & regulations
- Rugged terrain makes daily progress uncertain, especially while carrying all camping equipment and supplies.
- Remote backcountry travel requires self-sufficiency. Carry shelter, food and essential equipment rather than assuming support will be available.
- Arctic weather demands cold-weather insulation and reliable weather protection, even when planning a summer trip.
- Route uncertainty needs attention: southern rerouting was proposed alongside planned ATV-trail overlap. Confirm the current walking alignment rather than assuming older route information remains accurate.
What to pack for Arctic Circle Trail
- Tent suitable for exposed Arctic backcountry
- Sleeping bag and insulating sleeping mat
- Waterproof outer layers
- Warm insulating layers
- Sturdy footwear for rugged terrain
- Current route information confirmed with Destination Arctic Circle
- Map and compass
- Navigation device with backup power
- Remote emergency communication device
- First-aid and repair supplies
- Food for a self-supported traverse
- Cooking equipment
- Water containers and treatment equipment
- Waste bags for packing out rubbish
- Waste-disposal supplies appropriate to local guidance
Arctic Circle Trail FAQ
- Where does the Arctic Circle Trail go?
- The trail runs approximately 100 miles between Kangerlussuaq and Sisimiut in Qeqqata, Greenland. It crosses the Aasivissuit–Nipisat World Heritage Site, linking the inland end of the journey with the ocean.
- How long should the walk take?
- Two weeks is a useful provisional framework: backcountry fieldwork was planned over that period. It is not an established recreational completion time. Set a schedule around fitness, pack weight, conditions and current route advice.
- Who manages the trail?
- Destination Arctic Circle manages the trail. Contact it for current alignment, access requirements and practical planning guidance before departure.
- Can the trip depend on huts?
- Do not assume guaranteed hut shelter or capacity. Plan to camp self-sufficiently and confirm hut locations, condition and use arrangements with Destination Arctic Circle.
- Has the route changed?
- Southern rerouting was proposed to preserve remoteness, address planned ATV-trail overlap and protect sensitive ecosystems and cultural resources. Confirm what has actually changed before using an older map or track.
- How should hikers protect the landscape?
- Treat the trail's fragile Arctic ecosystems and World Heritage setting carefully. Follow current route guidance, avoid disturbing cultural features, minimize campsite impacts and pack out rubbish. Obtain local waste-disposal guidance before leaving.