Where on earth
Satellite imagery flying in from a world view to Arctic Circle Trail (Greenland), Polar Regions. Use the + / − buttons, or click the map to zoom with your scroll wheel; drag to pan and pinch to zoom on touch.
- Region
- Greenland
- Country
- Polar Regions
- Biome
- Sub-Arctic tundra (0–500 m)
- Best season
- July – September
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Backpacking
- Hiking
- Winter Camping
- Wildlife Viewing
Key takeaways
- Biome: Sub-Arctic tundra (0–500 m)
- Best season: July – September
- Difficulty: moderate
- Top activity: backpacking
Photos of Arctic Circle Trail (Greenland)
Topic summary
The 165-km 9-day trek from Kangerlussuaq to Sisimiut — Greenland's classic wilderness route.
Key takeaways
- Difficulty: moderate
- Best season: July – September
Intended uses
backpacking
Climate suitability
Sub-Arctic tundra (0–500 m)
Tools for a trip here
Picked for how, when and where you're going. Free, no signup.
- Sleep System Temp CalculatorCold nights: check your bag and pad add up to a safe sleep.
- Base Weight CalculatorEvery ounce is carried — total your kit and find your base weight.
- Pack Volume SizerSize the pack for your trip length and season.
- Water Purification MatrixTreat water from streams and lakes on trail.
- Layering CalculatorCold-season miles: layer for climbs and camp.
Plan with verified data
Arctic Circle Trail (Greenland) trip tools
How to get there
Kangerlussuaq has an airport and lies at the head of Kangerlussuaq fjord in western Greenland. Nuuk’s expanded airport replaced it as Greenland’s primary air transport hub in 2024. Confirm current flight connections and arrange trailhead access separately; no specific trail transfer is established here.
- Kangerlussuaq Airport
An aviation arrival point in Kangerlussuaq. Treat it as transport access to the settlement, not as a confirmed walking trailhead.
- Kangerlussuaq
Settlement-level orientation point at the head of the namesake fjord in Qeqqata municipality. Confirm the exact trail entry location and onward arrangements before departure.
Sources: Wikipedia · Wikivoyage. Confirm road and trailhead conditions with the managing agency before you leave.
Popular pursuits at Arctic Circle Trail (Greenland)
- Backpacking
Multi-day travel with everything on your back — see the packing blocks below.
- Hiking
Day miles on marked trail, with route notes and trail links 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 (Greenland)
Maps, GPS & compass for this trip
Carry a waterproof paper map and a compass you can steer by, and treat the GPS as the backup — not the other way round. Buying links go to Amazon; Wild10 earns a commission at no cost to you.
Waterproof topo maps
- Waterproof topographic map — Arctic Circle Trail (Greenland)Amazon search for waterproof, tear-resistant topo maps covering this area.
- National Geographic Trails IllustratedThe waterproof Trails Illustrated series — check for a sheet covering this area.
- Waterproof map case & compass lanyardKeep a paper map readable in rain, spray and a swamped boat.
Fishing at Arctic Circle Trail (Greenland)
Planning to fish Arctic Circle Trail (Greenland)? Fishing licences, open seasons and catch limits in Greenland are set by the local wildlife authority and change every year — check the official source before you cast a line.
Do I need a fishing licence at Arctic Circle Trail (Greenland)?
- A Greenland fishing licence is normally required for anyone over the local youth age.
- Read the current Greenland fishing regulations for special waters, barbless-hook or catch-and-release rules.
- Clean, drain and dry boats and gear between waters to stop invasive species.
We don't have a verified licensing link on file for Greenland yet — contact the park or land manager listed on this page for current hunting and fishing rules.
Hunting near Arctic Circle Trail (Greenland)
Thinking about hunting Arctic Circle Trail (Greenland)? Hunting seasons, tags and draws in Greenland are set by the wildlife authority each year. Confirm the rules for your species and unit before you go.
Is hunting allowed at Arctic Circle Trail (Greenland)?
- Confirm the land around Arctic Circle Trail (Greenland) is open to hunting and which management unit it falls in.
What do I need to hunt in Greenland?
- A Greenland hunting licence — most jurisdictions also require hunter education certification.
- Species tags or draw results for big game such as deer, elk, moose or bear where they occur.
- Knowledge of firearm and bow transport rules, which differ by land type and border crossing.
We don't have a verified licensing link on file for Greenland yet — contact the park or land manager listed on this page for current hunting and fishing rules.
Regional setting and trip scope
The Arctic Circle Trail belongs in a western Greenland trip plan, but regional orientation should not be mistaken for a usable trail itinerary. Kangerlussuaq is a settlement in Qeqqata municipality at the head of its namesake fjord. Its position makes it an inland-facing Greenland destination, even though it still has a coastline connected to the ocean. Western Greenland, also called Kitaa in Greenlandic and Vestgrønland in Danish, includes the capital, Nuuk. For a walking trip, keep the regional travel plan separate from the route plan: reaching a settlement or airport does not establish how to reach a trailhead. Confirm the actual walking alignment, entry and exit arrangements, and current local conditions before committing to transport. This profile provides settlement-level orientation rather than turn-by-turn trail guidance.
Kangerlussuaq as a travel base
Kangerlussuaq’s airport is central to the settlement’s history and present-day economy. The town and airport began as a U.S. base during World War II and the period afterward, with the names Bluie West-8 and Sondrestrom Air Base. The site transitioned to a Greenlandic settlement in 1992. Kangerlussuaq Airport remained Greenland’s primary air transport hub until the rebuilt and expanded Nuuk Airport opened in 2024. That change matters when planning a journey: do not assume an older flight itinerary still reflects the current transport network. Check current connections before arranging the walking portion of the trip, and establish onward ground arrangements separately. The settlement’s close dependence on aviation and tourism gives useful context, but it does not establish particular accommodation, outfitting, food-supply, or trail-transfer services.
Wildlife and the wider coastal region
The Kangerlussuaq area is notable for Greenland’s most diverse terrestrial fauna, including muskoxen, caribou, and gyrfalcons. Wildlife watching can be part of time spent around the settlement, but sightings should never be treated as guaranteed. Give animals space, avoid approaching for photographs, and let their movements determine when to pause or change course. The wider western Greenland setting is more coastal: ocean icebergs, small settlements, colorful houses, and fish and shark meat hanging outdoors are characteristic regional features. Dogsled travel between settlements is also part of that regional picture, not a confirmed access arrangement for this walking trip. Keep those distinctions clear when planning. Conditions and transport appropriate to a coastal settlement cannot automatically be applied to Kangerlussuaq or to a proposed trail itinerary.
Route options
- Kangerlussuaq arrival planning
A transport-planning option rather than a verified hiking route: establish arrival at Kangerlussuaq Airport, then confirm the connection to the intended walking start. No trail alignment or walking stages are specified.
- Nuuk connection planning
Check whether travel through Greenland’s primary air transport hub fits the journey. This is an alternative air-travel planning consideration, not a confirmed connection to the Arctic Circle Trail or a separate hiking route.
Sample itineraries
- Kangerlussuaq arrival and preparation · 1 day
Use a day in Kangerlussuaq to organize equipment and confirm onward transport, trail access, current conditions, and emergency arrangements locally. The settlement sits at the head of its namesake fjord in western Greenland. This is a preparation day, not a mapped Arctic Circle Trail stage.
- Kangerlussuaq preparation and wildlife buffer · 2 days
Spend the first day sorting travel and hiking logistics in Kangerlussuaq. Keep the second flexible for locally advised wildlife observation or additional preparation. The surrounding area supports muskoxen, caribou, and gyrfalcons. Confirm suitable access and conditions before leaving the settlement.
Seasonal conditions
Spring
Confirm locally before choosing travel dates.
Check snow, ice, temperatures, and daylight for the intended route. Do not assume that arrival in Kangerlussuaq means the trail is ready for walking.
Summer
Confirm the walking season with local advisers.
Check current trail conditions and the forecast rather than relying on the season alone. Carry weather protection and confirm water arrangements before setting out.
Fall
Confirm suitable dates and transport availability locally.
Ask about daylight, overnight temperatures, and snow or ice along the intended route. Keep travel plans flexible if conditions exceed the group's equipment or experience.
Winter
Seek specialist local advice before scheduling travel.
Do not treat a winter journey as a standard walking trip. Confirm snow and ice conditions, daylight, equipment requirements, and emergency arrangements before committing.
| Season | Window | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Confirm locally before choosing travel dates. | Check snow, ice, temperatures, and daylight for the intended route. Do not assume that arrival in Kangerlussuaq means the trail is ready for walking. |
| Summer | Confirm the walking season with local advisers. | Check current trail conditions and the forecast rather than relying on the season alone. Carry weather protection and confirm water arrangements before setting out. |
| Fall | Confirm suitable dates and transport availability locally. | Ask about daylight, overnight temperatures, and snow or ice along the intended route. Keep travel plans flexible if conditions exceed the group's equipment or experience. |
| Winter | Seek specialist local advice before scheduling travel. | Do not treat a winter journey as a standard walking trip. Confirm snow and ice conditions, daylight, equipment requirements, and emergency arrangements before committing. |
Permits, fees & closures
Confirm permit requirements and access rules with the managing agency before departure.
Confirm current permits, fees, and closures with the managing agency before you go.
Hazards & regulations
- Cold or wet weather can make inadequate clothing a serious problem; check forecasts and carry protective layers.
- Do not approach muskoxen or caribou for photographs; leave animals space and a clear escape route.
- Icebergs occur along western Greenland's coast. Seek local safety advice for any coastal or boat excursion.
- Unconfirmed route and emergency arrangements can undermine a trip; establish both before leaving Kangerlussuaq.
What to pack for Arctic Circle Trail (Greenland)
- Insulating layers appropriate to the forecast
- Waterproof outer layers
- Warm hat and gloves
- Current route information and suitable navigation tools
- Communication equipment matched to confirmed coverage
- First-aid kit and emergency shelter
- Food and water capacity matched to the confirmed itinerary
- Water-treatment equipment
- Binoculars for observing wildlife without approaching
Wildlife you may see
- Muskoxen occur in the Kangerlussuaq area.
- Caribou occur in the Kangerlussuaq area.
- Gyrfalcons are among the area's birds.
Arctic Circle Trail (Greenland) FAQ
- Where is Kangerlussuaq?
- Kangerlussuaq is in western Greenland's Qeqqata municipality, at the head of the fjord of the same name. Its setting is inland from the open ocean, although it has a fjord coastline.
- How should flights be planned?
- Check current connections to Kangerlussuaq Airport and any onward arrangements. Nuuk's expanded airport replaced Kangerlussuaq as Greenland's primary air transport hub in 2024, so older travel advice may no longer reflect the main gateway.
- How many days should be allowed for the Arctic Circle Trail?
- Confirm the route, daily stages, access arrangements, and expected conditions before setting a duration. The itineraries here cover preparation in Kangerlussuaq, not a complete trail crossing.
- What wildlife might be seen near Kangerlussuaq?
- The area supports muskoxen, caribou, and gyrfalcons. Sightings are not guaranteed. Observe from a distance and avoid disturbing animals.
- What needs checking before departure?
- Confirm trail access, navigation, overnight arrangements, water availability, transport, permits, and emergency communications. Obtain current seasonal advice before finalizing equipment or committing to daily stages.