The Road Less Traveled: Trekking Through the Arctic Circle Trail

There’s a moment on Greenland’s Arctic Circle Trail when the wind drops, the tundra breathes, and the world feels newly made. Between the ice cap and the sea, a ribbon of footpath threads through sapphire lakes, musk-ox pastures, and stone-silent valleys. It’s wild, self-powered travel at its purest—an unpaved journey across one of the planet’s last true frontiers.

The Arctic Circle Trail (ACT) spans roughly 165–170 kilometers from the former U.S. airbase town of Kangerlussuaq to the colorful fishing port of Sisimiut on Greenland’s west coast. Most hikers walk westbound in 7–10 days, camping or using simple backcountry huts along the way. There are no roads, no resupply points, and often no phone signal—just you, the weather, and the steady cadence of your footsteps.

Why this trail, and why Greenland?

Greenland is vast and sparsely populated, its interior ruled by the world’s second-largest ice sheet and its edges scalloped by dramatic fjords. The ACT samples this immensity without technical mountaineering: open tundra, rolling granite, clear rivers, and wide horizons where reindeer move like brushstrokes. You’ll pass the famed Canoe Centre on Lake Amitsorsuaq, watch arctic hares dart across heather, and pitch your tent under a sky that refuses to dim—or later in the season, flickers with aurora.

When to go

Late June to early September is prime season. Early summer brings long days and wildflowers—and plenty of mosquitoes. By mid to late August the insects ease, nights grow cooler, and there’s a chance of Northern Lights. Early September can mean dustings of snow and sharper winds; go prepared for sub-zero nights any time.

Difficulty and expectations

Expect 7–10 days of self-supported hiking over uneven, often boggy ground with modest but persistent elevation changes. River crossings can be thigh-deep, weather can shift from T-shirt to gale within hours, and navigation—while aided by cairns and waymarks—demands attention in fog or low light. It’s not technical, but it is committing. Strong hill-walking experience and comfort with backcountry camping are essential.

Getting there and away

Kangerlussuaq is typically reached by flights via Copenhagen or Reykjavík. The trail begins near town and ends at Sisimiut, a coastal hub with boat trips, museums, and flights back to Kangerlussuaq or onward to Nuuk and Denmark. There are no roads connecting towns in Greenland, so plan air travel in advance and allow buffer days for weather.

Huts, camping, and navigation

Simple wooden huts dot the route—places like Hundesø, Katiffik, the Canoe Centre, Ikkattooq, Innajuattoq I and II, Nerumaq, and Kangerluarsuk Tulleq—but they’re first-come, first-served and can fill quickly in midsummer. Always carry a sturdy tent and be ready to camp on durable ground away from fragile vegetation. Waymarking varies; carry paper maps and a GPX track, and don’t rely on mobile service. A satellite messenger or PLB is strongly recommended. Check in with the tourist offices in Kangerlussuaq and Sisimiut for current conditions and to leave your route plan.

Water, food, and fuel

Crystal streams and lakes are abundant; many hikers drink directly in the high country, but treat or boil water near settlements or after heavy rain. There’s no resupply mid-trail—bring all your food from home or shop at the supermarket in Kangerlussuaq before setting off. Gas canisters are usually available locally, but check stock and airline rules in advance. Pack one or two extra days of rations in case weather pins you down.

Wildlife and culture

You’re likely to see musk oxen, reindeer, arctic hares, and foxes. Give large animals a generous berth—100–200 meters for musk oxen—and never approach for photos. Polar bears are extremely rare along the ACT, but coastal sightings elsewhere in West Greenland do occur; locals and tourist offices provide the latest guidance. August and September coincide with hunting seasons in parts of Greenland; wearing a bright layer is prudent. In town, a few words of Greenlandic or Danish, removing boots indoors, and asking before photographing people go a long way. Currency is the Danish krone, and cards are widely accepted.

Essential kit

Think robust, not ultralight at any cost: a wind-stable tent; a sleeping bag comfortable around 0 to -5°C; dependable rain gear and insulating layers; waterproof footwear or quick-drying trail shoes plus gaiters; trekking poles for fords; head net and repellent; repair tape; a comprehensive first-aid kit; map, compass, and GPS; sunglasses and sun protection; and a satellite communicator. Dry bags keep gear safe in squalls and crossings.

Weather, water crossings, and safety

Expect rapid changes: sun, sleet, fog, and strong katabatic winds. Camp low and sheltered when gales are forecast. For river crossings, unbuckle your hip belt, cross at the widest, shallowest point, and avoid lake outflows in high wind. Travel insurance that covers search and rescue is wise. Build margin into your schedule; storms can hold you for a day or two.

Side trips and highlights

From Kangerlussuaq, a taxi or bike takes you to Russell Glacier and the Greenland Ice Sheet at Point 660—a dramatic prologue. On trail, the long shoreline of Lake Amitsorsuaq, mirror-still on calm mornings, is unforgettable. Westward, the fjord scenery near Kangerluarsuk Tulleq hints at the ocean just beyond the mountains. Arriving in Sisimiut, celebrate with fresh fish or musk ox stew and a stroll among vividly painted houses.

Travel light on the land

The tundra heals slowly. Camp on durable surfaces, pack out all trash (including food scraps and foil), disperse greywater well away from streams, and use a trowel for human waste where soils allow. Don’t build new cairns or disturb archaeological sites. Greenland stands on the frontline of climate change—melting ice, shifting seasons—so your restraint matters.

The take-away

The Arctic Circle Trail isn’t just a hike through Greenland; it’s a lesson in scale and self-reliance. In a land with no road between start and finish, you’ll trace your own line across the map, carried by patience and weather windows. For those willing to go light, tread softly, and embrace the unknown, this is one of the world’s great long walks—quiet, elemental, and utterly memorable.