Roughly 80 p.c of Greenland is roofed by an enormous ice sheet. The remaining 20 p.c of this paradoxically named island is a coastal hall that’s largely ice-free throughout the summer season months. It’s right here, among the many sparsely populated bays, inlets, and fjords, that the Arctic Circle Path (ACT) may be discovered, a legendary mountaineering route that traverses essentially the most in depth strip of terra firma in western Greenland.
The ACT stretches 165 km (103 mi) between the cities of Kangerlussuaq and Sisimiut. Throughout its course, the path passes via a starkly lovely panorama of sweeping tundra, shimmering lakes, rocky mountains, and broad glacial valleys. I hiked the ACT (plus the 35 km/21.7 mi “Ice Sheet” extension) over six days within the late summer season of 2022. It was a part of a memorable two-month backpacking/e-book analysis journey within the Nordic area, which included stints within the Faroe Islands, Lapland, and southern Norway.
Pre-ACT ramble on the Greenland Ice Sheet.
At a Look
Distance: 200 km (124 mi) – Together with the 35 km/21.7 mi “Icecap” Extension (See Prologue)
Common Length: 10 days
Problem Stage: Reasonable
Begin: Kangerlussuaq or Level 660 (i.e., The sting of the Greenland Ice Sheet).
End: Sisimiut
Complete Elevation Acquire & Loss: 2,349 m (7,707 ft)
Arctic Circle Path Overview Map (Cicerone Press Guidebook (see Planning Data)
Highlights
- Pre-trek go to to the Greenland Ice Sheet.
- A myriad of lakes and tarns alongside the size of the path.
- Seeing the Aurora Borealis (late August/early September)
- Recognizing reindeer, muskoxen, arctic foxes, and arctic hares.
- Trailside Blueberries and Crowberries with breakfast and snacks
- Silence: I didn’t meet too many different hikers throughout my journey. Auditorily talking, strolling solo via the Arctic tundra typically jogs my memory of distant desert areas – usually, it’s simply you and the wind.
Getting There & Away:
- Kangerlussuaq Airport is the worldwide hub for Air Greenland, and hikers can fly there straight from Reykjavik or Copenhagen. From the terminus in Sisimiut, there are every day continuous flights again to Kangerlussuaq. Alternatively, from Sisimiut, you’ll be able to catch the Sarfaq Ittuk Passenger Ferry southbound to Nuuk (Greenland’s capital) or north to Ilulissat, famed for its namesake icefjord.
Baggage Declare at Kangerlussuaq Airport – often is the shortest (and undoubtedly the least circuitous) conveyor belt I’ve seen at a global airport.
The primary grocery store and the highway junction of Kangerlussuaq. Go left for the ACT and proper to the “Icecab.”
Season
- The snowmelt sometimes begins in early June, a precursor of excessive river crossings, boggy trails, and the start of bug season. The mosquitos’ nuisance stage will increase from mid-June via July, not relenting till the primary frosts arrive in mid-August. If you happen to’re mountaineering throughout this era, a head internet generally is a sanity-saver.
- By mid-September, the times have turn into shorter, the nights considerably colder, and early-season snowfalls are an growing risk. That mentioned, for skilled hikers, this may be a superb time to stroll the path, with the rewards coming within the type of extra solitude and the prospect to expertise the Aurora Borealis.
Late summer season sundown on the ACT
Six hours later…………..Aurora Borealis from the identical campsite.
Planning Data
- Guidebook: Trekking in Greenland: The Arctic Circle Path (Cicerone Press) has an in depth abstract of the path, together with trekking notes, primary maps, facet journey recommendations, distance and time estimates, and logistical data. The e-book is offered in Kindle or paperback.
- On-line Assets: The go-to useful resource is the Arctic Circle Path’s official web site. Data contains GPX Tracks and up-to-date beta on path circumstances. The positioning additionally has a great deal of helpful information on getting there and away, lodging, security, wildlife, and pre-and post-hike journey recommendations. For detailed journey reviews together with some nice photos, try Lisa Germany’s web site and Professional Vagabond.
- Cell/Cellular Telephone Protection: As of 2024, there isn’t any protection between the trailhead cities of Kangerlussuaq and Sisimiut.
- Permits: As of this writing (July 2024), no permits are required to hike the Arctic Circle Path.
- What did I take advantage of for the ACT?: 1. Kindle Model of Trekking in Greenland; 2. GPX Monitor of the path on my GaiaGPS app, and; 3. 1:100,000 maps bought on the reward retailer reverse the airport in Kangerlussuaq.
Resupply & Water:
- Meals: Hikers have to be self-sufficient on the ACT, as there may be nowhere to buy meals or gear between Kangerlussuaq and Sisimiut. Although provides may be purchased at both of the trailhead cities, costs can be considerably increased than in continental Europe. It’s due to this fact advisable that you simply carry all you want, aside from gasoline or liquid gas on your tenting range, which may be bought upon arrival in Kangerlussuaq (on the grocery store simply throughout from the airport) or at Sisimiut.
- Water: Plentiful all through the hike. You shouldn’t have to hold greater than 1-1.5 liters at a time. It’s usually thought-about secure to drink straight from streams and lakes with out remedy on the ACT.
Path Notes:
- Prologue: Earlier than starting the Arctic Circle Path, most hikers make a facet journey to Level 660, situated on the sting of the unbelievable Greenland Ice Sheet. Located 35 km (21.7 mi) east of Kangerlussuaq, the native landmark is usually visited as a part of a half-day tour with an organized tour firm. For those who would really like slightly extra time to discover, organize to be left on the ice sheet after which stroll again alongside the filth highway to Kangerlussuaq. Through the return journey, you’ll be able to camp close to the majestic Russell Glacier, situated 11 km (6.8 mi) from Level 660.
As soon as the shuttle bus has left for the return journey to Kangerlussuaq, chances are you’ll effectively have the Ice Sheet all to your self.
The best way again to Kangerlussuaq from the Ice Sheet is dotted with glacial lakes and streams.
Russell Glacier and yours actually.
Strolling in direction of the Arctic sundown.
In 2000, the German firm Volkswagen constructed the filth highway between Kangerlussuaq and the Ice Sheet to check its automobiles in excessive circumstances.
Sandflugtdalen at dawn
The stays of a 1968 airplane crash (the pilot ejected safely).
- Path Markings: The ACT is effectively marked by repeatedly spaced cairns, a lot of that are painted with a pink half-circle (in recognition of the Greenland flag) and adorned with reindeer antlers (a nod to the Arctic’s most beloved four-legged residents). Throughout its course, you’ll periodically ascend and descend rocky hilltops, which supply far-ranging views over the arctic terrain. Along with the vistas, these hilltops usually catch extra of a breeze than the usually boggy lowland areas, making them excellent for an prolonged break over breakfast or lunch throughout the bug season.
- “The Land of One Hundred Lakes”: The ACT passes via an space domestically referred to as the “land of 100 lakes.” I’m undecided concerning the actual quantity, however I can attest that throughout the hike, you’re by no means too removed from water. The most important lake on the ACT is Amitsorsuaq (23 km/14 mi lengthy). The path hugs Amitsorsuaq’s southern shoreline for its complete size. For these wishing to relaxation their legs or maybe soak within the environment from a special perspective, it might be potential to quickly change your mountaineering footwear for a canoe. If desirous about taking the aquatic possibility, when you attain the lake’s easternmost level at Katiffik Hut, start to maintain an eye fixed out for one of many handful of communal canoes alongside the shoreline (Tip: On the time of writing, Amitsorsuaq’s canoes are in want of some TLC. Simply in case you get a leaky one, remember to line your backpack with a big trash compactor bag so as to hold all the pieces dry throughout the paddle).
- Flora & Fauna: Through the ACT, hikers might spot an array of wildlife, similar to reindeer and muskoxen, together with smaller, extra timid creatures such because the Arctic hare and Arctic fox. On the flora entrance, sprinkled among the many tundra, are blueberries, crowberries, and bearberries, all of that are edible and make for a tasty praise to your cereal or path combine.
Muskoxen – Considered one of Greenland’s most iconic animals, Muskoxen stand roughly 1.5 m (5 ft) on the shoulder and tip the scales at as much as 400 kg (900 lbs). Regardless of their look, Muskoxen are extra intently associated to sheep and goats than they’re to cows and bison.
Grazing Reindeer, Hidden Arctic Fox
Considerable crowberries may be discovered alongside the size of the path.
- Southern Route Alternate: In recent times, an ATV observe between Kangerlussuaq and Sisimiut has been constructed. There are a couple of areas the place it overlaps with the ACT mountaineering path. In 2022, I noticed no ATV exercise, although this may change going ahead. To protect the path’s wilderness character, a Southern ACT Alternate route has been developed (GPX information). The Southern Alternate is barely longer, extra distant, not as effectively cairned, and has no established footpath. I used to be joyful taking the unique route throughout my 2022 hike, although if I had been to sort out the ACT once more, I’d go together with the Southern Alternate. Concerning its present standing, the oldsters behind the path’s improvement had this to say on the ACT Fb Web page (Could 15, 2023):
“The Southern Route has no tread to comply with and really restricted markings. In 2023 and 2024, the main target is on marking the Southern Route effectively sufficient that it turns into a viable different to the primary route in 2025. If you happen to don’t have quite a lot of expertise with backcountry navigation and have by no means walked off-trail earlier than, we don’t suggest the Southern Route at this stage.”
Sleeping
- Wild tenting or primary backcountry huts.
- The huts alongside the Arctic Circle Path (ACT) are free and function on a first-come-first-served foundation. They’re unstaffed, differ in measurement and luxury, and sleep between 6 and 22 individuals. Take a few of these occupancy estimates with a sizeable grain of Arctic sea salt.
- There are ten huts in complete on the ACT. From east to west, they’re as follows: Hundesø, Katiffik, Canoe Heart, Ikkattooq, Eqalugaarniarfik, Nerumaq, Innajuattoq I, Innajuattoq II (aka “The Lake Home”), Kangerluarsuk Tulleq Syd, and Kangerluarsuk Tulleq Nord.
- Although the huts generally is a sanctuary throughout inclement climate, most hikers carry their very own shelters and wild camp alongside the path as a consequence of their restricted sleeping capability. From all reviews, they are often jam-packed throughout the peak season of July and August.
- My Expertise?: I wild camped except an unplanned night time on the palatial Canoe Heart Hut (sleeps greater than 20). The mixture of wet climate and a dormitory all to myself, made it a no brainer. As an sudden bonus, there was loads of room to dry out my gear, and due to some newly put in photo voltaic panels, it was even potential to cost electronics.
The scenically situated Innajuattoq Hut (aka “The Lake Home”).
Closing Ideas for the ACT
1. Hike the Icecap Extension – Sure, it provides an additional 35 km/21.7 mi, however this was one in every of my favorite components of the journey. Having the chance to soak within the Icecap on my lonesome made a unprecedented place much more magical. The return stroll to Kangerlussuaq featured reindeer, unbelievable lakes and waterfalls, the majestic Russell Glacier, Sandflugtdalen at dawn, and a facet journey up Sugarloaf Mountain. Bonus Tip: Take simply sufficient meals for this part, after which decide up the remainder of your provides when passing via Kangerlussuaq. Talking of which……….
2. Gear Storage & Postage: If you happen to plan to return to Kangerlussuaq after the ACT, all the lodging choices in Kangerlussuaq provide free baggage storage to company. Alternatively, you’ll be able to lease one of many storage lockers contained in the airport. For many who will journey onwards after Sisimiut, you’ll be able to put up your non-hiking gear forward from the Tele-Submit workplace in Kangerlussuaq (closed on the weekend).
3. Bugs & Mud: As talked about above, most folk sort out the ACT from late June to late August. If you happen to’re mountaineering throughout this era (a minimum of up till mid-August), count on to come across relentless hordes of mosquitos and quite a lot of mud. For some people, these Arctic staples characterize essentially the most difficult side of their expertise. A number of suggestions to assist mitigate their influence: 1. Convey a head internet and have it useful always (bug repellant will also be helpful); 2. Take your breaks on breezy excessive factors; 3. Put on light-weight gaiters, which might help cease mud from getting within the high of your sneakers; 4. Go for breathable, quick-drying, non-Goretex path trainers over heavy leather-based boots; 4. Air your toes out throughout the day over lunch or prolonged snack breaks, and; 5. At day’s finish, give your toes a radical cleansing and allow them to air out earlier than placing in your socks and stepping into your sleeping bag (Observe: If you happen to plan on spending quite a lot of time within the huts, carry alongside a pair of light-weight flip-flops).
4. Relaxation & Regenerate: If you happen to’re sore of foot, weary of limb, and the bugs and dust are driving you slightly bit loopy, contemplate taking a relaxation day on the spacious Canoe Heart Hut. Situated round 60 km (37 mi) from Kangerlussuaq (or 95 km/59 mi from the Ice Sheet), it makes for a sensible location to relaxation and recharge (each internally and electronically), in addition to dry out all of your gear. Only for one thing totally different, you would even take a canoe for a spin or go for a swim within the bracing waters of Lake Amitsorsuaq.
Shelter and Watercraft on the Canoe Heart
5. Outdoors Contact: Given the path’s remoteness and lack of cellphone sign, it’s a good suggestion to carry alongside a Satellite tv for pc Messenger in case of an emergency (e.g. Garmin inReach Mini 2). I picked one in every of these up 4 years in the past, and proceed to be amazed at its gossamer weight (100 g/3.5 oz) and long-lasting battery life (i.e., Usually round a month between costs. Observe, I don’t use the monitoring characteristic and have a tendency to restrict messages largely to the “In Camp” word at day’s finish).
6. Facet Journey to Nasaasaaq Summit: A great method for westbounders to complete their journey is with a visit to the summit of Nasaasaaq. Measuring 784 m (2,572 ft), this distinguished rocky mountain straight overlooks the city of Sisimiut and affords a wide-ranging panorama over the neighboring islands and out into the open sea. I used to be planning to go up Nasaasaaq on the ultimate morning of the ACT, however Mom Nature had different concepts within the type of a heavy storm. When you’ve got higher luck with the meteorological gods, the views look superb.
The calm earlier than the storm – ultimate campsite on the ACT (situated near the start of the summit path to Nasaasaaq).
7. Preparation: Most hikers take between 8 and 10 days to finish the ACT (not counting the Ice Sheet extension). That’s quite a lot of meals to hold on a path with no resupply choices. Couple that with an Arctic-appropriate package, and it’s not shocking to see some individuals starting the ACT with masses that might make a sherpa wince. Subsequently, it behooves you to be in first rate backpacking form from the outset and be deliberate together with your gear selections (i.e., Hold issues easy with out going overboard and concentrate on practicality and necessity over superfluous luxuries).
Being in good nick and paring down your package isn’t a backpacking panacea. Nonetheless, the potential advantages are multifold. It’s higher on your physique (particularly for these of us who’re chronologically challenged), because it lessens the probability of stress/repetition-related accidents similar to knee, foot, again, and Achilles illnesses. It’s additionally higher on your thoughts, which, with out the distraction of an excessively heavy load or an underdone preparation, is free to focus extra on the wonder and surprise of your environment.
The place necessity and surprise meet on the ACT – might this be Greenland’s most scenic privy?
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