Roughly 80 % of Greenland is roofed by an unlimited ice sheet. The remaining 20 % of this mockingly named island is a coastal hall that’s principally ice-free in the course of the summer season months. It’s right here, among the many sparsely populated bays, inlets, and fjords, that the Arctic Circle Path (ACT) could be discovered, a legendary mountaineering route that traverses probably 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 by 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/guide 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
Issue Degree: Reasonable
Begin: Kangerlussuaq or Level 660 (i.e., The sting of the Greenland Ice Sheet).
End: Sisimiut
Whole 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 by the Arctic tundra generally 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 immediately from Reykjavik or Copenhagen. From the terminus in Sisimiut, there are every day continuous flights again to Kangerlussuaq. Alternatively, from Sisimiut, you possibly can 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 – would be the shortest (and positively the least circuitous) conveyor belt I’ve seen at a world airport.
The principle grocery store and the highway junction of Kangerlussuaq. Go left for the ACT and proper to the “Icecab.”
Season
- The snowmelt usually begins in early June, a precursor of excessive river crossings, boggy trails, and the start of bug season. The mosquitos’ nuisance degree will increase from mid-June by July, not relenting till the primary frosts arrive in mid-August. In case you’re mountaineering throughout this era, a head web generally is a sanity-saver.
- By mid-September, the times have turn out to be shorter, the nights considerably colder, and early-season snowfalls are an growing risk. That mentioned, for knowledgeable hikers, this may be a wonderful 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: The superb Trekking in Greenland: The Arctic Circle Path (Cicerone Press) has an in depth abstract of the path, together with trekking notes, fundamental maps, facet journeys/alternates recommendations, distance and time estimates, and logistical data for journey and resupply. The guide is on the market in Kindle or paperback (newest version, January 2024).
- GPS Knowledge & Maps: See the official Arctic Circle Path web site for GPX information (together with the Southern Route alternate) and 1:100,000 overview maps (3 in whole) for the path. Concerning the latter, you should purchase them on-line beforehand or choose them up on arrival at Kangerlussuaq or Sisimiut.
- Permits: As of this writing (July 2024), no permits are required to hike the Arctic Circle Path.
- Cell/Cell Cellphone Protection: As of 2024, there is no such thing as a protection between the trailhead cities of Kangerlussuaq and Sisimiut.
- 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 (Observe: These maps aren’t at all times in inventory. Higher to select them up on-line earlier than your journey).
Resupply & Water:
- Meals: Hikers should be self-sufficient on the ACT, as there’s nowhere to buy meals or gear between Kangerlussuaq and Sisimiut. Although provides could be purchased at both of the trailhead cities, costs can be considerably larger than in continental Europe. It’s due to this fact really helpful that you just deliver all you want, apart from gasoline or liquid gasoline in your tenting range, which could 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 of protected to drink immediately 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 unimaginable Greenland Ice Sheet. Located 35 km (21.7 mi) east of Kangerlussuaq, the native landmark is often visited as a part of a half-day tour with an organized tour firm. For those who would really like just a little extra time to discover, organize to be left on the ice sheet after which stroll again alongside the dust highway to Kangerlussuaq. Through the return journey, you possibly can 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, it’s possible you’ll nicely have the Ice Sheet all to your self.
The way in which 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 dust highway between Kangerlussuaq and the Ice Sheet to check its vehicles in excessive circumstances.
Sandflugtdalen at dawn
The stays of a 1968 aircraft crash (the pilot ejected safely).
- Path Markings: The ACT is nicely marked by frequently spaced cairns, a lot of that are painted with a crimson 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 provide 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 good for an prolonged break over breakfast or lunch in the course of the bug season.
- “The Land of One Hundred Lakes”: The ACT passes by an space domestically often called the “land of 100 lakes.” I’m unsure in regards to the precise quantity, however I can attest that in the course of 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 total size. For these wishing to relaxation their legs or maybe soak within the environment from a unique perspective, it could be doable to quickly trade your mountaineering footwear for a canoe. If serious about taking the aquatic choice, 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, make sure to line your backpack with a big trash compactor bag so as to hold the whole lot dry in the course of the paddle).
- Flora & Fauna: Through the ACT, hikers could spot an array of wildlife, reminiscent of 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 – One in every 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 carefully associated to sheep and goats than they’re to cows and bison.
Grazing Reindeer, Hidden Arctic Fox
Ample crowberries could 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 just a few 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 nicely cairned, and has no established footpath. I used to be completely happy taking the unique route throughout my 2022 hike, although if I have been to deal with the ACT once more, I’d go together with the Southern Alternate. Concerning its present standing, the parents 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 focus is on marking the Southern Route nicely sufficient that it turns into a viable different to the principle route in 2025. In case you don’t have loads of expertise with backcountry navigation and have by no means walked off-trail earlier than, we don’t advocate the Southern Route at this stage.”
Sleeping
- Wild tenting or fundamental 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 whole on the ACT. From east to west, they’re as follows: Hundesø, Katiffik, Canoe Middle, 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 resulting from their restricted sleeping capability. From all studies, they are often jam-packed in the course of the peak season of July and August.
- My Expertise?: I wild camped except for an unplanned evening on the palatial Canoe Middle Hut (sleeps greater than 20). The mix of wet climate and a dormitory all to myself, made it a no brainer. As an surprising bonus, there was loads of room to dry out my gear, and because of some newly put in photo voltaic panels, it was even doable to cost electronics.
The scenically situated Innajuattoq Hut (aka “The Lake Home”).
Last Ideas for the ACT
1. Hike the Icecap Extension – Sure, it provides an additional 35 km/21.7 mi, however this was considered one of my favorite elements 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, unimaginable 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 choose up the remainder of your provides when passing by Kangerlussuaq. Talking of which……….
2. Gear Storage & Postage: In case you plan to return to Kangerlussuaq after the ACT, the entire lodging choices in Kangerlussuaq supply free baggage storage to friends. Alternatively, you possibly can hire one of many storage lockers contained in the airport. For many who will journey onwards after Sisimiut, you possibly can publish your non-hiking gear forward from the Tele-Publish workplace in Kangerlussuaq (closed on the weekend).
3. Bugs & Mud: As talked about above, most people deal with the ACT from late June to late August. In case you’re mountaineering throughout this era (at the least up till mid-August), anticipate to come across relentless hordes of mosquitos and loads of mud. For some of us, these Arctic staples signify probably the most difficult facet of their expertise. Just a few ideas to assist mitigate their affect: 1. Carry a head web 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 may also help cease mud from getting within the prime of your footwear; 4. Go for breathable, quick-drying, non-Goretex path trainers over heavy leather-based boots; 4. Air your ft out in the course of the day over lunch or prolonged snack breaks, and; 5. At day’s finish, give your ft a radical cleansing and allow them to air out earlier than placing in your socks and entering into your sleeping bag (Observe: In case you plan on spending loads of time within the huts, deliver alongside a pair of light-weight flip-flops).
4. Relaxation & Regenerate: In case you’re sore of foot, weary of limb, and the bugs and dust are driving you just a little bit loopy, take into account taking a relaxation day on the spacious Canoe Middle Hut. Positioned 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 could possibly 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 Middle
5. Exterior Contact: Given the path’s remoteness and lack of telephone sign, it’s a good suggestion to deliver alongside a Satellite tv for pc Messenger in case of an emergency (e.g. Garmin inReach Mini 2). I picked considered one 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., Sometimes round a month between prices. Observe, I don’t use the monitoring function and have a tendency to restrict messages principally to the “In Camp” notice at day’s finish).
6. Aspect Journey to Nasaasaaq Summit: A super manner 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 immediately 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 wonderful.
The calm earlier than the storm – closing 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 loads 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 hundreds that may make a sherpa wince. Due to this fact, it behooves you to be in respectable backpacking form from the outset and be deliberate together with your gear selections (i.e., Maintain issues easy with out going overboard and give attention to 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 in your physique (particularly for these of us who’re chronologically challenged), because it lessens the chance of stress/repetition-related accidents reminiscent of knee, foot, again, and Achilles illnesses. It’s additionally higher in your thoughts, which, with out the distraction of an excessively heavy load or an underdone preparation, is free to focus extra on the sweetness 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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