66°N
GREENLAND
ARCTIC CIRCLE TRAIL
est. 2017
EXPERIENCE ONE OF THE BEST LONG-DISTANCE HIKES ON THE PLANET
The Arctic Circle Trail is a 100 miles long backpacking trip through Greenland’s fragile arctic nature. In these breathtaking landscapes you’ll encounter crystal clear lakes, rugged mountains, snow covered peaks, ice, snow and green, mossy valleys. During the trip you’ll also have a fair chance of seeing reindeer, arctic hares, musk oxen and other wildlife. Arctic Circle Trail is one of the world’s finest backpacking routes, an unforgettable arctic experience.
1,900 €
Participation is ensured by filling in a binding registration form.
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FEEDBACK FROM PARTICIPANTS
The hikes in Svalbard and Greenland were fantastic, unique and well organized experiences! – 10/10
Great trip and breathtaking scenery! – 10/10
Many thanks for organizing the trip to the north of the Arctic Circle and for good guiding through the wonderful landscapes. We are much richer in experience and a few kilos lighter.
It’s unbelievable how quickly 9 days can go by in good company and in wonderful scenery.
Backpacking information
July 22.—31. 2025
1 seat left!
August 5.—14. 2025
Start confirmed!
- Location: Qeqqata, West Greenland
- Length: 100 miles (160 km)
- Duration : 10 days
- Level of difficulty: 4/5 (see About the Trail)
- Passport: required
- Visa: depends on your nationality
- Travel insurance: required, extended travel insurance recommended
- Meeting/starting point: Kangerlussuaq, Greenland
- Group size: minimum 6, maximum 12
- Guiding languages: English, German, Finnish, Swedish
Price: 1,900 € (including VAT)
Payment is due after the tour.
Included in the price
- Backpacking guidance (2 guides)
- 1 night in a guesthouse before the tour in Kangerlussuaq (accommodation in double rooms)
- 1 night in a hotel after the tour in Sisimiut (accommodation in double rooms)
- Cooker + fuel
- Transport to the trailhead
- Search and rescue insurance coverage (covers only rescue costs)
- Common satellite communications devices and First Aid packs
- All regulatory notices and permits
- Safety plans and maps
- Compensating the CO2 climate impact of your flights together with the Finnish Taimiteko project.
Not included in the price
- Flight tickets
- Possible hotel, hostel or Airb’n’b accommodation before and after the hike
- Personal hiking gear (clothing, footwear, tent, sleeping bag etc.)
- Backpacking food
- Fishing permit 25 € per week (optional, from Kangerlussuaq post office)
- Other accommodations
ABOUT THE TRAIL
The Arctic Circle Trail takes you on a unique adventure to the Viking-named green island of Greenland. On the trail you will experience the barren but picturesque mountain scenery of the island, challenge yourself on a long, varied route, refresh yourself in the fresh, crystal clear waters and, if you wish, enjoy the gifts of nature; you collect berries and catch fish (permit needed). During the hike, you can also observe musk oxen, eagles, or other wildlife moving around the route, so a camera and binoculars are recommended. At the end of the hike, you will be rewarded with the sincere smiles of the locals for your efforts.
The ACT hiking trail runs from Kangerlussuaq to Sisimiut on the west coast of Greenland in Arctic wilderness of mountains, rivers, lakes, and marshland for a total distance of about 150 … 160 kilometers (100 miles).
Level of Difficulty 4/5: You carry all your gear and food with you, so your backpack easily weighs 20–25 kg (45–55 pounds) on this hike. The hike, therefore, requires good endurance and fitness. However, on the route you can expect to drop the burdens of your busy modern life from your shoulders as the route crosses a wilderness near the Arctic Circle. There is no settlement, roads, or telephone network here. We hike the route in 10 days (9 tent nights). It is recommended to participate as pairs sharing one tent.
Participants will receive more detailed information on the necessary travel arrangements and schedules on a separate password-protected page.
ROUTE PROFILE
About the location
Kangerlussuaq: The starting point of the ACT, Kangerlussuaq, is located in West Greenland, about 50 km north of the Arctic Circle. The village is dominated by Kangerlussuaq International Airport (SFJ), whose foundations were laid during World War II. Almost all of the Kangerlussuaq’s 500 inhabitants work at the airport. The modest village has one shop, a few places to stay, a museum and a couple of souvenir shops, but no real attractions.
Sisimiut: The end point of the hike Sisimiut (“People of the foxholes”) is a charming town on the west coast of Greenland, about 75 kilometers north of the Arctic Circle. The city has approx. 5,000 inhabitants and is the second largest city in Greenland. The port of Sisimiut is also a popular stopover for large cruise ships during the summer, and life in the city is quite different from that in Kangerlussuaq. Sisimiut has been inhabited for about 4,500 years.
AIR TRAVEL TO/FROM GREENLAND
In 2024 and 2025 you can fly to Greenland via Copenhagen with Air Greenland. International long distance flights take you directly to the starting point of the hike (Kangerlussuaq) and on a local flight back there after the hike. The participant must obtain the flight tickets that fit his / her own schedule as follows:
- <Your airport> – Kangerlussuaq – <Your airport>
- Sisimiut (Holsteinsborg) – Kangerlussuaq
Note: Starting in 2025, international flights from continental Europe will also be flown to Nuuk, the capital of Greenland. In the 2025 season, the participant can therefore purchase flight tickets that fit their schedule also as follows:
- <Your airport> – Nuuk – <Your airport>
- Nuuk – Kangerlussuaq
- Sisimiut (Holsteinsborg) – Nuuk
JOIN THE AMITSORSUAQ ATHLETES
With each Arctic Circle Trail hike, Porta Arctica organizes an opportunity for participants to join one of the world’s northernmost sports clubs, the Amitsorsuaq Athletes. Membership in this informal club requires the approved completion of three sports on the shores and waters of Lake Amitsorsuaq: 1. This 22-kilometer-long (13.5 miles) lake must be wandered with a backpack end-to-end. 2. You need to swim in the ice cold waters of the lake demonstrably floating off the bottom. 3. You need to paddle on the lake with an Indian canoe using hiking poles as paddles. The time spent on the performance or the distance traveled is not relevant to the swimming and kayaking sections. By completing the sports, you will join the brave arctic heroes of the Amitsorsuaq Athletes. After the tour you will receive a diploma and club’s badge as reward for your accomplishments. This opportunity should not be missed!
