Arctic Circle Trail

Le lieu

walking path

L’intérêt

Greenland Ice Sheet visible from above Kangerlussuaq. Russell Glacier (20 km from Kangerlussuaq). Musk oxen, arctic foxes and reindeer. Icebergs in Søndre Strømfjord. Sisimiut — one of Greenland's most colourful and vibrant towns. Northern lights in August–September.

Un peu d'histoire

The route follows ancient Inuit and Norse travel paths connecting the fjords of the west coast to the inland hunting and fishing grounds. The modern trail was mapped and promoted by the Greenland Tourism Authority in the 1990s, opening the island's interior to adventure trekkers. The trail became internationally known after several expedition blogs and guidebooks in the 2000s.

Y arriver

Kangerlussuaq: flights from Copenhagen (Air Greenland, 4h30). Sisimiut: ferry/boat from Nuuk (6h) or short flight from Kangerlussuaq. Very limited connections — plan carefully.

Matériel recommandé

Lightweight tent (mandatory). Bear spray (rare musk ox encounters). Trekking poles. Waterproof boots (river crossings). Warm sleeping bag (temperatures can drop below 0°C in August). Water filter. Emergency communication device strongly recommended.

La saison

Late June to mid-September. Shoulder months (June/September) can see snow and ice. July–August best, with wildflowers and long days. Mosquitoes severe in July.