We hike 9 days along the Arctic Circle in Greenland
Places filled: 8/8
Greenland is the largest island in the world, which is located between the North Atlantic and the Arctic Ocean. Greenland is covered 80% covered by glaciers and permafrost, but its coastal areas are home to about 56 people, mostly Inuit. The island is known for its untouched nature, arctic climate, and rich natural resources, including minerals and fish.
Before we pack our backpacks, we'll take a day trip from Kangerlussuaq Greenland's permafrostIn a special 4x4 off-road vehicle, we travel along glacial areas and tundra to the meeting point of cliffs and permafrost, from where panoramic views of the endless ice field open up.
Our hike begins at the edge of the massive Greenland ice sheet and for 9 days we will hike along the Arctic Circle to the coast.. Since there is no civilisation between the start and the end, this hike requires complete independence from us.
The beginning of September has been chosen as the time for the hike because there are no annoying mosquitoes, which can really put you off in the Greenland tundra. It's not too cold at night yet, but due to the darker nights, there's hope of seeing northern lights!
NB! The weather in Greenland is unpredictable - it can be nice and sunny or it can rain/snow so much that your boots won't dry out for a week.
After 9 days of hiking, we enjoy 1-2 days of coastal Sisimutvillage and then we step on a ferry to drive to the capital of Greenland, Nuuk. During the approximately 12-15 hour drive, you will have the opportunity to admire the enchanting fjords and arctic landscape. If you are lucky, you may also spot local animals such as seals, whales and seabirds along the way.
If you are looking for a challenge on a multi-day hiking trail that requires independence, then this hike is for you!
Overview
Goal: to walk the Arctic Circle Trail in Greenland (Arctic Circle Trail)
Dates: 04.-17.09.2025 (flight time will be added)
Adventure guide: Tanel Tilk
Technical difficulty level: 1/5 (the hike takes place on trails, no special equipment is required)
Physical difficulty: 3/5 (heavy backpack, 15-20 km per day)
Group size: min 4, max 8 (including guide)
Registration until 31.05.2025) — 2190 €
Late registration (from 01.06.2025) — €2390
Please note: For community members is discount -5% (2080/2270 €)
👉 SEE EQUIPMENT LIST HERE 👈
Travel cost
Price includes
Entire trip organization and on-site guidance
Elamus+ guide with long-distance hiking experience
All non-hiking overnight stays in Greenland
Local transportation in Greenland and all necessary transfers
Tour of the Greenland Ice Sheet with a local guide
Ferry ride along the coast of Greenland with accommodation
Breakfast and dinner during hiking days (high quality) Tactical food pack/MEKI camping food)
Stylish Elamus+ sports shirt for each participant
Group pharmacy and health assessment
Gas canisters for the burner for hiking days
Price does not include
Flight tickets to Greenland and back (from ~ €1000)
Insurance (travel insurance and mandatory remote hiking insurance)
Personal hiking equipment (can also be rented if necessary) Elamus Pluss)
Tents and cooking equipment (a set per tent)
Drinks and lunch snacks on the hike
Meals outside the hiking trail (Kangerlussuaq, Sisimiut, Nuuk)
Extracurricular activities and transportation for them
Personal hygiene products and medications
Internet and data packages
Registration for the trip
Before registering, please read travel conditions. To secure your place on the trip, you must pay an advance payment of €400 within 3 working days of receiving the confirmation and invoice by email. If there are less than 30 days left until the trip, the total cost (100%) must be paid. Read more: frequently asked questions ja package tour information sheet.
Schedule and activities
DAY 1: Arrival
The starting point of the trip is in Greenland, Kangerlussuaq's settlement. Everyone can check the flights themselves, but since only 2 airlines fly to Greenland, the choices are limited. Advice can be obtained from the adventure guide and we will most likely fly with the group.
Must be present no later than the evening of September 4th.
Accommodation: Hostel in Kangerlussuaq
Day 2: Exploring the Greenland Ice Sheet
Greenland is home to the world’s second largest ice sheet after Antarctica. Today we have a great opportunity to explore this massive natural phenomenon. An off-road vehicle takes us to Point 660, so named because it is located 660 meters above sea level. From there, it’s a short hike across a moraine field to reach a vast expanse of ice that stretches further than the eye can see. By the end of the day, we’re back in Kangerlussuaq.
Accommodation: Hostel in Kangerlussuaq
DAY 3: Let's pack your bags and go hiking
In the morning we pack our gear and begin our hiking adventure in the Greenland tundra. On the first day of the hike, we will be joined by a local hiking guide who will give us tips for the coming days and answer any questions you may have about Greenland.
Distance: 5 km
Accommodation: Tent
Days 4-11: hiking, hiking, hiking
The trail we are walking is named after its latitude and basically follows the polar line 66,6° N – and consists of rolling arctic tundra that becomes increasingly mountainous as you approach Sisimiut and the coast. The landscape is pristine wilderness at its best, with abundant wildlife, fresh drinking water, and a seemingly endless number of lakes.
The following plan is a guideline. and if necessary, we will do shorter or longer days. The end of each day is planned at a hut intended for the use of hikers. The huts can accommodate 3 to 10 people, depending on the hut. Since there will probably be other hikers on the trail, overnight stays in the huts are not guaranteed. We will most likely spend the night in our own tents all days.
Day 2 - Hundesø to Katiffik - 20 km
Day 3 - Katiffik to Amitsorsuaq (Canoe Centre) - 20 km
Day 4 - Amitsorsuaq (Canoe Centre) to Ikkattooq - 22 km
Day 5 - Ikkattooq to Eqalugaarniarfik - 11 km
Day 6 - Eqalugaarniarfik to Innajuattoq - 19 km
Day 7 - Innajuattoq to Nerumaq - 17 km
Day 8 - Nerumaq to Kangerluarsuk Tulleq - 17 km
Day 9 - Kangerluarsuk Tulleq to Sisimiut - 20 km
The trail is mainly a narrow footpath and can be boggy and wet at times. You don't have to worry about the altitude as the highest point is only 450 meters above sea level (slightly higher than Munamägi) but the trail does go up and down from time to time.
There are no supply points from the start of the trail to the end, so we carry the entire 9-10 days' food supply on our backs from the start.
Day 12: Spare day or Sisimiut
Sisimut
Depending on the pace of the hike and the weather, we have included one extra day at the end of the hike. If we reach the end at the planned time, there will still be plenty of time to enjoy the picturesque seaside town of Sisimiut.
Sisimut The second largest settlement in Greenland with its 5500 inhabitants. From here you can enjoy magnificent views of the surrounding nature – fjords, mountains and seaSisimiut is known for its fishing and traditional Inuit culture.
Day 13: We board the ferry
To explore Greenland not only by land but also by sea, we board the ferry at 11 am that day. We sail south along the coast to the capital of Greenland, Nuuk. Seabirds follow the ship along the way, and if we're lucky, we might even spot seals and whales along the way.
There are cabins reserved for us on the ferry.
Day 14: Arrival in Nuuk and end of the trip
On September 17th at 7 am we will arrive by ferry in Nuuk. With a population of around 15 000, it is the largest city in Greenland and also the capital. Nuuk was once the site of a Viking settlement (10th-14th centuries).
Our itinerary will end in Nuuk, and everyone can check out the flights that suit them back home. A new international airport opened in Nuuk in 2024, so you can fly directly to Reykjavik or Copenhagen from here.
NB! The schedule and planned activities may be subject to minor changes depending on the traveler's wishes or the weather.
Greenland
Capital: Nuuk
Currency: Danish krone (1 € = 7,46 DKK)
Traffic: right-hand traffic (Greenland has a total of 150 km of roads, of which 60 km are paved)
Official language: Greenlandic (Danish is widely spoken)
Population: 56 367
Area: 2 166 086 km2
Neighbors: Canada, Russia, Iceland
The main threats in Greenland are related to nature and extreme weather conditions.
Prices are relatively high. In a cheaper restaurant, you can get a meal for 15-20 euros. Most places accept card payments.
Tipping in restaurants is not customary, but it is certainly welcome.
Traveling to Greenland
Estonian citizens can travel to Greenland visa-free for 90 days.
We recommend consulting with the adventure guide regarding flight tickets, but it is important to be in Kangerlussuaq no later than the evening of September 4th.
Travel documents and footnotes
The participant is responsible for the validity and condition of their travel documents. For this trip you will need:
passport (no visa required, 90 days a year visa-free)
suitable remote hiking insurance (read more on the FAQ page). A suitable insurance policy must be carried and is a prerequisite for participation in the trip;
travel insurance
Everyone participates in the Greenland hiking trip at their own risk and is responsible for their own health and physical fitness.
Read more also travel conditions or feel free to ask the adventure locomotives.
FAQ
I've never hiked this long before. Can I still do it?
This is a very isolated trail. There is no phone service, no shops, no accommodation, no toilets or washing facilities (except at the cold lakes) for the entire 8-10 days. Parts of the trail may be boggy, there are river crossings and there may be strong winds, cold rain and snow.
It is important that you have previous experience with multi-day hikes and know what it means to carry a heavy backpack for dozens of kilometers a day (namely, we carry the entire hike's food supplies with us from the start). There is no easy way to abandon this trail and the availability of emergency assistance is minimal.
However, if you have experience with multi-day independent hiking, then a Greenland hike can be another enjoyable challenge.
What kind of weather awaits us in Greenland?
The weather in the first half of September can be unpredictable. Probably 5-15 C during the day, we must be prepared for minus degrees at night. There may be rain or snow.
What clothes and equipment should I pack?
We must be completely independent during the entire hike. We must bring a tent for the night, a mat and a sleeping bag suitable for the temperature. Clothing in layers - warm underwear, easy-to-dry shirts, fleece or down jacket, rainproof clothing, hiking socks, hat, buff, gloves, sunglasses, waterproof hiking boots. For cooking, a water kettle, a hiking stove, utensils, a fire starter, hiking food packs (included in the trip price), extra snacks.
In addition, bring personal medicine, travel documents, equipment and other items (such as repair kits, garbage bags).
See detailed equipment list HERE.
What happens after registration?
After filling out the registration form, we will send you a prepayment invoice. After paying this, you are registered for the trip. 30 days before the trip, we will send you an invoice for the total cost of the trip. We will create a common chat between the trip participants, where you can discuss everything you need with each other.
Read more also frequently asked questions.
