Sunday, April 20, 2025

A Fast & Soiled Information to the Arctic Circle Path


Roughly 80 % of Greenland is roofed by an enormous ice sheet. The remaining 20 % of this mockingly named island is a coastal hall that’s principally ice-free through 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 climbing route that traverses essentially the most intensive 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 stunning 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 Period:  10 days 

Issue Degree:  Average

Begin:  Kangerlussuaq or Level 660 (i.e., The sting of the Greenland Ice Sheet).

EndSisimiut

Whole Elevation Achieve & 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 generally jogs my memory of distant desert areas – typically, 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’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 – stands out as the shortest (and undoubtedly the least circuitous) conveyor belt I’ve seen at a world airport.

The primary grocery store and the street 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 via July, not relenting till the primary frosts arrive in mid-August. In case you’re climbing throughout this era, a head web could be a sanity-saver. 
  • By mid-September, the times have turn into shorter, the nights considerably colder, and early-season snowfalls are an growing chance. That mentioned, for knowledgeable 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: The wonderful Trekking in Greenland: The Arctic Circle Path (Cicerone Press) offers an in depth abstract of the path, together with trekking notes, primary maps, facet journey solutions, distance and time estimates, and logistical info. The guide is obtainable in Kindle or paperback (2nd version – Jan. 2024).
  • On-line Assets: The go-to useful resource is the Arctic Circle Path’s official web site. Data consists of GPX Tracks and up-to-date beta on path situations. The location additionally has a great deal of helpful information on getting there and away, lodging, security, natural world, and pre-and post-hike journey solutions. For detailed journey stories together with some nice pictures, try Lisa Germany’s web site and Knowledgeable Vagabond.

  • Cell/Cell Telephone Protection: As of 2024, there is no such thing as a 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 Observe 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 must 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 might be considerably increased than in continental Europe. It’s due to this fact beneficial that you just convey 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, positioned on the sting of the unimaginable 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 people who would really like slightly extra time to discover, prepare to be left on the ice sheet after which stroll again alongside the dust street to Kangerlussuaq. Through the return journey, you’ll be able to camp close to the majestic Russell Glacier, positioned 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 best way again to Kangerlussuaq from the Ice Sheet is dotted with glacial lakes and streams.

Russell Glacier and yours actually.

Strolling in the direction of the Arctic sundown.

In 2000, the German firm Volkswagen constructed the dust street between Kangerlussuaq and the Ice Sheet to check its vehicles in excessive situations.

Sandflugtdalen at dawn

The stays of a 1968 aircraft crash (the pilot ejected safely).

  • Path Markings: The ACT is nicely marked by often spaced cairns, a lot of that are painted with a purple 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 typically catch extra of a breeze than the usually boggy lowland areas, making them good for an prolonged break over breakfast or lunch through the bug season.

  • “The Land of One Hundred Lakes”: The ACT passes via an space regionally referred to as the “land of 100 lakes.” I’m unsure concerning the precise quantity, however I can attest that through 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 whole size. For these wishing to relaxation their legs or maybe soak within the environment from a distinct perspective, it might be potential to briefly trade your climbing footwear for a canoe. If occupied with 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 with a view to preserve every part dry through the paddle).

  • Flora & Fauna: Through the ACT, hikers might spot an array of wildlife, corresponding 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 – Certainly 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

Plentiful crowberries could be discovered alongside the size of the path.

  • Southern Route AlternateIn recent times, an ATV observe between Kangerlussuaq and Sisimiut has been constructed. There are a number of areas the place it overlaps with the ACT climbing path. In 2022, I noticed no ATV exercise, although it will 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 glad 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. Relating to 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 target is on marking the Southern Route nicely sufficient that it turns into a viable various to the primary 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 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 dimension 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 Middle, Ikkattooq, Eqalugaarniarfik, Nerumaq, Innajuattoq I, Innajuattoq II (aka “The Lake Home”), Kangerluarsuk Tulleq Syd, and Kangerluarsuk Tulleq Nord.
  • Although the huts could be a sanctuary throughout inclement climate, most hikers carry their very own shelters and wild camp alongside the path as a result of their restricted sleeping capability. From all stories, they are often jam-packed through the peak season of July and August.
  • My Expertise?: I wild camped except an unplanned night time 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 potential to cost electronics.

The scenically positioned Innajuattoq Hut (aka “The Lake Home”).

Remaining Ideas for the ACT

1.  Hike the Icecap ExtensionSure, it provides an additional 35 km/21.7 mi, however this was certainly one of my favorite elements of the journey. Having the chance to soak within the Icecap on my lonesome made a rare 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 via Kangerlussuaq. Talking of which……….

2.  Gear Storage & Postage: In case you plan to return to Kangerlussuaq after the ACT, all the lodging choices in Kangerlussuaq supply free baggage storage to visitors. Alternatively, you’ll be able to lease one of many storage lockers contained in the airport. For individuals who will journey onwards after Sisimiut, you’ll be able to put up 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 climbing throughout this era (no less than up till mid-August), anticipate to come across relentless hordes of mosquitos and loads of mud. For some people, these Arctic staples symbolize essentially the most difficult facet of their expertise. A couple of ideas to assist mitigate their influence: 1. Carry a head web and have it helpful always (bug repellant can be helpful); 2. Take your breaks on breezy excessive factors; 3. Put on light-weight gaiters, which may help cease mud from getting within the high of your footwear; 4. Go for breathable, quick-drying, non-Goretex path trainers over heavy leather-based boots; 4. Air your ft out through the day over lunch or prolonged snack breaks, and; 5. At day’s finish, give your ft an intensive 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, convey 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 slightly bit loopy, think about 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 can 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 convey alongside a Satellite tv for pc Messenger in case of an emergency (e.g. Garmin inReach Mini 2). I picked certainly 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., Usually round a month between prices. Observe, I don’t use the monitoring characteristic and have a tendency to restrict messages principally to the “In Camp” word at day’s finish).

6. Aspect Journey to Nasaasaaq Summit: An excellent approach 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 superb

The calm earlier than the storm – closing campsite on the ACT (positioned 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 equipment, and it’s not shocking to see some individuals starting the ACT with hundreds that might make a sherpa wince. Due to this fact, 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 deal with practicality and necessity over superfluous luxuries).

Being in good nick and paring down your equipment isn’t a backpacking panacea. Nevertheless, 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 corresponding to 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 – may this be Greenland’s most scenic privy?

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DisclosureThis put up accommodates some affiliate hyperlinks, which suggests ‘The Mountain climbing Life’ receives a small fee if you are going to buy an merchandise after clicking on one of many hyperlinks. This comes at no extra price to the reader and helps to help the web site in its persevering with aim of making high quality content material for backpackers and hikers. 


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