artic circle trek

in western greenland

Greenland is a lot more than ice and snow!

The Arctic Circle Trail is a 160km long established trekking route between Kangerlussuaq and Sisimiut at the western coast. It is a long, winding wilderness trip in changing and beautiful mountainous terrain. Being in Greenland, it has much of the same intensity as a full blooded crossing of the icecap.

going west

It is situated in a unique wilderness area on the western icefree landmasses of Greenland. In the same area as the new Greenlandic UNESCO site, established in 2018. The area is the biggest ice free part of Greenland, with cultural landscape going back thousands of years.

Kangerlussuaq is the main hub on Greenland with an international Airport. Sisimiut is the second biggest town (after the capital Nuuk), with a population of 5-6.000

expedition details

Our favorite time to go trekking on Greenland is after the mosquito season, when automn colors are at their best and the light is great for photography. In September we might even be lucky and see northern lights.

Because we choose the fall season, it means we have to be ready for temperatures going down to the freezing point at night. That again means some extra weight in the backpack for insulation of the sleeping bag, an extra pair of thick socks and maybe a bit warmer clothing than a regular summer trip.

All in all, you must pack light, but must expect to end up with a backpack on the wrong side of the magical 20kg limit. How much depend highly on what kind of extras you bring.

Equipment

You must bring the following:

• Outer shell, jacket and pants

• Gloves and mittens

• Hat for walking and one for sleeping

• Two layers of underwear and socks, technical or wool

• Fiber jacket or thick woolen sweater

• Trekking boots with some ankle support

• Light sneakers

• Backpack 70-90 litres

• Sleeping mat (maximum 90 cm width)

• Sleeping bag, three season (comfort -7ºC), down is okay

• Sunglasses

• Cup, bowl, spoon and knife

• Drinking bottle 1 l

• Thermos 1 l (can be a drinking bottle)

• Blister tape and personal medications

• Headlamp

• Extra woolen socks for camp

• Walking sticks

day by day

Dates not yet decided for 2022, but as example this was the last trip: Arrive in Kangerlussuaq on 3rd September. Checking gear and getting ready for the trail. We will spend one night in town before we head out next 4th September

Starting point is Kelly Ville, this is a short bus ride out of Kangerlussuaq. First two days on the trail is all about getting into the trip. We are starting slow but steady with short walking intervals in between the breaks.

Day 3-7 we will increase the length walking intervals, and maybe add a a leg or two per daily. On the third day we might use a cabin, otherwise  we base all our camps as tent campsites.

Day 7-13, walking rhythm and routines are set and we keep enjoying the landscape until arrival to Sisimiut for a well deserved warm dinner, cold beer and a bed !

the price:

• The price for this trip is on top of the page. It is in Euros to avoid surprises for both you and us due to unforeseen valuta/currency/”valuta” variations.
• The expedition fee must be paid in full no later than 90 days before departure, (minus the deposit)
• The price for 2022 and onwards is not set, but take a 3% increase into account to be on the safe side for following years

The Deposit / signing up:

The sooner you sign up and commit, the longer you will have to prepare. We see this as essential, and we both get to know each other, and can build the team around you guide.

The system works as follows:
• Your Booking Form will give you a place in the ‘queue’. It is not binding in any way. It only gets serious as you fill our booking form and we send our deposit invoice
• Once this invoice is paid your place on the trip is guaranteed. When the team is full we may ask you to commit (pay in full) earlier - to give the ‘waiting listed’ better time to prepare.
• This deposit is non refundable according to our Travel conditions.

What is included:

We do all paperwork and cover the fees (applications, permits for the trip, radio / communication, weapons); We will supply: food, sledges, tents, stoves, fuel, safety equipment like Iridium satellite phone, emergency beacon, VHF radio, GPSs, maps and waypoints; We are responsible for the medical bag, spares and rep bag, and we answer to every question you may have.

What is not included:

You bring your own personal clothing, skis, boots and poles, sleeping bag, mattress and stuff-bags.
• You choose and pay your own flights and pay for board and lodging during the days right before and after the ice, and training weekend.
• You must have your own travel / cancellation/medical evacuation insurance in case of personal accidents.
• You may be asked to contribute if you have food allergies, intolerance, etc, so that we can be sure you have enough, safe and high quality food.
• Any unforeseen delays or change of plan by the group may also result in extra cost. We recommend return tickets that can be changed.