Ultimate Packing and Planning Guide for Greenland's Arctic Circle Trail
Kangerlussuaq, Greenland
Planning a thru-hike on Greenland's Arctic Circle Trail? Drawing from my firsthand experience completing the trail in August 2015, this guide shares essential packing and planning tips for a safe, successful adventure.
ARCTIC CIRCLE TRAIL SERIES
PART 1 | PART 2 | PART 3 | PART 4 | PACKING/LOGISTICS
Researching Greenland's Arctic Circle Trail proved challenging, with most resources in German or Danish. This guide aims to fill that gap, making the trek accessible for English-speaking adventurers eager to explore this remote, stunning wilderness on foot.
The standard route covers 102 miles (165 km) from Kangerlussuaq International Airport to Sisimiut, a coastal fishing village—about 30 miles north of the Arctic Circle. Ambitious hikers can extend it to 124 miles by starting from the ice cap.
Recommended Experience Level
Though much of Greenland is ice-covered, the Arctic Circle Trail remains snow-free in summer, weaving through low valleys dotted with lakes for relatively gentle elevation changes.
The real challenges? Carrying 10+ days of food and supplies, plus total remoteness—no nearby help in emergencies. Hikers need proven wilderness self-reliance: knowing personal limits, reading weather, navigating with map and compass.
At the midpoint, you're potentially 5 days and 50 miles from civilization. It's not beginner-friendly but doesn't demand elite mountaineering skills.
How Long Does It Take?
Fitness and route dictate pace, but the classic 102-mile trail from Kangerlussuaq to Sisimiut typically takes 7-10 days.
Starting from the ice cap, as I did, adds 2-3 days.
Greenland's weather is unpredictable—build in 2-3 buffer days for rain, injury, fatigue, or flight delays.
Seasons & Weather
Winter hiking is technical and tough; the prime season runs June to September, snow-free.
Mosquito swarms peak June to mid-August (first frost ends them). I started August 12 and needed my head net occasionally.
June brings mud and risky river crossings post-melt; September ups snowstorm odds.
August daytime highs hit the 60s°F (15-20°C), nights the 30s°F (0-5°C), with one snowy flurry. Rain fell steadily for 3 of my 10 days.
Flying to Greenland
Airfare is the priciest element. Air Greenland flies regularly from Reykjavik, Iceland, or Copenhagen, Denmark—fly to one first.
My Copenhagen round-trip cost $1,032 USD. For Kangerlussuaq-Sisimiut hikers, add a $200 USD one-way Sisimiut-Kangerlussuaq flight to exit.
For cheap international flights to Iceland/Denmark, check my guide on finding budget airfare.
Accommodation Options
Pre- and post-hike stays are costly: $100-$200 USD for a Kangerlussuaq/Sisimiut single room; $30-$40 USD for hostel dorms. Both towns offer campgrounds with facilities.
Kangerlussuaq Accommodation
Kangerlussuaq Youth Hostel
Old Camp Hostel
Polar Lodge (my stay)
Hotel Kangerlussuaq
Sisimiut Accommodation
Sisimiut Youth Hostel
Seaman’s House
Hotel Sisimiut (my stay)
Trail Huts & Camping
Nine free basic huts with bunks dot the route, but pack a tent—some sleep just 4, and weather might delay you.
I wild-camped most nights, using 2 huts and napping in a third. Hut-to-hut from Kangerlussuaq airport takes 10 days.
How Many Hikers?
About 300 tackle it yearly, so encounters are sparse—you might go days alone. I met ~10 over 10 days (mostly German/Danish, one other American). Solitude seekers hike briefly together, then solo.
Food & Water
Plan 10+ days' food for the 7-10 day trek: 1-2 lbs (0.5-1 kg) daily totals 10-20 lbs. Opt for lightweight dehydrated meals from home.
Kangerlussuaq/Sisimiut supermarkets lack them but have trail mix basics—pre-mix for savings/variety.
Abundant lakes/streams provide filter-free water (low contamination risk; most skip filters). One 32-oz Nalgene suffices.
My Proven Trekking Diet
- Muesli/oatmeal with foraged berries & brown sugar (breakfast)
- Trail mix + wild mushrooms/berries (lunch/snacks)
- Canned fish sandwich + dried jerky (dinner)
- Chocolate & Greenlandic schnapps (dessert)
(Dehydrated meals went unused due to fuel issues—detailed below.)
Arctic Circle Trail Packing List
- 50-Liter Hiking Backpack
- Carbon Trekking Poles
- Waterproof Backpacking Boots
- Hiking Gaiters
- Cuben Fiber Tarp Tent
- 40°F Sleeping Bag
- Inflatable Sleeping Pad
- Emergency Space Blanket
- Waterproof Gore-Tex Shell
- Headlamp
- 32-Ounce Nalgene Bottle
- Jetboil Zip Cooking System
- Knife & Waterproof Matches
- First Aid Kit
- Heavy-Duty Garbage Bags (4)
- Mosquito Head Net
- Long Underwear
- Hiking Pants
- Hiking Shorts
- Hiking Shirts (2)
- Wool Socks (3 pairs)
- Fleece Top
- Ball Cap & Sunglasses
- Sunscreen & Lip Balm
- Mosquito Repellent
- Winter Hat & Gloves
- River/Camp Sandals
- Paper Maps & Compass
- iPhone & Camera Gear
Maps & GPS
Get three paper topo maps covering the full trail—available at Kangerlussuaq's Polar Lodge, but order ahead via Greenland Tourism to avoid stockouts.
Rock cairns mark the path, but fog/rain obscures them; maps are essential.
I used my iPhone 6 in a LifeProof case with Gaia GPS and offline maps—no cell service, but GPS works.
What I'd Do Differently
Lessons from my 2015 hike:
My 40°F bag was marginal for camping; I'd choose 0-10°F rating.
Jetboil stove failed—no compatible fuel in town (shipping restrictions). Opt for a multi-fuel stove for flexibility.
Cold meals worked, but hot coffee/dinners boost morale on multi-day treks.
Guidebook & More Details
For in-depth planning, grab Trekking in Greenland by Paddy Dillon—the bible I used. Safe travels! ★
ARCTIC CIRCLE TRAIL SERIES
PART 1 | PART 2 | PART 3 | PART 4 | PACKING/LOGISTICS
