Kangerlussuaq-Sisimiut Trail

The Kangerlussuaq-Sisimiut Trail—known more widely as the Arctic Circle Trail (ACT)—is a long-distance, isolated wilderness hike in western Greenland. The full route runs about 160–165 km and is typically completed in roughly 8–11 days, from just outside Kangerlussuaq to Sisimiut on the coast.

Expect a true backcountry environment: the track is narrow and can fade into boggy ground, with numerous lakes and river crossings along the way. Terrain is frequently wet enough that wet feet are a normal part of the experience, even with waterproof footwear.

Trail marking relies on cairns and red half-circle markers on rocks; some markers are painted with small red/red-arch elements and the trail is commonly described as hard to follow in places. Plan for navigation work and keep your pace conservative when visibility drops.

The first stretch starts from Kangerlussuaq: walkers commonly cover the first ~16 km along the gravel road before the hike transitions to single-track hiking. This makes for an easier “start day,” but you still need to be ready for the same remote conditions once you’re off the road.

Weather is a major driver of difficulty: conditions can swing from warm to cold, with rain for long stretches and even snow possible in summer. Carry layered cold-weather gear and treat soaked conditions as part of the baseline, not an exception.

There are no settlements along the route for resupply and no cell service on the ACT, so you need to be fully self-sufficient with food, navigation, and emergency capability. The route uses tiny, first-come-first-served huts that are unheated in summer; bring a sturdy 4-season tent because huts can fill and can be damaged.

Huts and the overall system mean logistics matter: huts are basic, and there are no reliable ways to dry gear. Build your plan around self-contained camping, and keep your pack weight and water strategy practical for many days outdoors.

Seasonality matters for both trail and body: the main hiking window runs mid-June through September. Wet ground and boggy sections are common early in the melt season, and summer brings heavy mosquito pressure in some weeks—plan head net and bug protection accordingly.

More information: Wikipedia, Trail talk: Arctic Circle Trail: Kangerlussuaq to Eqalugaarniarfik, A Quick & Dirty Guide to the Arctic Circle Trail - The Hiking Life