Skilled trekkers/hikers, or those with an analogous skillset (e.g. soldiers). You’ll must have navigation skills (map-reading, compass-using, or just be able to afford a GPS) and a few basic survival ability. No must be Bear Grylls however it’s important to be able to read the weather, know your physical limits, protreatment water and generally take care of your self within the wild. The trek takes 7–10 days for folks of common fitness (I accomplished in eight with 1 day of relaxation in between), so you should be able to hold loads of about 20kg and walk about 20km a day for that size of time.

The Arctic Circle Trail is a 165km-lengthy trekking route on the western coast of Greenland. It’s known as one of the best long-distance routes on this planet, since it’s comparatively unknown to vacationers (and thus virtually untouched), and offers views of endless mountains, lakes, wildlife, completely untamed. Also tons of snow and ice if you happen to select to visit in spring like me, however it’s not advisable (read ‘When’).

When

Late summer time (September) is the best. Temperatures will likely be a comfortable 15–25⁰C, as compared to subzero from mid-fall to mid-spring. Greenland has a mosquito plague every year that begins when the snow begins to melt in June, and ends abruptly when the temperature begins to drop in September. I counsel waiting until the mosquitoes die out. Additionally, water ranges in late summer season shall be lower than that of early summer season (June-July), which is of a fantastic help considering there are a number of river crossings on the route.

Without the assistance of specialized equipment (reminiscent of snowshoes and skis), I’d advise to not visit anytime besides in summer or early fall. Heavy and unpredictable snowfall, particularly around the coastal western finish of the path, will drastically increase the hazard levels and quickly deteriorate the terrain. Having trekked in early spring myself, I say with confidence that I would not have made it even halfway if not for an especially reliable GPS (Gaia Maps for iPhone), a couple of snowmobile tracks and the persistence to spend hours wading through sometimes chest-deep snow.

The ACT lies slightly north of the Arctic Circle itself, on the western coast of Greenland. Most people select to trek from Kangerlussuaq (eastern finish) the place the worldwide airport is situated, to Sisimiut (western end), the second-largest city in Greenland behind the capital Nuuk, earlier than flying back to Kangerlussuaq and subsequently out of Greenland. The reverse can be viable, and a few even choose to make a round trip.

The path officially starts at Kellyville, a research facility situated about 15km from Kangerlussuaq airport. Some additionally select to start from the ice cap east of Kangerlussuaq, which will lengthen the trek by a day. You may book a tour to the ice cap (Point 660) with World of Greenland Arctic Circle and have them drop you off there to walk back. Otherwise, you’ll be able to start walking proper from the airport or take a cab to Kellyville.

Two things: views and solitude. Armed with an abundance of lakes, mountains, valleys and wildlife (reindeer, hares, musk oxen, and the elusive Arctic fox), this trail has everything you need to see within the backcountry. However what really units it aside is the entire lack of civilization. Past a 15km radius of Kangerlussuaq and Sisimiut, not a single human inhabits the area. In late summer time, you’ll probably meet no more than a handful of fellow hikers on the way. Otherwise, there’s an opportunity you’ll not come throughout anybody at all. It’s said that only about 300 people attempt the ACT each year. This makes the trek very best for those seeking a short respite from the world to spend time with themselves or their significant others.