Experienced trekkers/hikers, or those with an identical skillset (e.g. soldiers). You’ll have to have navigation skills (map-reading, compass-using, or just be able to afford a GPS) and some fundamental survival ability. No have to be Bear Grylls but you need 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 people of common fitness (I accomplished in 8 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-long trekking route on the western coast of Greenland. It’s known as the most effective lengthy-distance routes in the world, since it’s comparatively unknown to vacationers (and thus virtually untouched), and gives views of endless mountains, lakes, wildlife, utterly untamed. Also tons of snow and ice when you select to visit in spring like me, however it’s not really useful (read ‘When’).

When

Late summer (September) is the best. Temperatures shall be a cosy 15–25⁰C, as compared to subzero from mid-fall to mid-spring. Greenland has a mosquito plague yearly that begins when the snow begins to melt in June, and ends abruptly when the temperature begins to drop in September. I counsel waiting till the mosquitoes die out. Also, water ranges in late summer time shall be lower than that of early summer season (June-July), which is of an ideal assist considering there are just a few river crossings on the route.

Without the assistance of specialised equipment (comparable to snowshoes and skis), I might advise to not visit anytime besides in summer time or early fall. Heavy and unpredictable snowfall, especially across the coastal western finish of the trail, will drastically enhance 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 endurance to spend hours wading via typically chest-deep snow.

The ACT lies slightly north of the Arctic Circle itself, on the western coast of Greenland. Most individuals choose to trek from Kangerlussuaq (japanese finish) where the international airport is located, to Sisimiut (western end), the second-largest city in Greenland behind the capital Nuuk, before flying back to Kangerlussuaq and subsequently out of Greenland. The reverse can be viable, and some even choose to make a round trip.

The trail officially starts at Kellyville, a research facility positioned about 15km from Kangerlussuaq airport. Some additionally choose to start from the ice cap east of Kangerlussuaq, which will prolong the trek by a day. You possibly can 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 possibly can start walking right 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 in the backcountry. However what really units it apart is the entire lack of civilization. Beyond 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 anyone at all. It’s said that only about 300 individuals try the ACT each year. This makes the trek supreme for those seeking a brief respite from the world to spend time with themselves or their significant others.

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