Skilled trekkers/hikers, or those with the same skillset (e.g. soldiers). You’ll must have navigation skills (map-reading, compass-utilizing, or just be able to afford a GPS) and some fundamental survival ability. No should be Bear Grylls but you must be able to read the weather, know your physical limits, procure water and generally take care of yourself within the wild. The trek takes 7–10 days for individuals of average fitness (I accomplished in eight with 1 day of relaxation in between), so you should be able to carry loads of about 20kg and walk about 20km a day for that size of time.

The Arctic Circle Trail is a one hundred sixty fivekm-long trekking route on the western coast of Greenland. It’s known as among the best long-distance routes on this planet, since it’s comparatively unknown to tourists (and thus virtually untouched), and gives views of never-ending mountains, lakes, wildlife, utterly untamed. Additionally tons of snow and ice when you choose to visit in spring like me, but it’s not recommended (read ‘When’).

When

Late summer season (September) is the best. Temperatures shall be a comfortable 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 soften in June, and ends abruptly when the temperature begins to drop in September. I counsel waiting until the mosquitoes die out. Also, water levels in late summer season can be lower than that of early summer (June-July), which is of an important help considering there are a few river crossings on the route.

Without the assistance of specialised equipment (such as 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 improve the danger levels and quickly deteriorate the terrain. Having trekked in early spring myself, I say with confidence that I’d not have made it even halfway if not for an extremely reliable GPS (Gaia Maps for iPhone), a few snowmobile tracks and the endurance to spend hours wading by way of generally chest-deep snow.

The ACT lies slightly north of the Arctic Circle itself, on the western coast of Greenland. Most people choose to trek from Kangerlussuaq (jap finish) the place the worldwide airport is positioned, 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 a few even choose to make a round trip.

The trail formally 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’ll be able to 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 may 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 path has everything you wish to see within the backcountry. However what really sets it apart is the entire lack of civilization. Past a 15km radius of Kangerlussuaq and Sisimiut, not a single human inhabits the area. In late summer season, you’ll probably meet no more than a handful of fellow hikers on the way. In any other case, there’s a chance you’ll not come across anybody at all. It’s said that only about 300 individuals attempt the ACT every year. This makes the trek best for those seeking a brief respite from the world to spend time with themselves or their significant others.