Kangerlussuaq to Sisimiut Arctic Circle Trail
Greenland's legendary Arctic wilderness crossing
The Arctic Circle Trail is Greenland’s premier overland adventure, running 165 kilometers from Kangerlussuaq’s airport to the coastal town of Sisimiut. This legendary route crosses raw tundra, ford dozens of unbridged streams, and navigates through landscapes that haven’t changed since the last ice age. Most tackle it as a multi-day hiking route, but hardy overlanders with the right setup can drive sections of it, particularly the eastern approach from Kangerlussuaq where old mining roads and supply tracks provide access to the trailhead at Kellyville.
This is no joke — you need serious Arctic preparation and a bulletproof vehicle setup. The western sections are hiking-only, but the eastern 40km offers challenging driving across rocky tundra with creek crossings and no margin for error. Best season is July through September when the worst ice has cleared. No permits required, but you’re on your own out here with zero cell service and weather that can turn deadly in hours. This is bucket-list territory for serious overlanders who want to say they drove in true Arctic wilderness.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Expert |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Overland Route |
| Surface | Mixed |
| Features | Historic, Remote, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 102 mi / 165 km |
| Duration | 4-6 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 1640 ft |
| Best season | July-September |
| Minimum vehicle | Heavily modified 4WD with Arctic gear |
| Nearest town | Kangerlussuaq, Greenland |
| Land manager | Government of Greenland |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
What's the minimum build to attempt this trail by vehicle?
A heavily modified 4WD with aggressive ground clearance, Arctic-rated recovery gear, and cold-weather systems is the floor here — not the goal. Stock or mildly lifted rigs will get swallowed by the tundra and river crossings. Expedition-built trucks with snorkels, high-lift recovery setups, and redundant navigation are standard for the handful of vehicle attempts on this route.
When is the Arctic Circle Trail actually passable?
July through September is the only realistic window. Outside that, you're dealing with frozen or flood-stage river crossings, snow cover, and temperatures that punish unprotected mechanical systems. Even in July, be ready for cold snaps, fog, and sudden weather shifts.
Do you need a permit to run this route?
No formal vehicle permit is required, but Greenland's backcountry operates under strict leave-no-trace expectations enforced by the Government of Greenland. Notify local authorities in Kangerlussuaq before departure — it's standard practice and genuinely important given the remoteness.
What's the hardest section and what should I expect?
The river crossings mid-route are the crux — multiple unbridged glacial rivers that can run thigh-to-chest deep on foot and wheel-swallowing deep by vehicle depending on snowmelt and recent rain. Current can be strong enough to roll a rig. Scout every crossing before committing, no exceptions.
There's zero cell service — how do people handle emergencies out here?
A satellite communicator (Garmin inReach or equivalent) is non-negotiable, not optional. Rescue response in this part of Greenland is measured in hours to days depending on weather and helicopter availability. File a detailed trip plan with someone reliable before you leave Kangerlussuaq.
Trail track
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