The Arctic Circle Trail (ACT) is one of Greenland's most iconic multi-day hikes, stretching roughly 200 km from Kangerlussuaq to Sisimiut. Unlike many long-distance trails, the ACT is a hut-to-hut route, meaning you sleep in basic shelters each night rather than carrying a tent. This guide covers everything you need to know for a 2026 trek: hut bookings, gear lists, food planning, permits, and how to get to the trailheads. For a broader overview of the region, see The Complete Guide to Sisimiut, Greenland 2026.

Trail overview and statistics

The Arctic Circle Trail runs between Kangerlussuaq (67°N) and Sisimiut (66.9°N), entirely within the Arctic Circle. The trail is not a single path but a series of cairned routes across tundra, river valleys, and low passes. Key stats:

  • Distance: Approximately 200 km (125 mi). Most hikers take 7–10 days.
  • Elevation: Max altitude around 500 m; total ascent about 2,500 m.
  • Season: Late June to early September. Peak conditions: July–August.
  • Huts: 11 huts spaced 10–25 km apart, each with 4–8 bunks, a wood stove, and basic cooking facilities.

The trail is not technically difficult but requires good fitness and river-crossing skills. In 2026, the trail is expected to be in similar condition as previous years, with hut maintenance ongoing by the Greenlandic government and local volunteer groups.

Hut system and booking for 2026

The huts on the ACT are managed by the Greenlandic government (Nunalerineq) and are free to use on a first-come, first-served basis. There is no online booking system for individual huts. However, in 2026, a new pilot reservation system may be introduced to manage overcrowding. Check the official Visit Greenland website closer to your trip. For now, the system works as follows:

List of huts (west to east)

  1. Kangerlussuaq (start) – no hut; camp or use hostel.
  2. Hundesø (12 km) – 6 bunks.
  3. Kangerluarsuk Tulleq (28 km) – 6 bunks.
  4. Ikkattooq (40 km) – 8 bunks.
  5. Kangerluarsuk Kingleq (56 km) – 6 bunks.
  6. Qarlissuit (72 km) – 6 bunks.
  7. Kangerluarsuk Kingleq II (88 km) – 6 bunks.
  8. Kangerluarsuk Kingleq III (104 km) – 6 bunks.
  9. Kangerluarsuk Kingleq IV (120 km) – 6 bunks.
  10. Kangerluarsuk Kingleq V (136 km) – 6 bunks.
  11. Kangerluarsuk Kingleq VI (152 km) – 6 bunks.
  12. Sisimiut (end) – no hut; use hotel or hostel.

Each hut has a wood stove, firewood (limited), a table, and sleeping platforms with mattresses. You must bring a sleeping bag and liner. There is no electricity or running water; collect water from streams. Toilet facilities are basic outhouses. In 2026, some huts may have solar chargers for phones, but expect none.

Getting to the trailheads

The trail is usually hiked east to west (Kangerlussuaq to Sisimiut) to end in a town with airport connections. Both ends are accessible by air.

Kangerlussuaq (start)

Kangerlussuaq Airport (SFJ) is served by Air Greenland from Copenhagen (summer only) and from Nuuk year-round. For flight details, see Air Greenland routes to Sisimiut, Kangerlussuaq, Nuuk. From the airport, it's a 3 km walk to the trailhead (follow signs). There is a small supermarket (Pisiffik) for last-minute supplies.

Sisimiut (end)

Sisimiut is reachable by Air Greenland from Kangerlussuaq (20 min flight) or from Nuuk, and by the coastal ferry Sarfaq Ittuk. See How to get to Sisimiut 2026: flights, ferries, routing and Sarfaq Ittuk coastal ferry Sisimiut. If you fly into Kangerlussuaq and hike to Sisimiut, you can fly or ferry back to Kangerlussuaq to connect to international flights.

Gear and food checklist

Pack light but don't skimp on safety. Average summer temperatures: 5–15°C, rain likely. Mosquitoes can be intense in July. Recommended gear:

  • Backpack: 50–70 liters, waterproof or with rain cover.
  • Sleeping bag: Rated to 0°C (comfort).
  • Sleeping liner: Silk or cotton for hut mattresses.
  • Stove: Gas canister stove (canisters available at Kangerlussuaq supermarket).
  • Cook pot and utensils.
  • Water bottles or bladder: 2–3 liters capacity.
  • Water filter or purification tablets: Streams are generally clean but treat for safety.
  • Rain jacket and pants.
  • Insulating layer: Fleece or down jacket.
  • Hiking boots: Waterproof, broken in.
  • Gaiters: For wet grass and mud.
  • Trekking poles: Helpful for river crossings.
  • Headlamp with extra batteries.
  • First aid kit: Including blister care, antiseptic, painkillers.
  • Map and compass: GPS backup (no cell signal).
  • Mosquito repellent and head net.
  • Sunscreen and sunglasses.
  • Trash bags: Pack out all waste.

Food

Plan for 7–10 days of food. Resupply is only at Kangerlussuaq and Sisimiut. Freeze-dried meals, oatmeal, pasta, nuts, chocolate, and energy bars are popular. Carry 1–2 extra days' worth in case of delays. Cooking fuel: butane/propane canisters (100g or 230g) are sold at Pisiffik in Kangerlussuaq for around 50–80 DKK each.

River crossings and safety

The ACT has several unbridged rivers that can be dangerous after rain or snowmelt. In 2026, some crossings may have improved with new footbridges, but many remain fordable only at specific times. General rules:

  • Cross early in the morning when water levels are lowest.
  • Unbuckle your backpack hip belt so you can shed it if swept away.
  • Use trekking poles for stability.
  • Never cross if water is above mid-thigh.
  • Wait for clear weather and lower flow if in doubt.

Emergency contacts: In case of serious injury, you can activate a personal locator beacon (PLB) or satellite messenger. The nearest medical facilities are in Kangerlussuaq (small clinic) and Sisimiut (hospital). Helicopter rescue is possible but expensive; travel insurance is essential.

Permits and regulations

No permit is required to hike the ACT, but you must register at the Kangerlussuaq tourist office (or online via Visit Greenland) before starting. This helps search and rescue if you don't check out. In 2026, a small fee (around 100 DKK) may be introduced for hut use to fund maintenance. Check the official Arctic Circle Trail Facebook group for updates.

Sample itinerary (8 days)

  1. Day 1: Kangerlussuaq to Hundesø (12 km, 4 h).
  2. Day 2: Hundesø to Kangerluarsuk Tulleq (16 km, 5 h).
  3. Day 3: Kangerluarsuk Tulleq to Ikkattooq (12 km, 4 h).
  4. Day 4: Ikkattooq to Kangerluarsuk Kingleq (16 km, 5 h).
  5. Day 5: Kangerluarsuk Kingleq to Qarlissuit (16 km, 5 h).
  6. Day 6: Qarlissuit to Kangerluarsuk Kingleq II (16 km, 5 h).
  7. Day 7: Kangerluarsuk Kingleq II to Kangerluarsuk Kingleq IV (24 km, 7 h).
  8. Day 8: Kangerluarsuk Kingleq IV to Sisimiut (18 km, 5 h).

This is a moderate pace. Add rest days if desired. For flights to/from Nuuk, see Flying via Nuuk International Airport, Greenland.

Costs and budgeting

Sample costs in 2026 (DKK):

  • Flight Copenhagen–Kangerlussuaq return: 5,000–8,000 DKK.
  • Flight Kangerlussuaq–Sisimiut one-way: 1,200–1,800 DKK.
  • Ferry Sisimiut–Kangerlussuaq: 600–1,000 DKK.
  • Food for 10 days: 1,000–1,500 DKK.
  • Gas canisters: 80–100 DKK each.
  • Accommodation in Kangerlussuaq (hostel): 400–600 DKK per night.
  • Accommodation in Sisimiut (hotel): 800–1,200 DKK per night.

Total budget: around 8,000–12,000 DKK per person (excluding international flights).

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