Skilled trekkers/hikers, or these 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 some basic survival ability. No should be Bear Grylls but it's a must to be able to read the weather, know your physical limits, protreatment water and generally take care of yourself in the wild. The trek takes 7–10 days for folks of average fitness (I completed in 8 with 1 day of relaxation in between), so you must 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 165km-long trekking route on the western coast of Greenland. It’s known as among the finest long-distance routes on this planet, since it’s comparatively unknown to vacationers (and thus virtually untouched), and presents views of never-ending mountains, lakes, wildlife, completely untamed. Additionally tons of snow and ice should you select to visit in spring like me, however it’s not really useful (read ‘When’).

When
Late summer season (September) is the best. Temperatures will probably be a comfy 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 recommend waiting until the mosquitoes die out. Additionally, water levels in late summer time shall be decrease than that of early summer time (June-July), which is of an incredible help considering there are a number of river crossings on the route.

Without the assistance of specialised equipment (reminiscent of snowshoes and skis), I might advise to not visit anytime besides in summer season or early fall. Heavy and unpredictable snowfall, particularly around the coastal western finish of the trail, will drastically enhance the hazard ranges 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 few snowmobile tracks and the endurance to spend hours wading by way of sometimes 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 (jap finish) the place the international 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 also be viable, and a few even select to make a spherical trip.

The path formally starts at Kellyville, a research facility situated 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'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 path has everything you need to see in the backcountry. Nevertheless what really sets 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 season, you’ll probably meet no more than a handful of fellow hikers on the way. In any other case, there’s an opportunity you’ll not come across anybody at all. It’s said that only about 300 folks try the ACT each year. This makes the trek perfect for these seeking a short respite from the world to spend time with themselves or their significant others.