Cycling in Greenland
Including Arctic Circle Trail, Nuuk Coastal and Mountain Trails, and Sisimiut Backcountry Trails. On the map.
The vibe
Cycling is geographically impossible here, as the terrain consists of either impassable ice sheets or rugged, roadless mountain wilderness. There is no infrastructure for bikes, and the lack of connecting routes between settlements makes any form of touring non-existent. You will find no bike-holiday culture in this environment.
Arctic Circle Trail
Qeqqata
Chmee2 / Valtameri / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0)
This iconic long-distance route stretches from the edge of the Greenland Ice Sheet near Kangerlussuaq to the coastal town of Sisimiut. It offers a rugged, remote wilderness experience through tundra, mountain passes, and glacial valleys, primarily suited for fat-biking.
Access. Access is via Kangerlussuaq airport; local outfitters in Sisimiut and Kangerlussuaq provide fat-bike rentals and expedition support.
Notes. Extremely challenging; requires self-sufficiency and backcountry navigation skills. Best ridden in late summer or winter for fat-biking.
Nuuk Coastal and Mountain Trails
Nuuk
Trond Trosterud / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0)
The capital region offers a mix of gravel paths and technical mountain bike trails that wind through the dramatic coastal landscape and the foothills of Mount Quassussuaq. It is the most accessible cycling area in the country, blending urban convenience with raw Arctic scenery.
Access. Nuuk is the primary transport hub; bikes can be rented through local outdoor activity centers.
Notes. Suitable for various skill levels; popular for both gravel riding and MTB.
Sisimiut Backcountry Trails
Sisimiut
David Stanley from Nanaimo, Canada / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)
The hills surrounding Sisimiut provide a dramatic backdrop for technical mountain biking and fat-biking. The terrain consists of rocky, undulating paths that offer panoramic views of the Davis Strait and the surrounding Arctic wilderness.
Access. Accessible via boat or flight to Sisimiut; local adventure companies offer guided tours and equipment rentals.
Notes. Demanding terrain with significant elevation changes; weather conditions can change rapidly.