Hiking in Greenland
Including Arctic Circle Trail, Disko Island (Qeqertarsuaq), and Ilulissat Icefjord. On the map.
The vibe
Hiking here feels like stepping into a vast, silent wilderness where the scale of the landscape dwarfs your presence entirely. Late summer is the prime window when the ground is clear of snow and the tundra glows with autumn colors. It is a deeply independent experience where you navigate rugged, unmarked terrain on your own terms rather than following manicured paths.
Arctic Circle Trail
Qeqqata
Chmee2 / Valtameri / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0)
This iconic 160km long-distance trek connects the edge of the Greenland Ice Sheet at Kangerlussuaq to the coastal town of Sisimiut. Hikers traverse vast, uninhabited tundra, rolling hills, and crystal-clear lakes, offering a true wilderness experience under the midnight sun.
Access. Fly into Kangerlussuaq; the trail starts near the airport. Most hikers trek independently, staying in small, unstaffed huts along the route.
Notes. Requires high level of self-sufficiency. Best hiked between late June and August to avoid snow and extreme cold.
Disko Island (Qeqertarsuaq)
Qeqertarsuaq
Christoph Strässler from Oberdorf BL, Schweiz / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Disko Island features dramatic basalt columns and volcanic landscapes that differ sharply from the rest of Greenland. Trails lead from the town of Qeqertarsuaq up to the Lyngmarksbræen glacier, providing stunning views over the iceberg-filled Disko Bay.
Access. Accessible by boat or helicopter from Ilulissat. Local guides in Qeqertarsuaq offer tours to the glacier and surrounding volcanic formations.
Notes. Glacier trekking requires a guide due to crevasse risks.
Ilulissat Icefjord
Avannaata
Ilulissat Icefjord — Wikidata / Wikimedia Commons
A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Ilulissat Icefjord offers well-marked boardwalks and hiking trails that wind along the coastline. Hikers can witness massive icebergs calving into the sea from the Sermeq Kujalleq glacier, providing one of the most spectacular coastal vistas in the Arctic.
Access. Located just outside the town of Ilulissat, the trails are easily accessible on foot from the town center.
Notes. Stay on marked paths to protect the fragile tundra and avoid dangerous cliff edges.
Quassussuaq (Little Malene)
Nuuk
Kenny McFly / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Located near the capital, Nuuk, this mountain offers a popular and accessible hike for locals and visitors alike. The summit provides a panoramic view of the Nuup Kangerlua fjord system and the surrounding mountainous coastline.
Access. The trailhead is located on the outskirts of Nuuk, easily reachable by a short taxi ride or a longer walk from the city center.
Notes. Weather can change rapidly; ensure proper gear even for short hikes.
Tasermiut Fjord
Kujalleq
David Stanley from Nanaimo, Canada / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)
Often called the 'Patagonia of the Arctic,' this region in South Greenland is defined by towering granite walls and lush valleys. The hiking here ranges from challenging mountain ascents to scenic valley walks along the fjord, surrounded by waterfalls and hanging glaciers.
Access. Accessible via boat from Nanortalik. Many visitors base themselves in the valley or use local boat charters to reach trailheads.
Notes. Remote area; requires careful planning and navigation skills.