Alerts and trail status
We update the main information on arcticcircletrail.gl every February based on issues reported by hikers and work completed the previous summer. This Alerts and Trail Status section is updated more regularly with urgent items – as soon as hikers or locals report them to us.
Please help us by reporting any urgent issues or threats you encounter by emailing act at acb.gl
We also recommend that you join the ACT Facebook Group, as hikers regularly report on the current trail conditions in that forum.
The following are the currently active alerts for the Arctic Circle Trail.
Current Status Itinneq River Bridge
Effective: 20 June 2024
Until: 31 December 2024
Details:
We have attempted to stabilise the existing Itinneq River bridge in case of another wet summer. Although it is far from perfect, it is the best we can do at the minute. We plan to build a completely new bridge closer to the trail later this year.
Download a GPX track for the “best” route to the Itinneq River bridge (GPS: 66.9880817, -52.3358973).
14 JUNE – POLAR BEAR UPDATE
Effective: 14 June 2024
Until:
Details:
We have been in touch with the police (who have authority in circumstances like this) and they will not be furthering their search for the potential polar bear that was spotted from the Arctic Circle Trail yesterday.
Their best chance of locating it was when they rescued the hikers yesterday. They arrived within the hour and did several flyovers of the area. However, no bear was found and there is no photograph from the sighting. There have been no other reports of a polar bear today (e.g. from hunters) so there is not much more that police can do.
Again, it is very rare for a polar bear to be seen in the Arctic Circle Region – no locals carry rifles when they are out in the backcountry either, unless they are specifically going hunting.
Given the response from the police, we are not going to close the trail.
However, as always, undertaking the Arctic Circle Trail (and any of our hiking trails) is done at your own risk. It is up to you to decide what impact (if any) this will have on your trip.
At the very least we recommend that you:
- Are vigilant while hiking
- Carry an emergency beacon (always recommended)
- Read Visit Greenland’s advice on what to do re: polar bears
Please keep in mind that given the rarity of a polar bear sighting, you won’t be able to turn up in Kangerlussuaq (or Sisimiut) and suddenly expect to be able to buy/hire rifles/flares etc.
GPX Route to Itinneq River Bridge
Effective: 10 June 2024
Until: 31 December 2024
Details:
Download a GPX track for the “best” route to the Itinneq River bridge (GPS: 66.9880817, -52.3358973). This was developed from the experience of 4 different hikers in 2023.
While it will still be tough going, it is the best advice we can provide at this stage. Let’s hope this year will be less wet than the last 2 years!
Still a lot of snow near Sisimiut
Effective: 10 June 2024
Until: 30 June 2024
Details:
A lot of new snow fell around Sisimiut at the end of May. Therefore, hikers at the beginning of the season should expect significant snow in the passes around Sisimiut. Be very careful of hidden streams and old snow.
The image opposite was taken at the start of June.
ATV track construction and alternate ending into Sisimiut
Effective: 17 April 2024
Until: N/A
Details:
The final stage of the ATV track between Sisimiut and Kangerluarsuk Tulleq will be constructed during summer 2024. Hikers will still walk the route and the workers are very aware that there will be significant foot traffic during July-August. It is the same situation as last year. This affects both the Original and Southern routes.
While it is impossible to avoid the ATV track entirely, there is an alternate route for the last stage into Sisimiut – the Oqummiannguaq Trail (blue dashes in the map opposite). It should be marked with poles this year, and a description and the GPX route can be found at hiking.gl
2024 ACT Webinar
Effective: 16 April 2024
Until: 31 December 2024
Details:
Watch the lastest informational webinar on the ACT – held 16 April 2024. It includes an overview of the trail and its management, an update of the work completed since 2023 and scheduled for 2024, and an extensive Q&A session with the trails manager.
Itinneq River Bridge – repair
Effective: 2 Aug 2023
Until: TBD
Details:
The bridge across the Itinneq River (GPS: 66.9880817, -52.3358973) almost washed away in 2023. The images show the status at the end of the season.
It should be usable, and we are currently seeking funding to update the bridge and move it to a more secure location.
As always, do not cross if it looks dangerous. Turn back.
Better route descending from Kangerlussuaq to Katiffik
Effective: 20 June 2023
Until: TBD
Details:
If you are approaching Katiffik hut from Kangerlussuaq, most people follow the grey dashed route in the image opposite. Certainly the cairn that leads you off that way is the most visible.
However, a better route is the solid red line. You still get amazing views and there is a trail to follow, but it is nowhere near as steep as the other. I have not yet hiked the dot-dash line, but suspect the views will not be as good.
I will be making it clearer that hikers should go this direction when I hike the trail at the end of August – but until then, something to keep in mind.
I have updated the GPX track with the suggested route.
Aggressive foxes
Effective: 9 Mar 2023
Until: TBD
Details:
There have been a few reports of aggressive foxes – particularly in the Eqalugaarniarfik hut area. These animals likely have rabies. It is important for hikers to protect themselves at all costs if they encounter one by using hiking poles (or other implements) to keep the animal at a distance.
If you do encounter an aggressive fox- please let us know ASAP when you are back in contact. Tell us where you encountered it so that we can then dispatch local hunters to shoot the affected animal.
Although encounters are not very common, hikers may want to consider getting rabies shots before their ACT hike.
Crossing to Sarfannguit – Southern Route
Effective: 1 June 2022
Until: TBD
Details:
At the moment, there is no established way to cross over to Sarfannguit for a visit. We are working on this for 2025. However, you might get lucky and be able to hail a local who can ferry you across. Note: it is likely the boat owner will NOT be licensed to carry passengers. It is up to you if you want to risk the crossing and hail them.