Guided Group Hikes

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On January 1, 2025, the Greenlandic government introduced a new tourism law that restricts non-Greenlandic tour companies from operating in Greenland.

On January 1, 2025, the Government of Greenland introduced a new Tourism Act regulating who may operate tourism activities within the country.

This law aims to ensure that the benefits of tourism support local communities, businesses, and the Greenlandic economy.

Key Change:

Only Greenlandic-owned and registered companies may operate tourism activities in Greenland.

Foreign tour companies cannot legally offer guided tours, hikes, or other tourism services unless they hold a valid Greenlandic tourism license. For this, they need to be at least 2/3rds owned by a Greenlandic resident.

Please make sure that you ask whatever company you are considering whether they:

  • hold a valid Greenlandic Tourism License
  • hold an exemption to operate in Greenland until 2027

For International Operators

If you operated in Greenland before 2025, you may continue to operate until January 2027 if you have applied for and received the two-year exemption.

From January 2027, you will not be able to operate in Greenland unless you have a valid Tourism license. Note: the following arrangements are NOT sufficient:

  • contracting local providers for accommodation and logistics
  • hire a local provider to accompany your guide on the tour

Your company must hold a valid tourism license to operate in Greenland.

For more information and to apply for a tourism license – contact the Greenlandic Government directly.

Guided ACT hikes

These changes mean that from 2027 there are very limited opportunities to join guided hikes along the Arctic Circle Trail. There is currently only one local provider: Sondy Adventures.

Remember, even in a guided group you will still be carrying all your own equipment and food as there is no access for support vehicles.

If you choose to join a guided group, you will be with them for a significant amount of time in remote wilderness. We therefore strongly encourage you to “interview” your guide to make sure they have the requisite expertise to lead an Arctic hiking trip. 

Questions to ask:

1) Do you have a valid Greenland Tourism License or exemption?

2) What qualifications do your guides have?

Guides should hold:

  • Arctic Wilderness Guide certification or UIMLA International Mountain Leader (or equivalent)
  • Wilderness First Aid or equivalent emergency medical training

These qualifications ensure guides can manage Arctic conditions and provide first response care if injuries occur.

Hikers following the established trail of the Arctic Circle Trail through a long valley
Photo: Lisa Germany – Visit Greenland – you are a long way from anywhere on the Arctic Circle Trail, so make sure your guides are qualified
Hikers enjoying lunch overlooking one of the Arctic Circle Trail's many lakes
Photo: David Walther
2) What is the size of the group?
  • Maximum: 10 hikers + 2 guides
  • Ratio: 1 guide per 5 clients

This protects safety, minimizes environmental impact, and preserves the solitude of the Arctic landscape.

3) Do guides carry two-way communication devices?

All guides must carry satellite communication devices (such as an InReach or satellite phone).

There is no mobile phone coverage beyond Kangerlussuaq and Sisimiut.
Read more on our Search and Rescue in Greenland page.

4) What is their approach to Leave No Trace?

All hikers — independent and guided — must follow ACT Leave No Trace principles. 

  • Carry all trash out, including toilet paper, gas canisters, and leftover food
  • Stay on the trail tread to prevent erosion and vegetation loss
  • Keep noise to a minimum; respect others’ need for quiet
  • Do not build cairns, fires, or rock structures — these may damage fragile ecosystems or disturb cultural sites
  • Never light open fires and use extreme caution with cigarettes
Navigation cairn on the Arctic Circle Trail overlooking one of the lakes. Hikers need to have enough experience to navigate without a path
Photo: Lisa Germany, Visit Greenland – our trail is beautiful. We need everybody to help keep it that way by following Leave No Trace principles
Group heading out onto the Greenland Ice Sheet near Kangerlussuaq
Photo: Lisa Germany – Destination Arctic Circle – spending a few extra days in Kangerlussuaq and/or Sisimiut and engaging local guides really helps the communities
5) Is a donation for trail maintenance built into the cost of your trip?

There is no dedicated budget for the Arctic Circle Trail.
We ask all guided groups to include a minimum donation of 500 DKK per person (including guides) to support trail maintenance.

6) How does the tour support local communities?

Tourism in Greenland should benefit local people.
Ask how your operator contributes — for example:

  • Encouraging extra nights in Kangerlussuaq or Sisimiut
  • Buying supplies locally
  • Hiring Greenlandic guides

Commercial Group Guidelines

We ask all visitors to book with operators who comply with Greenland’s Tourism Act and the ACT guidelines.
This helps ensure safe, sustainable, and lawful operations that support our communities.

Group Guidelines (EN)
Group Guidelines (DK)