Overview of the route.

The first marker can be found on the path when you pass the cemetery. Follow the markers along the clearly trodden path heading southwards. 900 m along the route, you will reach a section with a lot of trees and bushes that may be somewhat challenging to traverse — particularly in the summer when the bushes are full of leaves — but keep going After 400 m. you will get out on the other side and the trail gets easier.

Continue south until you reach a plain. Here the route around Pingu will take a sharp left turn along a newly-marked route, while the route to Nuuk will continue southwards. You should thus be attentive, so you remember to turn off.

Up to this point, you will have walked along a clearly trodden path, and you will now have to follow the newly marked path across a small hill, after which you will follow the contour along the border between the mountain to your left and the plains to your right. The next stretch will have relatively few markers until you once again reach a clearly trodden path, which you will follow past a lake. Shortly after the lake, the route to the summit of Pingu turns off to the left, while the route bypassing the summit continues straight on.

Follow the markers up the ridge line. After approx. 700 m you will eventually reach a small plateau on which you will encounter some larger rocks to the right of the markers and a cairn on your left. Pingu’s summit is relatively flat, and the route leads up the right-hand side of the plateau with a view of Kangersuneq (the Ice Fjord). The route does not go all the way to the summit itself, but ends at a cairn on the north-western end of the plateau. You will here be rewarded with a fantastic 360 degree view across Kapisillit Kangerluat – the fjord; Kinaasaq, the highest point of Nuup Kangerlua; Kangersuneq; Nikku; and the hinterland lakes.

Once you have taken in the view, you can return back the way you came, across the plateau and down. Once you reach the small plateau with the cairn and the stones, the route branches off to the left, so take care not to go too far down along the ridge line. Follow the markers pretty much due east down the mountain towards the large lake. Once you reach a clearly trodden path, turn left and follow it. The rest of the route back to Kapisillit is easy walking, with up to 500 m between some of the markers. The markers end at the road by the cluster of cabins.

The distance from the final marker to Kapisillit is approximately 1 km along the road.

This route can also start at the cluster of cabins and finish at the cemetery.

Notable landmarks, scenic viewpoints and more.

• Kapisillit Kangerluat (the fjord)
• Kinaasaq (the highest point in Nuup Kangerlua)
• Kangersuneq (the Ice Fjord)
• Nikku (mountain top)
• The area behind Pingu

Best times to hike and seasonal conditions.

This trip should only be attempted during the snow-free period. 

An alternative hike during snowy periods could be the Pingu Summit Route – long. This route skips the first section from the village.

How to get to the starting point.

Kapisillit is a small settlement located about 50 kilometres northeast of Nuuk, deep in the fjord. Currently, approximately 40 people reside here year-round. No roads connect Kapisillit and Nuuk; you therefore have to go by boat or helicopter

• Boat: You can charter a boat from one of the local boat operators – find the list here. Tour Operators in Nuuk – Explore Nuuk with Expert Guides. Alternatively, you can opt for Diskoline, the local transport service company, also known as Disko Line. Diskoline offers regular service between Kapisillit and Nuuk, with more departures during the summer than in the winter.  The trip typically takes 2-3 hours, depending on the weather and conditions.
• Helicopter: Another option is to take a helicopter from Nuuk to Kapisillit. This is a faster but more expensive option. Helicopter services can provide a scenic way to reach Kapisillit. Air Greenland charter can arrange for your transportation Air Greenland Charter — Arctic Excursions
• If you are going with a local guide as part of a package, they will most likely have arranged for your transportation.

Connecting trails or extending your hike.

The route can be combined with the Pingu Summit Route – short, where you can choose to go directly from the summit down to Kapisillit instead of going back and continuing around Pingu.

Availability of drinking water along the trail.

You will not be able to find good quality water on the route, so fill your water bottles in advance.

Preserving the natural environment and local ecosystems.

The river Kapisillit Kuuat, which you will follow and cross on this route, is Greenland’s only salmon river. The stocks are endangered, and discussions about preserving the stream are currently ongoing. People are thus discouraged from camping or lighting fires in the vicinity of the stream.

The lakes are part of the settlement’s water supply, so handle the water with care.

Essential precautions and recommendations.

• All passage is at your own risk
• Do not go alone and make sure you have notified someone about your route and when you expect to be back 
• Do not rely on cellphone reception on trail
• Bring a device to call for help
• Refill water in any stream
• Follow the weather – respect and react to changes 
• The weather can change quickly – bring an extra warm layer and a wind/waterproof jacket
• Be careful of slippery and unstable surfaces 
• Bring a colorful garment to wear in case you need a rescue
• It is not possible to purchase any food or snacks on the way – so please bring your own
• In the summer, we recommend you bring sun cream, a mosquito net, and a cap or the like.

Guidelines for responsible hiking.

You are a guest in nature – leave nothing but footprints

• Follow the marked trails
• Cary out all your trash – but not the rocks and flowers
• Do not build new cairns or make changes to existing ones. 
• No fires and be careful with cigarettes
• Do not disturb the wildlife
• Respect and enjoy the tranquillity of nature

Additional information for your hike.

There are options for staying in a hut or a hostel in Kapisillit as well as great tent pitching opportunities behind Pingu.