Overview of the route.

NB: The markers for this route start just under 1 km from the water’s edge!
Since work is currently underway to set up an appropriate landing place at the bottom of Kapisillit Kangerluat (the fjord), the markers begin at a cairn approx. 900 m from the water’s edge (as the crow flies).

Location of the cairn: N 64° 28’ 45’’ E -50° 13’ 12’’, approx. 90 m above sea level.

Follow the markers from the cairn, and you will quickly reach a clearly trodden path, which you should follow. Roughly 1 km from the cairn, you will reach a small saddle, from which you can see Kangersuneq (the Ice Fjord). From here, you can make a diversion by following the markers to the left, which after 500 m will lead you to a fantastic place, the only place on the route with a view of the edge of the ice at the bottom of the fjord. This is a great place to have some lunch or a snack or to snap off some pictures.

Having enjoyed the view, you return the way you came. Once you reach the saddle, you follow the markers down a gently sloping hill with Kangersuneq now on your left, mount Nikku on the horizon and Innannguup Saava to your right. This is a place where you throughout the year have a chance of spotting reindeer and sheep. You will cross a couple of streams (which do not always have good quality water). Be careful when crossing the last stream, as it might be slippery, and the mud can act like quicksand. From here the route leads left out onto the spit, where the markers terminate at a cairn.

Follow the markers due south from the cairn, crossing a saddle, after which you will soon reach a trodden path along the “edge”, with Innannguuq Saava to your right and the mountain to your left. You will reach a point where you will have to climb an elevation, after which you will descend towards the fjord. Once you reach the fjord, follow the coast to the left for 60-70 m until you reach a bridge, which will allow you to cross the stream without getting your feet wet.

The route will now follow the bay for 400–500 m past some huts. You then leave the well-trodden path/animal trail and follow the marked route towards slightly higher ground. You will follow the water line — albeit walking somewhat above it — until you reach a very large rock, at which point the route will take a sharp right. Follow the markers down towards a small stream and walk around the edge of the lake until you reach the stream between Lake 1 and Lake 2, which you should cross. You may have to wade through it, particularly during the spring thaw or after heavy rainfall. A bridge is under construction summer 2025.

Once you have crossed the stream, follow the markers and walk along a small ridge from which you will have a view of Pingu to your left and the bottom of the fjord to your right. From here, follow the path south around the huts, ending up at the road just beyond the huts.

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 in Kapisillit and finish at the northern end of Kapisillit Kangerluat.

Notable landmarks, scenic viewpoints and more.

• Pingu and Kapisillit on the horizon
• Innannguup Saava (the plain) with Nikku in the background
• The ice at the bottom of Kangersuneq (the Ice Fjord)
• Kangersuneq
• The bay at the eastern end of Kapisillit Kangerluat
• The lakes in the hinterlands
• Pingu
• Fox lairs near the cairn on the spit by Kangersuneq (the Ice Fjord) 
• Animals along the way — particularly reindeer and sheep

Best times to hike and seasonal conditions.

This route is walkable all year round, but be aware that the ground may be slippery due to snow and ice, particularly in the winter months, and check whether the stream can be traversed. Snow shoes or skis are recommended during the winter months.

Likewise, you should also be aware that snow and ice may hide most of the markers.

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.

You will have to find someone to drop you off or pick you up by boat at the bottom of the fjord, depending on your starting point. Ask in the store in the village if they can help you find someone with a boat, and have some cash to pay for their petrol and assistance. If you arrive by boat from Nuuk and want to start your hike immediately, ask the boat company to drop you off in the bay instead of the village, if possible.

Connecting trails or extending your hike.

If you are up for a longer route, you can combine it with the route around Pingu.

Availability of drinking water along the trail.

There are limited options for obtaining good quality water during the first part of the route, so make sure to bring plenty of water with you. You’ll reach your first running water almost 10 km in, when you cross the bridge over the stream. You can also fill your water bottle at the stream between Lake 1 and Lake 2.

Preserving the natural environment and local ecosystems.

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 take care when near them

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