SINGLE-DAY HIKE · NUUK AREA · RED
Kapisillit - Kangersuneq Icefjord Viewpoint
A varied hike with the most spectacular view of Kangersuneq (the Ice Fjord)
Photo – Aningaaq R. Carlsen, Visit Greenland
The trip from Kapisillit to Kangersuneq (the Ice Fjord) is long, scenic, and features minimal elevation gain. You'll enjoy views of the lakes behind Pingu, the bay at the base of Kapisillit Kangerluat, and Innannguup Saava along the way. The hike culminates in a stunning view of Kangersuneq. Keep an eye out for reindeer, arctic hares, and sheep, and depending on the season, you may find berries and mushrooms. During wet periods, you'll need to wade across the stream between Lake 1 and Lake 2, so bringing wading shoes and walking sticks is recommended. A bridge is currently under development.
- Trial Description
- Points of Interest
- Season
- Starting Point
- Combine with
- Water
- Nature Conservation
- Safety
- Leave no trace
- Remarks
Overview of the route.
You will find the first marker in the grass just before the cluster of huts, at the point where the road splits. Follow the road, which will turn into a clearly trodden path. You will soon find yourself walking along a small ridge, from which you will have a view of Pingu to your right and the bottom of Kapisillit Kangerluat (the fjord) to your left. Follow the small ridge until you reach the stream between Lake 1 and Lake 2, which you must cross. You may need to wade across during some periods. A bridge is being build I summer 2025.
Once you have crossed the stream, follow the markers around the lake (this area may be a bit wet), cross a small stream, and head north into higher ground along a newly marked route. After approx. 1.5 km, you will reach a stream, which you must follow the southern bank of until you reach a small bridge about 50 m from the water. From this bridge, follow the coast approximately 60–70 m towards some huts. The path will turn right before reaching the huts and will head in a north-eastern direction. Once you are about 60 m away from the coast, you will find a clear path heading left up towards some newer huts, which you must NOT follow, instead following the markers to the right. The path will now weave its way through the vegetation in a north-easterly direction until you reach the highest point of the route. From here, you will be able see Kangersuneq (the Ice Fjord) directly ahead, while you to the left will have a fantastic view of Innannguup Saava, on which you all year round may be lucky enough to spot reindeer and sheep.
From here there is a considerable drop down towards the plain. Be careful in wet conditions. Once you are safely down, turn right towards the mountain and find the path, which you should follow in a roughly north-easterly direction. The path runs along the “edge”, with the plains to your left and the mountain to your right. Follow the path and cross a saddle towards the spit at which point the markers will terminate by a cairn with a view out across Kangersuneq.
If you feel like getting even closer to the ice, you can follow the coast line towards the glacier. This part is not marked and requires a bit more bouldering on the way, but you will be rewarded with sounds of cracking ice and even closer look at the galcierfront of Kangiaata Nunaata Sermia
The return route is back the way you came, until you’ve crossed the bridge by the small stream. 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 somewhat above it. From here you should continue until you reach a very large rock, at which you will reach the outward route. Follow the same route back from here.
Notable landmarks, scenic viewpoints and more.
- Pingu
- The area behind Pingu
- The bay at the bottom of Kapisillit Kangerluat (the fjord)
- Innannguup Saava (the plain) towards Kangersuneq (the Ice Fjord)
- Kangersuneq
- Fox lairs near the cairn on the spit by 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.
Walk straight from the harbour and follow the road around the bay up to the cluster of huts to the east, approx. 1 km.
Connecting trails or extending your hike.
Can be combined with the Kapisillit Kangerluat–Kangersuneq–Kapisillit Circular, which starts at the northern part of Kapisillit Kangerluat.
If you prefer a shorter trip and have access to a boat, you can anchor near the stream by the small bridge and start your journey there. From there, the route there and back is approx. 7.6 km with an elevation gain of 310 m. Starting point: N 64° 26’ 30’’ E -50° 12’ 14’’.
If you’re up for a longer route, you can combine it with the routes around Pingu.
Availability of drinking water along the trail.
Fill your water bottle at the stream between Lake 1 and Lake 2 or by the stream with the bridge. Water will be hard to find for the rest of the route.
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
As part of protecting the environment in the area, we promote the 7 principles of Leave No Trace:
The 7 Principles – Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics (lnt.org)
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 along the route. Particularly at the Ice Fjord.
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LOCAL OPERATORS
If you’d rather explore Nuuk’s hiking trails with experienced locals, several operators offer guided hikes, ensuring a safer and more immersive journey into Greenland’s extraordinary landscapes.

Greenland Arctic Xplorers I/S

Asimut Tours & Camp

Uppik Adventure

Camp Itivi

Tip Top Tours

Nuuk Water Taxi A/S

Nomad Greenland

Assut Adventures

Bådcharter Asiaq

Raw Arctic
