Overview of the route.

You will find the first marker in the grass next to the track. From here you need to follow the markers across an area that is crossed by several tracks, and you will soon reach a somewhat clearer route leading up to the drinking water lake (Lake 2). After approx. 800 m, the route will turn right at a cairn, and you will now be following a clearly trodden path with distances of up to 500 m between the markers. You should follow the path for the next 2 km, after which the route will take a sharp right up the mountain at a small bluff that should be easy to spot. The path here is not obvious, so be sure to pay attention to the markers, which will initially follow an indistinct ridge before turning left. You will reach a plateau with a cairn from which you will have a nice view of Kapisillit Kangerluat (the fjord) among other things.

Continue upwards from here. 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; 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. Follow the markers going down to the left from the cairn until you reach the trodden path, which you will then follow back to the cluster of huts.

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

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 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. Skis (for experienced skiers) or snow shoes are recommended during the winter months.

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

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. The trail starts at the first track to the right when approaching from Kapisillit.

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. Not advisable in winter time.

Availability of drinking water along the trail.

There is no water to be found on the route, so fill your water bottles before setting off.

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.