Overview of the route.

The trail around Quassussuaq follows approximately the first 1.3 km of the trail Sermitisiaq view Trail and Kuanninnguit Summit Trail. Follow the yellow marks on this part of the trail.

The trail begins by the road on the north-eastern side of Anstalten for Domfældte. The route alternates between a well-trodden path and a newly marked trail. You should thus be aware that the markers won’t always follow the trodden path. You will pass the town’s explosives depot on the left, and after about 500 m, you will reach a large cairn with a view out towards Sermitsiaq, Nuup Kangerlua, and Paradise Valley. Just north of the cairn is a good place to make your first stop to enjoy the view.

The trail diverges from the yellow trail immediately after the cairn. The trail marks will now be blue.

Follow the blue marks along a trodden path from the cairn and towards the knoll to the south-east. About 400 m past the cairn you will cross a small stream. From here you will continue south-east with the knoll to your right and a larger stream to your left. At this point you will start to ascend with the knoll to your right.

Once past the knoll, you will continue southwards. This area may be slightly wet, particularly if it has been raining. Further on, you will pass a lake to your left, after which you will ascend steadily along a clear path. There is a really nice northward view from the highest point of the path, so remember to look behind you. From the highest point, the path continues southwards, passing another lake on your left. Continue along the path and you’ll soon enjoy a fantastic view of Qallussuaq (Circus Lake) and Qinngorput.

From here there is a considerable drop down towards Qallussuaq. There are various paths, so the descent is relatively easy. Once down, you will pass along Qallussuaq with the lake to your right. Follow the markers over the final knoll with the water on your right. After this there is another considerable drop until you end up at the parking place at the Pisissip Kaajallattariaa roundabout at Viska Horses. From here you can follow the road to the nearest bus stop. If you wish to walk back to the viewpoint at Anstalten for Domfældte, you can follow the road in towards Nuuk town centre. Turn off onto the road towards the airport and the ski lift and keep going right towards Anstalten for Domfældte. This final section ads another 3.5 km.

This hike can also start at Qinngorput. In this case, the trail starts at the parking place near the Pisissip Kaajallattariaa roundabout at Viska Horses and ends at Anstalten for Domfældte. Ending up here you will have to call a taxi or walk to the airport to get a bus back to town.

Notable landmarks, scenic viewpoints and more.

• The view from the cairn of Sermitsiaq, Nuup Kangerlua (Godthaab Fjord) and Paradise Valley
• The river along the first knoll
• The view out towards mount Sermitsiaq from the highest point of the route 
• The view of Qallussuaq (Circus Lake), Qinngorput, and towards Ukkusissat 
• The view from the knoll towards Qinngorput and the seaward approach to Nuuk

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. Snow shoes or skis are recommended during the winter months. The part between Paradise valley and the lake can be tricky when covered in ice. Follow the path in the snow to stay in the safety parts. Likewise, you should also be aware that snow and ice may hide most of the markers.

Cross country ski trails are laid out on parts of the trail during the snowy season. You can follow these trails, but pay attention to skiers and avoid ruining the trail.

How to get to the starting point.

This trail can be done either from Qinngorput or from Anstalten for domsfældte (The prison)

The following description has Anstalten for domfældte as a starting point. 

As there is currently no public transport to the trailhead, your options are the following:

1. A bus to the airport and walking from there. Ad approx. 2 km along the road.
2. A bus to Ilimmarfik (University of Greenland) and walking from there. Ad 3.5 km along the road
3. On foot or by car/bike. From city center ad 7 km along the road
4. A taxi to the start of the route

Connecting trails or extending your hike.

Roughly the first 1.3 km follow the same path as the route View from Shelter 1, Kuanninnguit Summit Route, and the route to Kapisillit. 

A day trip could thus be combined with one of the first two trips.

Availability of drinking water along the trail.

Fill your water bottle at the stream before the knoll or at the stream by Qallussuaq (Circus Lake).

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 cell phone 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.

Qallussuaq (Circus Lake) is Nuuks water reservoir. Bringing dogs or camping close to the lake is thus prohibited, as is swimming.