Sisimiut in 1 Day for Friends - ATV ride along the Arctic Circle Trail through Greenland’s backcountry
In Collaboration with Backcountry Greenland APS. Updated on March 18, 2026.
Explore Sisimiut’s backcountry by ATV: safety briefing, scenic rides through Nasaasaaq Valley, stops at a mountain waterfall and Arctic Circle Trail lake, photo and refreshment stop at the Arctic Circle Viewpoint, a visit to Qerrortusoq Majoriaq (“Murder Hill”), and return to Sisimiut.
This itinerary was created in collaboration with Backcountry Greenland APS, inspired by the tour Arctic Circle Viewpoint tour by ATV. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- ATV ride along the Arctic Circle Trail through Greenland’s backcountry
- Stop at a mountain waterfall to taste crystal-clear water
- Photo and refreshment stop at the Arctic Circle Viewpoint with views of Kanerlusaqsuk Tulleq and the Ice Sheet
- Explore Sisimiut highlands including ACT Lake and Nasaasaaq Valley
- Visit Qerrortusoq Majoriaq (the Arctic Circle Race feature known as “Murder Hill”)
Itinerary
Day 1
Full-day (5 hours) guided ATV excursion departing from Hotel Sisimiut. The guide provides a safety briefing before setting out through the sled dog area into Nasaasaaq Valley, with planned stops at a waterfall, Arctic Circle Trail lake, the Arctic Circle Viewpoint (photo/refreshments), Qerrortusoq Majoriaq, and viewpoints on the return to Sisimiut.
Meet at Hotel Sisimiut — check-in & safety briefing
Group meets at the hotel reception area for kit distribution, ATV orientation and a thorough safety briefing (helmet fit, hand signals, speed limits, riding formation).
Tips from local experts:
- Arrive 10 minutes early to complete sign-in so the briefing can start on time.
- Bring a small daypack; helmets and ATVs are provided so only personal layers and essentials are needed.
- Tell the guide if you have prior ATV experience or medical conditions so they can assign appropriate riding positions.
Departure — ride through sled dog area into Nasaasaaq Valley
Set off from town, passing the local sled dog area and descending into the protective floor of Nasaasaaq Valley. The route is scenic but kept at safe speeds to allow group cohesion.
Tips from local experts:
- Keep a safe following distance; the guide will set a pace suitable for the group.
- Secure phones and loose items in a zipped pocket or dry bag to avoid loss on bumpy sections.
- Wear the outer layers you’ll want for the ride; wind chill increases on exposed ridgelines.
Stop at Waterfall Passage (Assaqutaq trail)
Short walk from the ATV parking to a mountain waterfall along the Assaqutaq trail. Stretch legs, refill water bottles with mountain water, and take photos.
Tips from local experts:
- Wear grippy shoes for the short, uneven walk from the ATVs to the waterfall.
- Bring a refillable water bottle to sample fresh meltwater; the guide can point to a safe collection spot.
- Avoid standing at the very edge of wet rocks — surfaces are slippery even in summer.
Scenic pause at Arctic Circle Trail lake (ACT Lake)
Engines off for a peaceful break at the lakeshore. Time to listen to the tundra, photograph the landscape, and ask the guide about local flora and route history.
Tips from local experts:
- Bring sunglasses and a windproof layer; reflections from the lake can be bright and the wind can be cool.
- Keep a respectful distance from nesting birds and fragile tundra vegetation.
- Use this stop to adjust clothing and check batteries on cameras/phones while the guide inspects the ATVs.
Arctic Circle Viewpoint — photo & refreshment stop
Arrive at the main viewpoint for photos, guide commentary about Kanerlusaqsuk Tulleq and the Ice Sheet visible on clear days, and provided refreshments.
Tips from local experts:
- Keep cameras ready; the viewpoint is exposed so quick photo opportunities can be affected by clouds or wind.
- If you need a short break from the wind, ask the guide to position the group behind natural shelter.
- Accept the provided refreshment promptly so the group schedule stays on track.
Visit to Qerrortusoq Majoriaq (“Murder Hill”)
Short ride to the Qerrortusoq Majoriaq section of trail famed from the Arctic Circle Race. Observe the terrain’s challenges and take photos; this stop includes a short explanation of the area’s race history and terrain features.
Tips from local experts:
- This area can be steep and rocky; obey the guide’s instructions for safe dismounts and photo spots.
- If you prefer to stay on the ATVs rather than walk steep sections, tell the guide and they will accommodate.
- Watch your step — loose rock and uneven ground are common around ridges.
Return ride to Sisimiut — scenic overlooks of Nasaasaaq Valley & Davis Strait
Leisurely ride back toward town with one or two short stops to admire valley and sea views from different angles before descending to Sisimiut.
Tips from local experts:
- Keep cameras accessible for quick shoreline or valley shots during short viewpoint stops.
- Use this time to layer up or down — conditions can change quickly when descending from higher terrain.
- Keep a light grip on the handlebars on long descents and follow the guide’s chosen line for safety.
Arrival back in Sisimiut — debrief and tour close
Return to the original meeting point at or near Hotel Sisimiut for ATV handback, final debrief, and departure with memories of the route.
Tips from local experts:
- Allow time at the end of the tour to ask the guide for local recommendations or to report any lost items.
- Remove liners or wet layers before entering indoor spaces at the hotel to keep shared areas clean.
- Check the ATVs’ assigned storage (if used) before leaving to ensure you have all personal items.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 1 |
| Highlights | 5 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Friends |
| Transfers | 1 |
| Restaurants | - |
| Total Activities | 7 |
| Total Places | 7 |
| Activities Types | Hotel, Outdoor, Attraction, Transfer |