The best cycling routes around Greenland

Touring cycling in Greenland is primarily an adventure on rugged backcountry tracks, gravel roads, and even snow and sea ice, rather than paved roads. The terrain can be challenging, featuring dirt, ice, gravel, bedrock, and deep mud. A robust mountain bike or fatbike is highly recommended for these conditions.

Yes, one of the most notable bikepacking routes is the 'Road to Freedom,' a challenging 209-kilometer (130-mile) unpaved route connecting Kangerlussuaq to Sisimiut. This trail, once a dog sled track, offers an immersive wilderness experience with opportunities to spot reindeer and musk oxen.

While many routes are rugged, there are options for easier cycling. For instance, the Bike loop from Millsaps Mountain is an easy 4.6 miles (7.5 km) path with gentle gradients. In South Greenland, around the Narsaq Peninsula and Qassiarsuk, you can find about 80 km of gravel tractor roads linking sheep farms, which can be less technical.

Summer offers extended daylight hours with the Midnight Sun, making it ideal for exploration. However, Arctic weather is unpredictable and can change rapidly, even in summer. For extreme winter cycling with fatbikes on snow and sea ice, specialized equipment and extensive planning are required due to harsh conditions.

Yes, there are several circular routes. For example, the Clear Creek – Lake Fayetteville Trail loop from Bud Walton Arena is a popular 22.2 miles (35.8 km) loop, and the Clear Creek loop from Fayette Junction is another well-liked 17.6 miles (28.3 km) circular trail.

Greenland's diverse landscapes support a variety of Arctic wildlife. Depending on the region and season, you might spot whales, seals, reindeer, musk oxen, and arctic hares. Polar bears are present but are elusive.

Key challenges include limited infrastructure, meaning inter-town travel often requires flights or ferries, and resupply points are few. The terrain is rugged, and Arctic weather is unpredictable. Many routes are in isolated wilderness areas with no cell service, emphasizing the need for self-sufficiency and emergency communication devices.

Yes, from Kangerlussuaq, cyclists can ride out to the Russell Glacier or Point 660, which is the edge of the ice cap. This is a challenging 25 km trip on rocky and sandy terrain, offering stunning views and the chance to see musk oxen and reindeer.

There are over 25 touring cycling routes documented in Greenland, catering to various skill levels. This includes 14 easy routes, 11 moderate routes, and 4 more difficult expeditions.

The routes in Greenland are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.9 stars from over 20 reviews. Cyclists often praise the unique wilderness experience, the dramatic landscapes of ice, mountains, and fjords, and the challenging yet rewarding nature of the unpaved tracks.

Absolutely. For a shorter ride, consider routes like the Bike loop from Fayetteville, which is 11.1 km and takes about 39 minutes, or the Bike loop from Bud Walton Arena, a 10.6 km route that can be completed in around 38 minutes. These are generally easy and offer a good way to experience the local terrain.

Due to the limited road infrastructure, inter-settlement travel in Greenland is primarily by water or air. While some towns like Nuuk have local road networks, reaching remote cycling routes often requires careful planning involving flights or ferries, rather than extensive public road transport.