East Greenland

MOUNTAIN RUNNING & SAILBOAT ADVENTURE

This is an exploration trip.
No Detailed itinerary will be released for this adventure.

Trip Essentials

Date:

SUMMER

Price from:

4000 USD PER PERSON - 7 NIGHTS / 8 DAYS

Guide:

INGA FANNEY

Level of Difficulty:

4 / 5

TRIP PROFILE

The east coast of Greenland is an awesome wilderness. Only 3,500 people, scattered among small towns and settlements, inhabit its 2,600 km of stunning coastline. This is the Arctic with all its breathtaking beauty and striking scenery.

This trip is suitable for mountain runners, interested in experiencing the magic of early autumn in East Greenland. Cruising in the sheltered ice-filled fjords of the Ammassalik area onboard Arktika, our expedition sailing yacht, we welcome all mountain runners with the experience in technical running.

When on firm land, we will aim for the hills and mountains. There are hardly any trails where we go, so the terrain is technical. Participants must be experienced runners and prepared to carry a mandatory kit during the time on land for all participants safety.

The expedition sailboat is our movable ‘backcountry hut’ and awaits us at the end of every day with gourmet meals, warm and comfortable bunks, and friendly conversation.

This is a true exploration! The final itinerary is decided upon setting sail from Kulusuk Harbour. We will take into account the weather and sea-ice conditions and will always look for the best possible option. The following description gives an idea of how a day-to-day plan can materialize:

We will run up mountains, around lakes and along fjords. We will visit the big Sermilik ice-fjord, walk the streets of Tasiilaq and cruise the sounds and channels between the villages in the East. We will spend nights in spectacular, remote anchorages. This is early autumn in the Arctic and the northern lights will surely light up the night sky for us. We will feel the winter approaching and it will be quite possible to see a sprinkle of fresh snow on the mountaintops. The trip will start and end in the village of Kulusuk, from which there are daily flights to Iceland and other parts of Greenland.

DISTANCE: 15 – 30 km each day
ELEVATION: 400 – 2000 m each day

CONDITIONS

East Greenlandic terrain is very technical and challenging. This trip is only for experienced runners who are used to running off trails. On this trip there is less distance but more technique. Typically, we will spend 4 – 5 hours on land each day enjoying what the nature on land has to offer. We are not running the whole time. Everybody will run at their own pace and can take the time to enjoy the scenery. We will stop for photos, lunch, etc. These are technical but easy-going days.

WEATHER

The short summer in Eastern Greenland can exhibit all kinds of weather — most of which is governed by the warm gulf current between Iceland and Eastern Greenland. The weather pattern is an unpredictable mixture of marine low-pressure systems mixed with the more stable high-pressure inland climate (generated by the immense, cold Greenland icecap). The temperatures range from 0C to 15C (32F to 59F). In other words, you should prepare for sunshine as well as showers. Winds can quickly shift and we might experience the ferociously katabatic Piteraq hurricanes (very rare, but possible nonetheless). Given the area’s proximity to the Arctic Circle, while it's a bit early in the season, it may still be possible to see the Northern Lights at night.

WILDLIFE IN GREENLAND

Greenland is the homeland of polar bears. We will take measures to stay away from these beautiful animals, and view them from a safe distance, if spotted. It is advisable not to go for a walk alone or without letting the guide know. The waters are teeming with various species of seals and whales. On land we may meet the Arctic fox as well as various species of birds.