One of the first things you’ll find out as a potential tourist to Greenland is that our road network is extremely limited. In fact, there are no roads connecting the different towns and settlements – meaning the most common ways to get around are by water and air.

But paved roads are not always necessary to embrace the freedom and flexibility that a bicycle can offer – why not take on Greenland’s backcountry with a good quality mountain bike, or even conquer snow and sea ice on a fatbike!

Within minutes, you can be out of town and into the wilderness, tackling varied terrain that passes through diverse landscapes. Check out some of Greenland’s most unique and accessible biking experiences, separated according to region.

ARCTIC CIRCLE REGION

Kangerlussuaq

Kangerlussuaq is perhaps the most convenient town in Greenland for biking, since it is home to the longest road in the country, which stretches from the ice cap all the way to the start of the Arctic Circle Trail, about 16 km west of Kangerlussuaq town.

Where to go:

A popular trip is to cycle out to the ice sheet – either to Russell Glacier which runs off the ice cap, or further on to Point 660 – the edge of the ice cap itself. But be warned – this trip can be pretty hardcore! It’s about 25 km from town out to the ice sheet, and the road can be rocky and sandy, so make sure you get a mountain bike and that everything is in good working order. Along the way, enjoy the rolling mountainous scenery and look out for local wildlife, such as musk oxen, reindeer, arctic hares and birds.

You can also cycle across to the ‘other side’ of town from the airport, and then follow the road further for 5 km to beautiful Lake Ferguson, a popular spot for kayaking in the summer and cross-country skiing in the winter. West of town, the road takes you about 10 km to the harbour onto the fjord.

Where to hire:

You can hire bikes at Old Camp and Polar Lodge between May and September, and the staff there can also provide you with local road maps.

Fatbiking:

In winter, Kangerlussuaq is a popular location for fatbiking since it is possible to bike the Arctic Circle Trail in this way. Fatbikes are specialised mountain bikes with extra fat tires (hence the name!), offering a smooth ride over the tough Arctic terrain. They allow you to traverse frozen lakes and cut through snow on two wheels. Experience Kangerlussuaq on a fatbike with Sirius Greenland.

Sisimiut

Sisimiut is the second largest city in Greenland and is notable for its urban vibe. Most of the bikes you’ll see here will probably be in the outdoor skateparks being ridden by young BMXers! In the summer, you can often watch riders in the parks all night long under the midnight sun. Sisimiut has even produced a few homegrown professional BMX riders.

Where to go:

Despite the vibrant buzz of the city, Sisimiut locals are closely connected to the wilderness that is almost literally in their backyard. To the east of the city the main road becomes a network of dirt tracks which are great for all levels of biking, especially in the summer when the sun dries them out.

Hotel Sisimiut has published its own bike maps of routes both around the city and out into the backcountry. Pick them up at the hotel itself or download them here.

Where to hire:

Rent bikes from Hotel Sisimiut or the Seamen’s Home and head out on the trails on your own, or join an organised tour, either in the city or in the wilderness.