Greenland Arctic Xplorers: Ultimate adventures in the beautiful Arctic wilderness

By Trine Ejlskov Jensen-Martin

Combining a love of the great outdoors and extreme sports, this Nuuk-based company offers a wide variety of experiences of Greenland, from extreme trail races for thrill seekers, to boat trips and mountain hikes for nature lovers. Greenland Arctic Xplorers is at the forefront of unparallelled and extraordinary adventures.

Greenland Arctic Xplorers is a tour operator like no other, with a background in extreme trail races. Built on a love for adventure and the great outdoors, this booming family-run business is behind three of Greenland’s most attended extreme running races. Since expanding the company in 2023, it now offers a comprehensive range of open and closed charter boat tours and holiday cabin rentals.

Owner and founder Jens Kristian Berthelsen set up NuukKap Extreme Running Race 12 years ago, and one of his main aims has always been to share the beauty of Greenland’s unique nature and breathtaking landscapes. “One of the things we enjoy doing most is taking tourists into the real wilderness of Greenland,” Berthelsen says. Respect and appreciation of the flora and fauna in and around Nuuk is a crucial part of the events and tours organised.

Working alongside Berthelsen is his son and co-founder Qooqu Chemnitz Berthelsen and daughters Niviaq Chemnitz Berthelsen and Nuunu Chemnitz Berthelsen. “My two daughters both ski competitively at a high level and have participated in the World Cup several times,” Berthelsen says, himself an experienced skier, so the apple does not fall far from the tree!

Greenland Arctic Xplorers: Ultimate adventures in the beautiful Arctic wilderness

Left: Photo: Jens Kristian Berthelsen. Right: Photo: Qooquu Chemnitz Berthelsen.

Adventurous trail races

NuukKap is a tough 110 kilometre long race not for the fainthearted, which must be completed within three days. The route goes from Nuuk to Kapisillit, and participants stay the night in tents during the race. “We arrange every aspect of the race from the event itself, to the tents and meals for our guests,” Berthelsen says. The event has grown in popularity over the years, reaching 170 participants a few years ago. This annual race takes place during the first week of July.

The KangNu Extreme Running Race, which is in its 24th year, goes from the Kangerluaarsunnguaq fjord (The Copper fjord) to Nuuk and has three distances, from the very challenging and ITRA approved ultra run distance 56 kilometres, to 35 kilometres and the more accessible 20 kilometres, which you can either walk or run.

The 1653 Kiinaasaq Extreme Race runs from Kapisillit to the top of the highest mountain in Nuuk. It also has three different distances to choose from and you can walk the shortest trail, enjoying nature along the way rather than racing to win. “The journey itself is what matters,” says Berthelesen. “A big part of the joy for us is sharing our love of nature here.”

Photo: Jens Kristian Berthelsen

Arctic wilderness and local culture

Greenland Arctic Xplorers also arranges a vast selection of boat tours, which take in the more secluded and unapproachable parts of Nuuk’s coastline, from day trips on the Nuuk fjord and tours to Kapsillit, to fishing trips on the fjord where a local chef will prepare your own catch for dinner, to unforgettable trips on the ice fjord, whale safaris, and excursions, to the stunning island of Qoornoq, which takes you to the very heart of Greenland.

Whichever adventure you seek, the experienced local guides will take you on an incredible journey through some of the most stunning landscapes on earth, and you may even spot a reindeer or an Arctic fox along the way.

The company currently has two rental cabins in Kapisillit; Illu Majuala caters for six people and Illu Saqqaannguit sleeps ten. In the near future, the team will also be able to offer Illu Aningannaa, a cabin for six in Qoornoq. The cabins are a perfect blend of comfort and cosiness, and a chance for guests to spend more time in the area and delve a little deeper into the nature and the culture of Greenland.

As well as expanding the family business, cabins, tours and races bring many visitors to Nuuk, and this is an important aspect of the vision. Greenland Arctic Xplorers is fully committed to responsible tourism and supporting local commerce and culture, always being mindful of the surrounding nature.

Whatever adventure you seek, from adrenaline-fuelled extreme races in a land of ice and snow, to serene moments spent in magnificent wilderness at sea or on land, Greenland Arctic Xplorers is guaranteed to take you on an unforgettable journey, and with its vast experience and a deeply-rooted respect for nature, the team will share with you this stunning country and fascinating culture.