The Expedition Greenland: An Insane Adventure on Play4

The Expedition Greenland: An Insane Adventure on Play4

Since early 2024, the Greenland expedition has been shown on Play4, the Belgian television channel. What began with the online screening on Streamz in December grew into a ratings hit. This was a challenging adventure that I, Henk-Jan Geel, along with Brecht de Meulenaar, supervised as part of the cast. In this blog post, I take you behind the scenes of this crazy expedition, where we completed the Arctic Circle Trail with a diverse group of familiar Belgian faces.

Together with Lynn van Royen on the Expedition

The Cast and the Challenge

The cast of expedition Greenland included presenter Joris Hessels, actress Tine Embrechts, presenter Victor Verhulst, lawyer Sven Marie, actress Lynn van Royen, politician Jinnih Beels, youtuber Avarage Rob and singer/actress Pommelien Thijs. Together we covered a distance of about 160 kilometers, from Kangerlusuaq to Sissimut. It was a hellish trek, with temperatures as low as -40 degrees Celsius.

The cast team on the Arctic Circle Trail

Collaboration with Guides and Crew

In addition to the cast, there were also three guides, Rob, Karin and Manu, who accompanied us behind the scenes. They work for Arctic Adventure (Karin) and for Polar Experience (Manu and Rob). They made sure the entire crew, consisting of directors, camera people, sound people, a drone operator and snowmobile drivers, could safely reach the right spots to shoot the footage. With three snowmobiles around us, the crew was always provided with transportation.

IPGA Guide Manu Poudelet

WGA Guide Karin Sloove

Guide Rob Vercauteren

An Insane Adventure

In total, we took about thirteen days on the Arctic Circle Trail. During these days we experienced different weather conditions, from storms to beautiful weather where we could even walk in a t-shirt on the Greenland snowfields. But we also experienced harsh winds and extreme cold, with -40 degrees Celsius being no exception. It was an adventure never to be forgotten.

The crew in the evening at the Expedition in Groe;and

Experiences and Future Plans

What I personally loved was how quickly the cast picked up the tips and tricks from Brecht and me. They soon became full-fledged expedition members. Whether they all made it to the finish line? You have to see that for yourself. But I can tell you it was a huge challenge. We learned a lot, worked hard and experienced some minor mishaps, but fortunately nothing serious.

I am already looking forward to having another such adventure. Maybe with a cast of famous Belgians, maybe with a cast of famous Dutchmen. But what I love most of all is to just set out with participants who are completely unfamiliar, but are adventurous and eager to do the Arctic Circle Trail. So if you feel like joining us, feel free to send me a message.

Joris Hessels in his element on the Arctic Circle Trail

Experience the Adventure

Would you like to experience such an adventure yourself? Then I have good news for you. Polar Experience in Belgium is offering tours for the Arctic Circle Trail. We also have tours ready where you can train for an adventure like this. Or maybe you want to go on a fantastic adventure in northern Sweden or Norway. The possibilities are endless.

Final word

The expedition Greenland on Play4 was an unforgettable adventure. Together with an amazing cast and a talented crew, we conquered the Arctic Circle Trail. It was a challenge full of extreme weather conditions, but above all an experience that enriched us. Greenland is beautiful.
Are you ready for such an adventure? Then contact me and who knows, you might soon be standing on the Greenland snow plains yourself, surrounded by breathtaking nature and a team of adventurers.

Cast and crew of the Expedition on Greenland