Looking for a vacation destination that promises natural beauty, unspoiled scenery, and amazing wildlife? A trip to the Arctic Circle may be right for you. The countries surrounding the Arctic have a lot to offer. We assure you that you’ll see a lot more than ice and snow.
These are the most beautiful Arctic destinations you have to visit.
Ilulissat, Greenland
As cruises to Greenland become more easily available, you don’t have to stress about how to visit the most beautiful Arctic destinations. One of the highlights of any trip to Greenland is the Ilulissat Icefjord, which is not only beautiful but also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Glaciers and icebergs impress everyone with their majestic appearance, and they make excellent backdrops for your holiday snaps. But they’re also highly significant to the world’s ecosystem, as they make up 68.7% of the world’s freshwater supply.
Need a break from gazing at icebergs? You’ll discover many fun and family-friendly activities here too, like dog sledding and whale watching.
Wrangel Island, Russia
Another UNESCO-listed Arctic area, Wrangel Island boasts a unique ecosystem.
It owes its uniqueness to the fact that it was not glaciated during the Quaternary Ice Age. This has led to exceptionally high biodiversity for an Arctic region.
This island has the highest density of ancestral polar bear dens and the world’s largest Pacific walrus population. As if that isn’t exciting enough, wildlife fans will be happy to know that this is also the northernmost nesting ground of 100 migratory bird species.
Wrangel Island is home to more species and subspecies of vascular plants than any other Arctic island. This is why it’s crucial that visitors to the island practice responsible tourism to preserve this. environmental treasure.
Svalbard, Norway
Norway is home to one of the most captivating bridges across Scandinavia, the Svinesund Bridge. This huge bridge with its impressive arch allows convenient travel between Norway and neighboring Sweden. But it’s not all that’s impressive about Norway!
The Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard between mainland Norway and the North Pole is a must for your Arctic travel bucket list. Well known for its stunning glaciers and fjords, Svalbard is also the ideal destination for spotting those famous Arctic mammals known as polar bears.
A trip to Svalbard in the winter also allows you to view the world-renowned Aurora Borealis, better known as the Northern Lights. Longyearbyen, a former coal-mining town and the largest settlement on Svalbard is one of the best places to view this spectacular natural light show.
Lapland, Finland
Finland has earned the title “world’s happiest country” for five consecutive years, and we’re sure the incredible scenic beauty has something to do with it. It’s guaranteed to cheer you up when you’re feeling sad and blue.
As one of the last great wilderness areas of Europe, Finland’s Lapland is also one of the most beautiful Arctic destinations to visit. But Lapland has another claim to fame. You’ll be able to realize your lifelong dream of meeting Santa Claus in Rovaniemi, Santa’s official village. Entrance is free.
Almost destroyed during World War II, Santa’s magic restored Rovaniemi into a modern and thriving town. Reindeer sledding and ice fishing are popular outdoor activities in Lapland, and here in Santa’s village, you can enjoy reindeer rides in the winter and spring.
Reykjavik, and the Golden Circle, Iceland
If you think all the Arctic can offer visitors is ice and snow and polar bears, you haven’t visited the world’s northernmost capital, Reykjavik. Iceland’s capital city marks the start of Iceland’s Golden Circle, which includes the country’s three most popular tourist attractions – Þingvellir National Park, Geysir geothermal area, and Gullfoss waterfall.
Langjökull is the closest glacier to the capital, and you can go on a snowmobile tour here to sightsee with a difference. But when you’ve had your fill of the usual Arctic landscapes, a visit to the Blue Lagoon will give you an unexpected and relaxing experience.
These famous blue waters are always warm and pleasant, ranging from 98-104 F year-round. The Blue Lagoon owes its iconic hue to the silica-rich geothermal water reflecting the sunlight.
Churchill, Canada
Atlantic Canada is home to some of the best motorcycle scenic routes you could wish for. But that’s not all Canada has to offer.
Churchill, a town in northern Manitoba, is located along the shore of Hudson Bay, just south of the Arctic Circle. This northernmost seaport in Canada has earned the reputation as the “Polar Bear Capital of the World.” These gorgeous Arctic bears leave their sea ice habitats and go ashore every summer when the ice melts.
You’re sure to have a whale of a time in Churchill in summertime because this is also the best time for some Beluga whale watching. This is when they make their way to the Churchill River Estuary to mate, birth, and feed.
