The Arctic Circle is positioned on the high of the Earth and is an superior journey spot if you happen to love picturesque landscapes and winter actions. In case you like exploring untouched wilderness, the Arctic is filled with icy terrain, huge glaciers and wide-open areas.
Round mid-June, there may be a couple of day or extra the place the solar frequently stays above the horizon, and there’s a interval round mid-December when the solar doesn’t rise for a day or extra .
Common temperatures within the Arctic Circle fluctuate relying on location and time of yr. Nevertheless, common temperatures are normally round -30 levels Fahrenheit or decrease in winter. Summer season temperatures vary from 30 to 50 levels Fahrenheit.
The Arctic Circle is the northernmost circle of latitude on Earth. It’s positioned roughly 66 levels 30 toes north. Nations included within the Arctic Circle embody Norway, Sweden, Finland, Russia, the USA (components of Alaska), Canada, Denmark (through Greenland), and Iceland.
Jukkasjärvi, Sweden
Jukkasjärvi, Sweden, is a small village positioned about 125 miles north of the Arctic Circle. Jukkasjärvi is thought for its gorgeous Northern Lights, wealthy Sami cultural heritage and breathtaking Arctic wilderness which presents a spread of outside actions.
Guests usually come to expertise the breathtaking Northern Lights and take part in winter actions similar to canine sledding and snowmobiling by means of the wilderness. Summer season presents midnight solar, rafting on the Torne River and the chance to find out about indigenous Sámi tradition. Jukkasjärvi can be well-known for its ICE HOTELcarved from blocks of ice each winter.
December presents a basic winter expertise with temperatures starting from 8 to 18°F. For many who wish to keep away from the deepest chilly whereas nonetheless having fun with Jukkasjärvi’s distinctive choices, the shoulder seasons from mid-April to Could and September to mid-October could possibly be supreme.
Tromso, Norway
Often known as the “Gateway to the Arctic,” Tromsø, Norway is the perfect vacation spot for explorers seeking to start their Arctic adventures and is positioned roughly 220 miles north of the Arctic Circle. Many individuals enterprise to Tromsø to hunt, fish and watch the Northern Lights.
Whether or not you like to admire the panoramic views from Mount Storsteinen by cable automobile or discover the magnificent Arctic Cathedral, Tromsø presents a wealth of sights through the winter months, together with the Northern Lights, canine sled rides by means of snowy landscapes and whale watching within the fjords.
The most effective occasions to go to Tromsø is the autumn months of September and October. That is the right time to view the Northern Lights with out the extraordinarily unfavorable temperatures that happen in the course of winter. The temperature usually ranges from the mid 30s to 50°F, however make sure you pack your rain jacket as there may be appreciable precipitation throughout this time.
Reykjavik, Iceland
Arguably one of the crucial well-known locations within the Arctic Circle is the capital Reykjavík, Iceland, positioned roughly 200 miles south of the Arctic Circle. It has grown in recognition over time, primarily as a result of its magnificent Northern Lights, abundance of museums and vibrant nightlife.
A number of the finest winter actions to attempt whereas visiting Reykjavík embody snowboarding, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and glacier climbing. After ending a morning of journey, there is no higher approach to loosen up and absorb extraordinary surroundings than by enjoyable within the geothermal waters close to the Blue Lagoon or Sky Lagoon.
In case you are searching for the perfect time to go to Iceland through the winter months and luxuriate in winter sports activities and actions, February is the right time to discover Reykjavík. It presents wonderful alternatives to view the enchanting Northern Lights, and the Winter Competition of Lights normally takes place this month. Anticipate temperatures to vary from the higher 20s F to the higher 30s F throughout this time.
Rovaniemi, Finland
Rovaniemi, Finland, the official dwelling of Santa Claus, is a exceptional metropolis positioned about 5 miles south of the Arctic Circle. It’s well-known for its Santa Claus Village, the place guests can go to Santa Claus day by day of the yr. This festive village is filled with outlets, eating places, cafes and actions for everybody to take pleasure in. Expertise the most well-liked adventures, like canine sledding and reindeer rides. For a extra exhilarating choice, think about taking a snowmobile experience.
The best time for a go to to Rovaniemi is December, with its iconic Santa Claus Village and the prospect to fulfill Santa himself through the peak Christmas season. Though that is the busiest time to go to, the magical ambiance makes it value it. Make sure that to decorate warmly; with temperatures starting from 10 to 25°F, you may wish to keep heat whereas exploring this quaint trip city.
Fairbanks, Alaska
Fairbanks, Alaska’s second largest metropolis, is thought for its gorgeous Northern Lights. Town is a charming vacation spot for these in search of the unspoiled pure fantastic thing about the USA and is positioned roughly 200 miles south of the Arctic Circle.
Often known as Alaska’s Coronary heart of Gold, Fairbanks has a deep historical past tied to the Gold Rush and boasts immense Native American tradition. It is a nice selection for US residents who wish to view the Northern Lights with out touring to a different nation. It is usually a gateway for guests to Denali Nationwide Park.
In winter, take pleasure in canine sledding, observing the Northern Lights, snowmobiling and ice fishing. In case you are thinking about studying extra about Native American tradition, try the Morris Thompson Cultural and Tourism Heartthe place you may uncover extra about Alaska’s cultural roots.
One of the best time to go to is November to see nice views of the Northern Lights and catch good fish whereas ice fishing. The climate usually ranges from -5 to 10°F, so pack loads of heat layers.
Yellowknife, Canada
Yellowknife is the capital of Canada’s Northwest Territories and is positioned roughly 250 miles south of the Arctic Circle. This former mining city is common for its Northern Lights and indigenous tradition. In winter, along with viewing the colourful Northern Lights, you may take pleasure in a handful of winter actions, together with ice fishing, snowmobiling, canine sledding, and snow tubing. A go to to the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Heart is a should for these thinking about Aboriginal tradition.
The optimum time to discover Yellowknife for winter actions is November, providing the chance to view the magnificent Northern Lights and luxuriate in comparatively gentle climate, with temperatures usually between 5 and 20°F.
Nuuk, Greenland
Nuuk is the capital of Greenland and is legendary for its brightly coloured waterside homes. It’s positioned roughly 150 miles south of the Arctic Circle. This small city is thought for its lovely waterfalls, Inuit tradition, icebergs and out of doors adventures. A number of the finest winter actions to take pleasure in embody snowshoeing, viewing the Northern Lights, and glacier climbing.
One of the best time to go to winter actions and watch the Northern Lights is late September and November. Throughout this time, temperatures usually vary from the higher 20s to the mid 40s Fahrenheit.
Murmansk, Russia
The massive metropolis of Murmansk is legendary for being the place to begin for a lot of Arctic adventures, with many fishing journeys departing from right here. This metropolis lies 125 miles north of the Arctic Circle and is common for its magnificent Northern Lights, and January is among the finest months to view them.
January is a improbable time to go to Murmansk, not solely due to the Northern Lights but in addition due to the Snegoled pageant. This unimaginable celebration is centered round huge and complex ice sculptures and is a must-see occasion when visiting through the winter season. Throughout this time, you may anticipate temperatures between 10 and 20°F.
Along with experiencing the Northern Lights and the Ice Sculpture Competition, guests can take part in snow tubing and snowboarding. One other common attraction to take a look at whereas visiting the world is the Lenin icebreaker.
Your Arctic trip awaits
Vacationing in or close to the Arctic Circle presents an escape right into a world of stark, haunting magnificence the place the solar barely rises within the lifeless of winter. It is a spot the place the Northern Lights dance throughout a star-filled sky and the panorama is an unlimited canvas of ice, snow and rugged mountains. The Arctic Circle isn’t just a vacation spot; it is an journey into a few of the planet’s most awe-inspiring pure wonders, a check of the human spirit towards the weather and an unforgettable journey into nature.
Abby and Sam Worth are the founders and storytellers of Trekking Costs, a {couples} out of doors journey and journey weblog. They’re enthusiastic about sharing their travels, ideas and suggestions with others.
