The Arctic Circle is located at the top of the Northern Hemisphere, surrounded by the Arctic Ocean. It is a land of varied wildlife that is present solely in the region. Though not a continent, it is still a huge landmass that is covered with snow permanently. This northernmost region of the Earth is bordered mainly by Nordic countries like Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and Finland. Countries like Russia, Canada, and the American Alaskan region are also its geographical neighbours.
Reaching the Destination
Unlike Antarctica, it is easier to reach the Arctic Circle with its close proximity to major countries, which provide access to the area. One of the most sought-after locations is Spitsbergen, which is a Norweigan island located in the north of the country. Iceland also has the island of Grimsey, which is near the North Pole. Since the Scandinavian countries are nearby, during the winter months, there are numerous ice hotels where you can experience a winter wonderland filled with ice, adventure, and snow.
The most popular and easiest option to travel there is by Arctic cruises, as they are built to withstand the harsh weather and frigid temperatures. These polar cruises are laden with luxurious accommodations and can last up to two to three weeks. If you take the smaller ships, you will be able to navigate through the remote fjords with crystal blue waters and towering mountains on the sides.
Enchanting Expeditions
There are many activities that the intrepid traveller can enjoy in the land where the sun does not set for the summer months (midnight sun) and does not rise for the winter months (polar nights). Many travellers visit the region solely for the northern lights, also known as Aurora Borealis, which are streaks of green, purple, and red that fall over the sky like a curtain as they envelop the atmosphere with heaven-like radiance and aura.
A trip to the Arctic is not just a picturesque expedition but a memorable adventure whose blueprints remain etched on the memory of the traveller. The quiet tranquillity, which shuns the humdrum of city life, offers a slow escapade in the glorious canvas of nature, which is painted in streaks of white and blue. The thundering glaciers, which are massive in size, resound to the fact of the minuteness of humans, making it an awe-inspiring location. For people who are nature lovers and are keen to witness flora and fauna in their pristine condition, the abundance of wildlife like polar bears, walrus, reindeer, Arctic foxes, beluga whales and numerous species of seabirds can be found in their natural habitat.
Disko Bay which sits on the western coast of Greenland is a spectacular place to see the scultputed icebergs. You can also meet the indigenous communities in Nunavut and Greeland and have a first hand experience of the life in the Arctic who have been residing on this land for thousands of years. Their life, cusine, occupations are all influenced by the natural condition of their environment making them form a sustainable art of living.
Best Time to Visit
The Arctic Circle can be visited all throughout the year depending on the itinerary of the traveller. To enjoy a wildlife viewing trip, it is ideal to visit Russia in the summer months which are from June to August when the sun is 24 hour shining which makes it easier to have a close look at the wildlife.
For witnessing the Northern Lights, Greenland and Iceland are a good option from September to October as the darkness makes the light more vibrant and improves their visibility.
For polar bears sighting, May to August in Svalbard is the perfect spot as the ice melts and the waterway routes are easier to navigate. In the Canadian High Arctic, it is best to visit in June to mid-July as the temperature is just perfect for the polar bears and walruses to hunt along the ice edges for food.
