Most people associate traveling and going on holidays with warm and humid places, such as sandy beaches or tropical islands. And while there’s no need to explain that our planet has so much more to offer, most explorers still often overlook arctic destinations.
The weather might not be as pleasant, but the sights can be truly breathtaking, especially if you’re not used to living in a cold climate, and it’s still a kind of novelty to you. There’s a wide range of breathtakingly beautiful landscapes in the Arctic, and you can travel to see them by either land or sea.
The countries around this area provide a fantastic opportunity to experience the untouched wilderness for every adventure lover. Whether you decide to travel to Greenland, explore the Svalbard archipelago in Norway, or visit the Northwest Passage, you’re bound to have a good time. Whether you want to prepare for the cold weather or get some good deals on your trip, make sure to visit heydiscount.co.uk to snag the best deals.
Here are five Arctic destinations you should add to your bucket list right now.
Greenland
If you’re looking for an unusual place to visit in the Arctic, look no further than Greenland, a beautiful country located between the North Atlantic and Arctic oceans on the island of the same name. It’s the least populated country in the world, with only 56 thousand inhabitants, and it’s also considered to be one of the safest countries in the world, which is important if you want to travel around without fearing for your life.
The country is mainly covered by a permanent ice sheet, except for some coastal areas. The coastline has plenty of fjords, valleys, glaciers, and mountains, making it a must-visit destination if you’re interested in hiking or photography. The capital of Greenland is Nuuk, which is also home to the national museum. It’s a perfect place to get acquainted with the culture and history of the country. You can even go dog sledding, skiing, or snowmobiling in certain areas, which are perfect for winter holidays.
Northwest Passage
The Northwest Passage is a famous route that connects the Atlantic and Pacific oceans through the Canadian archipelago. It represents centuries of effort to find a route westward from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean through the Arctic Archipelago, which is now Canada. Today, many ships are sailing through this part of the world, using it as a shortcut.
This route is perfect for adventurers who want to visit the Arctic but don’t like staying on the coast. There are plenty of must-see sights here, including the fjords, glaciers, icebergs, and animals such as polar bears, musk ox, walrus, beluga, and the elusive narwhal, that live in this part of the world. It’s important to remember that the Northwest Passage is open to visitors from July to September. This is the only time when temperatures are above freezing, and there’s less ice so that the ships can navigate narrow channels.
Svalbard, Norway
If you’re a fan of the cold and snow, you should definitely visit Svalbard, Norway. It’s a group of islands located about 1000 kilometers from the North Pole, and it’s home to one of the largest settlements in the Arctic. The archipelago is a popular tourist destination because of its glaciers, mountains, and natural reserves.
Every year, hundreds of people travel there to observe the wildlife, including polar bears, Svalbard reindeer, and Arctic foxes, making this place a must-visit destination for anyone who’s interested in nature photography or who loves watching rare animals. From late September to the middle of March, there’s also the Northern Lights season in Svalbard. Travel there if you want to have a chance to spot these beautiful dancing waves of light and make some unforgettable memories.
Baffin Island
Baffin Island is an important destination for anyone who wants to explore northern Canada, but it’s not as popular as other parts of this country. It’s located in Nunavut Territory, and it’s actually the homeland of the Inuit and an accessible Arctic playground for adventurous travelers.
This place is perfect for those who love winter activities because there is plenty of snow and ice here, making it easy for people to go skiing and snowmobiling. Baffin Island is also home to several glaciers and beautiful lakes that are surrounded by mountains and valleys. You will certainly love this place if you’re a fan of grand wild landscapes and winter adventures.
North Pole
The North Pole is located in the Arctic Ocean, on the northernmost point of the Earth’s surface, on water that is almost always covered with ice. For this reason, you will certainly need a special ship to reach it. Tourists visit the North Pole to experience the low temperatures and take pictures at this important geographic point.
Polar bears are a common sight in the area, as are snowy owls and reindeers. If you get lucky, you should also be able to spot whales and walruses, which can sometimes be seen from the ship. By visiting the North Pole, you can follow the footsteps of the first adventurous explorers and witness the beautiful, untouched nature that’s been this way since the dawn of time.
Conclusion
As you can see, the arctic destinations have something to offer to everyone. Whether you’re into wildlife, history, or photography, you’ll find that there are many interesting things to do here. The lack of population makes it an excellent destination for people who want to go on a solo journey or avoid crowds.
Whether you decide to visit Greenland, see the Northwest Passage, explore the Svalbard archipelago, check out Baffin Island, or sail to the North Pole if you’re looking for a truly unique adventure holiday, this is just what you need!