Essential Information for Arctic Travelers
The world is vast and filled with countless wonders that are impossible to fully explore. Among the many intriguing destinations is the Arctic, a region often regarded as a cold and desolate place. However, the Arctic offers a unique and fascinating experience that attracts numerous travelers. What makes this icy expanse so appealing? Here are some interesting facts about the Arctic that may surprise you.
Life in the Arctic
Despite the harsh weather conditions that might seem uninhabitable for humans, the Arctic is home to various indigenous peoples. These communities have lived in the northern parts of Canada, Alaska, and around Svalbard for centuries. These areas are also prime spots for observing polar bears in their natural habitat, as well as other wildlife such as Orca whales, humpback whales, beluga whales, Arctic foxes, and Svalbard reindeer.
Visit the Solovetsky Islands
The Solovetsky Islands, or Solovki, drift in the mist of the White Sea, far from any other human settlements. You can explore these islands through Arctic tour websites, take a whale-watching tour, or sail to Bolshoi Zayatsky Island. The latter is known for its 13 mysterious stone labyrinths, believed to have been constructed by the ancient Sami people for ceremonial purposes.
Explore the Village of Teriberka
If you’re traveling to the Arctic in northern Russia, it would be a missed opportunity not to dip your toes in the coldest ocean in the world. A gravel road extends across the snowy tundra to the village of Teriberka on the Barents Sea coast. This village has been inhabited by fishermen since the 16th century and features remnants of Soviet-era buildings, beachside shipwrecks, and a colorful graveyard with an oddly beautiful charm.
Discover the Gerlache Strait
The Gerlache Strait offers stunning landscapes and abundant wildlife, making it a fantastic destination in its own right. Key spots in this area include Paradise Bay, renowned for its massive icebergs, floating ice, and penguin colonies.
The Arctic’s Seasons
Similar to other regions on Earth, the Arctic experiences seasonal temperature changes throughout the year. Despite the extreme cold, the Arctic does have seasonal variations. July is typically the warmest month in the Arctic, making it an ideal time for Arctic tours, with temperatures occasionally reaching up to 32°C (89.6°F). In contrast, February is the coldest month, with temperatures potentially dropping below -34°C (-29.2°F). Daylight hours also vary with the seasons, with some regions experiencing six months of continuous daylight and six months of near-complete darkness.
Not the Coldest Place on Earth
You might be surprised to learn that, even though temperatures in the Arctic can plummet to -34°C (-29.2°F) during winter, it is not the coldest place on Earth. That title goes to Antarctica, where winter temperatures average -57°C (-70.6°F), and can even drop to -84°C (-119.2°F). Antarctica is situated on a thick ice sheet that stands more than 9,000 feet above sea level, whereas the Arctic consists of a much thinner ice layer and is close to sea level, with its cold absorbed from the Arctic Ocean.
Traveling to the Arctic offers a unique and unforgettable experience, with its stunning landscapes, rich wildlife, and intriguing cultural sites. Although it is cold, it is a world apart from the familiar, making it a must-visit for those seeking adventure and wonder in one of the planet’s most remote and captivating regions.
