The Arctic
Always Surprising, Often Misunderstood
The Arctic polar region is located in the northernmost part of the planet and is bordered by the subarctic and temperate zones. Our expedition voyages in the Arctic include journeys to Jan Mayen, Iceland, Canada, Svalbard, and Greenland. Each destination offers a uniquely unforgettable experience.
A Fascinating History. A Diverse Culture.
- At least 40 Indigenous languages are spoken in the Arctic, including the Inuit-Yupik-Unangax languages (between eastern Siberia and East Greenland), Sami languages in northern Scandinavia, Athabaskan languages in Canada and Alaska, and a variety of unrelated languages in northern Russia, including Nivkh and Evenk.
- The Greenland Ice Sheet is the largest mass of ice outside Antarctica, measuring 1.71 million km². That’s over three times the size of France!
- Despite being viewed as a constant deep freeze, Arctic temperatures vary hugely by location and season. The warmest summer areas are in Arctic Russia, while the coldest summers are atop the Greenland Ice Sheet. The warmest Arctic winters are in coastal areas of Scandinavia, but temperatures on the Greenland Ice Sheet have been known to drop to a terrifying -94°F (-70°C)!
Destinations Within The Arctic
A Rich and Varied Geography
The Arctic is the northernmost region of Earth and is dominated by the Arctic Ocean Basin. Most scientists describe the Arctic as the area within the Arctic Circle, a line of latitude about 66.5° north of the Equator, above which midnight sun and polar night occur. Others define the Arctic as the region in which July average temperatures are below 50°F (10°C) – the limit for trees to grow. The Arctic is almost entirely covered by water, much of it frozen. Some features, such as glaciers and icebergs, are frozen freshwater, while the Arctic Ocean itself is covered by frozen seawater.
Because the Arctic Ocean absorbs so much more solar radiation than the reflective Antarctic Ice Sheet, the Arctic is much warmer than the Antarctic. In fact, its geography and wildlife are highly diverse, with some areas remaining practically ice-free all year round, while similar latitudes elsewhere are permanently ice-covered.
A Territory Shared by Many Countries
Eight countries have territory north of the Arctic Circle: Norway, Sweden, Finland, Russia, the USA (Alaska), Canada, Iceland and Greenland (a constituent country of the Kingdom of Denmark). Tromsø, Norway, is the largest city north of the Arctic Circle in Scandinavia and has become popularly known as the Arctic’s capital thanks to its size, rich history, and diversity. Inhabited since the end of the last Ice Age, Tromsø is home to 58,000 people of more than 100 different nationalities. The largest city in the Arctic is Murmansk in Russia (pop. ≈300,000), and the northernmost is Longyearbyen, Svalbard (pop. ≈1,800).Â
Spotting Wildlife
Despite its challenging climate, the Arctic region hosts a range of wildlife species, some common, some elusive, with sightings largely dependent on where, exactly, your expedition takes you. Arctic fox are a common sighting in many places, as are muskoxen and Arctic hare. Harbor seals and grey seals are often spotted, and Narwhals and polar bears are a rare but thrilling sight. Birders will be excited to know that over 230 species of birds have been spotted in Greenland alone.Â
Popular Expeditions to The Arctic
There are few wilder, more magnificent, and pristine places than the Arctic Islands of the North Atlantic. Enjoy the immense beauty of Svalbard, where we cruise among whales, walruses, polar bears, and millions of sea birds. Discover one of the world’s most beautiful, wild, and unspoiled natural areas, and experience Inuit culture in magnificent Greenland. Or, experience an epic journey combining several locations. Join us!
