By Alaska: A journey to the land of the midnight sun
Alaska, the largest state in the USA, will amaze you with its wild beauty and untouched nature. Known as the land of the midnight sun, Alaska offers a breathtaking backdrop of majestic mountains, endless forests, sparkling glaciers and remote wilderness areas, making it a paradise for adventurers and nature lovers.
Untouched nature and spectacular landscapes
Alaska is home to some of the world’s most spectacular natural landscapes. Denali National Park is home to North America’s highest peak, Denali, and offers a stunning backdrop for hiking and wildlife viewing. The Inside Passage, a scenic shipping route along the coast, reveals the beauty of Alaska’s fjords, glaciers and rainforests.
Unique wildlife
Alaska is home to a rich wildlife that finds refuge in the state’s vast landscapes. Bears, moose, wolves, Dall sheep, and numerous bird species can be seen in their natural habitat. Alaska’s waters are also a haven for whale watching, especially humpback whales and orcas.
Adventure in the wilderness
For those seeking adventure, Alaska offers endless opportunities. Whether hiking, kayaking, skiing, fishing or exploring the many national parks and nature reserves, Alaska offers a wild and untouched experience up close. The Aurora Borealis, or Northern Lights, offer a heavenly spectacle to admire during the dark winter months.
Cultural heritage and traditions
Alaska is also rich in cultural heritage. Alaska’s indigenous peoples, including Inuit, Aleut and many others, share their rich traditions, arts and crafts. Visitors can learn more about Alaska’s fascinating history and culture at the various museums and cultural centers.
Why visit Alaska?
Alaska is a place that inspires with its incomparable beauty, wild nature and cultural wealth. It is a country that invites you to dream and attracts adventurers, nature lovers and culture seekers alike. The endless expanses, the spectacular wildlife and the opportunity to see the Northern Lights make Alaska an unforgettable travel destination.
Flag
The flag of Indiana, adopted in 1917, features a golden torchbearer, symbolizing freedom and enlightenment, surrounded by 19 stars. The 13 stars in the outer circle represent the original Thirteen Colonies, the five other stars represent the next states to join the Union, and the largest star above the torch represents Indiana, the 19th state of the USA. The design emphasizes Indiana’s role and pride as an integral part of the United States.
| Capital | Juneau |
|---|---|
| Time zone | Alaska Standard Time (AKST) UTC -9:00 |
| Area | 1,723,337 km² |
| Resident | Approx. 731,000 |
| Founding | January 3, 1959 |
| Left: | alaska.gov |
Highlights
Denali National Park
The stunning Denali National Park is home to North America’s highest mountain, Denali. Visitors here can experience spectacular wildlife viewing and unforgettable hikes.
Glacier Bay National Park
In Glacier Bay, travelers can marvel at the majestic beauty of glaciers from a boat while observing whales, seals and other marine life.
Northern Lights
Alaska offers one of the best opportunities to see the Aurora Borealis, or Northern Lights, especially during the winter months in areas like Fairbanks.
Kenai Fjords National Park
This park offers dramatic landscapes with glaciers, fjords and rich marine life. Kayaking and boat tours are popular activities.
Anchorage
As Alaska’s largest city, Anchorage serves as a gateway to Alaskan adventures and offers cultural insights into Alaska’s Native heritage.
These highlights are just a sampling of the incredible experiences Alaska has to offer. On the following pages, you’ll find more information about cities, natural wonders and outdoor adventures that will make your visit to Alaska unforgettable.
Nature
National Parks, State Parks,
Alaska’s pristine nature is breathtaking and diverse. Denali National Park is home to North America’s highest peak, Denali, and offers unparalleled opportunities for hiking, camping and wildlife viewing.
Kenai Fjords National Park is famous for its impressive glaciers and rich marine life. For marine life lovers, a visit to Glacier Bay National Park is a must, where you can see glacier calving and whale watching.
The endless tundra, deep forests and wild rivers of Alaska offer countless opportunities for outdoor adventure.
Big and small cities
Alaska, the largest state in the United States, is known for its vast wilderness areas, but its cities offer unique insights into the culture and history of this fascinating state.
Anchorage , the largest city, serves as the urban heart in the midst of the wilderness and is a central starting point for adventures in the surrounding area. Fairbanks , known for its spectacular Northern Lights, offers a magical experience in winter. Juneau , the capital, accessible only by plane or boat, enchants with its picturesque setting between sea and mountains. Other notable cities such as Sitka , with its rich Russian-American history, and Ketchikan , the gateway to the spectacular Misty Fjords National Monument, are also worth a visit.
Places worth seeing
Other interesting places in Alaska
In addition to the cities and nature, Alaska offers a wealth of places worth seeing that underline the uniqueness of the state.
The Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race is an annual long-distance sled dog race that celebrates Alaska’s rugged pioneer history. The Aleutian Islands , a chain of volcanic islands, offer spectacular scenery and are a birdwatcher’s paradise. The historic gold mining town of Nome on the Bering Sea and the abandoned sites of the Klondike Gold Rush in the Yukon tell exciting stories of the gold rush. For culture lovers, the numerous indigenous communities offer insights into the rich traditions and art of Alaska’s native people.
Where to stay in Alaska
Alaska offers a variety of accommodation options, from rustic cabins in the wilderness to luxurious hotels in the cities. The price range is wide and offers something for every traveler.
In cities like Anchorage, Juneau and Fairbanks you will find hotels and bed and breakfasts, with prices that can vary between $100 and $300 per night depending on the season and amenities. For an authentic Alaskan experience, stay overnight in remote lodges and cabins, which are often only accessible by seaplane or boat. Prices can vary greatly, but offer unique insights into Alaska’s untouched nature.
Camping and RV parks are common throughout Alaska and offer an inexpensive way to experience the beauty of the state. Campsites typically cost between $20 and $50 per night.
Facts
Interesting facts about Alaska:
- Alaska is the largest state in the USA and covers more area than Texas , California and Montana combined.
- The name “Alaska” comes from the Aleut language and means “the mainland” or “the large land area,” which indicates Alaska’s size and isolation.
- About a third of Alaska lies within the Arctic Circle.
- At 6,190 metres, Denali (Mount McKinley) is the highest mountain in North America.
- Alaska has more coastline than the rest of the United States combined.
- It is the only state in the United States that does not have a land border with another state.
- Alaska is home to more than 1,000 glaciers, including the famous Hubbard Glacier, one of the most active and longest glaciers in North America.
- The midnight sun in Alaska means that in some parts of the state the sun does not set for several months during the summer.
- Alaska is home to 17 of the 20 highest peaks in the United States.
- The state has the most volcanoes in the United States, many of which are located in the Aleutian Islands chain.
Reasons
Reasons to Visit Alaska
- Breathtaking nature : From pristine forests to majestic mountains to icy glaciers, Alaska’s landscape is unique and diverse.
- Wildlife viewing : Alaska offers the opportunity to observe wildlife such as bears, moose, whales and eagles in their natural habitat.
- Northern Lights : Alaska is one of the best places in the world to experience the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights), especially between September and April.
- Outdoor Adventures : Hiking, skiing, kayaking and fishing are just some of the activities available in Alaska’s wilderness.
- Rich Native Culture : Learn about the fascinating culture and history of Alaska’s indigenous peoples, including the Tlingit, Haida and Inupiat.
- Icy Wonders : A cruise through the Inside Passage or a flight over Denali National Park offer unique insights into the icy beauty of Alaska.
- Unique Experiences : From the midnight sun to the Northern Lights, Alaska offers experiences you won’t find anywhere else in the world.
- Seclusion and tranquility : For those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life, Alaska offers unparalleled places of silence and solitude.
Travel tips
Insider tips for Alaska
- Northern Lights away from the crowds For the best Northern Lights experience, away from tourist groups, I recommend a night in Wiseman. This small settlement in the Brooks Range offers almost guaranteed sightings under clear, dark skies in winter.
- Hidden Hot Springs The Chena Hot Springs, outside of Fairbanks, are well-known, but the real gems are the Tolovana Hot Springs. These remote, natural hot springs can only be reached after a long hike or by snowmobile – a real adventure!
- Kayaking between icebergs Forget the big tour boat trips. A kayak tour in the Prince William Sound region brings you up close to glaciers and drifting icebergs. The silence, interrupted only by the cracking of the ice, is magical.
- Encountering the Wilderness In Denali National Park, I recommend getting off the shuttle bus and hiking on your own. This is the only way to experience the true Alaskan wilderness. Look out for wildlife such as grizzly bears, caribou and Dall sheep.
- Local Fish Markets In Anchorage, be sure to visit the local fish market. Here you can buy fresh salmon caught the same day. Better yet, join a fishing trip and catch your own fish!
- Cultural insights Visit the small village of Hoonah or the Alaska Native Heritage Center in Anchorage to gain deep insights into the culture of Alaska’s indigenous people. Authentic encounters and stories await you.
- Hiking the Harding Icefield Trail This trail in Kenai Fjords National Park offers breathtaking views of one of the largest ice fields in North America. The hike is challenging, but the views of the endless ice are unparalleled.
- Experience the Midnight Sun In summer, especially around the summer solstice, you should visit one of the many midnight sun festivals. In Fairbanks you can experience baseball games that start at midnight and do not use any artificial light.
- Local Artisans In small towns like Homer or Seward, you’ll find galleries selling arts and crafts by local artists. From handmade jewelry to traditional carvings, you’re sure to find a unique souvenir.