According to abbreviationfinder, Alaska is located in the northwestern United States and borders Canada to the east. Furthermore, America’s largest, but most sparsely populated state is bordered by water; no less than 52,000 kilometers of coastline are waiting to be navigated. The state is divided into four regions: Interior, Far North, Southwest, and South Central.
‘Above the Arctic Circle, darkness reigns 24 hours a day, while cities such as Anchorage and Fairbanks are only lit for a few hours a day’
It is a myth that it is always cold in Alaska; in the summer it can reach about 37 degrees inland! In general, temperatures in summer range from 15° to 25°C, at night the mercury drops to 5°C. The winters here are legendary. Darkness reigns 24 hours a day above the Arctic Circle, while cities such as Anchorage and Fairbanks are only lit for a few hours a day. The mildest winter occurs on the coast, where the Gulf of Alaska and the Bering Sea moderate the cold. The north has an arctic climate and is therefore the coldest.
Best time to travel to Alaska
Most people consider the months between May and September to be the most pleasant. Late May through June sees the longest days, clearest skies and warmest temperatures.
Flora and fauna in Alaska
No visit to Alaska is complete without a bear watching trip; there are grizzlies, brown and black bears and polar bears, for example in Denali National Park (PHOTO BELOW). In addition, many moose, reindeer, sheep and wolves live on the rugged terrain.
Birds are plentiful, about 450 species. Bald eagles, golden eagles and swans, among others, fly here in the wild. With such an immense coastline, maritime life also flourishes. In addition to sea otters and sea lions, whales – killer whales, humpback whales, belugas and bowhead whales – are major tourist attractions.
Main cities in Alaska
According to countryaah, Juneau is the capital and is located in the southeast of the state. Anchorage, the largest city in South Central Alaska, boasts about half of all Alaska residents.
Not surprising, given the beautiful setting on the water and with a view of Mount McKinley. Finally, in the middle is the old mining town of Fairbanks, also called ‘the golden heart of Interior Alaska’.
Nature in Alaska
You come here for the waters, mountains and forests: there are four main National Parks, all of which are natural monuments to the Ice Age. Think lots of ice, hiking, white water activities and wildlife watching. Denali National Park is the most popular, with the huge Mount McKinley as the main attraction. In addition, Glacier Bay NP, Kenai Fjords NP (PHOTO BELOW), Wrangell-St. Elias NP and Gates Of The Arctic NP are recommended for glacier, bear and whale lovers.
Gold Rush in Alaska
Of course, Alaska is also synonymous with the gold rush of 1898, when more than 20,000 prospectors headed from Seattle to Klondike, Yukon Territory. Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, about 90 miles north of Juneau, is an atmospheric attraction that tells you more about the gold rush in them hills.
Northern Lights in Alaska
Because Alaska is partly above the Arctic Circle, the Northern Lights can be seen in several places from late August to mid-April. The following applies: the further north, the better.
Aleutian World War II National Heritage Area
Aleutian Islands – The Aleutians are a 1900 km long chain of islands that separates the Bering Sea from the Pacific Ocean. These 110 islands lie in the Aleutian Trench on an area of 37,800 km2 and run like a massive chain from Alaska to the Commander Islands. The islands are mostly of volcanic origin, there are 36 active and about 44 extinct volcanoes. The highest volcano reaches a height of 2857 meters above sea level. In June 1912, a massive eruption in the glacial valley gave birth to a new volcano, which was subsequently named Novarupta. It was established near the village of Savanoski.
The individual islands are becoming smaller to the west and the distance between them increases from 8 to 135 km. The island of Attu is located to the far west, and the islet of Shemya is one of the furthest from the American mainland. Today, about 8,000 people live in the Aleutians, 3,000 of them are original Aleutians.
In the 18th century, the Aleutian Islands and many other territories were occupied by the Russians by the Russians. In 1867, however, the US government bought these territories from Russia for $ 7.2 million. Nevertheless, this purchase was a very reasonable step, because over time, Alaska began to develop and its wealth grew. The cold ocean climate prevails here. The Aleutians were also the site of numerous battles during World War II. Today, some of these historically significant sites are protected as National War Heritage Areas in the Aleutians.
