With an area of Spain, France, Germany and the Benelux combined, Alaska is a colossal state to put it mildly. But it doesn’t stop there: two thousand glaciers, two million lakes and the highest mountains in all of North America make your visit to this state a real adventure. See the Northern Lights, visit the Eskimos and let yourself be driven around on a real dog sled! Read here what you absolutely should not miss during your tour through Alaska.
Towns
According to smber, Alaska is not only the largest state in America, it is also the most sparsely populated. The population is very low. About 800,000 people live there, making Alaska the fourth smallest state in terms of population. Half of these residents live in or near the city of Anchorage, Alaska’s largest city. Other major cities include College, Fairbanks, and the state capital, Juneau.
This capital city is named after Joe Juneau, the man who found gold in the current area in 1880. It is important to know that Juneau cannot be reached by car. There are no roads to and from other areas in the state. You can get there by plane or boat. A visit to Juneau is a wonderful experience on your Alaska road trip!
Nature
The nature of Alaska is wild and cold. The state is surrounded by three major seas: the Pacific Ocean, the Bering Sea, and the Arctic Ocean. There are many impressive islands in this huge body of water. Beautiful islands are the Aleutian Islands, Kodiak Island and Saint Lawrence Island. Some of the Aleutian Islands are in the Eastern Hemisphere, not found anywhere else in the US!
Alaska also has many mountains, the highest in North America can be found here: the Denali. This giant mountain is no less than 6194 meters high and is located in Denali National Park . A stretch to the north flows the state’s largest river, the Yukon. This impressive river is a real must-see during your tour through Alaska.
It doesn’t stop with these natural wonders, Alaska also has a lot to offer when it comes to wildlife. Nature still takes its course here, which is reflected in the large number of grizzly bears, moose, wolves and other animals that live here. Are you tired of the beautiful mainland? Then get on the boat to spot giant whales! You have to do this in the summer, when the temperature is still pleasant. In the winter, the whales leave for Hawaii .
Culture
Alaska has a high percentage of native residents. No less than 16 percent of the population is Native American or Eskimo, which is the highest percentage in all of America. There is a good chance that you will encounter one of these tribes during your tour through Alaska, so you will come into contact with the culture in a beautiful way.
Alaska is also known for the infamous “gold rush”. At the end of the nineteenth century, gold was found in various places in Alaska and Canada, which attracted large numbers of fortune seekers to the country. Most mines have now closed, but the impact of this gold rush can still be seen in various places. An example of this is Skagway, this small village has been left in its original state and breathes the gold rush atmosphere of the past. A real must-visit during your road trip through Alaska!
Climate
As much as a third of the state lies above the Arctic Circle, making Alaska the coldest state in all of America. In the south, relatively warm seawater flows along the coast, so temperatures drop less than in the north.
Alaska can be divided into a number of different climate zones. The southeast, the area of the capital Juneau, has a temperate maritime climate. This is the warmest and wettest area in the state. Most of Alaska has a cool continental climate, here the temperature is average. The northernmost part has a tundra climate, here the temperature is often below freezing and the ground is almost always frozen.
Due to the northern location of the state, the northern lights are easy to see here, a beautiful natural phenomenon! Furthermore, it is long light in the summer, the days can be about 20 hours. In winter, on the other hand, it is dark much longer.
Tour of Alaska
Alaska is a state for true lovers of wild wilderness and extreme temperatures. Whale watching, visiting glaciers in Denali National Park and beyond, renting dog sleds, fishing… Everything in this state screams “adventure!”
Keep in mind that this state is more inhospitable than most states in America. There is poor infrastructure and only one domestic railway line. As a result, many people travel by plane or boat. If you really want to go on the road, a ride by bus is a good solution. The drivers often know the roads well and ensure that you get to see the most beautiful things in the country during your tour through Alaska.
