Traveling to the Arctic is a trend travelers rave about in 2025. An untouchable place with pure white soil, raw wilderness where polar bears and reindeers roam, and Northern Lights dancing in the dark sky. One word to describe it: ethereal. Although excursions to the Arctic Circle have been widely available, more travelers are riding the trend and wanting to visit it today. Whether it is sledding with huskies in Lapland or cruising through icebergs in Greenland, any icy destination will make your jaw drop. A few travelers in our community are experts in Arctic Circle travel, hosting trips to some of the coldest and most remote places on Earth. So, thanks to their help, we compile a list of top 10 destinations to visit for an unforgettable Arctic trip. Let’s dive in!
Can You Travel to the Arctic Circle?
Yes, you can absolutely visit the Arctic Circle, and it’s easier than many travelers expect. The Arctic Circle passes through countries like Norway, Sweden, Finland, Iceland, Russia, Greenland, Canada, and the United States (Alaska), each offering unique ways to experience life above this northern latitude. Visitors can cross the Arctic Circle by plane, ship, train, or even car, depending on the destination. Once there, you can enjoy activities such as chasing the northern lights, exploring remote villages, joining icebreaker cruises, and experiencing 24-hour daylight in summer or magical polar nights in winter.
What Is The Best Place to Go in the Arctic?
The best places to visit in the Arctic blend mesmerizing northern lights, extraordinary wildlife, and rich cultural encounters. Top choices include Tromsø and Svalbard in Norway, Rovaniemi and Levi in Finland, Greenland’s breathtaking wilderness, Kiruna and the Bothnian Sea in Sweden, Iceland’s tiny Grimsey Island, Russia’s Murmansk, and Alaska’s remote landscapes. Each of these destinations offers pristine scenery and once-in-a-lifetime adventures—from chasing auroras across icy skies to spotting polar bears and exploring frozen seas.
Best Arctic Circle Travel Destinations – Summary
- Tromsø, Norway
- Svalbard, Norway
- Rovaniemi, Finland
- Levi, Finland
- Greenland
- Kiruna, Sweden
- Bothnian Sea, Sweden
- Grimsey, Iceland
- Murmansk, Russia
- Alaska, USA
1. Tromsø, Norway
Often called the “Gateway to the Arctic,” Tromsø delivers an irresistible mix of vibrant city culture and jaw-dropping natural beauty. Also, this northern Norwegian city is one of the world’s best places to witness the northern lights. With the backdrop of snow-cloaked fjords, Tromsø features a breahtaking stage for the aurora borealis show. However, Tromsø’s charms extend beyond its facade.
“Tromsø gives us a great sample of the Arctic. We can do lots of fun activities, such as sledding with huskies and seeing orcas from a close distance. Oh, and make sure to try Arctic floating camp where you can safely swim in Tromsø’s freezing bays,” said TripLeader Mariana, a world traveler who choose Tromsø as her favorite winter escape. Besides winter, summer is also a good time to visit Tromsø. Midnight sun bathes the city in golden light, creating endless opportunities for hiking and kayaking.
2. Svalbard, Norway
Halfway between mainland Norway and the North Pole lies Svalbard, a rugged archipelago that embodies pure Arctic wilderness. Towering glaciers, jagged mountains, and deep fjords define its hauntingly beautiful landscape. Svalbard is also renowned for its population of wild polar bears, which outnumber humans. Visitors can join expert-led snowmobile expeditions, explore ice caves, or cruise past calving glaciers and floating icebergs. With 24-hour daylight in summer and the magical polar night in winter, Svalbard offers an authentic, otherworldly Arctic experience.
3. Rovaniemi, Finland
“We’ve heard that Santa Claus live in the North Pole during our childhood. Well, come and visit Rovaniemi to show the younger version of you that it’s real,” said TripLeader Windy, a traveler who finds herself doing annual winter trips to Finland. Located a little bit above the Arctic Circle, Rovaniemi boasts snowy forests, cozy Nordic culture, and a sprinkle of Christmas magic. Aside from the Santa Claus Village, Rovaniemi’s vast wilderness allows you to do thrilling activities such as snowmobilling and husky sledding. The magical Arctic vibes increase as you can see spectacular displays of the aurora borealis.
“Also, do your Arctic adventure the way Finns do it. Go to a sauna or book a villa with a nice sauna inside,” added Windy. We agree – you deserve a relaxing sauna session after being out in the cold, which locals in Finland are fond of.
4. Levi, Finland
“You can ski in the Arctic – that’s what Levi is showing us. The resort has 44 slopes that are exciting for both beginners and experts. Unlike any other ski resorts, Levi features a unique and breathtaking backdrop of the Arctic wilderness,” said TripLeader Aleksandr, a local who enjoys hosting Finland ski trips for travelers in their 20s-30s. Beyond skiing, Levi offers reindeer sleigh rides, ice fishing, and tranquil snowshoe hikes through Lapland’s pristine wilderness. In the off-season, visitors can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, and stunning Arctic landscapes that glow beneath the endless summer sun.
5. Greenland
Greenland is the ultimate destination for travelers seeking raw, untouched nature on a grand scale. Its dramatic scenery includes colossal icebergs, deep-blue fjords, and the world’s second-largest ice sheet. Explore the colorful coastal town of Ilulissat, take a boat tour among floating ice formations, or hike across vast tundra where Arctic wildlife roams freely. Traditional Inuit culture adds a fascinating dimension, offering insight into a way of life deeply connected to the harsh yet awe-inspiring environment. Every corner of Greenland feels remote, wild, and unforgettable.
6. Kiruna, Sweden
Kiruna is Sweden’s northernmost city and a true Arctic gem, combining natural wonders with striking architecture. It’s home to the world-famous Icehotel, rebuilt each year entirely of ice and snow, providing an overnight stay like no other. Visitors can embark on dog-sledding adventures, chase the aurora borealis in nearby Abisko National Park—renowned for its crystal-clear skies—or learn about the indigenous Sámi culture. Whether you visit in winter for endless snow or in summer for hiking under the midnight sun, Kiruna offers a distinctive Arctic experience.
7. Bothnian Sea, Sweden
For an Arctic adventure unlike any other, head to the frozen Bothnian Sea for an unforgettable icebreaker cruise. These thrilling journeys allow travelers to glide through thick sea ice aboard a powerful icebreaker ship while learning about polar navigation. Once the vessel carves a path, you can step onto the solid ice and even take a bracing polar plunge in a specially designed survival suit. The combination of sparkling frozen landscapes and unique activities makes the Bothnian Sea a must-visit for those seeking a truly one-of-a-kind Arctic escapade.
8. Grimsey, Iceland
Grimsey Island is a tiny, windswept speck of land where visitors can literally stand on the Arctic Circle. This peaceful Icelandic outpost is known for its rugged coastal cliffs and thriving birdlife, including puffins during the summer months. Travelers can wander scenic hiking trails, enjoy the endless daylight of the midnight sun, or watch dramatic waves crash against basalt cliffs. With its small population and unspoiled environment, Grimsey offers a serene and intimate taste of Arctic life far from the usual tourist trail.
9. Murmansk, Russia
Murmansk, the largest city north of the Arctic Circle, combines urban energy with raw polar landscapes. As a historic Soviet port and the home base for nuclear-powered icebreakers, it offers a fascinating look at Arctic exploration and maritime history. Visitors can tour the Lenin Icebreaker Museum, marvel at the northern lights during winter, or embark on cruises through the icy Barents Sea. The mix of cultural heritage, modern city life, and proximity to pristine wilderness makes Murmansk a compelling Arctic stop.
10. Alaska, USA
Alaska’s Arctic region offers vast wilderness and a wealth of outdoor adventures for those drawn to the wild. From Fairbanks, where aurora borealis illuminates the sky in vibrant colors, to the remote Arctic National Wildlife Refuge with its caribou herds and dramatic tundra, this region is a paradise for explorers. Travelers can meet Indigenous communities to learn about centuries-old traditions, join river rafting expeditions, or trek across glacier fields. Whether in winter or summer, Alaska’s Arctic delivers a profound connection to nature’s most untamed side.
Embark on Your Arctic Adventure
Ready to witness the magic of the Arctic Circle for yourself? Travel with experienced explorers and local hosts who know these destinations inside and out. Join group trips designed for bold adventurers and immerse yourself in the world’s most extraordinary polar landscapes.
At JoinMyTrip, you can go on big and bold adventures while meeting like-minded friends with the same passion for traveling. Arctic adventures are coming up – from the icy wilderness of Svalbard to the northern lights scene in Tromso. So, are you ready to create lifelong memories and see the world from a breathtaking perspective?