Visiting the Arctic Circle

How to Get To The Arctic Circle – The Basics

• The easiest and fastest way of visiting the Arctic Circle is to fly there and then join an expedition cruise or land-based tour to explore more of the region.
• Expedition cruises often include a charter flight to and from the embarkation point, departing from Oslo, Paris, Helsinki, and Toronto.
• At the start of the summer, you can reach the Arctic Circle by ship on an expedition cruise from mainland Norway, Scotland, or Iceland. These cruises often visit remote Arctic Islands such as Bear Island and Jan Mayen.
• In Norway, it is possible to reach the Arctic Circle by train from Oslo to Narvik or Bodo in the Arctic.
• You can drive across the Arctic Circle in Alaska, Norway, Finland, Sweden, and the Russian Arctic.

Top Tip: As large parts of the High Arctic are uninhabited and lack any infrastructure, a great way to explore the natural world is on an expedition cruise. Some of my favourite places to explore on an expedition cruise in the Arctic are Svalbard, Greenland and the Northwest Passage, which would otherwise be inaccessible.

At Polar Escapes, we specialise in travel to the Arctic Circle and offer the largest range of expedition cruises and tours.

Where is the Arctic Circle located?

The Arctic Circle is a line of the Earth’s latitude at 66°30’44” north of the equator in the northern hemisphere. When you cross this imaginary line, the midnight sun is visible during summer and enter a region of outstanding natural beauty.

Above the Arctic Circle, the frozen Arctic Ocean extends to the North Pole and is surrounded by eight countries: Norway, Sweden, Finland, Canada, Greenland, USA, Russia and Iceland. It is a true explorers playground.

Top Arctic Circle Destinations To Visit

Travelling above the Arctic Circle is like stepping into another world. Picture pristine landscapes, glaciers, neverending wilderness, sea ice, and some of the world’s most iconic wildlife.

As you plan your trip to the Arctic, here are some destinations to consider:

Svalbard

Famed for its polar bears, walruses, and Arctic foxes, the Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard is the best place in the Arctic to observe wildlife. The Svalbard archipelago is a prime expedition cruising destination and offers the best the Arctic has to offer, including glaciers, sea ice, dramatic scenery, and wildlife. During the winter, there are 24 hours of darkness, the perfect opportunity to witness the northern lights.  

Top Tip: To see polar bears in Svalbard, I highly recommend an expedition cruise that explores the archipelago between May and August.

How To Get To Svalbard

Two ways to reach Svalbard are by flying to Longyearbyen or by joining an expedition cruise. The advantage of flying to Longyearbyen and joining a cruise is that it cuts out sea days sailing there, and all days are spent exploring. See our Svalbard Cruises & Tours to find out more.

Greenland

Greenland is the largest island on Earth and one of the least inhabited places. It is famed for its epic scenery, cathedral-sized icebergs, and remote Inuit communities. An expedition cruise to Greenland offers the perfect way to experience places that would otherwise be inaccessible.

Top Tip: To see the northern lights in remote wilderness, consider an expedition cruise to East Greenland during September, when darkness returns to the Arctic.

How To Get To Greenland

The best way to visit Greenland and see its wilderness is on an expedition cruise. Some expedition cruises include charter flights to Greenland, where you can embark on the ship there. Iceland and Longyearbyen are also common departure ports. It is also possible to fly to Greenland from Copenhagen in Denmark or Reykjavik in Iceland. In 2025, flying to Greenland directly from the USA to Nuuk will be possible. Discover our range of Greenland Cruises & Tours to plan your trip.

The North Pole

Many polar explorers aim for the North Pole. Each year, under 700 people pilgrimage to the most northerly place on Earth. Located in the centre of the frozen Arctic Ocean, the Pole involves sailing through thick pack ice on an icebreaker. This allows for a unique observation of the Arctic sea ice habitat, home to polar bears and other wildlife.

Top Tip: Icebreaker cruises only occur between July and September when the sea ice conditions allow safe passage. Only a few depart each year, so advanced booking is essential.

How to get To The North Pole

The only way to reach the North Pole is on an icebreaker cruise departing from Longyearbyen in Svalbard. As of 2025, only one ship, Le Commandant Charcot, offers this unique voyage. Please learn more about reaching the furthest north with our North Pole Cruises & Tours.

The Canadian Arctic and Northwest Passage

The Canadian Arctic is a vast wilderness comprising approximately 25% of the Arctic’s territory. It consists of islands and channels. Baffin Island in Nanuvat is the largest island, followed by Victoria and Ellesmere Island. The region has many Arctic species, including beluga whales, polar bears, caribou, and a rich Inuit culture. The Northwest Passage is a sea route through Arctic Canada that connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.

How to get To The Northwest Passage

It is possible to fly to remote villages in the Northwest Passage and Canadian Arctic and join a land-based tour in Churchill or Baffin Island. Expedition cruises offer an excellent way to explore the wilderness, with cruises often departing from Greenland and sailing through the Northwest Passage. See our Northwest Passage Cruises & Tours to find out more.

Which Ports Do Arctic Cruises Depart From?

Longyearbyen

Located on Spitsbergen, Longyearbyen is the main departure port for cruises around the Svalbard archipelago and North Pole expeditions. Often cruises from Longyearbyen include charter flights from Oslo, Helsinki, or Paris. If a charter flight is not included, there are daily flights between Longyearbyen and Oslo.

Reykjavik

Many Arctic cruises to East Greenland often depart from the port of Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland. Reykjavik has excellent air connections to North America and Europe for onward travel.

Nuuk & Kangerlussuaq

Cruises from Greenland depart from the Capital, Nuuk, or Kangerlussuaq. Due to its remote location, expeditions departing from Greenland include a charter flight.

Cambridge Bay and Resolute

Resolute is a remote settlement in the northwest passage of the Canadian territory of Nunavut. Cruises departing from Resolute will include a charter flight to Winnipeg for onward connections.

Best Time to Visit the Arctic Circle

It is possible to visit the Arctic Circle year-round. Each time of year is distinctly different, from the northern lights and the polar night during the winter to the endless midnight sun and wildlife during the summer. Here are the highlights for each season:

Spring

Spring is a time of change in the Arctic as the light returns after the harsh winter. This period is ideal for land-based tours to witness polar bear mothers and cubs in the Canadian Arctic.

Spring is the best month for snow-based activities as the light returns. These include skiing, dog sledding, and snowmobiling.

Summer

Summer is the best month for expedition cruises as the sea ice recedes and the furthest reaches of the Arctic become accessible to ships. Visitors will experience the warmest temperatures during July and August, with temperatures across the Arctic above freezing. The midnight sun is high in the sky, with 24 hours of daylight, and temperatures can reach up to 15°C.

Wildlife is most active during the summer as the Arctic comes alive with migratory birds. Polar bears can be seen hunting on remote shores, and walruses form colonies on the shore.

Autumn / Fall

As the midnight sun fades away, it is replaced by long sunrises and sunsets, making it the perfect time for photographers looking to capture the Arctic.

Early autumn is ideal for longer expedition cruises through the Northwest Passage and Northeast Greenland National Park. The northern lights become visible during this period across the Arctic, making it the optimal time for northern lights cruises.  

Winter

Winter offers a chance to experience the Arctic night when the region is plunged into darkness 24 hours a day. It’s the best time to see the Aurora Borealis in the skies across the Arctic, with Northern Norway and Alaska offering excellent viewing opportunities.

For a comprehensive guide please see the Best Time To Visit The Arctic.

Arctic Circle tours

Due to the remoteness and vast wilderness, travel options are more limited in the High Arctic than other destinations. The best way to explore the Arctic is on a guided tour or expedition cruise.

If you travel during the summer and autumn, an expedition cruise is the best way to explore Svalbard, Greenland, the North Pole, and the Northwest Passage.

A huge benefit of expedition cruises is that they include transport, food, and accommodation. They are led by a team of expert guides with outstanding safety training and credentials for travel in the High Arctic.

In areas where polar bears live, such as Svalbard, you can only venture out into the wild if you are an experienced guide.

At Polar Escapes, we use our expertise to help travellers find the right expedition cruise or tour. To find out more please see our Arctic cruises. 

Top Arctic Activities

No trip to the Arctic would be complete without joining in an activity. Here are some of the top activities you can do on an Arctic cruise:

Polar Plunge – enjoy a fast dip into the freezing waters of the Arctic Ocean.

Sea Kayaking – explore off-ship on a sea kayaking adventure to get close to the wildlife and nature.

Zodiac Cruising is a great way to explore remote places the larger expedition ship can’t reach. Zodiacs are used for shore visits, and Zodiac rides in places with outstanding natural scenery and wildlife.

Dog Sledding—Select departures during the spring months allow you to go dog sledding with local Inuit hunters in East Greenland.

Polar Hiking – take a guided hike to experience the untouched polar wilderness.

Wildlife Watching—A part of any journey to the Arctic is watching for wildlife, including polar bears, Arctic foxes, and marine mammals.

Plan Your Trip

• Plan the time of your trip based on what you want to see and experience, such as wildlife, northern lights or activities.
• Choose a small expedition ship for the best experience.
• Come to the Arctic prepared with appropriate clothing. A packing list detailing everything you need to bring will be included.
• Take out comprehensive travel insurance at the time of booking.

What To Pack

When travelling to the Arctic Circle, it is essential to dress appropriately for the weather. Even during the summer, temperatures vary, and the weather is interchangeable, so it’s best to come prepared. Here are the basics:

• A warm outer jacket
• Windproof and rainproof jacket
• Waterproof trousers
• Warm, insulating layers that can be removed during hikes
• Hat, neck warmer and gloves
• Waterproof, insulated boots

A complete packing list will be provided to you at the time of your reservation.

Summary

• It’s easy to reach the Arctic Circle by flying or on an expedition cruise.
• The best way to explore remote areas in the High Arctic is on an expedition cruise with everything included.
• The Arctic offers many different destinations to explore, including Greenland, Svalbard, the Northwest Passage, and the North Pole.
• The summer is generally the best time to visit the Arctic as wildlife is most active.
• At Polar Escapes, we specialise in the polar regions and offer the largest selection of expedition cruises and tours.

I hope you enjoyed this guide to exploring the northernmost region. Do you need help planning your trip to the Arctic Circle? Why not reach out to our team of experts who have extensive first-hand experience?

Happy Exploring