7 Reasons to Consider the Arctic Circle Before Antarctica

Antarctica once felt impossibly remote, reserved for only explorers and scientists.

That’s no longer the case. Today, anyone with two weeks and a five-figure budget can stand on the southernmost continent. But as polar tourism goes mainstream, Antarctica is grappling with overtourism, from trampled vegetation and disrupted wildlife to cruise ships contributing air, water, and noise pollution.

The good news is you have options. You can still experience ice-covered landscapes and polar wildlife without contributing to the problem. The Arctic Circle offers equally dramatic and stunning snow-covered scenery, fewer crowds, access to stellar wildlife, and, of course, Santa Claus.

Here’s why heading to the North Pole Arctic Circle might be a better fit.

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Explore more of the Arctic Circle

This 87-Day Arctic to Antarctica Luxury Cruise Stops in 12 Countries

If you can’t choose between an Arctic cruise and an Antarctica cruise, there’s an obvious solution to your dilemma: Viking’s From the Arctic to Antarctica voyage.

What to Pack for an Arctic Trip (and What to Skip)

Packing for the Arctic is trickier than it looks. Even in summer, conditions shift quickly from sunshine to biting wind and fog. From layering smart to renting instead of buying, this guide breaks down what you actually need for comfort and sustainability in polar conditions.

This Company Designs Dream Norway Trips

Up Norway crafts custom itineraries that blend remote wilderness with thoughtful luxury, from forest stays in Finnskogen to polar adventures in Svalbard. Each trip is carefully paced and designed to feel transformative without being overwhelming.

A Firsthand Guide to Extreme Travel in Alaska’s Arctic Circle

Alaska’s Arctic Circle delivers raw wilderness, wildlife encounters, and vast landscapes that feel untouched. This guide covers what to expect, how to prepare, and why the far north rewards those willing to venture off the beaten path.

Norway’s Trains Can Take You Across Scandinavia and Into the Arctic

Scandinavia’s rail network reaches farther north than most travelers realize, connecting major cities to Arctic destinations with ease. Traveling by train here is scenic, efficient, and surprisingly accessible.

Everything You Need to Know Before Traveling to Svalbard

Svalbard is remote, wild, and unforgettable. From polar bears to glacier caves and northern lights, this guide covers essential planning tips to help travelers prepare for one of the world’s most extreme destinations.

📍Where To Stay

Gorgeous Arctic Stays That Make the Cold Worth It

From glass cabins under the northern lights to off-grid chalets surrounded by snow and ice, these Arctic Airbnbs turn subzero temperatures into part of the magic.

Sleep Among the Trees in Finland

Set in a snow-covered forest near Rovaniemi, Arctic TreeHouse Hotel pairs minimalist design with prime northern lights viewing. It is one of the most atmospheric places to experience winter in Lapland.

The Most Breathtaking Airbnbs in Northern Norway

Northern Norway’s fjords, mountains, and fishing villages create some of the most dramatic settings in Europe. These stays place you right in the landscape, whether you are chasing wildlife, peaks, or quiet.