10 Fascinating Facts About The Arctic Circle

We've put together 10 weird and wonderful facts we bet you didn’t know about The Arctic Circle.

1. Eight countries – Greenland, Iceland, Finland, Norway, Sweden, Russia and Alaska – extend into The Arctic Circle. In fact, The Arctic Circle occupies one sixth of the Earth’s surface.

2. Grey whales travel a whopping 12,000 miles to and from The Arctic each year in search of food.

3. The word ‘Arctic’ actually comes from the Greek ‘Arktos’ which means bear. However, it doesn’t refer to the region’s iconic polar bears, instead it refers to the constellation containing the North Star, Ursa Minor (Ursa being the latin word for ‘bear’).

4. Speaking of Polar Bears, they are only found in the Arctic and are the largest land predators on Earth. The largest polar bear on record, reportedly weighed 1,000kg and stood 3.39 m (11 ft 1 in) tall on its hindlegs.

5. There are actually four poles in the Arctic: the ‘Geographic North Pole’ where the Earth’s axis meets the surface, the ‘North Magnetic Pole’ where your compass points to, the ‘Pole of Cold’ which is the coldest part of the Arctic and the ‘Pole of Inaccessibility’ which is considered one of the hardest places to get to.

6. Because of the earth’s tilt, the Arctic receive 24 hours of sunlight each summer, but 24 hours of darkness each winter. Midnight Sun is a name given to the sun when it can be seen at midnight during the Arctic summer.

7. We think Santa lives in the North Pole because of a cartoon. Thomas Nast, a 19th century cartoonist, depicted Santa’s mailing address a being The North Pole – a place that was all over the news thanks to a number of daring expeditions.

8. The Arctic is generally warmer than the Antarctic, and yet the coldest recorded temperature in the Arctic is around -68°C.

9. The Arctic Ocean is the world’s smallest ocean, only comprising 5.4 million square miles which is a far cry from the Atlantic Ocean’s 41.1 million square miles.

10. There are a lot of awe-inspiring views in the Arctic but ‘frost flowers’ are particularly impressive. These delicate ice structures seem to bloom out of the Arctic Ocean.

Plan your Arctic trip today

Our team of travel specialists are waiting to help you book your next adventure.

Plan your trip

Our Top Picks for the Best Tours and Cruises

Properties
Itineraries

1 - 9 of 9 Hotels

Greg Mortimer Arctic

Arctic

Built to world-class polar standards, the Greg Mortimer is an exciting new addition to our Arctic portfolio, boasting excellent safety features, innovative tech, flexible itineraries including fly-sail options and a range of activities.

Ponant L'Austal

Worldwide

This intimately sized cruise ship offers outstanding levels of luxury and safety, along with chic French styling, upscale gastronomy, wellness, entertainment, discreet service and full programme of activities, excursions, and adventurous itineraries.

Adventure Couples Cruise Wildlife

Ponant Le Boréal

Worldwide

Graced with both interior and exterior elegance and refinement, the sophisticated Le Boréal effortlessly combines expedition and adventurous itineraries with all the upscale facilities, amenities, and activities of a luxurious private yacht experience.

Adventure Couples Cruise Wildlife

Ponant Le Lyrial

Worldwide

One of Ponant’s new generation of luxurious and intimately sized cruise ships, able to sail to some of the world’s most remote and atmospheric destinations, Le Lyrial offers the scope for unlimited adventure within a luxurious and polished environment.

Adventure Couples Cruise Wildlife

Ponant Le Soléal

Worldwide

Enabling guests to travel to the furthest reaches of the planet with all the comfort and luxury of a private yacht experience, a voyage on Le Soléal offers the adventure of a lifetime, with exceptional accommodation, service, and thrilling itineraries.

Adventure Couples Cruise Wildlife

Scenic Eclipse

Worldwide

Ultra-modern suites, flawless service, superb cuisine and an experienced expedition team, the Scenic Eclipse was launched as the world’s first Discovery Yacht, providing worldwide adventure and exploration, along with unrivalled levels of luxury.

Cruise Couples Wildlife

Scenic Eclipse II

Worldwide

An indulgent haven for ultra-luxury worldwide cruising, Scenic Eclipse II offers exceptional service, deluxe suite accommodation, multicultural culinary adventures, an informative and experienced Discovery Team, as well as unprecedented levels of comfort.

Cruise Couples Wildlife

Seabourn Pursuit

Worldwide

Experience expedition sailing like never before on this ultra-luxurious ship offering curated voyages to the world’s most remote regions, with an Expedition Team of world-renowned experts, two submarines and all the luxe features synonymous with Seabourn.

Cruise Couples Wildlife

Seabourn Venture

Worldwide

Built for luxurious polar adventure, the Seabourn Venture elevates expedition sailing to new heights, with two custom-built onboard submarines, world-renowned 24-strong Expedition Team, flawless service, and all the luxe touches of private yachting.

Cruise Couples Wildlife

1 - 9 of 9 Hotels

1 - 2 of 2 Tour Ideas

23 nights

Ultimate Northwest Passage

Arctic

This is the ultimate Arctic voyage that takes you through the complete Northwest Passage. Designed for the true Arctic adventurer, following several different Explorer routes the itinerary crosses the High Arctic from Greenland to Alaska. Experience crystal clear glaciers, dramatic fjords and impressive icebergs; encounter a variety of different...

From

GBP £57,500 pp

6 nights

Great Ice Bear Adventure

Manitoba

Experience the ultimate polar bear adventure and encounter the largest bear on Earth just south of the Arctic Circle, in Manitoba, Canada. This arctic adventure offers a unique experience; stay in a cosy remote wilderness lodge situated on the Hudson Bay, deep in the natural habitat of the Great Ice Bear.

Wildlife

From

GBP £9,200 pp

1 - 2 of 2 Tour Ideas