The coldest holiday destinations in the world

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I’ve always thought that temperatures, just like colors, are a matter of taste. Some people like dog days, tropical islands, scorching deserts, anything with a temperature over 80 degrees Fahrenheit. And other people like frozen winds, snow, ice and cold in general.

I can’t say I see the attraction of a frozen mountain top (except if I’m in a cabin, in front of a cozy fire), but there are some very good holiday destinations in the world whose only drawback is a bit of a chill (ok, more than a bit of a chill). So for all you polar bears, here are the coldest holiday destinations on the planet.

Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is best known for its amazing glaciers, fjords, beaches and snow-caped mountains.  The flora and fauna of the park is very rich, and there are plenty of things to see for the amateur botanist or zoologist. If you visit in the summer, you can see humpback whales who are returning from their winter in Hawaii. Other than this, you can have your share of adrenaline, thanks to the many opportunities for extreme sports (especially kayaking), trekking and climbing.

Greenland

The world’s largest non-continental island is located within the Arctic Circle, so it doesn’t get too warm in any time of the year. Greenland is big (about the size of Mexico) and it has the lowest population density on the planet. The cities and town of Greenland are small and the people are very friendly.

There are some interesting attractions in the urban areas, but the best parts of Greenland are in the countryside. Go and see the icebergs and glaciers, get a glimpse of the animal life (whales, walruses, seals, reindeer, musk oxen), and see the midnight sun.

Yakutsk, Russia

Yakutsk is the oldest city in Siberia, and the coldest city in the world. It’s not a beauty when it comes to architecture and city planning, in fact it is rather drab, but the amazing museums (how about looking at some cryogenically preserved mammoth heads?) and the landscape surrounding the city are well worth a visit.

And because I don’t want to be unfair, I’ll admit that the Old City is not bad either. All in all, visiting Yakutsk is an interesting experience – it feels like you’re in the remotest corner of the civilized world, in the best possible way.

Tromsø, Norway

Tromsø might not be the northernmost city in Norway, but it is the most spectacular northern city in the country. If you want to see the Northern Lights in city that looks like it has been built by the elves of Santa Claus, you won’t be disappointed. There’s art, culture, delicious cuisine, museums, churches, parks and other assorted attractions. Don’t miss the Julemesse  craft fair before Christmas!

Dawson City, Yukon, Canada

The temperature in Yukon is rather chilly throughout the year, and in certain places it has been known to drop to minus 145 degreed Fahrenheit. Dawson City is an interesting destination with lots of relics from the age of the Gold Rush.

Diamond Tooth Gertie’s Gambling Hall is the perfect spot to waste (or win) some money and to see some old-fashioned can-can shows, and the Gold Bottom Mines can be visited through an organized tour. Also, you can probably do some ice fishing too in the area.

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Goa Holidays wrote on February 5, 2011:

Goa with it’s 36 exotic beaches, surely deserves a place in top hot destinations to spend your holidays.

Goa Holidays wrote on February 5, 2011:

Goa with it’s 36 exotic beaches, surely deserves a place in top hot destinations to spend your holidays.

 

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