The Arctic Circle is an invisible line that goes around the very top of the Earth, parallel to the equator, near the North Pole. It marks the area where, for at least one day a year, the sun doesn’t rise at all in winter (polar night) and doesn’t set in summer (midnight sun). This happens because of how the Earth tilts on its axis in its orbit around the sun.
Don’t confuse the Arctic Circle with the Antarctic Circle, which is the southern pole, the opposite end of the Earth. Antarctica, the continent, is much colder than the Arctic region due to its thick layer of ice.
Where is the Arctic Circle?
The Arctic Circle is approximately 66°30′ north of the equator and covers approximately 8,000,000 square miles (21,000,000 square kilometers). The Arctic Ocean occupies about 5,440,000 square miles or 14,090,000 square kilometers of this. The Arctic Circle also passes through eight countries: Norway, Sweden, Finland, Russia, Canada, Greenland, Iceland, and the United States (Alaska).
Norway
In Norway, the Arctic Circle slices through the northern region, encompassing the stunning Lofoten Islands and the mainland areas of Nordland and Troms og Finnmark. This region is known for dramatic fjords, mountains, and the Sami people, the Indigenous inhabitants who herd reindeer in this harsh environment.
Norway’s Arctic waters are rich in marine life, supporting fishing communities and ecotourism focused on whale watching and the northern lights.
Sweden
Although Sweden has a smaller portion of its territory within the Arctic Circle, it includes the region of Lapland, home to vast boreal forests, tundra, and the Sami culture.
Sweden’s northernmost Arctic town of Kiruna is known for being the largest underground iron ore mine in the world and the famous ice hotel in Jukkasjärvi. Its proximity to the Abisko National Park serves as a gateway for viewing the northern lights and exploring Sweden’s Arctic wilderness.
Finland
Finland’s Arctic region is centered in Finnish Lapland, where Rovaniemi, the “official hometown of Santa Claus,” lies just south of the Arctic Circle.
This area is a winter wonderland of snowy landscapes, dense forests, and unique Arctic animals like reindeer and wolves. It’s also a hub for Arctic research and tourism, drawing visitors for experiences like husky sledding, snowmobiling, and glass igloo stays under the aurora borealis.
Russia
Russia has the largest Arctic territory, spanning vast tundra and forested regions, including parts of Siberia and the Kola Peninsula. Russian Arctic cities like Murmansk are major industrial and naval hubs.
The region is rich in natural resources like oil and gas, though its ecosystems remain vulnerable. Even small changes can disrupt the few species that live there. Indigenous peoples like the Nenets and Chukchi maintain traditional lifestyles, such as herding reindeer and hunting sea animals, despite the challenges of modernization.
Canada
Canada’s Arctic encompasses the northern territories of Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut, along with a sprawling archipelago of icy islands. This area is home to unique wildlife, including polar bears, arctic foxes, and belugas, as well as Inuit communities that have lived in harmony with the land for thousands of years.
The Canadian Arctic is increasingly important due to melting sea ice, which poses its own unique set of challenges for the environment.
Greenland
Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark, is almost entirely within the Arctic Circle and is home to the world’s second-largest ice sheet after Antarctica. Its stark, icy landscapes are dotted with small Inuit settlements where traditional fishing and hunting still thrive.
Greenland’s Arctic environment is a major focus for climate change studies, as its melting glaciers significantly impact global sea levels.
Iceland
Although only a small part of Iceland’s northernmost regions touch the Arctic Circle, it is still deeply connected to the Arctic. Grimsey Island, just off Iceland’s northern coast, is the only part of the country within the Arctic Circle.
Iceland serves as a critical gateway for Arctic research and exploration, thanks to its geothermal resources, unique landscapes, and proximity to the Arctic Ocean.
United States (Alaska)
In Alaska, the Arctic Circle crosses the northern part of the state, encompassing the Brooks Range and the North Slope Borough. The Brooks Range is the highest mountain range within the Arctic Circle and peaks at an average of 3,000 to 4,000 feet (900 to 1,200 meters). Utqiaġvik (formerly known as Barrow) is the largest city of the North Slope and the northernmost community in the United States.
Alaska’s Arctic is also known for its vast oil reserves and as a hotspot for observing the effects of climate change on permafrost and sea ice.
Animals of the Arctic Circle
The wildlife in the Arctic is well adapted to the climate in the Arctic. Some animals have thick fur or insulating fat to get through extreme weather conditions. Others migrate to other lands or hibernate to conserve energy.
Some of the most iconic creatures you can find include:
- Arctic fox
- Arctic seabirds
- Beluga Whale
- Bowhead Whale
- Brown bear
- Dall’s sheep
- Ice seal
- Moose
- Muskox
- Polar bear
- Reindeer
- Snowy owl
- Walrus
The winter solstice
The winter solstice, occurring around December 21, marks the shortest day of the year in the northern hemisphere. North of the Arctic Circle, this day brings the peak of the polar night, a period when the sun does not rise above the horizon for days or even months, depending on how far north you are.
In places like Tromsø, Norway, the polar night lasts for weeks, while further north, in Svalbard, it can extend for months.
Despite the absence of sunlight, the polar night is not always completely dark. There are several types of polar nights that can result in a faint light visibility depending on where the sun is situated, and the snow and ice reflect light, creating an ethereal glow.
Many Arctic cultures have adapted to the darkness, celebrating it with festivals, storytelling, and cozy gatherings around warm fires.
The summer solstice
Conversely, the summer solstice, around June 21, brings the longest day of the year and the Midnight Sun phenomenon. During this time, the sun remains above the horizon for 24 hours or more, bathing the Arctic in continuous daylight.
This period lasts longer the closer you are to the North Pole; for example, in Utqiaġvik, Alaska, the sun doesn’t set for about two months.
The Midnight Sun transforms the Arctic landscape, illuminating glaciers, tundras, and forests in soft golden light. Wildlife, including migratory birds and caribou, thrive during this time of abundance, and human communities take advantage of the endless daylight for outdoor activities like fishing, farming, and celebrations.
The solstice is often marked by festivals, such as Sweden’s Midsummer and Finland’s Juhannus, which honor the light and the renewal it symbolizes.
Northern lights in the Arctic Circle
The northern lights, or aurora borealis, are best viewed within the Arctic Circle on a clear winter night. These vibrant displays are a natural phenomenon of green, blue, red, purple, pink and white light that ripples across the dark skies in remote locations. For the best chance to see the lights, head away from city lights, keep an eye on aurora forecasts, and bundle up—it’s pretty cold out there!
Caitriona Maria is an education writer and owner of The Facts Institute. A teacher for seven years, she has been committed to providing students with the best learning opportunities possible, both domestically and abroad. Dedicated to unlocking students' potential, Caitriona has taught English in several countries and continues to explore new cultures through her travels.