Chilling Travel Destinations: Coldest Places on Earth

Holidays in hot places? That’s old hat. How about chilling out – truly – on your next big trip?

To travel somewhere super-cold is to fall in love with this planet’s wildest sides as temperatures plunge. The coldest places on Earth, invariably remote and rugged, provide access to challenges that any serious traveler would crave. With their dramatic snow, ice, and breathtaking sub-zero summits, these frigid destinations should definitely be on your travel list.

From Alaskan national parks to Scandinavian glaciers and Japanese snow corridors, these awe-inspiring locations are sure to send shivers of excitement down your spine.

Antarctica

Intoxicatingly otherworldly, Antarctica is covered by the world’s largest ice sheet, extending approximately 19 million sq km (7.3 million sq miles) during winter. This region is the epitome of freezing temperatures, and getting here is no picnic. A typical 10-day trip via expedition vessel from Ushuaia in Argentina requires a couple of tempestuous days across the squally Drake Passage. The reward? Five unforgettable days immersed in nature, featuring whales and whimsically shaped icebergs.

Longyearbyen, Svalbard, Norway

Longyearbyen, the northernmost permanently populated place globally, serves as the capital of Svalbard, a glaciated archipelago. This location is so snowy that travel typically requires a snowmobile, and venturing out of town necessitates an armed guide to protect against polar bears. Visitors can enjoy Arctic wildlife sightings and spectacular aurora borealis displays, thus ensuring a chilling adventure.

Ellesmere Island, Nunavut, Canada

Ellesmere Island in Nunavut boasts the title of the most hyperborean location in Canada. It frequently ranks as the coldest area in the country, with the Inuit settlement of Grise Fjord being one of the frostiest inhabited locales on Earth. The icefield’s stunning variation of topography brings a rich diversity of Arctic fauna, including musk oxen, polar bears, and Arctic wolves. Arctic cruises often include stops at this ice-clad island for a memorable experience.

Ittoqqortoormiit, Greenland

Upon arriving in Greenland, the irony of its name becomes obvious. This northern land is predominantly white, with 80% blanketed by the expansive Greenland ice sheet. Ittoqqortoormiit, located on the east coast, is among the most remote inhabited communities globally. Hardcore adventurers are magnetically drawn to its rich wildlife, where polar bears, musk oxen, walruses, and narwhals outnumber humans. Additionally, this region houses the world’s largest national park, Northeast Greenland.

Denali National Park, Alaska, USA

The name “Alaska” instantly conjures images of cold. The state’s highest mountain, Denali, presents some of the lowest temperatures on Earth, with summer temperatures sometimes plunging to a numbing -30°C (-22°F). The surrounding tundra and taiga forest abounds with cold, and Denali National Park provides opportunities for off-trail trekking, attracting thrill-seeking adventurers. Marked routes like the short but steep Thorofare Ridge Trail deliver exquisite views of the majestic mountain.

Hornstrandir Nature Reserve, Iceland

Hornstrandir in northwestern Iceland feels especially cold due to its isolation from the mainland by the Drangajökull glacier. This region features untamed peaks, tundra, and towering cliffs where hikers must trek and camp out to experience the remarkable beauty. Recognized as one of Europe’s wildest trekking destinations, Hornstrandir’s challenging conditions offer a unique adventure for intrepid explorers.

Hakkōda Mountains, Japan

No list of freezing locations would be complete without the mention of the Hakkōda Mountains, which are often considered the snowiest region on Earth. Aomori, the world’s snowiest city, endures several months of heavy snowfall. The Hakkōda ski area serves as a top destination for backcountry snow sports, while the annual snow-clearing of the highway into Aomori creates an impressive corridor of snow walls, making for spectacular winter photography.

Vestland County, Norway

Vestland County, situated in western Norway, is notable for its extreme weather patterns due to excessive precipitation and snowfall. Starting in Bergen, one of Europe’s wettest cities, adventurers can venture to Jostedalsbreen National Park, home to continental Europe’s largest glacier, or enjoy snow sports at Røldal, renowned for receiving the deepest powder in the country.

Ulanbaatar, Mongolia

A high elevation, a location distant from any coastal region, and being affected by the chilling Siberian anticyclone firmly establish Ulanbaatar as the coldest capital city in the world. During winter, temperatures often plummet between -30°C to -40°C (-22°F to -40°F). While Mongolia captivates visitors with its stunning landscapes, the capital has much to offer, including its impressive main square and the serene Gandantegchinlen Monastery, the center of Mongolian Buddhism.

Punta Arenas, Chile

Punta Arenas, one of Chile’s southernmost cities, is renowned for its biting winds, which can chill even the toughest adventurers. Overlooking the Strait of Magellan, this city experiences wind gusts averaging over 22km/h (14 mph), creating a consistently brisk atmosphere. Despite the chill, it serves as an excellent departure point for unforgettable treks in Torres del Paine National Park or journeys to Antarctica.