Alaska

Souvenirs from Alaska

Alaska is undeniably unique among the United States, not only due to its size or closeness to the icy regions of the Arctic Pole, but also to its unforgettable paradise of natural wonders. Alaska is a land of ultimate adventure: exciting outdoor tours with magical trips, exotic hiking on glaciers, fairytale dog sled riding, brave 'bush' plane touring , adrenaline driven rafting and boat riding, amazing kayaking - all offer a unique dream-like adventure of cold rivers and waters, deep lakes and high snow capped mountain tops for both amateurs and professionals. If you dream of picnicking near a glacier and fishing Alaska's famous salmon or simply of marveling at the splendid mountain tops of North America from a plane, Alaska is the place to be. Due to its location close to the Arctic Circle, Alaska is the land of endless summers: long sunlight days allow tourists to experience its breathtaking natural trails ranging from easy, accessible ones to the most difficult. For every type of cyclist, walker or jogger out there, there is an Alaskan trail to suit. Try to keep the Alaskan adventure spirit alive with lovely fridge magnets, keychains, souvenir plates and T-shirts which are available now online.

Alaska, a Record Breaking State

Plainly judged by its numbers and figures, Alaska is a record breaking state of splendid natural beauties. Mountain McKinley is the highest in the North American Continent and throughout Alaska, 17 out of the 20 highest mountains peaks are to be found. More than 100,000 glaciers cover five percent of the entire Alaskan region with the highest number of active ones in the world. When it comes to earthquakes, Alaska is at the top of the world: the strongest North American earthquake was recorded in 1964 and three of the top ten strongest earthquakes around the globe occurred underneath its wild lands. For indoor tourism, the region is a rich land of native culture, art and history: traditional crafts, splendid carving, unique dancing and music and charming festivals celebrating the strong heritage of native Alaskans are cherished and promoted by a strong network of historical venues, heritage museums and academic centers. Local handmade products are proudly admired and presented to visitors whereas the minorities' cultural representations such as old Russian religious paintings create a vibrant multicultural environment.

Alaska, a Paradise beyond Prejudice

Among the many prejudice regarding Alaska, the cold weather, terrible road system and high priced life are the most quoted. Despite all these, the temperatures during the long Alaskan summers are high enough to make every day life bearable and the roads and highways are in excellent condition; plus it doesn't cost a fortune to enjoy a wonderful time in Alaska. Unsurprisingly for an endless semi-arctic region of breathtaking beauty and wilderness, Alaska is experienced at its best during the cold long winters when the official tourist campaigns actually start. Despite popular beliefs, the coldest Alaskan seasons are not as chilling or harsh as some may imagine and the options are endless: from admiring the simple elegant solitude of a snowy landscape to engaging into ultimate outdoor experiences. Alaskan springs are a time of celebration with vibrant traditional festivals but Alaskans' favorite season is nonetheless winter when a wide range of outdoor activities are organized for tourists and locals altogether.

A Welcoming Winter Wonderland

Alaskan winters often turn out to be ultimate one-in-a-lifetime experiences for those who don't mind the unconventionality and icy exotics of its breathtaking nature. Among the many options available when visiting Alaska during its coldest season, the most famous are the magical Northern lights, winter classics such as snowboarding and snowmobiling alongside skiing and dog racing, all packed with welcoming breaks of delicious cuisine, museums exhibitions, traditional flea-markets and locally produced beer which offer an unforgettable deep understanding of Alaskan traditional life styles. But undoubtedly one of the most treasured assets of the region is its untamed wilderness. Alaskan wildlife viewing is an utterly unique opportunity to see scary polar bears, menacing whales, the famous bald eagles, dangerous wolves, unfriendly grizzly bears and Christmas postcard-like herds of moose in their natural habitat, seemingly undisturbed by the modern world. Alaska is undeniably a welcoming winter wonderland of snowy splendor, wild beauty and magical charm.

Alaska, the Ultimate Last Frontier Experience

For an authentic Last Frontier experience, you can be anywhere in Alaska. The great variety of sightseeing choices include unexpected glacier tours, breathtaking whale watching, wonderful hunting and fishing experiences but also cultural tours throughout its historical and picturesque small towns and former gold mines. From the cold waters of the Arctic Ocean to the Kenai Peninsula and from the inland natural wonders to Fairbanks, Alaska is simply amazing. Charter fishing, adventurous plane touring, challenging hiking and kayaking along its beautiful coastlines, wilderness cruising or simply road-tripping are all part of the package. And since you are at it, don't miss the chance to indulge into fresh Alaskan seafood, from mouth-watering salmon and halibut to delicious crab. A wide range of local restaurants offer exquisite traditional food with locally sourced products and everywhere across the state, the traditional homemade beer is highly promoted. Topping the charts for the number of breweries, Alaska even offers beer fans brewery tours and festivals throughout the year.

Alaskan Waters, a Fisherman's Heaven

Fishing in Alaska is a top world class experience. Due to the variety of waters across its wide land, Alaska's outstanding fishing experience ranges from salt water and fresh water fishing to the world's most exquisite fly and ice fishing. Over 600 species of fish can be found in Alaskan waters and exotic fishing tours also include taking a boat or even a float plane to pick up one's favorite fishing spot. The immense number of lakes and rivers (there are over 3 million lakes in Alaska and no less than 3,000 rivers) makes the choice difficult especially since tourist accommodations offer everything from luxury venues to rustic and traditional comfortable places. For the real outdoor people, a night spent in complete untouched wilderness with the spectacular Northern sky above and the satisfaction of making a campfire and cooking the fish yourself can be as good as a comfy evening in an expensive hotel with five star cooked meals.

An Unforgettable Landscape Wilderness

Besides fishing, tourists have a unique chance to marvel at the breathtaking views of the Alaskan coasts. One day ocean cruises are also among the options offered for an angling experience in the rich waters of the Kenai fjords or Glacier Bay. Beautiful high mountain cliffs, Ice Age glaciers, unseen wildlife, whales and sea lions, goat, puffins and bears are all fairy like views. Professional guides unravel the mysteries of the wild and affordable comfy accommodation is available all year long. For a truly vintage experience, feel free to take a riverboat ride on a sternwheeler and catch a glimpse of Alaskan inland with amazing colors, sounds, food and music all the way up to the Tanana Rivers or Fairbanks. Viewing a traditional Indian village or a fish camp is just around the corner.