Anchorage (Alaska) / USA

In the southern part of the northernmost American state, Anchorage lies at the end of Cook Inlet. With its 300,000 people, it is the largest city in Alaska and home to a full 40% of all its residents.

The Anchorage area has been inhabited by the indigenous Dena'ina people since time immemorial. In 1888, gold was discovered nearby, sparking a gold rush that brought thousands of people north. Alaska still belonged to Russia in the 19th century, and the United States didn't purchase it until 1912. The construction of the railroad in the 1920s and 1930s contributed to the city's growth, and from the 1930s to the 1950s, Anchorage developed mainly due to air transport and wartime armament. An earthquake measuring 9.2 on the Richter scale in 1964 killed over 100 people and caused enormous damage to the city. In the 1960s, oil was discovered off its shores, but today, besides oil, tourism is also a significant part of Anchorage's economy.

The city center is lined with numerous restaurants, cafes, and souvenir shops. The famous Iditarod Trail sled dog race, which attracts dozens of experienced "mushers" every March, begins here at the statue of the legendary sled dog Balto.

Anyone wanting to get closer to the nature, history, and indigenous people and art of Alaska should not miss a visit to the Anchorage Museum in the Rasmuson Center or the Alaska Museum of Natural History. The Alaska Native Heritage Center showcases traditional crafts and art, as well as the dwellings of the area's indigenous people. The Alaska Botanical Garden, with more than 150 species of native plants, or the Alaska Zoo, which houses both local and exotic species, are definitely worth a short visit.

Anchorage is the gateway to the wilderness and beautiful nature of Chugach State Park, with high mountains and dozens of kilometers of hiking trails through beautiful alpine landscapes. An ideal way to explore the Kenai Peninsula is a sightseeing boat trip: half-day and full-day excursions are available to observe the rich life of the dramatic fjords, popular among other things with majestic whales. Denali National Park protects a unique landscape, centered around the highest mountain in North America, Denali. Much of the park is closed to private vehicles, and excursions aboard characterful buses and hikes through the arctic tundra are something no one should miss.

However, you don't have to go beyond the city limits to experience wild nature and animals. A popular destination for active visitors is the summit of Flattop Mountain, which rewards the effort with beautiful views of the surrounding area. Frequent visitors to Anchorage include black and brown bears, as well as moose or wolves. Along the main road towards the coastal town of Seward, you can spot mountain goats or Dall sheep.

A visit to Anchorage is definitely worth combining with a taste of Alaskan specialties: smoked salmon, halibut, crab... simply some of the freshest fish and seafood in the world.

Places Worth Seeing

Anchorage Museum – Delve into the history, nature, and culture of Alaska's indigenous people in an interesting modern museum.

Chugach State Park – Immerse yourself in the beautiful alpine nature on one of the hiking trails through the Chugach Mountains.

Cook Inlet – Enjoy the beautiful landscape of the tidal inlet and keep your eyes open; you might spot a passing beluga whale.

Flattop Mountain – Climb to the summit of Flattop Mountain and reward yourself with beautiful panoramic views of Anchorage.

Alaska Zoo – Meet the native animal inhabitants of Alaska – black bears, grizzlies, wolves, or moose – which you might also encounter in the city center with a bit of luck.

Denali National Park – Don't miss a visit to the landscape surrounding the highest North American mountain.

Kenai Peninsula – Embark on a cruise, be enchanted by dramatic fjords, majestic glaciers, and whales.