Anchorage is the largest city in Alaska and the economic center of the U.S. state. The fascinating destination is located on the Cook Inlet between Turnaigan Arm and Knik Arm.
The founding of the city of Anchorage took place in 1914. It is home to numerous companies from the mining, oil and chemical industries. In addition, Anchorage is not only the largest city in the 49th US state, but is also its most important tourism center. Anchorage is surrounded by wild and picturesque nature, where Alaska presents itself in all its beauty. Visitors will find a variety of viewpoints from which they can observe the beautiful Northern Lights. Furthermore, Alaska’s wildlife with its moose, wolves, beavers and bears can be experienced up close.
Even though temperatures in Anchorage rarely climb above 19 degrees Celsius even in the summer months, the city and surrounding area are excellent for a vacation. Among other things, glaciers and fjords can be visited
Getting to Anchorage
The journey to Anchorage is usually by plane via Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport, which has the most flight connections to the USA as well as other airports in Alaska. The Alaska Railroad also operates in Anchorage. This is Alaska’s only rail line. It leads over Denali National Park towards Fairbanks to the north and to Seward in the south.
Fishing in the city
Anchorage is one of the few cities where you can fish in the city center. In summer, anglers are in high season and try to catch salmon. The Silver Salmon are in demand until the beginning of September, and in spring they are on the lookout for the King Salmon.
Anchorage and its sights
Eleven different cultures live in Anchorage. There are also more than 200 languages. One of the city’s attractions is the Native Center, where you can experience the culture of the country’s indigenous people, not only in the present, but also in the past. The indigenous people attach particular importance to art and the telling of stories. On the path of Lake Tiulana, guests can gain insight into the local living culture.
Visit to the Anchorage Museum
If you want to learn more about Alaska Natives, the Anchorage Museum is the right place for you. There the visitor gets an overview of Alaska’s history as well as the culture of the Native Americans. Among other things, the migration of peoples across the Bering Strait and the extraction of oil are explained. In addition, there are exhibitions about art objects.
The Alaska Aviation Heritage Museum
Friends of flying will get their money’s worth at the Alaska Aviation Heritage Museum. On the southern shore of Lake Hood, about 30 bush planes can be viewed in the hangars.
Keep an eye out in Resolution Park
Below the monument dedicated to the British navigator James Cook is a wooden platform. From there, there is a fascinating view of the bay, which was discovered by Captain Cook in 1778. In the summer and autumn months, whales can be seen from time to time.
Visit the Alaska Zoo
The Alaska Zoo on O ́Malley Road is also worth a detour. Most of the animal species are specimens from Alaska or the Arctic region. However, some exotics can also be admired.
Lake Hood Seaplane Base
One of the special attractions is the Lake Hood Seaplane Base. The branching lake is located next to the International Airport and is considered the largest seaplane airport in the world. The airport is extremely important because many parts of Alaska can only be reached by plane. In summer, more than 400 take-offs and landings take place here. Airtaxi companies also offer sightseeing flights over the Chugach Mountains.
Reaching the National Parks from Anchorage
There are a total of 17 national parks in Alaska. Five of them can be easily reached from Anchorage by car or plane. These include Denali, Katmai, Wrangell-St. Elias, Lake Clark and the Kenai Fjords.
Der Chugach State Park
On Anchorage’s doorstep, so to speak, lies Chugach State Park, which has a size of 2000 km². It is found in the glacial landscape of the Chugach Mountains. Best access is via Eagle River via Glenn Highway and Eagle River Road.
Chugach State Park also marks the starting point for a 40-kilometer hiking trail on the Iditarod Trail, which goes over the mountains towards Girdwood and lasts two days.
Skiing in Girdwood
The Girdwood Valley is located about 60 kilometers southeast of Anchorage and is considered the best ski resort in Alaska. The slopes are located at altitudes between 70 and 1200 meters. Up to 15 meters of snow can fall in Girdwood per year. In summer, the gondola lift can be used to reach Mount Alyeska, which takes it to an altitude of 1201 meters. The Seven Glaciers panoramic restaurant is a good place to eat. Further down in the valley, a gold digger camp from 1898 awaits visitors.
Tip – Cycling in Anchorage
Anchorage is one of the most bike-friendly American cities. It has a 200-kilometre-long bicycle network. Some of the cycle paths run along the sea, such as the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail. Even in winter, the locals cycle undauntedly on special fat bikes with their extra-wide tires.
Alternatively, a dog sled ride can also be taken. There are numerous corresponding offers. An excellent opportunity to take in the enchanting surroundings of Anchorage.
