Alaska is one of the newest US states, as it has not It entered the union only in 1959 after it had been under Russian rule.

Alaska is also the largest state in the America ; and extends over vast areas of nature , and includes massive glaciers, and even the highest mountain in the United States.

There is enough for any nature enthusiast to wander around in this northernmost state.
Add to that traces of Russian history, echoes of the Gold Rush, and a stream of indigenous culture from Tlingit to Alutiiq.
So there are plenty of reasons to visit this wild frontier.

10 Most Beautiful Cities in Alaska

Kodiak - Alaska

Named by Russian explorer Stefan Glotov in 1763, Kodiak is the main town on the eponymous Kodiak Island.

Staying at this outpost means enjoying the stunning coastal location and maybe even seeing Kodiak bears.

The endless hiking trails are also a nature lover's dream.

There are also opportunities to learn about the indigenous Alutiiq people as well, particularly at the Alutiiq Museum, where you can learn about their history and culture.

Alaska

Kodiak, Alaska

Wrangell - Alaska

Before European colonists arrived in the area, Wrangell Island was home to the indigenous Tlingit people for thousands of years.

The town of Wrangell itself is actually the oldest non-native settlement in Alaska, founded by the Russians in 1811.

Today, you can learn about Wrangell's indigenous heritage at Petroglyph Beach State Historic Site.

While you're here, it would be a shame to miss the opportunity to watch whales, which you can embark on via a kayak tour.

Alternatively, head to the Staten River to see a stunning slice of wildlife via boat.

Wrangell, Alaska

Homer - Alaska

Homer is called “The End of the Road” – and for good reason. 

The Sterling Highway is the only way in or out of this small town. 

This remote location has lent itself to the imagination of local artists and other creatives, creating an interesting collection of galleries and craft shops in the city, especially around Pioneer Street.

So head to the Pratt Museum to see local artwork.

Alaska

Homer, Alaska

Petersburg, Alaska

A Norwegian named Peter Bushman settled here in the late 19th century.

It then attracted other Norwegian settlers among other immigrants of Scandinavian origin.

This has earned Petersburg the nickname “Little Norway,” which makes sense, as there’s even a replica of a Viking ship in the city.

The Clausen Memorial Museum celebrates the life, culture and art of Petersburgers, and provides a great opportunity to learn more about the city.

Petersburg, Alaska

Sitka

Originally founded by the Russians as Novo-Arkhangelsk, Sitka dates back to 1799.

Therefore there are few remnants of Russian rule to explore in the city.

There is the Russian Bishop's House, built in the 1840s – one of the oldest surviving wooden buildings in the area.

In addition to the picturesque 19th century St. Michael's Cathedral, among other historical sites.

As an additional fact, Sitka was formerly the capital of Alaska until power was transferred to the United States.

Alaska

Sitka, Alaska

Juno

Since 1906, Juneau has been the capital of Alaska.

It is the second largest city in the United States - by land area.

Surprisingly for a capital city, there is no road to get there.

This is due to the extremely rugged terrain surrounding the city.

There are many historical sites here, such as the small Russian Orthodox Church of St. Nicholas, built by Serbs and Tlingit people in 1894 in fear of European encroachment.

Juneau, Alaska

Ketchikan

Ketchikan is famous for its totem poles (pillars carved from giant trees).

In fact, it is famous for having the most totem poles in the world.

To see these things, head to the Totem Heritage Centre, which displays a collection of 19th-century totem poles salvaged from abandoned villages in the area.

Ketchikan's picturesque Newton area features beautiful buildings that line the glassy waters.

Including the historic First Lutheran Church, dating back to 1930.

Ketchikan, Alaska

Gerdwood

Girdwood was originally called Glacier City, and there's good reason for that; the city is surrounded by no less than seven glaciers. 

For a stunning view of what that actually looks like, you can take a tour and go to the top of Mount Alyeska.

Which is 2300 feet above sea level.

And for those who can't get enough winter sports, the Alyeska area offers some prime skiing areas.

Alaska

Girdwood, Alaska, United States

Talkeetna

 First and foremost, Talkeetna is the starting point for anyone interested in going at least partially to Denali.
Here is Mount McKinley, which rises 20,000 feet above sea level, the highest mountain peak in America.
For the less adventurous, Denali National Park itself is a great place to enjoy epic views of the mountain itself.

Talkeetna, Alaska

Skagway

Skagway was a small settlement when it was founded in 1887.

But the gold rush of 1896 changed the city forever.

Prospectors flocked to Skagway and turned the settlement upside down into what it is today.

Yet its former glory is evident not only in the Wild West-style wooden buildings in the historic centre but also when embarking on a scenic train ride.

A ride on this narrow gauge railway, dating back to 1898, will leave you in awe of the stunning views.

Alaska

Skagway Train Ride