How to get to Kotzebue

Located approximately 50 kilometres north of the Arctic Circle, Kotzebue is not merely a point on a map, but the true heart of Inupiat culture in northwest Alaska. This remote city in the USA attracts travellers with its rugged Arctic beauty, the opportunity to witness the midnight sun, and the chance to experience the traditional lifestyle of indigenous peoples.

Reaching this isolated corner is an adventure in itself, as Kotzebue is not connected to the continent's road network. Aviation remains the primary and practically the only method for tourists to get here, turning the journey into a breathtaking flight over the tundra.

Air travel is the most reliable and fastest way to reach Kotzebue, given its geographical isolation. All commercial flights are received by Ralph Wien Memorial Airport (OTZ), which serves as a key transport hub for the entire region and connects the city with the "mainland".

Most often, travellers' routes lie through Anchorage, from where regular flights depart to the north. The airport is located just 1.6 kilometres (one mile) from the city centre, so the transfer upon arrival takes mere minutes and, as a rule, causes no difficulties for tourists.

Railway connection to the city of Kotzebue is completely absent, as the terrain and permafrost make laying tracks in this region an extremely difficult task. The Alaska Railroad ends much further south, in the area of Fairbanks.

Therefore, getting here by train is impossible even with transfers. Travellers preferring ground transport will have to switch from a train to a plane in one of the state's major cities to cover the remaining distance to the Arctic Circle.

When planning a trip, it is important to consider that reaching Kotzebue by bus is impossible. There are no roads leading to the city that connect it with the rest of the USA or Canada, so intercity bus routes simply do not exist here.

Bus services are available only in major Alaskan cities, such as Anchorage or Fairbanks. From there, tourists will in any case have to transfer to a plane to reach this remote Arctic settlement.

A trip to Kotzebue by private car or taxi from other regions is unfeasible due to the lack of overland roads. The city is in complete isolation from the North American road system, and one cannot get here by car even in summer.

The only vehicles one might encounter in the vicinity are cars belonging to local residents, delivered by sea or air, as well as snowmobiles and quad bikes used for local travel. For tourists, this mode of transport is relevant only as a means of moving within the city after arriving by plane.

Travelling beyond the Arctic Circle requires careful preparation, as conditions here differ significantly from typical tourist destinations. To ensure your trip to Kotzebue is comfortable and safe, please review these key recommendations.

1. Clothing and Equipment: Weather in the Arctic is unpredictable. Even in summer, strictly ensure you bring thermal underwear, a windproof jacket, and waterproof footwear. In winter, specialised polar clothing is essential.
2. Transport in the City: The city is small, and its centre can be explored on foot. For trips to the outskirts, locals often use taxis or quad bikes (ATVs), which are very popular here.
3. Finances and Prices: The official currency is the US Dollar (USD). Cards are accepted in shops and hotels, but it is better to have a supply of cash for buying souvenirs from local artisans. Be prepared that prices for groceries and services here are significantly higher than the national average due to complex logistics.
4. Health and Safety: There is a hospital in the city providing basic care. The main danger is hypothermia, so monitor the weather forecast and do not venture far from the city alone without a guide.
5. Communication: The main language of communication is English. Many locals also speak Inupiaq, but they communicate with tourists in English without any issues.
6. Respect for Culture: The local population (Inupiat) cherishes their traditions. Always ask for permission before photographing people or their private property (for example, drying fish or skins).
7. What to Avoid: Do not attempt to feed wild animals and do not approach them, even if they seem safe. Bears and moose may appear in the vicinity of the city.
8. Polar Day and Night: Consider the seasonal lighting. In summer, the sun does not set for almost a month, which may disrupt sleep patterns (take an eye mask), while in winter, daylight lasts only a couple of hours.

Observing these simple rules will help you enjoy the unique atmosphere of the Far North and bring home only fond memories of this rugged land.