6 Alaska Towns That Rival Europe's Best
While we often associate a rich history and postcard scenes with Europe’s cobblestone streets and dramatic scenery, these same charms attract millions to Alaska every year. From grand Russian cathedrals and historic downtowns to imposing coastal mountains and island fjords, the state's beauty is as enchanting as it is vast, rivaling some of Europe’s best. In Alaska, travelers can embark on the ultimate adventure, combining the beauty of Norway’s famous fjords and Switzerland's stunning Swiss Alps with the state's signature glaciers and Northern Lights—all without ever leaving American soil.
Seward
Perched on an inlet on the Kenai Peninsula, Seward is the main gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park, whose breathtaking fjords are often compared to Norway’s. The town, sandwiched between the Kenai Mountains and Resurrection Bay, is one of Alaska’s most sought-after destinations due to these astounding scenes. Much like Norway’s, the dramatic glacial-carved valleys in Kenai Fjords National Park are ethereal beyond description, inviting adventurous travelers from around the globe.
While open year-round, the best time to visit this 600,000-acre park is June through August, as winter brings harsher conditions and less trail maintenance. Over 50% of the park is blanketed in snow and ice, including the Harding Icefield, which sources the park’s 40 tidewater glaciers. Over time, these glaciers carved the park’s majestic seawater valleys, resulting in the rugged fjords we see today.
Booking a day cruise with local companies like Kenai Fjords Tours or Seward Ocean Excursions is one of the best ways to experience Kenai Fjords National Park. Companies like Major Marine Tours also specialize in wildlife tours, combining views of Seward’s famous fjords with sea otter, sea lion, and whale spotting. Back on land, the National Park also boasts popular attractions like Exit Glacier. It is the only section of the park accessible by road, offering close-up glacier views and access to the park’s only hiking paths, such as the Harding Icefield Trail. Like the park, the Exit Glacier Area is open year-round, however, the road leading to the site is frequently inaccessible from late October to mid-May due to snow.
Kenai
Kenai is a historic coastal town known for its European roots and river views, with the Alaska Mountain Range as its backdrop. Like Seward, the town is located on the Kenai Peninsula, about two hours northwest of the National Park. Its setting along the mouth of the Kenai River makes it a world-class fishing destination, with its blue glacial waters attracting over 400,000 anglers each year. For visitors hoping to cast a line, the best way to fish is from a local’s perspective, with guides like Alaska Fish on Charters and Alaskan Widespread Fishing Adventures.
The town’s legendary fishing culture is linked to its European origins, as it once drew Russian fur traders to the area. In 1741, they became Kenai’s first non-Native settlers, later founding Fort St. Nicholas as a defensive trading post. Today, visitors can explore Kenai’s Old Town to experience this heritage at sites like the Holy Assumption Russian Orthodox Church, the oldest church of its kind on mainland Alaska. Built in the 1890s, the building’s blue onion domes and decorative accents mirror those found in the Russian city of Pskov, a place famous for its historic churches and monasteries.
Beyond its fishing and Russian heritage, Kenai is an oasis for exploring Alaska’s great outdoors. Bordering the Kenai River, North Beach and South Beach offer striking views over the lower Cook Inlet. On clear days, three active volcanoes can be seen on the horizon, while marine life can be spotted in the water, including beluga whales in late spring and early summer. A short drive from town, the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge is also well within reach, boasting nearly 2 million acres of woodlands, mountains, wetlands, and glacial lakes.
Sitka
The Baranof Island town of Sitka can only be reached by air or sea, but as Alaska’s oldest town and original capital, it is well worth the trip. Similar to Kenai, the town boasts a vibrant Russian Orthodox Heritage. It was originally part of Russian America until the United States purchased the territory in 1867. There are countless historic sites in town preserving this past, including the Russian Bishop’s House, Russian Block House, and St. Michael’s Russian Orthodox Cathedral, built in a 19th-century Russian Design.
Perhaps even more famous than Sitka’s European past, is its spectacular natural surroundings. The town is situated near the foothills of Mount Verstovia on the outer coast of the Inside Passage, a 500-mile coastal route winding through fjords, islands, and tidewater glaciers. It is also located inside the Tongass National Forest, which is famously the largest temperate rainforest in the world. With a backyard this grand, Sitka shines for its outdoor recreation, whether exploring land or sea.
Departing from downtown Sitka, Wilderness Sea Kayaking trips are a popular excursion in late April to early October, guiding adventurers through the Sitka Sound with Mount Edgecumbe as your backdrop. On land, Sitka’s hiking trails take the spotlight, whether following tranquil paths in Sitka National Historical Park or taking on more challenging hikes like the Harbor Mountain trail. For a more family-friendly activity, the Sitka Sound Science Center also offers an up-close look at Alaska’s diverse marine life, with educational exhibits for all ages.
Juneau
Juneau, Alaska's present capital, is encircled by Mount Roberts, Mount Juneau, and the Gastineau Channel, reminiscent of mountain-ringed coastal cities like Bergen in southwest Norway. Due to this natural border, Juneau is another town that can only be reached by air or sea. However, like Sitka, the trip here is well worth the effort, rewarding visitors with bucket list-worthy nature and historic charms.
A popular cruise port, Juneau’s downtown is just a short walk from the docks, making it the first place most explore. The district is compact, meaning its cozy sights and attractions can be entirely explored on foot. The streets are lined with colorful 19th-century homes and attractions like the Juneau-Douglas City Museum, with Historic South Franklin Street just a few blocks away. This is where you will find Juneau’s best souvenir shops, restaurants, and bars, including gems like Bald Eagle Gifts & Jewels, The Hangar On The Wharf, and the Red Dog Saloon.
South Franklin Street is also home to Juneau’s Goldbelt Tram, whose gondolas ascend 1,800 feet up Mount Roberts. Although it is currently closed, it is set to reopen for the season on April 14th, 2025. While many ride up the mountain for its additional restaurants and attractions, the ride itself provides spectacular panoramic views of Juneau, its mountains, and the Gastineau Channel. From the top, you can also discover scenic hiking trails like the Goldbelt Tram to Gastineau Peak path. This rugged ridge hike is popular with those craving views of Alaska’s wild side.
Valdez
A popular destination for its Northern Lights, glaciers, and snow-capped mountains, Valdez takes pride in its reputation as Alaska’s “Little Switzerland.” Located at the head of Port Valdez, a fjord in the heart of Prince William Sound, the town is surrounded by some of the tallest coastal mountains in the world. The Chugach Mountains earn the town its Swiss Alps nickname, along with its reputation as a ski destination. Whether backcountry skiing with local charters like Black Ops Valdez or trying beginner-friendly spots like the Salmonberry Ski Hill, Valdez has a slope for everyone.
Along with offering pristine ski conditions, winter is one of the best times to visit Valdez since it provides the greatest chance of witnessing Alaska’s aurora borealis. While the Northern Lights can be spotted here most of the year, winter’s darker skies bring more vivid colors. The colder season also opens up unique sightseeing opportunities in this Alaska town, especially with glacier viewing. While beautiful in all seasons, the Valdez Glacier, located on the edge of town in Valdez Glacier Lake, requires a kayak for close-up views in the summertime. In the winter, adventurers can hike, snowshoe, or cross-country ski on the frozen lake to the glacier’s face with the added perk of ice caves along the way.
Skagway
Skagway, another popular cruise port that welcomes over one million visitors every year, balances its tourist attractions with historic charms and natural preservation. The town is perched on the northernmost point of the Inside Passage, meaning its natural surroundings are as epic as they come. Its gold-rush-era heritage is also one of its best features, with Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park showcasing the town’s best-preserved buildings, including the 1890s Mascot Saloon.
Skagway is also a gateway to the White Pass & Yukon Route railway, a transport built at the height of the Klondike Gold Rush. Today, the railway’s main cargo is sightseers, its vintage train cars carrying explorers past mountains, glaciers, and gorges. If you book your excursion from June through September, you can also spot the town’s vibrant clusters of magenta fireweed. The region’s fertile soil allows the wildflower to thrive here, brightening Skagway’s hillsides and evoking the beauty of meadows in the United Kingdom, where the same plant famously thrives.
Skagway’s connection to the United Kingdom’s flora can also be linked to its nickname, the “Garden City of Alaska.” In the early 1900s, Skagway embraced a passion for gardens, taking inspiration from Europe’s emerging Garden City Movement. The movement, founded by English visionary Ebenezer Howard, was meant to bring a “joyous union of town and country,” which Skagway maintains to this day. Whether admiring the vibrant lawns of Skagway locals or exploring backcountry trails like the Chilkoot Pass, the flora of Skagway is truly breathtaking.
Discover European Charms In These 6 Alaska Towns
While many travelers arrive in Alaska eager to experience its iconic sights and landscapes, they are often pleasantly surprised by the parallels to European towns. From the Russian architecture of Kenai to the Scandinavian fjords of Seward and Valdez’s charming title of “Little Switzerland,” these Alaskan towns present an exciting fusion of cultures and scenery that whisk visitors away to another world. When combined with Alaska’s classic attractions, such as its incredible wildlife, stunning wilderness, mesmerizing Northern Lights, and breathtaking glaciers, you have all the ingredients for an unforgettable vacation.
