Juneau

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Introduction

South View from Mount Roberts viewpoint, Juneau, Alaska

Juneau is the capital of Alaska, located in the southeastern panhandle of the state. Although the urban surface is just around 30 square kilometres, the total municipal area covers a massive 8,430 square kilometres, making it one of the biggest in the world. To give an idea: that's almost a quarter of the Netherlands.
For more information, visit the official Travel Juneau website.

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Neighbourhoods

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Sights and Activities

The city itself doesn't have much to offer, but the immediate surroundings more than make up for this. There are also a few things to do and see in the city itself. Most of the popular ones are included here.

Alaska State Museum
Saint Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church
Alaska State Capitol
Mendenhall Glacier and Visitors Center
Wintersports
Fishing and hiking (summer)
Mount Roberts Tramway
Plane and helicopter tours of nearby glaciers, including optional dog sledding tours
Alaskan Brewing Company Brewery Tour

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Events and Festivals

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Weather

Juneau's climate is a mild maritime one can not be compared to much of Alaska's bitter cold climate. Summes last from June to August when daytime temperatures average around 18 °C and nights are just under 10 °C. During winter, days are mostly around zero and nights around -5 °C. Occasionally, temperatures plummit way below though. Juneau is a wet place, with around 100mm of precipitation a month, though September and October see double this amount. Snow is possible from October onwards, though usually won't start before November. It peaks in January with around 75 centimetres of snow.

View of tramway from top (Mount Roberts, Juneau)

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Getting There

Juneau can only be reached by ferry or plane, though you can take your car on the ferry if you wish.

By Plane

Juneau International Airport (JNU) currently only receives Alaska Airlines flights to/from Anchorage, Seattle, Ketchikan and several other smaller places. Alaska Seaplane Service flies to a few places as well, just like Wings of Alaska. Both have small airplanes/seaplanes to serve communities as well as tourists wishing to explore more of the region.

By Boat

Juneau can be reached by Alaska Marine Highway, which handles transport along most of Alaska's southern coastlines. It's officially even part of the National Highway System. In summer, there are about one million visitors who come to Juneau by cruiseship. To add, there fast car ferries connecting Juneau with Haines and Skagway, which have road access further away.

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Getting Around

By Car

There is about 300km of paved roads and rental cars are available at the airport.

By Public Transport

The government runs a bus services, called Capital Transit, which has services throughout the city and surroudings.

By Foot

Most of Juneau itself can easily be negotiated on foot.

By Bike

Bikes are a good way to go if you want to explore more of the outskirts of town and further away, though outside the summer season it is not really advised to go out.

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