Uelen

Uelen is an Arctic settlement located at the northeastern edge of Asia, stretching along a narrow coastal zone where the Bering Sea and Chukchi Sea meet. The village sits on a flat, windswept plain with sparse vegetation and faces open water on all sides.

The area around Uelen shows evidence of human settlement spanning over 2,000 years, centered on marine mammal hunting. This long occupation shaped the settlement into an important hub of Arctic coastal cultures.

The village preserves the tradition of walrus ivory carving, maintained by local artisans as a living craft. This art form shapes everyday life and remains deeply connected to the settlement's maritime heritage.

Visitors should know that helicopter service is the main transport option and arrives only every two weeks, while boats and snow vehicles operate seasonally. This remote location makes spontaneous visits impossible, so careful planning is essential.

The settlement stands as the easternmost permanent settlement on the Eurasian continent and lies just 96 kilometers from Alaska. This extreme geographic position makes it one of the most remote inhabited places in Asia, where another continent feels strikingly close.