57th parallel north, circle of latitude
The 57th parallel north is a circle of latitude that runs around the Earth 57 degrees north of the equator. It passes through seven countries including Denmark, the United Kingdom, Latvia, Russia, Sweden, the United States, and Canada, crossing mountains, forests, and water across Europe, Asia, and North America.
The 57th parallel was established by cartographers and navigators as a geographic reference line to measure and map the Earth systematically. This latitude line became important during exploration voyages and navigation across northern regions, helping sailors and explorers track their position during long journeys across continents and oceans.
The line is easy to find using maps and GPS navigation, and some locations mark it with signs or plaques. Visitors should know that conditions vary greatly depending on the country and season, from forested areas to remote wilderness with harsh winters and limited facilities.
Along this latitude line, places experience extreme differences in daylight hours: in summer the sun stays visible for nearly 18 hours, while in winter it appears for just over 6 hours and 40 minutes. This striking shift in sunlight shapes daily life and outdoor routines for people living in these northern regions.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
