The Alaska town where almost everyone lives in one building
A small port on Prince William Sound where nearly all of the roughly 270 residents live in a single 14-storey former Army building, Begich Towers. Ringed by glaciers and waterfalls and hemmed in by mountains, the town is reached through a one-lane, 4 km tunnel shared by cars and trains.
The U.S. Army built Whittier during World War II as a secret, ice-free port with a rail link to interior Alaska, choosing the site partly because its persistent bad weather hid it from view. The military consolidated housing into two large towers, one of which still houses most of the town.
Varies by region — broadly best Apr–Oct — this reflects United States's seasonal weather and crowds.
ESTA required (Visa Waiver, most passports). Entry rules depend on your nationality and change often — always confirm with the official United States government or embassy before you travel.
US Dollar (USD). You can convert USD to the live local rate right on this page.
English is the primary language in United States.
Dial 911 for emergencies in United States.
Tap water here is generally rated "Tap safe". When unsure, choose sealed bottled or filtered water.
Type A/B. Bring a compatible adapter — you can build a full packing list for Whittier on this page.
Safety varies by neighbourhood and changes over time, so there's no one-word answer. The local emergency number is 911. Check SkyOSK's safety notes for Whittier and your government's current travel advisory before you go.