When we think about iconic cities, our minds often jump to the bustling hubs of the Northern Hemisphere. But let’s flip the compass for a moment and head to the very southern parts of the Southern Hemisphere. At the bottom edge of the map, these seven cities brave the elements of the South Pole and wild oceans on a daily basis.
What makes a city truly southern? It’s all about latitude. These cities lie at some of the lowest latitudes on the planet, in rugged and often remote locations.
While some southern cities don’t get the same attention as their northern counterparts, they offer something entirely unique. Dramatic landscapes, a sense of adventure, and interesting histories shaped by their isolated location.
From windswept coastal towns in New Zealand to dramatic mountains in Chile, these are the most southern cities in the world:
7. Dunedin, New Zealand
Dunedin is a coastal city on New Zealand’s South Island’s Otago coastline. It’s not the southernmost city on the island, but it is one of the biggest. What’s interesting about this city is that it’s known for its blend of Scottish and Maori heritage.
The city’s Victorian and Edwardian architecture, brought to the island by the Scottish, offers a glimpse into the city’s colonial history. But even with this English influence, the classic Kiwi hospitality shines through in every aspect of life here.
Nature lovers flock to the Otago Peninsula, home to rare species such as the royal albatross and yellow-eyed penguins. The landscapes around here range from rugged coastlines to lush vineyards. With a temperate climate with cool summers and mild winters, Dunedin is a year-round destination for outdoorsy travelers.
6. Comodoro Rivadavia, Argentina
Comodoro Rivadavia is a busy port city along Argentina’s Atlantic coast. It’s known as the National Capital of Oil and is at the heart of Argentina’s petroleum industry. It’s the largest city south of the Southern 45th Parallel – which is a line of latitude 45 degrees from the earth’s equator.
The city’s landscape is an interesting mix of industrial infrastructure and Patagonian wilderness, where arid plains roll into the massive expanse of the ocean. For those after adventure, the nearby Chenque Hill is a great hiking spot with stunning views of the city and the sea.
The climate here is semi-arid, with some seriously strong winds. It’s so windy that locals often joke that if you can stand upright, you’re not in Comodoro!
5. Invercargill, New Zealand
Invercargill sits at 46 degrees south and holds the title of New Zealand’s southernmost and westernmost city. It’s a charming little town loved for its warm Kiwi hospitality. But what it’s really famous for is being the gateway to the natural wonders of Southland, New Zealand’s southernmost region.
This region is a natural phenomenon, with impressive mountains rising from wild oceans. It’s here where you will find the rushing waterfalls and cliffs of The Catlins, as well as the lush forests and diverse wildlife at Rakiura National Park on Stewart Island.
But while the region is characterized by dramatic landscapes, the city of Invercargill is surprisingly flat. Its level terrain combined with wide, organized streets is a nod to its Scottish heritage. Plus, it makes it easy to explore by foot or bike.
4. Río Gallegos, Argentina
Rio Gallegos is a windswept city near the southernmost tip of Argentina. As the capital city of the Santa Cruz Province, it is an important hub for Antarctic and Patagonian adventures. But while many tourists visit on route into the deeper south, the city itself is relatively flat and quiet.
Aside from Patagonian and Antarctic expeditions, Rio Gallegos is mostly a hub of coal shipping and wool production. It’s the heart and soul of Patagonia’s sheep trade industry, made possible by the deepwater port at the mouth of the Gallegos River estuary.
The climate is cool and dry, with fierce winds that give a little taste of the extreme weather of Patagonia. I recommend visiting the nearby Pali-Aike National Park (just a two-hour drive across the Chilean border), which has a unique volcanic landscape with an interesting geological and cultural history. This area is said to be the earliest recorded inhabited area in far South America.
3. Punta Arenas, Chile
The Chilean city of Punta Arenas sits on the Strait of Magellan, close to the tip of Chile’s southernmost Patagonia region. Like Argentina’s equivalent in Rio Gallegos, the city is primarily used as a base for excursions into the surrounding Patagonian wilderness and Antarctica.
Although small, this colorful city boasts a rich history dating back to its days as a penal colony and as a stop along global trade routes. Back in 1849, the city was founded to maintain the country’s claim to the strait. Until the Panama Canal was built, it served as a bustling coal and oil station, as well as part of the wool and mutton trade route.
It’s safe to say the weather is unpredictable here, a characteristic of the subpolar oceanic climate. They say you can experience all four seasons in one day!
2. Río Grande, Argentina
Contrary to what you might think, the city of Rio Grande is not associated with the Rio Grande River that flows through much of North America. However, this city, which sits in the south of Argentina, is home to its fair share of rivers.
It’s just 132 miles northeast of the most southern city in the world, Ushuaia. Like many other Patagonian cities, its main trade revolves around pastures and sheep farming. The city is considered industrial, with a blend of European and indigenous influences. It’s also a hotspot for fishing enthusiasts, with rivers teeming with trout.
1. Ushuaia, Argentina
Nicknamed the ‘End of the World,’ Ushuaia proudly holds the title as the world’s southernmost city. It’s perched on the southern tip of Tierra del Fuego and is almost surrounded by the Martial Mountains and Beagle Channel.
And it’s not just its geography that’s impressive; it’s a hub of the great outdoors and a starting point for some of the most adventurous expeditions into Antarctica. After all, it is just 680 miles from the coast of the White Continent.
Ushuaia’s main economic activities include fishing, sheep farming, oil and gas drilling, and, ironically, eco-tourism. The landscape here is breathtaking, with snowcapped peaks, glacial lakes, and thick forests as the backdrop of this small city.
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