Located at the North Pole, the Northern Water Tribe city is huge and multi-tiered, built into the icy landscape. Looming over the city are giant ice cliffs from which it was originally built. The city rests on the shores of the Northern Sea, and behind it is an enormous frozen tundra.

Resting on the shores of the Northern Sea, behind high walls of ice and an ice gate and canal lock system passable only by the use of waterbending, there lies a large and bustling monarchic nation-state. Ruled by a supreme chief, the capital city features a palace, an army, and many skilled warriors, healers, waterbenders, and a hidden oasis which houses Tui and La, the Moon and Ocean Spirits.

Powered by waterbending, gondolas are used to navigate the city's expansive system of canals. These interconnecting waterways play a crucial part in the tribe's defenses. Water-locking chambers act as the only entrances into the main city; boats travel through the gates, and, once the boats are in, waterbenders raise the water levels, lifting the boats until the vessel finally reaches the waterways of the Northern Water Tribe. This special entrance ensures that no unwanted ships can make it into the city.