![]() The heroic struggles of Fridtjof Nansen and other famous explorers feel unexpectedly poignant at well-preserved historical sites such as Cape Norway and Cape Flora. Since its discovery in 1873, Franz Josef Land has been a stage for incredible events in the history of polar exploration. Arctic flora is particularly abundant now at the peak of the blooming season. Mountainsides and sea cliffs throughout the islands host enormous nesting colonies of migratory seabirds such as guillemots, little auks, northern fulmars, ivory gulls, and many more. Keen observers are also likely to spot Arctic whales such as bowheads, belugas or even narwhal. ![]() Icy channels and fjords are home to ice-dependent seals, including harp seals, bearded seals and a large population of walrus. Polar bears and Arctic foxes are especially abundant in the stark and primeval icescapes of this virgin wilderness. Ubiquitous glaciers and ice caps create a scene of otherworldly beauty. The entirety of Franz Josef Land belongs to the Russian Arctic National Park, one of the most remote and inaccessible nature sanctuaries on our planet. With the advantage of 24-hour daylight, we will make the most of every opportunity for exploration and wildlife viewing, no matter where we may find ourselves in this vast polar wilderness. This will give us plenty of chances to enjoy the incredible sight of polar bears and walrus on ice. At this time of year, we expect to find sea ice almost everywhere. As with any true polar expedition, our schedule and route will be shaped by weather and ice. During this process, we will be anchored in Cambridge Bay, one of the best places in Franz Josef Land for spotting marine mammals.įor the rest of our time in Franz Josef Land, we will be free to explore the many islands of this dramatic High Arctic wilderness in whatever way best suits the conditions we encounter. Upon reaching Russian waters, we head directly to the extremely remote military base at Nagurskoye for immigration clearance into the Russian Federation. ![]() For those who prefer a little warmer time indoors, can join the various lectures or workshops held by the team, play in the indoor volleyball area, or simply mingle with fellow travelers at the lounge. Sometime during the second day of sailing, we expect to see the massive ice dome of Alexandra Land come into view through the icy mists-our first sighting of the enigmatic Franz Josef Land archipelago.ĭays like this at sea, give you the opportunity to explore the ocean from the deck, and spot for marine wildlife along with our expedition team. Our veteran wildlife guides are on duty around the clock to point the way to marine mammals and Arctic seabirds in this vast frontier of ice and water. These cold, nutrient-rich waters are also home to numerous whale species, including humpback whales, fin whales and endangered bowhead whales. But for us, with the benefit of an ice-strengthened ship and advanced navigation systems, the ice is a welcome opportunity for finding harp seals and polar bears. Such conditions were the bane of early explorers in wooden sailing ships. During our northeastward crossing to Franz Josef Land, we are likely to encounter large swaths of sea ice. From Isfjorden, we sail south along the beautiful western coast of Spitsbergen before rounding Sørkapp to enter the wild Barents Sea, crossing it within the next 2 days.
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