The Arctic has little been studied, it is difficult to access and almost unknown to most tourists and in that way, it is a real terra incognita. Maybe that is why it attracts travelers so much, especially since this part of it is only 900 km from the top of the world – the North Pole. Franz Josef Land is one of the most popular destinations among those, who decide to visit these unique places.
The archipelago consists of 191 islands. The glaciers of Franz Josef Land occupy almost 85% of the island area. There is practically no vegetation on the islands – only some mosses and lichens. However, there are more than 250 species of them and some are completely unique. Because of this lifelessness of the archipelago, its landscapes are often associated with the lunar ones.
Special Characteristics of the Trip
It is necessary to note that there are quite a lot of animals here – like polar bears and arctic foxes. In the water, there are seals, sea hare, harp seal, walruses, narwhal, and so on. It is also known that polar bears come straight to the icebreaker’s board, stand on their hind legs and carefully study people. In other words, such experience would be completely new for any traveler.
Another option of the trip is polar kayaking. According to the kayakers, in the very first minutes, they realized that they had not experienced similar feelings from kayaking in any other place on the planet. Crystal clear waters carry a kayak in a magical harmony – a splash of water, the sound of drops falling from the temporarily idle oars and the crackling of centuries-old ice strata while whales and glittering icebergs pass by.
What to See in Such Devastated Land
The travel to the islands of the Franz Josef Land archipelago may include:
- walks along the picturesque coasts of the islands;
- landing on various capes;
- visiting a number of historical monuments and memorials;
- visits to seashore colonies of birds;
- walrus rookeries;
- meetings in close but safe proximity to the polar giants – polar bears;
- walks among floating icebergs, and much more.
This is the favorite place for polar bears, walruses, and numerous colonies of Arctic birds, and it is a great possibility for fans of unusual trips and exciting adventures.
For Whom Is This Journey?
It is necessary to remember that in the modern world the journey to the northern lands is completely safe. It is developed and organized by the professionals, who have visited these places numerous times and understand all the difficulties and specifics of this region. In that way, it is possible to state that such a trip is available for everyone who has enough money, time, and desire to conduct it.
At the same time, it is notable that it still requires at least a minimum physical preparation as the travelers will need to walk a lot and to feel confident in the cold climate. In that way, the person should objectively assess his or her physical abilities in order to receive the most from such a trip.