Across the Barents Sea, 900km from the North Pole, sits the world’s northernmost archipelago – Franz Josef Land, closer than any other land mass in Eurasia.
Summer brings the eerie and surreal midnight sun, allowing for 24 hours of daylight to explore the frozen landscape of this wondrous island, of which 85 per cent is glaciated. There is no permanent human presence on the islands, but there is plenty of life, with diverse species of moss, lichen, flowering plants and incredible wildlife to be seen.
On a voyage to visit Franz Josef Land you can enter the Arctic National Park and go in search of its two Arctic giants, the mighty polar bear and the walrus. Approximately five million seabirds also nest on the archipelago every year, closely watched by Arctic foxes.
You’ll be able to enjoy long tundra walks and gaze upon geological oddities, and visit the fascinating historic huts of explorers like Fridtjof Nansen. Aurora Expeditions offers an in-depth exploration of this fascinating island by foot and Zodiac boat, offering you the flexibility to get close to the action as it occurs.
Visit this icy wonderland on an Aurora Expeditions Franz Josef Land Voyage tour from US$11,323 per person.
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