Did you know that Russian Arctic National Park is one of the largest and most remote protected areas on Earth, spanning over 8.8 million hectares (21.7 million acres) of pristine Arctic wilderness—an area larger than the country of Austria? This frozen frontier, established in 2009, protects the unique ecosystems of the Novaya Zemlya and Franz Josef Land archipelagos, offering intrepid travelers a rare glimpse into one of our planet’s last truly wild places.
Getting There & Planning Your Journey
Reaching Russian Arctic National Park requires careful planning due to its extreme remoteness. Most visitors begin their journey in either Arkhangelsk or Murmansk, the two major northern Russian cities with airports that connect to Moscow and St. Petersburg. Arkhangelsk Talagi Airport (ARH) and Murmansk Airport (MMK) serve as the primary gateways to the Russian Arctic region.
From these cities, the only practical way to reach the national park is by expedition cruise ship. Several specialized tour operators run seasonal voyages to Franz Josef Land and northern Novaya Zemlya between June and September. These expeditions typically last 10-14 days and depart from Murmansk, sailing across the Barents Sea to reach the protected territories.
Ready to Start Your Arctic Adventure?
Find the best flight options to Murmansk or Arkhangelsk, the gateway cities to Russian Arctic National Park.
Visitors should note that access to the park requires special permits, which are typically arranged by tour operators as part of their expedition packages. Independent travel to the park is not possible due to its protected status and extreme conditions.
Best Time to Visit Russian Arctic National Park & Weather Tips
The visiting season for Russian Arctic National Park is extremely limited due to harsh climate conditions. The optimal window is during the brief Arctic summer, from late June to early September, when temperatures are milder and sea ice has partially retreated to allow ship access.
Recommended Months:
- Late June: Increasing daylight, ice breaking up
- July: Peak season, 24-hour daylight, best wildlife viewing
- August: Slightly warmer temperatures, open water
- Early September: Possibility of Northern Lights, fewer visitors
Months to Avoid:
- October-May: Extreme cold, darkness, and impenetrable sea ice
- Mid-September to June: No tour operations due to ice conditions
Even during summer, weather conditions remain unpredictable. Daytime temperatures typically range from 0°C to 8°C (32°F to 46°F). Visitors should prepare for sudden weather changes, including fog, snow, and strong winds. The park experiences the midnight sun phenomenon from May to July, with 24 hours of daylight.
Weather Tip: Pack layers! Even in summer, temperatures can drop below freezing with wind chill. Waterproof outer layers, thermal underwear, insulated mid-layers, warm hats, and gloves are essential regardless of when you visit.
Getting Around Locally
Once you’ve reached Russian Arctic National Park via expedition cruise, your movement within the park will be entirely organized by your tour operator. There are no roads, public transportation, or rental services within this remote wilderness.
Exploration typically happens through:
Zodiac Cruising
Small, rigid inflatable boats (Zodiacs) allow visitors to navigate close to shorelines, glaciers, and wildlife. These excursions provide excellent photography opportunities and intimate encounters with the Arctic environment.
Guided Hikes
At designated landing sites, expedition guides lead small groups on short walks across the tundra. These hikes are carefully managed to minimize environmental impact and ensure safety from wildlife encounters.
Ship-Based Observation
Much of your wildlife viewing and landscape appreciation will happen directly from the expedition vessel, which navigates through fjords and along coastlines where landings aren’t possible.
All activities are conducted with armed guides due to the presence of polar bears. Visitors must always follow safety protocols and never wander independently. The park’s pristine environment is strictly protected, and all excursions follow “leave no trace” principles.
Where to Stay
There are no hotels, lodges, or permanent accommodations within Russian Arctic National Park. Your expedition cruise ship serves as your floating hotel throughout your visit. These specialized vessels range from converted research ships to purpose-built expedition cruise ships with varying levels of comfort.
Expedition Ships
These vessels typically accommodate 50-200 passengers and offer practical rather than luxurious accommodations. They’re ice-strengthened and equipped with Zodiacs for shore excursions.
Icebreakers
Some tours, particularly those heading to the North Pole via Franz Josef Land, use nuclear-powered icebreakers. These powerful ships offer a unique experience but focus more on functionality than luxury.
Luxury Expedition Vessels
Newer ships combine expedition capabilities with premium amenities like spacious cabins, gourmet dining, and wellness facilities for those seeking more comfort in the extreme environment.
Find Your Arctic Expedition
Browse available expedition cruises that include Russian Arctic National Park in their itineraries.
Before your expedition, you’ll likely need accommodation in your departure city (Murmansk or Arkhangelsk). Both cities offer a range of hotels from basic to business-class. It’s advisable to arrive at least one day before your scheduled departure to avoid complications from flight delays.
Dining & Local Cuisine
All meals during your visit to Russian Arctic National Park will be provided aboard your expedition vessel. Ships typically offer three meals daily plus snacks, with menus ranging from functional to gourmet depending on the vessel category.
While in the gateway cities before your expedition, you can sample authentic northern Russian cuisine, which features:
Northern Russian Specialties
- Stroganina – Thin slices of frozen raw fish (often whitefish or salmon)
- Ukha – Fish soup made with local catch
- Mors – Traditional berry drink made from lingonberries or cloudberries
- Pelmeni – Dumplings filled with fish or reindeer meat
Expedition Ship Dining
- Buffet-style breakfast and lunch
- Served dinners, often with Russian influences
- Special dietary requirements accommodated with advance notice
- Hot drinks available throughout the day
Some expedition vessels organize special culinary events during the voyage, such as Arctic barbecues on deck (weather permitting) or Russian-themed dinners. These provide a festive atmosphere and opportunities to socialize with fellow travelers while enjoying the spectacular surroundings.
Attractions, Sightseeing & Activities
Russian Arctic National Park offers a wealth of natural and historical attractions. Your expedition itinerary will be flexible, adapting to weather and ice conditions, but will likely include several of these highlights:
Cape Flora, Northbrook Island
Historic site where numerous 19th-century Arctic expeditions left their mark. Unusually rich vegetation for such high latitudes gives this cape its name. Remains of stone huts used by early explorers can still be seen.
Champ Island
Famous for its mysterious perfectly spherical stone formations (spherulites) of various sizes scattered across the landscape. These geological curiosities, combined with panoramic views, make this a photographer’s paradise.
Rubini Rock, Hooker Island
Home to one of the largest seabird colonies in Franz Josef Land. Thousands of breeding birds including little auks, kittiwakes, and guillemots create a spectacular natural amphitheater of sound and movement.
Cape Tegetthoff, Hall Island
Dramatic geological formations and towering cliffs mark this historic site where the Austro-Hungarian expedition first sighted Franz Josef Land in 1873, naming the archipelago after their emperor.
Tikhaya Bay
Site of a former Soviet research station, now home to the northernmost post office in the world. Visitors can send postcards from this remote outpost to friends and family back home.
Cape Zhelaniya, Novaya Zemlya
The northernmost point of Novaya Zemlya where the Barents and Kara Seas meet. Historical sites include remnants of a Soviet meteorological station and WWII defensive structures.
Experience Arctic Wildlife & Landscapes
Book a guided expedition tour to see the best of Russian Arctic National Park with expert naturalists.
Wildlife Encounters
Russian Arctic National Park is home to an extraordinary array of wildlife that has adapted to one of Earth’s most extreme environments. Wildlife viewing is a highlight of any visit, with opportunities to observe iconic Arctic species in their natural habitat.
Polar Bears
The park hosts one of the world’s most important polar bear populations. These magnificent predators can often be spotted hunting on ice floes or patrolling the coastline. Franz Josef Land is second only to Wrangel Island as a polar bear denning area.
Marine Mammals
The waters teem with life, including Atlantic walruses, ringed seals, bearded seals, and the rare narwhal (the park’s symbol). Several whale species inhabit these waters, including bowhead whales, belugas, and minke whales.
Arctic Birds
Over 50 bird species have been recorded in the park. Massive colonies of seabirds nest on coastal cliffs, including little auks, thick-billed murres, black-legged kittiwakes, and the rare ivory gull. The snowy owl can occasionally be spotted on the tundra.
Wildlife Viewing Tip: Bring quality binoculars (minimum 7×42 magnification) and a camera with a telephoto lens (at least 300mm) to observe wildlife from a safe and respectful distance. Remember that all wildlife encounters happen on nature’s terms—patience is essential for the best experiences.
Cultural Heritage & Historical Sites
Beyond its natural wonders, Russian Arctic National Park preserves a rich historical legacy of polar exploration and human endeavor in one of Earth’s most challenging environments.
The park protects approximately 200 historical and cultural monuments, including:
Expedition Remains
Traces of numerous historic expeditions dot the islands, including Willem Barents’ 1596 winter camp on Novaya Zemlya and sites associated with the Austro-Hungarian expedition that discovered Franz Josef Land in 1873.
Soviet Era Stations
Abandoned Soviet research stations and meteorological outposts provide fascinating glimpses into Cold War-era scientific efforts in the Arctic. The station at Tikhaya Bay has been partially restored as a museum.
WWII Defenses
Remnants of defensive structures from the Great Patriotic War (WWII) can be found on Novaya Zemlya, highlighting the strategic importance of these remote territories even during global conflict.
Visitors with an interest in polar history will find these sites particularly moving, as they bear witness to the extraordinary courage and determination of early explorers who ventured into these harsh landscapes with equipment far more primitive than today’s technology.
Safety, Etiquette & Local Customs
Visiting Russian Arctic National Park requires adherence to strict safety protocols and environmental guidelines to protect both visitors and the fragile ecosystem.
Safety Guidelines
- Always follow guide instructions during landings and excursions
- Never wander away from the group due to polar bear risks
- Wear appropriate cold-weather gear at all times
- Use provided safety equipment (life vests, etc.) as instructed
- Inform guides of any medical conditions before excursions
Environmental Etiquette
- Maintain minimum distances from wildlife (100m from polar bears)
- Leave no trace—take nothing but photos, leave nothing behind
- Stay on designated paths to minimize impact on fragile tundra
- Follow waste management protocols on the ship and during landings
- Clean boots between landings to prevent cross-contamination
Important: Russian Arctic National Park is a strictly protected area. All visitors must have proper permits (arranged by tour operators) and follow regulations designed to preserve this pristine environment for future generations.
Visitor Comments About Russian Arctic National Park
“The moment our Zodiac approached a massive walrus colony, with these enormous creatures lounging on the beach just meters away, I knew this journey was worth every penny. The guides’ knowledge about Arctic wildlife and history made every excursion a learning experience.”
“Seeing a polar bear in its natural habitat was a lifelong dream. When we spotted one hunting on an ice floe, I was moved to tears. The pristine wilderness of Russian Arctic National Park feels like stepping onto another planet—untouched and magnificent.”
“The mysterious stone spheres on Champ Island were unlike anything I’ve seen elsewhere. Our expedition leader explained their geological formation, but standing among these perfect spheres scattered across the Arctic landscape felt almost magical.”
Practical Travel Tips
What to Pack
- Waterproof and windproof outer layers
- Thermal base layers and warm mid-layers
- Insulated, waterproof boots
- Warm hat, gloves, and neck gaiter
- Polarized sunglasses (for snow glare)
- High SPF sunscreen (UV is intense)
- Camera with extra batteries (cold drains them quickly)
- Seasickness medication
Documentation
- Valid passport with at least 6 months validity
- Russian visa (arranged well in advance)
- Travel insurance with emergency evacuation coverage
- Printed copies of all bookings and permits
- Medical information and prescription medications
Communication
- No cell service in the park
- Ships have satellite communication for emergencies
- Limited internet access on most vessels
- Inform family of your itinerary before departure
- Consider renting a satellite phone for emergencies
Complete Your Arctic Adventure
Book your expedition cruise to Russian Arctic National Park and experience one of Earth’s last great wildernesses.
Your Arctic Adventure Awaits: Answer the Call of the Wild
Russian Arctic National Park represents one of the last truly pristine wilderness areas on our planet. Its remote location and limited accessibility have preserved an Arctic paradise where nature still reigns supreme. From the majestic polar bears patrolling ice floes to the thunderous calving of ancient glaciers, from the mysterious stone spheres of Champ Island to the teeming bird cliffs of Rubini Rock, this extraordinary protected area offers experiences that will forever change how you see our world.
The journey may be challenging, but those who make the effort to visit this frozen frontier return with memories that last a lifetime and a deeper appreciation for the fragile beauty of our planet’s polar regions. As climate change continues to transform the Arctic, there has never been a more important time to witness and appreciate this remarkable ecosystem. Will you answer the call of the wild?
The above is subject to change.
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