Russian Arctic National Park

The Russian Arctic National Park (Natsionalny Park Russkaya Arktika) is a vast national park in the far north of Russia, established in 2009 and expanded in 2016. It protects over 74,000 square kilometers (29,000 sq mi) of Arctic territory in Arkhangelsk Oblast, though most of the protected area is water. The park encompasses the entirety of the Franz Josef Land archipelago, the northern part of Severny Island in Novaya Zemlya, and surrounding marine areas — making it one of the largest protected Arctic territories in the world.

The park was created by presidential decree signed by Vladimir Putin on June 25, 2009, building on the earlier Franz Joseph Land Conservation Area established in 1994. Putin personally visited the archipelago in 2010 to promote Arctic tourism, but discovered the islands heavily polluted with over 100,000 tonnes of Soviet-era debris — he described the archipelago as a "giant rubbish tip." A three-year cleanup costing 1.5 billion rubles (approximately 25 million euros) began in 2012.

The park is a haven for Arctic wildlife including polar bears, bowhead whales, walruses, seals, and numerous seabird species. Franz Josef Land is one of the most remote and inaccessible archipelagos in the world, with only a few marks of civilization and most islands covered by ice and snow. Access requires obtaining a special permit from the park administrative headquarters in Arkhangelsk.

The climate is extreme Arctic, with temperatures ranging from -30°C to -5°C in winter and 0°C to 8°C in summer. The polar night lasts from late October to mid-February, while the midnight sun shines from late April to mid-August. The short summer window (July–August) is the only practical time for visits, and even then conditions are harsh.

By Car / Road

There is no road access to the Russian Arctic National Park. The park's islands are accessible only by sea or air, and both require special permits and expedition-level logistics.

There is no internal transportation infrastructure within the park. Movement between islands and within the archipelago is by expedition ship, helicopter (when available), and on foot. The terrain is rugged, with glaciers, ice fields, and volcanic landscapes. All movement requires guides and safety equipment.

• Franz Josef Land Archipelago — A remote Arctic archipelago of 191 islands, most covered by glaciers and ice caps. The stark beauty of ice cliffs, volcanic peaks, and polar wildlife makes this one of the most dramatic landscapes on Earth.

• Rubini Rock — A striking coastal cliff on Hooker Island, home to massive colonies of birdlife including fulmars and guillemots.

• Cape Fligeli — The northernmost point of Franz Josef Land and one of the northernmost land points in the world, at approximately 81°N latitude.

• Polar bear habitat — Franz Josef Land supports one of the largest polar bear populations in the Russian Arctic; sightings are common during summer expeditions.

• Soviet-era ruins — Remnants of weather stations, hunting bases, and military outposts scattered across the islands, slowly being overtaken by the Arctic environment.

• Expedition cruising — The primary way to experience the park. In 2021, cruises were operated by Quark Expeditions, Poseidon Expeditions, and Hapag-Lloyd Cruises departing from Helsinki, Murmansk, Tromso, Longyearbyen (Svalbard), and Kirkenes (Norway). Trips typically last 10–15 days.

• Wildlife observation — Polar bears, walruses, seals, bowhead whales, and seabird colonies are major attractions. Guided zodiac excursions bring visitors close to wildlife while maintaining safe distances.

• Glacier walking — Guided walks on accessible glacier fronts offer a visceral experience of the Arctic environment.

• Photography — The extraordinary light, ice formations, and wildlife make Franz Josef Land exceptional for photography.

• Historical exploration — Visiting the sites of early Arctic expeditions, including the remains of the Jackson-Harmsworth expedition base on Cape Fligeli.

All meals are provided on expedition cruise ships. The ships serve standard international cruise cuisine with multiple meals daily. There are no dining facilities within the park itself.

All beverages are provided on expedition cruise ships. There are no facilities within the park itself. The ships stock standard beverages including tea, coffee, water, and alcoholic drinks.

Accommodation is on expedition cruise ships, which range from basic expedition vessels to luxury ice-class ships. Cabins range from shared dormitory-style (budget expedition) to private suites (luxury expeditions). There is no accommodation within the park itself. Cruise prices typically range from $8,000 to $25,000+ per person depending on vessel and itinerary.

No shopping facilities exist within the park. Visitors must bring all supplies on expedition cruises. The expedition ships carry basic provisions, and any purchases would need to be made before departure from the embarkation port.

• Murmansk (by cruise ship or return to mainland) — Largest city in the world above the Arctic Circle, with nuclear icebreaker museum and Arctic culture
• Novaya Zemlya (part of the park) — Mountainous island group with a history of nuclear testing and Arctic research
• Svalbard / Longyearbyen (common cruise departure point) — Norwegian Arctic archipelago with polar bear population and mining heritage
• Arkhangelsk (mainland gateway) — Regional capital with museums, embankment, and connections to the rest of Arkhangelsk Oblast