Franz-Joseph-Land is an archipelago located in the Arctic Ocean, in the Russian Arctic. It is situated between the Novaya Zemlya archipelago to the west and the archipelago of the New Siberian Islands to the east, and is part of the Nenets Autonomous Okrug of the Russian Federation. The archipelago consists of 191 islands, with a total land area of 16,134 km2 (6,214 sq mi).
The islands were first discovered in 1873 by an Austro-Hungarian expedition led by Julius von Payer and Karl Weyprecht, who named the archipelago after the Austrian Emperor Franz Joseph I. They were the first to reach the North Pole in 1874.
The archipelago is located in the Kara Sea, a marginal sea of the Arctic Ocean, and is generally covered in ice for most of the year. The climate is subarctic and the islands are mostly composed of permafrost. The highest point on the islands is Mount Nansen, which rises to 1,160 meters (3,807 ft).
The islands are home to several species of Arctic wildlife, including polar bears, walruses, and seals, as well as a variety of birds. The islands are also home to a number of research stations, including the Russian weather station and the Russian Arctic Research Station.
In the early 20th century, the islands were briefly occupied by the German Empire during World War I, but were later returned to Russia. In the 1950s, the Soviet Union established a number of military bases on the islands, which were later abandoned. Today, the islands are mostly uninhabited and are used mainly for scientific research.
Experience Franz-Joseph-Land with unforgettable activities by our partner GetYourGuide. The offer is also ideal as a special gift idea for family and friends who are planning to visit Franz-Joseph-Land. Cancellations are possible up to 24h before the start of the activity (unless otherwise stated in the activity description), with a full refund of the booking price.
Franz-Joseph-Land in Russia has a severe Arctic climate with long, cold winters and short, cool summers. During winter, temperatures average -16°C (3°F), while in summer the average temperature is 4°C (39°F). The winter months bring strong winds and blizzards, while the summer months bring light winds and fog. Precipitation is light throughout the year, with the most rain and snowfall occurring in the autumn months. The climate is generally dry and cold, with extreme temperatures and strong winds throughout the year.
Our weather forecast for Franz-Joseph-Land helps plan your stay according to the weather. For sunny days, pack light and breathable clothes, swimwear, and sunscreen. For winter weather, it's recommended to bring warm clothes, gloves, a hat, sturdy footwear, and a raincoat.
| Date | Icon | Temperature | Wind speed/gusts | Cloudiness/Visibility | Air humidity/pressure | Sunrise/Sunset |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr. 3rd 2025 Apr. 3rd 2025 | max: -18.1 °C min: -23 °C |
29.2 m/s 59.8 m/s |
100.0 % 8.4 m |
77.6 % 1,003 hPa |
02:35:15 20:18:58 |
|
| Apr. 4th 2025 Apr. 4th 2025 | max: -23.4 °C min: -26.6 °C |
27.4 m/s 47.9 m/s |
85.4 % 7.4 m |
78.9 % 1,008 hPa |
02:21:57 20:32:29 |
|
| Apr. 5th 2025 Apr. 5th 2025 | max: -22.2 °C min: -26.5 °C |
18.0 m/s 27.0 m/s |
90.4 % 4.4 m |
79.3 % 1,014 hPa |
02:07:55 20:46:57 |
|
| Apr. 6th 2025 Apr. 6th 2025 | max: -17.8 °C min: -25.9 °C |
13.7 m/s 19.4 m/s |
89.6 % 2.2 m |
80.5 % 1,017 hPa |
01:52:57 21:02:40 |
|
| Apr. 7th 2025 Apr. 7th 2025 | max: -19.8 °C min: -24.7 °C |
12.6 m/s 23.8 m/s |
94.6 % 1.4 m |
80.3 % 1,020 hPa |
01:36:44 21:20:09 |
|
| Apr. 8th 2025 Apr. 8th 2025 | max: -22.1 °C min: -24 °C |
14.4 m/s 24.0 m/s |
88.4 % 3.6 m |
77.9 % 1,019 hPa |
01:18:45 21:40:22 |
|
| Apr. 9th 2025 Apr. 9th 2025 | max: -15.6 °C min: -21.4 °C |
23.8 m/s 42.8 m/s |
93.9 % 2.7 m |
81.6 % 1,018 hPa |
00:58:03 22:05:32 |
|
| Apr. 10th 2025 Apr. 10th 2025 | max: -15.9 °C min: -23.4 °C |
21.6 m/s 31.0 m/s |
70.9 % 12.8 m |
80.8 % 1,026 hPa |
00:32:28 22:45:17 |
|
| Apr. 11th 2025 Apr. 11th 2025 | max: -15.7 °C min: -22.1 °C |
15.8 m/s 25.6 m/s |
71.8 % 9.9 m |
82.5 % 1,028 hPa |
00:00:00 00:00:00 |
|
| Apr. 12th 2025 Apr. 12th 2025 | max: -17.2 °C min: -22.4 °C |
8.2 m/s 8.9 m/s |
42.9 % 16.4 m |
81.7 % 1,028 hPa |
00:00:00 00:00:00 |
|
| Apr. 13th 2025 Apr. 13th 2025 | max: -16.4 °C min: -20.8 °C |
9.7 m/s 9.7 m/s |
65.4 % 13.0 m |
83.3 % 1,023 hPa |
00:00:00 00:00:00 |
|
| Apr. 14th 2025 Apr. 14th 2025 | max: -12.0 °C min: -19.5 °C |
9.4 m/s 8.8 m/s |
89.1 % 16.9 m |
82.0 % 1,011 hPa |
00:00:00 00:00:00 |
|
| Apr. 15th 2025 Apr. 15th 2025 | max: -16.7 °C min: -22.3 °C |
13.0 m/s 15.1 m/s |
33.0 % 21.0 m |
80.9 % 1,009 hPa |
00:00:00 00:00:00 |
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| Date | Ship | Arrival | Departure | Details |
|---|
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