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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov. 25th 2024 Nov. 25th 2024 | max: -10.7 °C min: -14.8 °C |
27.4 m/s 34.2 m/s |
97.0 % 2.8 m |
85.7 % 986 hPa |
||
| Nov. 26th 2024 Nov. 26th 2024 | max: -13.4 °C min: -15.1 °C |
27.4 m/s 35.3 m/s |
100.0 % 0.8 m |
84.6 % 988 hPa |
||
| Nov. 27th 2024 Nov. 27th 2024 | max: -13.4 °C min: -16.7 °C |
27.4 m/s 34.2 m/s |
96.5 % 0.5 m |
86.2 % 998 hPa |
||
| Nov. 28th 2024 Nov. 28th 2024 | max: -13.0 °C min: -18.4 °C |
32.0 m/s 38.2 m/s |
98.4 % 0.8 m |
82.7 % 1,012 hPa |
||
| Nov. 29th 2024 Nov. 29th 2024 | max: -13.5 °C min: -20.3 °C |
28.1 m/s 63.4 m/s |
96.3 % 10.0 m |
85.3 % 1,010 hPa |
||
| Nov. 30th 2024 Nov. 30th 2024 | max: -11.7 °C min: -13.1 °C |
30.6 m/s 65.5 m/s |
99.7 % 22.4 m |
83.0 % 996 hPa |
||
| Dec. 1st 2024 Dec. 1st 2024 | max: -12.6 °C min: -16.5 °C |
31.0 m/s 53.0 m/s |
92.2 % 9.1 m |
84.1 % 1,003 hPa |
||
| Dec. 2nd 2024 Dec. 2nd 2024 | max: -15.8 °C min: -17.8 °C |
29.5 m/s 53.3 m/s |
90.5 % 3.0 m |
87.4 % 1,018 hPa |
||
| Dec. 3rd 2024 Dec. 3rd 2024 | max: -15.7 °C min: -18.9 °C |
21.2 m/s 29.2 m/s |
90.3 % 0.6 m |
87.7 % 1,022 hPa |
||
| Dec. 4th 2024 Dec. 4th 2024 | max: -18.4 °C min: -19.2 °C |
15.8 m/s 22.6 m/s |
81.6 % 4.2 m |
86.8 % 1,022 hPa |
||
| Dec. 5th 2024 Dec. 5th 2024 | max: -18.9 °C min: -20.8 °C |
19.1 m/s 39.1 m/s |
83.6 % 5.0 m |
88.9 % 1,018 hPa |
||
| Dec. 6th 2024 Dec. 6th 2024 | max: -18.3 °C min: -20.7 °C |
23.8 m/s 54.7 m/s |
66.0 % 6.3 m |
88.6 % 1,013 hPa |
||
| Dec. 7th 2024 Dec. 7th 2024 | max: -19.9 °C min: -21.3 °C |
13.7 m/s 35.3 m/s |
59.1 % 2.0 m |
85.7 % 1,016 hPa |
||
| Dec. 8th 2024 Dec. 8th 2024 | max: -5.4 °C min: -19.4 °C |
41.4 m/s 49.0 m/s |
96.7 % 0.6 m |
87.9 % 1,021 hPa |
Would you like to travel to Franz-Joseph-Land on a cruise ship or would you just like to know when a certain ship will dock there? Here you will find an overview of the cruise ships that will be calling at the port of Franz-Joseph-Land.
| Date | Ship | Arrival | Departure | Details |
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