Franz Josef Land, Russia

Franz Josef Land is is an archipelago located in the far north of Russia. It is found in the Arctic Ocean north of Novaya Zemlya and east of Svalbard, and is administered by Arkhangelsk Oblast. Franz Josef Land consists of 191 ice-covered islands with a total area of 16,134 km². It has no native inhabitants.

Franz Josef Land is a remote world of dense pack ice, towering volcanic mountains, icebergs and glaciers. Not discovered until 1873 by the Austrian Tegetthoff expedition, much of the vast archipelago is still relatively unexplored.

During a visit here you may see polar bears and walruses on the ice. If taking a helicopter ride enjoy spectacular views from the air and, subject to permissions, land at historic sites of early exploration. Aboard the helicopter see stunning aerial views of glaciers, icebergs and steep volcanic plateaus.

Things to see and do

* Glaciers
* Icebergs
* Fur Seals and sea lions
* Historic Sites
* Bird watching

Cruise Season - March - Nov
Currency - Ruble (RUB)
Language - Russian
Land Area - 16,134 sq km's
Population - 0
Electricity - 2 round pins European style
Time - GMT plus two hours to plus twelve hours
International Country Telephone Code - + 7

Travel Links - Access by ships is possible only for a few summer weeks and requires a special permit.