The North Pole is the northernmost point on Earth. Situated in the icy Arctic Ocean, and surrounded by the uninhabited land masses of Canada, Greenland, Norway, and Russia, the North Pole is an intriguing and alluring location that evokes a sense of mystery and wonder. It is often referred to as the “end of the world,” due to its unique and isolated location.
The North Pole has long been a place of great interest to explorers and adventurers with stories of its discovery dating back centuries. From the 15th century seafarer’s seeking the Northwest Passage and 19th century explorers risking their lives in search of the pole, to Robert Peary’s 1909 claim to have reached the North Pole, there has always been a drive to reach this inhospitable and virtually unknown location.
Today the North Pole is the mecca for adventurers and those looking to embark on a truly unique and unforgettable travel experience. As it is a polar region, the weather can be extremely challenging; the average annual temperature is well below freezing with temperatures commonly ranging from -25°C to -14°C. Some parts of the Arctic Ocean are even known to be ‘year round’ ice, this means that temperatures do not rise above freezing for an entire calendar year. Therefore, for anyone planning to travel to the North Pole, it is important that you come adequately prepared for the extreme weather conditions.
Although there is no access by plane or conventional boat, the North Pole can still be reached by some means. Travel to the North Pole is commonly achieved by a journey in a special purpose-built Expedition Cruise ship; these ships are capable of navigating the icy waters and are equipped with the necessary resources to take you on an epic Arctic adventure. The entire journey is incredibly mesmerizing; breaching ice floes, witnessed by Arctic wildlife and awe inspiring polar landscapes provide unparalleled opportunities for nature observation and photography.
The polar landscape is breathtakingly beautiful; turquoise glaciers, towering icebergs, majestic snow-covered mountains and glaciers all provide a spectacular backdrop for your unforgettable journey to the North Pole. Along the way, you’ll get the chance to observe some of the Arctic’s most majestic creatures, including polar bears, caribou and walrus. You’ll also have the opportunity to explore some of the region’s ancient Northern communities, including Svalbard, Iceland and Greenland.
When you eventually reach the North Pole, you’ll be greeted with the very welcome sight of the Earth’s Geographic North Pole. Adorning this iconic landmark is a special inscription carved into it; “You are standing at the world’s geographical North Pole”.
Few people will ever have the chance to experience the ‘end of the world’, but with a well-planned Expedition Cruise and some luck, you could be one of the select few to make the journey. A trip to the North Pole is sure to leave you with lasting memories and ensure you with a truly unique and unforgettable travel experience.
