Zemlya Alexandra, or Alexandra Island, is an island that lies in Franz Josef Land in the Russian Arctic and is considered one of the most isolated islands on the planet.
Its climate is freezing and mostly covered in ice; large portions of this island are covered by glaciers and ice caps. This island is located in the group of islands that are one of the northernmost territories of Russia’s Arctic zone.
The Cold War was the great period addressing the island, and it serves as home to Soviet armed forces and research facilities. Some of these structures, such as radar stations and other buildings that were constructed during the Cold War, are still visible today within the island.
The fact that these are miscellaneous abandoned sites, which, in a way, provide the explorers with an insight on the history of the island, contributes greatly to the sense of mystery and activity’s appeal.
The terrain of Zemlya Alexandira is rather desolate and, at the same time, spacious. The terrain of the island is shown in ice, and there are glaciers descending almost to the shoreline and carving fjords and ice cliffs. The weather is very severe, characterised by cold temperatures that sometimes dip below freezing point and winds that make it difficult.
Another disadvantage that one is likely to find with the island is that it is a frozen island, and this means that the access is bound to be a challenge and will need to be planned out well.
Some of the animals found on the island include polar bears, walruses, and seabirds such as Auks, gulls, and skuas. Due to the isolated geographical location of this island, people get a chance to view these animals in their natural environment for taking photographs.
Also, due to the fact that the island is situated in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, the tourists are also able to have the opportunity to enjoy their own time with solitude and other feel of a real natural environment.
The access to Zemlya Alexandra is not easy. Due to it being situated near the Arctic Circle and the Arctic Ocean, it is only accessible during the brief summer when ice is thin enough to allow boats through. Nevertheless, the trip entails demand for special gear and precautions.
The climate and environment are unfavorable, and it is situated far off, making it a place fit only for die-hard adventurers.
Mark