North Pole Adventures: How to Get There

A target for intrepid adventurers, the North Pole remains one of the most difficult-to-reach points on the planet. However, venturing onto this “roof” of the world is not impossible. Reaching the North Pole can be achieved through various means, provided one has a significant amount of preparation, excellent physical fitness, and substantial investment.

The North Pole by Air

Famous explorers such as Robert Peary and Fréderick Cook managed to get very close to the geographic North Pole in the early 20th century. Nevertheless, Roald Amundsen remains the explorer recognized as the first to reach this highly inaccessible and inhospitable point on the globe. Since his feat, several other adventurers have made the journey, traveling on foot—with the help of dogs and sleds—as well as by airship, airplane, icebreaker, or even submarine. These varying methods of reaching the North Pole demonstrate just how complex access to this region is. This remains true today, even though there are currently three distinct ways to set foot there. The first option involves traveling by air, departing from Norway, Canada, or Russia. These flights lead to the Barneo station, located approximately 60 km from the geographic North Pole. You then have a choice between browse the remaining distance can be covered by dog sled, skiing, or by chartering a Mi-8 helicopter from the Polars Explorers team. The journey between Barnéo and the northernmost point on Earth takes approximately thirty minutes.

A cruise or an extreme race toward the North Pole

Access to the North Pole is also possible by sea. However, this is not a direct voyage to the area, where the sea ice remains very thick throughout both summer and winter. Maritime expeditions to the North Pole are largely carried out by Russian icebreakers. These reinforced, double-hulled vessels are equipped with cabins and suites that allow for travel under optimal conditions in the heart of the Arctic Circle. Polar “cruises” aboard Russian icebreakers depart from Murmansk. For the more adventurous, an old-school overland expedition is equally an option. Departing from either Russia or Canada, these journeys are undertaken via skiing or dog sledding. These land expeditions set off from Cape Arktichevsky in Russia, or from Resolute Bay and Ward Hunt Island in Canada. The trek to the North Pole spans nearly 800 km and can take up to 60 days, with 8 to 10 hours of sledding or skiing per day. Naturally, this requires excellent physical fitness, thorough preparation, and specialized equipment designed for extreme polar cold.