Although there are multiple definitions of “the North Pole,” the most commonly accepted one is geographic: a set location in the northern hemisphere at the Earth’s axis of rotation, latitude 90°N. Unlike the South Pole, which is situated on the Antarctica continent, the geographic North Pole is concealed by nothing but a sheet of moving ice on the Arctic Ocean surface. Thus, there is no continual habitation or an accurate marker for the position as the ice moves every year. Although it was once an obscure goal that took the lives of many explorers, thanks to technology and modern aviation, it is now the address of commercial travel expeditions.
How to reach The North Pole?
The North Pole can be reached on journeys mounted explicitly for the purpose. Most travel principally by air, sometimes with a segment traversing the last leg of the trip on the ice. This is completed in April. The other alternative is boat traveling on an ice-breaker ripping through the Arctic Ocean during the Arctic summertime.
By air, people commence from Longyearbyen in the north Svalbard islands and continue to the Pole through helicopter and plane. They stop at the Russian polar research station and “ice airport” Barneo, which is locked up each Spring at about 89°N and rides on the Arctic ice pack. Some companies drop travelers here or somewhere else short of the Pole itself, leaving them to stroll on the ice. A more affordable and less demanding option is flying sightseeing expeditions starting in the UK or Germany, using an aircraft to overfly the Svalbard Archipelago, Norway, and the North Pole itself, without landing, flying low over regions of interest.
Moving around the North Pole has limited options. Dogsleds and cross-country skiing are the only transportation options near the North Pole.
What to see and do in the North Pole?
The icy region at the North Pole tends to be relatively flat, though you can find some exciting ice and snow formations. There’s only one sunrise and sunset each year (which will not be around your visit). Tour operators fasten a sign pole into the ice, but that’s informal and solely for photographic purposes.
There are few ceremonious recreational opportunities at the North Pole. However, every year, there is a marathon foot race called the North Pole Marathon arranged by Polar Running Adventures. Adventurous types may try searching for Santa Claus, but it is doubtful you’ll be able to find him, as storms are common in most areas.
Your tour operator will have to carry along all of your food and drinks. Celebratory caviar is traditional upon landing at the Pole itself. Camp Barneo, if you live there, presents three hot meals each day, at precise times. Typical fare is basic, including stew, mashed potatoes, crackers, sliced lunch meat and cheese, tea/coffee, and pretzels.
