Russian Arctic National Park

Russian Arctic Overview

Russian Arctic National Park, or Русская Арктика (Russkaya Arktika), is a vast protected area located in the extreme north of Russia. Covering approximately 22,268 square miles (57,900 square kilometers), the park is one of the largest national parks in Russia.

Situated in the Arctic Ocean, it encompasses the northernmost territories of the Franz Josef Land archipelago and part of the northern Novaya Zemlya archipelago, making it a remote and challenging destination for visitors. The park’s icy landscapes are shaped by massive glaciers, towering ice cliffs, and barren tundra, creating a dramatic, frozen wilderness.

The terrain is dominated by glacial plateaus, permafrost-covered lands, and jagged coastal cliffs, while massive icebergs drift in the surrounding Arctic waters. Some of the most notable features include the towering Rudolf Island Ice Cap, the rugged cliffs of Cape Fligely, and the vast expanse of the Severny Island ice fields.

The park is home to an extraordinary array of Arctic wildlife, thriving in one of the planet’s harshest environments. The polar bear, the apex predator of the region, is frequently spotted traversing the ice in search of prey. Other key mammals include walruses, Arctic foxes, and ringed seals, which rely on the icy terrain for survival. The frigid waters also host massive congregations of beluga whales, narwhals, and bowhead whales.

The region is a crucial nesting site for seabirds, including thick-billed murres, black-legged kittiwakes, and little auks, which flock to the sheer cliffs in the summer months. The park is an essential part of the global Arctic ecosystem, supporting one of the world’s largest populations of ivory gulls.

Visitors to Russian Arctic National Park are drawn to its extreme and untouched beauty. One of the most popular activities is wildlife viewing, especially the chance to observe polar bears in their natural habitat. Icebreaker cruises provide an opportunity to explore the region’s frozen landscapes, weaving through towering ice formations and glacial fjords.

The park’s remote islands, including Hooker Island and Champ Island, are home to spectacular rock formations, such as the mysterious stone spheres of Champ Island. History enthusiasts can visit remnants of early Arctic exploration, including abandoned Soviet research stations, weathered wooden huts from 19th-century polar expeditions, and relics from Willem Barentsz’s 16th-century voyage. The park offers an unparalleled sense of isolation and adventure, making it one of the most unique travel experiences in the world.

Due to its extreme location and fragile ecosystem, Russian Arctic National Park faces significant conservation challenges. Climate change is rapidly altering the Arctic environment, leading to melting ice, habitat loss for polar bears and other species, and changing migration patterns of marine life.

Increased human activity, including Arctic shipping and potential resource exploration, poses further threats to the delicate balance of the region. However, the park’s strict protections and Russia’s growing focus on Arctic conservation have helped maintain its status as one of the world’s last great wilderness areas.

Scientific research in the park continues to monitor the impacts of climate change, and conservation efforts aim to protect the region’s unique biodiversity while allowing for controlled, sustainable tourism.

Park Map

Russian Arctic National Park Highlights

Wildlife

The Russian Arctic National Park, located in the northernmost regions of Russia, is a vast and remote wilderness covering parts of Franz Josef Land and the northern coast of Novaya Zemlya. This park is one of the most important protected areas for Arctic wildlife, preserving critical habitats for many rare and endangered species that thrive in extreme polar conditions. Below are some of the more popular species that inhabit Russian Arctic National Park.

Polar Bear (Ursus maritimus)
The apex predator of the Arctic, the polar bear is the most iconic species of the park. It relies on sea ice to hunt seals and can be seen patrolling the ice floes and coastlines.

Atlantic Walrus (Odobenus rosmarus rosmarus)
A massive marine mammal, the Atlantic walrus gathers in large colonies on Arctic shores and ice. It uses its powerful tusks to break through ice and forage for clams on the ocean floor.

Arctic Fox (Vulpes lagopus)
Perfectly adapted to the frigid Arctic climate, the Arctic fox changes its fur color from white in winter to brownish-gray in summer to blend into the tundra.

Bowhead Whale (Balaena mysticetus)
One of the longest-living mammals on Earth, the bowhead whale thrives in Arctic waters. It uses its enormous head to break through sea ice and feeds on plankton and small fish.

Reindeer (Rangifer tarandus pearsoni)
This Arctic-adapted reindeer subspecies is an essential part of the tundra ecosystem. It migrates across the park’s frozen landscapes, feeding on lichens and mosses.

Bearded Seal (Erignathus barbatus)
A solitary ice-dependent seal species, the bearded seal is a primary prey item for polar bears. It uses its long whiskers to detect prey in murky Arctic waters.

Lemmings (Dicrostonyx torquatus)
A vital part of the Arctic food chain, lemmings are small rodents that inhabit the tundra. Their populations fluctuate in cycles, impacting predator species like Arctic foxes and snowy owls.

Beluga Whale (Delphinapterus leucas)
These highly social and vocal whales are often spotted in the park’s icy waters, where they hunt fish and use their echolocation abilities to navigate.

Greenland Shark (Somniosus microcephalus)
One of the longest-living vertebrates on Earth, the Greenland shark is a deep-sea predator found in the frigid Arctic waters of the park.

Wolverine (Gulo gulo)
A powerful and solitary carnivore, the wolverine is well adapted to the harsh Arctic tundra, scavenging carrion and hunting small mammals.

Birds

The Russian Arctic National Park is home to a variety of seabirds and migratory species that breed in the park’s rocky cliffs and coastal tundra. The park’s ice-covered seas and islands provide crucial nesting sites for many Arctic birds. Here are some of the most iconic bird species found in the park.

Snowy Owl (Bubo scandiacus)
One of the most striking birds in the Arctic, the snowy owl hunts lemmings, hares, and small birds across the tundra. Its white plumage provides excellent camouflage in snowy landscapes.

Ivory Gull (Pagophila eburnea)
A true Arctic seabird, the ivory gull is almost entirely white and feeds on fish, marine invertebrates, and carrion left behind by polar bears.

Little Auk (Alle alle)
One of the most abundant seabirds in the Arctic, the little auk nests in huge colonies on cliffs and forages for plankton in icy waters.

Northern Fulmar (Fulmarus glacialis)
A hardy seabird that thrives in extreme Arctic conditions, the northern fulmar glides over the ocean, feeding on fish, squid, and marine debris.

Brünnich’s Guillemot (Uria lomvia)
A deep-diving seabird, this species breeds in vast colonies along the cliffs of Franz Josef Land, diving into the icy waters to hunt fish.

King Eider (Somateria spectabilis)
A striking and colorful sea duck, the king eider is often seen in Arctic waters, where it dives for mollusks and crustaceans.

Arctic Tern (Sterna paradisaea)
Famous for its incredible long-distance migration, the Arctic tern travels from pole to pole every year, breeding in the Russian Arctic during the summer months.

Black-legged Kittiwake (Rissa tridactyla)
A graceful seabird with a distinctive call, the black-legged kittiwake nests on cliffs and forages for fish near the ice edge.

Pomarine Skua (Stercorarius pomarinus)
A bold and aggressive seabird, the pomarine skua is known for stealing food from other birds and hunting small mammals and eggs.

Glaucous Gull (Larus hyperboreus)
A large Arctic gull, the glaucous gull is an opportunistic feeder that scavenges carrion, hunts small birds, and feeds on fish in the park’s icy waters.

Russian Arctic National Park remains one of the most important protected areas in the polar region, ensuring the survival of these remarkable species while preserving one of the planet’s last true wilderness areas.