The Russian station "Bellingshausen" is one of the most famous outposts located on the Arctic continent. In fact, this is not Antarctica yet. After all, the base is not located on the mainland itself. Despite the harsh climate, tourists come here to appreciate the beauty of the amazing continent.
Where the base is located
Bellingshausen Station is located on an island called King George. It is part of the South Shetland Islands archipelago. It is worth noting that the base is located near the Earth's ice cap. This is what many travel agencies, as well as thoughtful travelers, are in a hurry to take advantage of. More than one cruise liner departs to the shores of the island every year. The Bellingshausen station, together with the Chilean Frei base, are happy to receive tourists.
You can visit this amazing place during the warm season, which lasts from early November to the end of March. Of course, the climate here is not quite a resort. The air temperature during this period is at least 6 °C below zero. The main attraction of the station is the only Orthodox Russian church on the entire cold continent.
Step into history
The Bellingshausen Polar Station was built in 1968. It was founded by members of one Soviet Arctic expedition. At the same time, its location was not chosen by chance. King George Island has a mild climate. In addition, there is a fairly rich flora and fauna, which is of interest not only to scientists, but also to tourists. In addition, visitors to the island can easily get to the mainland. Argentina is closest. This makes it easy and without any problems to equip the life of tourists and expedition members throughout the year.
It is worth noting that the Bellingshausen station was built in just a month. From February 1968 to the present day, people have been constantly present at the base. She was never empty.
The first and only Orthodox church was built in 2004. Bellingshausen station is located 15 kilometers from it. The building was built from Siberian cedar. The architecture corresponds to the pattern of ancient Russian temples. A priest lives permanently at the church and conducts services regularly.
Island climate
The Bellingshausen station is located on an island where the climate can hardly be called arctic. Many polar explorers call this base a "resort". And this can be explained by the fact that here the temperature never drops below -7 °C. On the continent, this indicator is much lower and amounts to -20 °С. The Antarctic station "Bellingshausen" is a kind of oasis among the icedesert. Summer here is not the same as on the continent. At this time of the year, the earth is completely freed from the snow cap and various lichens and mosses grow.
It is worth noting that the few representatives of the flora on the island have a peculiar dark color. This is due to the scarce amount of sunlight.
Animals and flora of the island
Annually, the Bellingshausen Antarctic Station welcomes many tourists. The main subject on the island that may be of interest to tourists is the extraordinary and at the same time harsh nature. All sorts of mosses and lichens grow here. And along the banks of the reservoirs you can see many varieties of algae.
The animal world of the station is also scarce, but interesting in its own way. The area is home to cormorants, skuas, terns, petrels, gulls and albatrosses. Often there are also colonies of pinnipeds. Particular attention of tourists is attracted by fur seals and lions, as well as several varieties of seals.
It is worth considering that polar explorers' favorites live near the station - emperor, donkey, chinstrap and Adélie penguins.
Finally
Almost anyone can see the beauty of the island and visit the Bellingshausen station. It provides a cultural program for travelers. Along the coast of the South Shetland Archipelago and King George Island, there are numerous excursions on Zodiac boats. In some cases, disembarkation is provided,as well as overnight stays in tents. Everyone can explore the underwater world by scuba diving, or go to the very heart of Antarctica.
