Bellingshausen station: description and location

The Russian station Bellingshausen is one of the most famous outposts located on the Arctic continent. In fact, it is not Antarctica. After all, the base is not on the mainland itself. Despite the harsh climate, tourists come here to appreciate the beauty of the amazing continent.

Where is the database located

Bellingshausen station is located on the island, which is called King George. This is part of the archipelago of the South Shetland Islands. It is worth noting that the base is located near the ice cap of the Earth. This is what many travel agencies, as well as ideological travelers, are rushing to use. More than one cruise liner is sent to the coast of the island every year. The Bellingshausen station, along with the Chilean Frey base, is happy to welcome tourists.

Visit an amazing place you can during the warm season, which lasts from early November until 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 whole cold continent.

Step into the story

Polar station Bellingshausen was built in 1968. It was founded by members of the same 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 rich plant and animal world, which is interesting not only for scientists, but also for tourists. In addition, visitors to the island can easily reach the Great Land. Closest is Argentina. This makes it possible to easily and without special problems arrange 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 until today, people are always present on the base. She was never empty.

The first and only Orthodox church was built in 2004. The station Bellingshausen is located 15 kilometers from it. The structure was made of Siberian cedar. Architecture corresponds to the pattern of ancient Russian temples. At the church there is a priest who regularly holds services.

Climate of the island

Bellingshausen station is located on an island where the climate is difficult to call arctic. Many polar explorers call this base a "resort". And this can be explained by the fact that here the temperature never falls below -7 ° С. On the continent this indicator is much lower and is -20 ° C. The Antarctic station Bellingshausen is a kind of oasis among the icy desert. The summer here is not the same as on the continent. At this time of year, the land is completely freed from the snow cap and various lichens and mosses grow.

It should be noted that a few representatives of the plant world on the island have a peculiar dark color. This is due to the meager amount of sunlight.

Fauna and flora of the island

Every year the Antarctic station "Bellingshausen" provides a warm welcome to many tourists. The main subject on the island, which can interest tourists, is an extraordinary and at the same time harsh nature. Here all kinds of mosses and lichens grow. And along the banks of the reservoirs, you can see many varieties of algae.

The animal world of the station is also meager, but in its own way interesting. In this area live cormorants, skuas, terns, petrels, gulls and albatrosses. Often there are colonies of pinnipeds. Particular attention of tourists attract seals and lions, as well as several species of seals.

It should be noted that near the station there are also favorites of polar explorers - emperor, donkey, Antarctic penguins and Adelie penguins.

In conclusion

Almost anyone can see the beauty of the island and visit the station Bellingshausen. It provides a cultural program for travelers. Along the coast of the South Shetland archipelago and King George Island there are numerous excursions on boats "Zodiac". In some cases, there is a landing on the beach, as well as spending the night in tents. Everyone can explore the underwater world, scuba diving, or go to the very heart of Antarctica.