Things to know about the North Pole

  • When you get to 90 degrees north you will be standing on ice 6-10 feet thick, at the point at which all lines of longitude converge, above an ocean 13,000 feet deep
  • There are only around 5 trips per year for 640 passengers
  • A total of just 1,000 people a year reach this point
  • You can get there on a nuclear powered ice-breaker
  • The Pole is around 700 miles from the nearest land
  • While there is not much wildlife at the Pole itself you are likely to see polar bears, seals, walrus, whales and plenty of birds along the way

How to get to the North Pole

Though inaccessible for most of the year, it is possible to travel to the North Pole in June and July when the ice is thinner, or in April if travelling via helicopter. All North Pole voyages start and end in Helsinki, Finland, from where you'll fly by charter plane to Murmansk, in Northwest Russia to board your ship. 

Travelling via icebreaker ship from Murmansk is the favourite route for most visitors. Crush through multi-year ice to reach 90 degrees north where you can disembark, stand atop 13,000 ft of Arctic ocean and gaze at a mosaic of ice sheets.

Visiting The North Pole

Your icebreaker 'parked' at the North Pole

Swoop Says background image

Loli says

I have been lucky enough to reach the Pole three times on board the 50 Years of Victory and each time I was blown away by the spectacle of the ship pushing through the ice.

Loli Figueroa Polar Specialist

Trips to the North Pole

Quest For The North Pole

For the ultimate Arctic achievement, board this mighty nuclear icebreaker to stand at the top of the world at 90 degrees north. The voyage is further enhanced by strong chances of polar bear sightings, helicopter flightseeing and a visit to…

  • 13 or 14 Days
  • $33,495
North Pole in Luxury

Reach the top of the world in serious comfort onboard a state-of-the-art luxury, hybrid-powered icebreaker. Travel north through icebound waters and join the exclusive list of intrepid explorers who have visited the geographical North…

  • 16 Days
  • $37,160

How do I get to the North Pole?

Illustrated Guide

The North Pole: FAQs

  • During which months can I travel to the North Pole by ship?

    It's only possible to travel to the North Pole by ship during June and July. Outside of these months, you can consider travelling by plane and helicopter, or by the hauled-sled route. Ask our specialists for more details on your options.

  • How many days is a trip to the North Pole?

    14 days in length, excluding travel days to and from Finland. This includes 4 days sailing from Murmansk to the North Pole via Franz Josef Land, and 4 days sailing back. These days at sea are jam-packed full of lectures, time spent getting to know your fellow adventurers, and opportunities to gain valuable insights from your specialist expedition leaders. You'll also be looking out for wildlife, getting off on zodiac excursions, and preparing yourself for reaching the North Pole.

  • How much does a cruise to the North Pole cost?

    From $27,995 per person, depending on which cabin category you choose.

  • When should I start to plan my trip?

    With only a small number of North Pole trips each season, you are strongly recommended to book early, approx. 12 - 18 months in advance. 

  • What's the weather like at the North Pole?

    The average temperature during the summer months is 32F (0C), and the atmosphere is dry and the sun remains low in the sky. However, the weather in the Arctic is hugely variable, and it's worth being prepared for all eventualities so that you can be sure you'll still enjoy your trip if the weather turns.

Arctic Guide

The Arctic is so vast and diverse that one of the biggest challenges is knowing where to begin. Our exclusive guide will help you get started with your travel plans.

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