North Pole Camp Barneo definitely returns in 2024
The last few years have not been a bed of roses for prominent ice camp Barneo, which is based on the old tradition of drift ice stations in the Arctic. Poor ice conditions, then the COVID pandemic and finally the geopolitical situation had made it impossible to run the camp. But now the operators want to try again and have announced the opening of the camp next year.
According to the camp operator’s plans, the famous Barneo ice camp will be back on the ice from April 2024, as announced by Swiss owner Barneo AG. The plan is to set up the camp with its distinctive blue tents around 100 kilometers from the geographic North Pole and to build an airstrip on which the company’s own Antonov AN-74 can take off and land. The camp will serve as a starting point and comfortable base for tourists and expedition participants heading to the North Pole. In addition, the so-called “Last Degree” expeditions, which will head towards the North Pole with skis and pulkas, will be carried out again. Researchers from various BRICS countries have also registered to take part.
As in the past, the flights to the camp will be operated by an Antonov AN-74, which has proven to be the most reliable aircraft for such operations. Once they arrive at the camp, visitors are first accommodated in tents and can get a first impression of the Arctic landscape in the middle of the sea ice. This is followed by a flight in a Mi-8 helicopter towards the geographic North Pole for tourists. Expeditions that want to reach the North Pole on foot could also start from the camp. This had often been the case in the past and the camp also served as a search and rescue base (SAR base) in case problems arose.
Flights to the North Pole usually take around 40 – 45 minutes, followed by a stay of around an hour at the northernmost point of the world itself. As is usual in such cases, this will be celebrated accordingly. However, the operators also explain that safety always comes first. The flights to the Pole are only carried out when conditions are good and stable, both in terms of weather and sea ice. After returning to camp, there will be more time to enjoy the Arctic sea ice landscape, enjoy the camp catering and exchange ideas with the other participants. Afterwards, people will spend the night in the camp in the familiar blue heated tents, on camp beds and in sleeping bags. On the third day, the visitors will be flown back to civilization after a hearty breakfast.
As the trip is primarily aimed at those interested in the North Pole, they should ensure that they are equipped with clothing suitable for low temperatures and bring sunscreen with a very high protection factor. At the same time, however, the total weight of the luggage must not exceed 15 kilos for a stay of two days with one overnight stay. Batteries for cell phones and cameras can be charged at the camp.
So everything as before? Not quite, if one looks at the whole journey. The start and end point of the entire journey had to be moved after the Norwegian aviation authority Luftfartstilsynet did not grant permission for the flights from Longyearbyen this year. After weighing up all the options, it was decided that the start and end point would be moved to Krasnoyarsk in Siberia. All participants will meet there and from there they will be flown by Antonov AN-74 to the coast to Khatanga, where another stay including an overnight stay is planned. The 5-hour flight to Barneo will only continue on the second day, with a stopover at Camp Baranov on Severnaya Zemlya for refueling. The return flights are also operated via Khatanga due to the distances involved and the trip ends on the fourth day back in Krasnoyarsk. According to the operator, the overnight stays in Khatanga will be included in the overall package as full board. The price of the package is given with 28,500 euros, which also includes any overnight stays in Barneo if the return flight is postponed due to weather, ice or other reasons. Payment is made directly to the owner of the camp in Switzerland.
While in recent years the trip has mainly been taken by tourists from Asia and Russia, the Swiss owner writes that the trip is also open to Western participants. When asked how they get to Russia, the operator explained that flights from Serbia, Turkey, Qatar, Dubai or Oman go to Russia and that Krasnoyarsk can therefore be reached and that all participants will be helped with visa issues. All other questions and information can also be obtained directly by e-mail.
Dr Michael Wenger, PolarJournal
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