Antarctica is the coldest, windiest, and driest continent on earth, but equally full of history. It’s undoubtedly the most unique landscape in the world and only a handful of travellers reach it. Become one of only a few to discover the continent’s history. 

 

 

With 98% of the landscape being covered by ice containing approximately 70% of the earth’s fresh water, travel on the island is dictated by conservation efforts to preserve the delicacy. Though tourists are welcome, it’s important to recognise the need for preservation first or there would be no historic sites to see. From top-pick islands to the Antarctic Treaty monument, the continent is abundant with history. 

 

This guide takes the pressure of planning off you and explains some of the best historic places to visit in Antarctica.  

 

 

Named due to its unique shape making the island’s entrance often unnoticeable, Deception Island was discovered by a British Explorer. It’s an active volcano site that has experienced several eruptions that have affected the landscape’s appearance. Today, travellers can see the collapsed volcano crater that has formed a unique, dramatic landscape. 

 

In the early 20th century, the island was used as a key base for the whaling industry. Due to its abundance of whale populations often in the waters, the island was a strategic spot for whaling operations. A few stations were built for the industry to utilise and today you can still see the abandoned ruins and equipment. 

 

Including Ernest Shackleton's exploration, Deception Island has been used for a variety of scientific expeditions. It is still vitally important in scientific research within Antarctica today. Researchers often go to study the unique geology and ecosystems on the island, and travellers can learn the importance of the Antarctic Treaty System which it’s a part of. 

 

A symbol of one of the world’s most successful international agreements, the Antarctic Treaty System’s monument is a physical landmark that displays the importance of the program to the continent. Located on the Antarctic Peninsula at the meeting point of Antarctic signatory nations, the monument is a unique locale to remind travellers of the importance of preservation in the landscape. 

 

The system itself came into force in the early 1960s and it established that the delicate landscape must be kept as a zone for peaceful purposes and scientific research only. This meant a prohibition of any military activity and new claims of power over the continent. Today, the Treaty sets the foundations and rules for research on the land and declares it must be shared openly for all to know. This ensures that the delicate landscape can stay protected at all times and means this protection is at the forefront of every decision made surrounding visits to Antarctica. 

 

The physical monument is of a distinct design that mirrors the international collaboration that enforces the Treaty program. For the most accessible and safest way to see the art, visitors can embark on the range of luxury cruising in Antarctica, with a sail, and hop off at the monument for travellers to learn about its importance. On a heritage cruise, travellers can take off feeling ensured that all the historic sites will be ticked off in one trip. 

 

The two polar circles of the earth represent the most significant geographical and climatic boundaries in the world. The polar circle of Antarctica encompasses the southernmost point on the planet, where the sun doesn’t set for at least one day in summer or rises for at least one day in winter. As it’s the only point on earth to have these characteristics, the region has seen vast exploration since the early 20th century. 

 

Surrounded by unparalleled landscapes, the South Pole displays panoramic views across the snowscape. The site features flags of the small handful of explorers who have reached it, and also a monument to commemorate the efforts of the first men to head on the journey there. Not only is reaching the Polar Circle a moment for the history books itself, but a tour around it will offer reminders of some of the most globally renowned expedition attempts. 

 

A key site in some of the earliest Antarctic expeditions, Ross Island is renowned for its commemoration of these significant adventures in history. Home to one of the world’s largest ice shelves, the island is still a valuable location for environmental research. It hosts a variety of research stations owned by different nations, including the largest in the continent, owned by the US. 

 

See the huts located at Cape Evens and Cape Royds, where explorers created a home during grueling treks.  Feel like you’ve stepped back in time with such incredible Antarctic expeditions here during luxury cruises around the landscape. Few places on earth are as difficult to reach as Ross Island, so sailing makes history hunting here the most accessible. 

 

On the Goudier Island that makes up part of the Antarctic Peninsula, Port Lockroy has been a key point in history, during World War II. Serving as a base in the World War, it played a role in allied antarctic operations (before the Treaty was established). 

 

Since the war and as the Antarctic Treaty System came into force, the base has undergone restoration projects to preserve its importance. By building it back up to reflect its appearance during the 1950s, visitors today can gain the most realistic glimpse into history. Today it hosts a museum of artifacts from operational days and even a working post box, for the perfect way to connect to life back home.

 

 

There is no other continent as surreal as the alpines of Antarctica. See a new way to live and relish in the great history of how it’s so well protected today. With historic hubs neighboured by colonies of alpine wildlife, everyone is sure to leave feeling like a true explorer. Antarctica awaits.