Grytviken is an abandoned settlement and whaling station on the sub-Antarctic island of South Georgia. A small museum welcomes visitors.
South Georgia
Antarctica Travel Guide & South Georgia Travel Guide
Interesting facts about the sub-Antarctic island of South Georgia:
- South Georgia is an island in the South Atlantic that is part of the South Sandwich Islands.
- The island is about 170 km long and up to 35 km wide.
- South Georgia is mostly known for its
- The island was once the southernmost inhabited place in the world: King Edward Point was the British administrative center.
- South Georgia was discovered by Captain James Cook in 1775 and named after King George III.
- The island was also used as a base for British and German expeditions to Antarctica.
- South Georgia is also known for its glaciers, including Grytviken Glacier and Gold Harbor Glacier.
- The island is also home to numerous historical sites, including Grytviken Museum and the Royal Post Office.
- South Georgia is part of the British Overseas Territory of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands.
- The island is also a major destination for Antarctic tourists and is served by many cruise ships.
- South Georgia is also known for its stunning scenery, including towering mountains and deep fjords.
- The island is affected by climate change and there are efforts to protect its wildlife and ecosystems.
- South Georgia is an important breeding ground for rare bird species such as the southern half-rudder and the rocky albatross.
- The island is also home to two endangered mammal species, the southern elephant seal and southern leopard seal.
- South Georgia has a cold, humid climate, with average temperatures of 3-5°C in summer and -3°C in winter.
- The island was captured by British troops during World War I and served as a base for the Falkland Islands.
- South Georgia is also home to numerous seafaring historical sites, including the grave of Sir Ernest Shackleton and Grytviken's Whaling Museum.
- The island is part of the Antarctic Treaty System and is therefore subject to special protection regulations.
- South Georgia is also known for its volcanoes, including Mount Paget, the island's highest mountain.
- The island is also visited by numerous cruise ships embarking on Antarctic expeditions.
- South Georgia is also known for its numerous glaciers, including the Fortuna Glacier and the Prion Glacier.
- The island is temporarily inhabited by a small number of scientists and administrative staff working primarily at King Edward Point Research Station.
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Gold Harbor in South Georgia is a dream. Incredible numbers of king penguins, elephant seals and beautiful landscapes.
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When is the best time for penguin chicks, elephant seals and baby fur seals? Find the best travel time for your expedition to South Georgia.
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Tourists can also discover South Georgia on an expedition ship, for example on the Sea Spirit. Explore the unique wildlife paradise with the AGE™ Antarctica & South Georgia Travel Guide. Antarctica • Antarctica Journey • South Georgia …
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Salisbury Plain on the sub-Antarctic island of South Georgia is home to an impressive breeding colony of around 250.000 king penguins.