Cape Tegetthoff,Hall Island, Franz Josef Land, Russia by Ella Derbyshire

Nikon D80's

There are many interesting stories recorded about Arctic exploration, and Cape Tegetthoff is featured in quite a few of them.

These rocky spikes were the first piece of Franz Josef Land to be seen by European explorers. They were spotted by Payer and Weyprecht aboard their ship, the Tegetthoff on August 30, 1873, but nearby Wilczek Island was the site of their first landing.

Here in the winter of 1898-99, the Wellman Expedition wintered over after their ship, the Fridtjof was unable to negotiate the ice between the islands of Franz Josef Land. They erected here a wooden structure called Harmsworth House, parts of which came from Cape Flora. While living in the security of the wooden structure, members of the expedition studied the plants and animals, aurorae and weather of Franz Josef Land. The octogonal remains of the house were still visible on the beach in July of 2008.