Can you stand at the North Pole?
Andrew Davis
Updated on May 04, 2026
There's no land at the North Pole
Instead it's all ice that's floating on top of the Arctic Ocean. Over the past four decades, scientists have seen a steep decline in both the amount and thickness of Arctic sea ice during the summer and winter months.What happens if you stand at the North Pole?
When standing on the North Pole, you are always facing south, no matter which direction you turn.Can you walk on the North Pole?
Since Admiral Robert E. Peary purportedly completed the first expedition to the North Pole in 1909 (subsequent analysis has cast doubt on whether he made it), only 47 of the 247 treks completed to 90 degrees north have been unsupported and unassisted. You're camping on thin ice and to me that's dangerous.Can you physically go to the North Pole?
The North Pole: FAQsIt'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.