Vernadsky Research Base

Formerly the British Base F, or Faraday Station, this Antarctic research base is among our most popular landing sites

The Ukrainian research base of Vernadsky

Located on Galindez Island near the Kiev Peninsula of Antarctica, Vernadsky Research Base was originally Faraday Station (Station F), established by the United Kingdom in 1947. The Ukraine acquired the facility in 1996, which is around the time the base got its current name, from Vladimir Vernadsky, a Russian and Ukrainian mineralogist.

Picture by Renato Granieri

What we love about Vernadsky Research Base

Vernadsky Research Base is a gem of a landing and one of the favorites of our guides. We have a good relationship with the staff here, strengthened by our Russian colleagues, in particular our late Captain Alexey. The staff of Vernadsky are proud to offer our guests tours of the station’s grounds, laboratories, and well-supplied gift shop.

Picture by unknown photographer

Wordie House and Vernadsky’s nearby islands

One of the most winning features of Vernadsky Research Base is Wordie House, which was constructed during a British expedition into Graham Land around 1935, later destroyed by a tsunami, and then rebuilt in the mid-1990s. As a historic site, Wordie House gives Port Lockroy a run for its money, as do the many amazing channels among Vernadsky’s nearby islands.

Picture by Renato Granieri

Main image by Sara Jenner

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