Buhta Tihaja

Buhta Tihaja is a research facility with several buildings positioned along the northern shore of Hooker Island in the Franz Josef Land archipelago. The structures are spread across the coastal area and show how polar stations were organized during early Arctic exploration.

The station was established in 1929 and operated until 1957 as a crucial meteorological observation point for Arctic research. It played a key role in documenting polar conditions during the early period of systematic polar exploration.

The facility displays preserved scientific equipment and living spaces that show how polar researchers lived and worked in harsh Arctic conditions. Visitors can see the everyday details of survival in one of Earth's most remote places.

Access to the station requires special permits and transportation arrangements through the Russian Arctic National Park administration, with visits restricted to the summer season. Travelers should prepare for extreme weather conditions and follow strict safety guidelines during their visit.

The site contains a banya building, which is one of the oldest preserved structures from the early days of Arctic research stations. This traditional Russian steam bath was an essential facility for the physical and mental wellbeing of researchers in their isolated setting.