Vaygach

Welcome to Vaygach, a Polar island in the Barentsz Sea, part of the majestic Arctic Ocean. This guide offers a comprehensive overview of what makes Vaygach unique – from its geography and climate to its population, infrastructure, and beyond. Dive into the details:
- Geography and Size: Explore the island’s size and location.
- Climate and Weather: Weather patterns and temperature.
- Topography and Nature: Uncover the natural wonders of the island.
- Infrastructure and Travelling: Insights on reaching, staying, and making the most of your visit.
- News and Headlines: Latest News.
Geography and size of Vaygach
Size: 3213 km²
Coastline: 764 km
Ocean: Arctic Ocean
Sea: Barentsz Sea
Continent: Europe
Vaygach is a Very Large Island spanning 3213 km² with a coastline of 764 km.
Archipel: –
Tectonic Plate: Eurasia – One of the world’s largest tectonic plates, the Eurasian Plate covers a significant portion of Europe and Asia. It’s characterized by diverse geological features, including the Ural Mountains, the European Plain, and the Himalayas formed from its collision with the Indian Plate.
The geographic heart of the island is pinpointed at these coordinates:
Latitude: 70.03580782 / Longitude: 59.48201739
Climate and weather of Vaygach
Climate Zone: Polar
Climate Details: Tundra
Temperature: Cold
Climate Characteristics: The tundra climate features long, extremely cold winters and short, cool summers. Vegetation is limited to mosses, lichens, and small shrubs due to the low temperatures and short growing seasons. Biodiversity is low, but some specialized species thrive.
Topography and nature of Vaygach
Timezone: UTC+04:00
Timezone places: Europe/Moscow
Max. Elevation: 141 m
Mean Elevation: 54 m
Vegetation: Herbaceous Cover
Tree Coverage: 5%
The mean elevation is 54 m. The highest elevation on the island reaches approximately 141 meters above sea level. The island is characterized by Plains: Flat, low-lying lands characterized by a maximum elevation of up to 200 meters. On islands, plains are typically coastal lowlands or central flat areas.
Dominating Vegetation: Herbaceous Cover
Comprising mainly of grasses, herbs, and ferns, these areas are common in prairies, meadows, and savannas, and can vary widely in species composition. Vaygach has a tree cover of 5 %.
Vegetation: 6 vegetation zones – Very Highly Diverse Island
Islands in this range are ecological powerhouses, showcasing a wide array of vegetation zones. Each zone, from lush rainforests to arid scrublands, coastal mangroves to mountainous regions, contributes to a complex and interdependent ecosystem. These islands are often hotspots of biodiversity, supporting numerous species and intricate ecological processes.
Infrastructure and Travelling to Vaygach
Does the island have a public airport? no.
There is no public and scheduled airport on Vaygach. The nearest airport is Amderma Airport, located 110 km away.
Does the island have a major port? no.
There are no major ports on Vaygach. The closest major port is MEZEN, approximately 1654 km away.
The mean population of Vaygach is 0 per km². Vaygach is Uninhabited. The island belongs to Russia.
The name of the island resonates across different cultures and languages. Here is how it is known around the world: Arabic: جزيرة فايغاش; German: Waigatsch; Spanish: Isla Vaigach; French: île Vaïgatch; Portuguese: Ilha Vaigach; Russian: Вайгач; Chinese: 瓦伊加奇岛
Continuing your journey, Ostrov Bolshoy is the next notable island, situated merely km away.
Russia is classified as Emerging region: BRIC: Brazil, Russia, India, and China – Economies noted for their rapid growth and increasing influence on global affairs. The level of income is Upper middle income.
News – Latest Updates and Headlines from Vaygach
Stay informed with the most recent news and important headlines from Vaygach. Here’s a roundup of the latest developments.
- The Northernmost Petroglyphs in Russia were Discovered on Vaygach Island in the Arctic - Русское географическое обществоon 26 December 2025
The Northernmost Petroglyphs in Russia were Discovered on Vaygach Island in the Arctic Русское географическое общество
- Walrus DNA suggests meetings between Vikings and Indigenous Inuit - Popular Scienceon 30 September 2024
Walrus DNA suggests meetings between Vikings and Indigenous Inuit Popular Science
- Women in the Arctic: How Our Contemporary Women Live and Work at the Outer Reaches of the Earth - Русское географическое обществоon 8 March 2022
Women in the Arctic: How Our Contemporary Women Live and Work at the Outer Reaches of the Earth Русское географическое общество
- Major Disaster Averted in Icy Kara Sea After Two Oil Barges Ran Aground - The Moscow Timeson 24 January 2022
Major Disaster Averted in Icy Kara Sea After Two Oil Barges Ran Aground The Moscow Times
- Major disaster averted in icy Kara Sea after two oil barges ran aground - The Barents Observeron 23 January 2022
Major disaster averted in icy Kara Sea after two oil barges ran aground The Barents Observer
- Svalbard: Colder than normal for the first time in 10 years - The Barents Observeron 2 April 2020
Svalbard: Colder than normal for the first time in 10 years The Barents Observer
- Resupply Helps Trapped Arctic Scientists Scare Off Polar Bear "Siege" - Smithsonian Magazineon 15 September 2016
Resupply Helps Trapped Arctic Scientists Scare Off Polar Bear "Siege" Smithsonian Magazine
- Angry Polar Bears Trap Russian Weather Team on Remote Island - Time Magazineon 3 September 2015
Angry Polar Bears Trap Russian Weather Team on Remote Island Time Magazine
- Hungry Polar Bears Surround Arctic Group - Sky Newson 2 September 2015
Hungry Polar Bears Surround Arctic Group Sky News
- Polar bears halt Arctic research in north Russia - BBCon 1 September 2015
Polar bears halt Arctic research in north Russia BBC
Social Media Posts about Vaygach
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Please note: The data used here has been primarily extracted from satellite readings. Deviations from exact values may occur, particularly regarding the height of elevations and population density. Land area and coastline measurements refer to average values at mean high tide.
