Die Polarstern
The Polarstern
For more than 40 years, the Polarstern has been the cornerstone of German polar research. As a floating laboratory, it defies ice, storms and polar darkness to reach areas inaccessible to ordinary ships. Even at temperatures as low as −55 °C, its 20,000-horsepower propulsion system drives it through thick pack ice.
Up to 100 people – from the captain and crew to technicians and researchers from around the world – can live and work on board while they study our planet’s sensitive climate system.
Here you can experience a virtual 360° flight to the Polarstern and explore the ship from the inside.
Or want to know where the Polarstern is right now?
Ein Jahr im Eis, die größte Arktis-Expedition der Geschichte
A year in the ice: the largest Arctic expedition in history
In 2019, the research icebreaker Polarstern was deliberately frozen into the Arctic ice so the ship could drift with the ice for an entire year. This unprecedented undertaking, known as the MOSAiC expedition, marked a major milestone in climate research. More than 400 scientists from 37 countries gathered data on and around the ship to deepen our understanding of the global climate system. The expedition was led by Prof. Dr Markus Rex, who also guides visitors through our immersive journey in the Climate Xtremes Polar Experience exhibition.
