Kaffeklubben

Kaffeklubben is a small Arctic island off the north coast of Greenland, commonly cited as the northernmost point of land on Earth. It lies near Cape Morris Jesup in the Wandel Sea and is part of the Qaanaaq area within the Northeast Greenland National Park, the world’s largest national park. The island is uninhabited and has no permanent settlements.

Geography and environment

Kaffeklubben is a very small, rocky island with sparse vegetation, typical of high Arctic environments. The surrounding waters are ice-covered for much of the year, and access is restricted to research teams and specialized expeditions. It forms part of a cluster of islands and ice floes in the high Arctic, near the edge of Greenland’s northern coast.

Naming and history

The name Kaffeklubben means “coffee club” in Danish and was given by Danish explorers in the early 20th century. Since then, the island has been recognized as one of the northernmost points of land on Earth. The claim to northernmost land has occasionally been challenged by reports of ephemeral landforms or newly exposed ground farther north, but Kaffeklubben remains the best-known northern reference point.

Protection and significance

Kaffeklubben lies within Northeast Greenland National Park, a protected area with no permanent inhabitants. The island and its surrounding region are of interest for Arctic research, including geology, climate studies, and ecosystem observations. Access is regulated by Greenlandic authorities and typically limited to scientific and logistical expeditions.