One of the islands of the South Shetland Archipelago, King George Island features windswept icy glacial plains and the stark dramatic beauty for which Antarctica is famed for. It serves as the first stop on most Antarctic journeys. It is the largest island of the archipelago and its accessibility has made it a popular spot for the establishment of numerous research stations, with over twelve stations from different countries. It boasts a diversity of wildlife such as leopard, Weddell and elephant seal populations, as well as whales, seabirds, and gentoo, chinstrap and Adélie penguins. Visitors can catch a glimpse of the Southern Aurora, also known as the Southern Lights, visit the charming Russian orthodox church known for its otherworldly location, or participate in the world’s most southerly marathon, the Antarctic Ice Marathon.