This base, codenamed “Schatzgraber” or "Treasure Hunter" by the Germans, was a secret Nazi military base in the Arctic built in 1942, just a year after Hitler invaded Russia. It was located on the island of Alexandra Land 1,000 kilometres from the North Pole, about 500 meters from the coast and an altitude of 30 meters above sea level. 

It had been lost and now has been found. Many had long believed that the secret Arctic Nazi base was nothing more than the stuff of myth and legends, but the remains found have finally confirmed its existence.

72 years later, this base, which primary use was as a tactical weather station, has been discovered and unearthed by Russian scientists. From November 1943 to July 1944 the station transferred more than 700 synoptic weather reports, which were essentials for planning the movement of troops, submarines and ships. During three years, German Forces were also developing other activities, among them secret Nazi science projects. In 1944, German soldiers and scientists abandoned because they ate poisoned bear meat. All of survivors had to be rescued by Kriegsmarine using as a means of transport an U-boat. The base was completely abandoned; the Nazis didn’t return before the end of WWII and the fall of the Nazi regime.

(Photographs via Russian Artic National Park)

Expedition members said the findings have significant historical value, after they unearthed pieces of military uniforms, ammunition (rusted bullets), household objects, meteorological equipment, and other wartime relics. The expedition consisted by  Russian researchers of Russian Arctic National Park. The expedition made the discovery in the middle of August and ended in October 2016. Cold weather is the reason because many of the objets found are in good condition. Among the artifacts discovered on the island there are objects bearing Nazi insignia and swastikas, Iflscience reported.

"About 500 items of historical value have been collected on the grounds of the former Treasure Hunter German station that operated on the Alexandra Land island of Franz Josef Land from September 1943 until July 1944," said Yulia Petrova, National Park press secretary. She said also "They include munitions and military equipment, everyday items, personal effects, and fragments of meteorological devices." "Before it was only known from written sources, but now we also have real proof" said Evgeny Ermolov, a senior researcher at the National Park. 

The Russian Arctic National Park released video showing the remains of Nazi meteorological station called the 'Schatzgraber' or 'Treasure Hunter'.