Abstract This article analyzes Adelbert von Chamisso’s journey round the world (1815–1818) against the background of failed polar expeditions and polar fictions around 1800. The author argues that in his tales Adelberts Fabel (1806) and Peter Schlemihls wundersame Geschichte (1814) and in his travel accounts, Chamisso sets up scenarios of experiencing polar frontiers that contrast the traditional topoi of polar travels in the literature of his time.

Chamisso's travel accounts and tales set up polar frontier experiences that contrast traditional topoi in literature of his time, challenging traditional topoi of polar travels.

Szenarien der Grenzerfahrung: Chamissos Weltreise und die Fiktionalisierung der Pole

Key Takeaway: Chamisso's travel accounts and tales set up polar frontier experiences that contrast traditional topoi in literature of his time, challenging traditional topoi of polar travels.