It is the westernmost and northernmost Russian station in Antarctica. The climate here is milder than in the regions where other Russian stations are located. The average annual air temperature is around 4C, though winter temperatures can drop to -27C, while in summer, they can rise to 6–8C.

Initially, the station conducted geographical, geological, glaciological, and biological research. In the mid-1970s, a powerful radio center was established.

Bellingshausen is Russia’s smallest overwintering station, staffed by only eight permanent crew members and five seasonal specialists.

In February 2004, the first Orthodox church in Antarctica, the Church of the Holy Trinity, was opened at the station. It remains the only permanently operating church on the continent.