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Sail along the northwest coast of Spitsbergen, journey through a landscape of breathtaking fjords and gigantic glaciers, all set before a magical backdrop of jagged mountain peaks. This coastline is surprisingly rich in wildlife and historical remains, offering a fascinating insight into the heroic efforts of the polar explorers of past times.
DAY 1 LONGYEARBYEN AND BARENTSBURG
Longyearbyen is a Norwegian settlement often referred to as the capital of Svalbard. This is a lively small town, situated in a fantastic Arctic landscape. The history and heritage of coal mining can be seen everywhere. Barentsburg is a Russian settlement with an exotic collection of Russian artefacts and architecture. This “Company town” was built in 1935 around the entrance to the coal mine.
DAY 2 HORNSUND
The landscape of Hornsund is largely alpine with the majestic Hornsundtinden mountain soaring highest of all. Let your imagination run wild while spending the day in these extraordinary surroundings.
DAY 3 BELLSUND
In Bellsund we will attempt to land on either Ahlstrands peninsula or in Calypsobyen. Later we may sail towards the beautiful Vårsolbukta, named after the motor cutter “Vaarsol” that was used by the Norwegian Svalbard Expedition in 1914.
DAY 4 KONGSFJORDEN
Kings Bay is the largest fjord on the North West coast of Spitsbergen. The landscape varies from large tundra plains to alpine peaks with dramatic glaciers calving into the ocean. At 78º 55’ N, Ny Ålesund is the world’s northernmost permanently inhabited community, where a number of countries run their own national research stations. Activity here is particularly high in the summer. We hope to reach Moffen, a high latitude islet at 80°N with a walrus colony and bird sanctuary. The atoll-like shape of the island made it a perfect safe harbour for any early whalers caught in bad weather.
DAY 5 WOODFJORDEN AND LIEFDEFJORDEN
These large fjords in North Spitsbergen are striking in varied landscape. We will cruise towards the Monaco Glacier, passing a number of small islets where eider ducks nest during the summer. If we are lucky we might spot a polar bear searching for eggs.
DAY 6 NORTH WEST SPITSBERGEN NATIONAL PARK
Known locally as the North West Corner, this area has a long history of exploration. When Dutchman Willem Barents first found Svalbard in 1596, the name he gave to this new land was ‘Spitzbergen’ (“Spitz” meaning sharp) reflecting the sharp and steep mountains in the area. Magdalenefjorden is home to a very important piece of cultural heritage; a whaling station from the 16th century, including a graveyard of whalers that died during the first “oil adventure”.
DAY 7 ISFJORDEN
In central Spitsbergen, Isfjorden is the largest fjord system in Svalbard. One of the most prominent mountains here is Alkhornet, where thousands of Brünnich guillemots nest during the summer season.
DAY 8 LONGYEARBYEN
Sadly, every explorer voyage has to come to an end. Hopefully you will be recalling the memory of that polar bear, the calving glacier front or the buzzing birdlife – or simply enjoying the subtle, odd feeling of having spent time on top of the globe, just a few hundred kilometres from the Geographical North Pole.
Departure Dates: July 26 August 2, 9, 16, 2012
Rates from US$3,500 per person.
VACATION PRICE INCLUDES
- Voyage in cabin grade of your choice on a full board basis
(suites include a selection of drinks with meals on board)
- Wind and water proof jacket
- Landings in polarcirkel boats
- Lectures by expedition team
- Tea and Coffee
- CD log |
Photo courtesy Mr. Kimchi
Photo courtesy Mr. Siu
Photo courtesy Jochen Schorler
MS Fram, including a deck plan (pdf file)
Spitsbergen and MS Fram Handbook (pdf file)
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