Svalbard - the kingdom of the polar bear
Follow in the trail of the polar researchers with the expedition ship Quest to the nature paradise of Svalbard where you will experience numerous national parks and nature reserves. In summer time the impressive island is the northernmost ice-free area in the world. A true treasure of amazing experiences. So if you are attracted to the Arctic, huge nature with polar bears, glaciers, midnight sun and comfortable way of travelling, you should book now!
Day program
Day 1
You arrive toLongyearbyen in the midnight sun. Transfer to the Radisson SAS Polar Hotel, which has a nice view of the ice fjord.
Day 2-7
The week begins in Spitsbergen where you explore Longyearbyen - the high Arctic capital was founded in 1906. You also visit the excellent Svalbard Museum. Embarkation on Quest in the afternoon. The exact route depends on the weather, ice conditions and wildlife.
Quest uses zodiacs to closely explore the nature and animals, and by landing it is also worth noticing the low Arctic vegetation, with small flowers which in their own quiet way are absolutely beautiful. The rich birdlife and seals, totally undisturbed by human activity, are also here in their right element. Special and rare bird species captivate in itself, but it's also impressive to see larger flocks of birds in colonies on the bird cliffs that rises vertically out of the sea. You travel gently through Svalbard's vulnerable natural environment and affects the nature least possible by only taking pictures and memories with you, leaving nothing but light footsteps.
Below a couple of places we hope to visit:
Barentsburg
A visit to the Russian enclave of Barentsburg. A local guide shows you around the fascinating mining village which was founded in 1932.
Ny Alesund
This is a unique opportunity to send a card from the world's northernmost post office. Svalbard reindeer roam through the town without seeming to notice you, and Arctic terns are staying along the roadside. It was here that Amundsen and Nobile started their heroic expeditions to the North Pole by airship.
Danskerøen
It was from this island that engineer Andrée and his two companions began their balloon expedition to the North Pole. The journey ended abruptly when their balloon 'Eagle' crash-landed on the pack ice north of Svalbard. In Virgohamna you will see remnants of the expedition and learn more about the men's grandiose plans and tragic final.
Hinloppen and Alkefjeldet
In Hinloppensundet the experienced captain crosses the ship through the ice floes and gets you up to Alkefjeldet, a vertical and spectacular basalt rock which is the breeding ground for 600,000 Arctic guillemots.
Northwest Spitsbergen
On Dansköya, Amsterdamöya and Ytre Norsköya there are still visible remnants from the bustling activity during the 17th century whaling period. Many puffins, little auks and guillemots nest in the area.
Liefdefjorden
Liefdefjorden, meaning "the fjord of love", is an area of immense natural beauty. The fjord is lined with snow-covered mountain peaks and in the end lies the spectacular Monaco Glacier. Polar bears have been sighted here.
North Spitsbergen
In beautiful Mossel Bay is Polhem, the world`s northernmost house, where Swedish explorer Adolf Erik Nordenskiöld over-wintered in 1872- 73. We have now left the warm waters of the Golf current behind and may meet the massive packice border. Not many ships venture here and we enjoy the silence and grandeur of this icy landscape. The chances of meeting polar bears increase as we sail along the ice floes. Day 8
On the way back to Longyearbyen you anchor in the bay and celebrate the expedition's end with a farewell dinner.
Day 9
You reach Longyearbyen. Transfer to the airport.
The northern Svalbard is nearly on top of the world, next stop would be the north pole!
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