IN THE TRACKS OF THE POLAR TRAVELERS
Unspoiled polar wilderness Svalbard (in Norwegian: Svalbard), with its fjords, glaciers, mountains and rolling tundra, offers endless opportunities for nature lovers, hikers and photographers. The breathtaking landscapes are home to reindeer, arctic foxes and seals. Spot polar bears and walruses, as well as belugas, humpback whales and blue whales at sea. Bird watchers will also enjoy watching Arctic bird species such as ivory gulls, guillemots and auks. For a change, visit the historic settlements of Longyearbyen, Barentsburg and Ny Ålesund, where the nostalgia of former whalers and polar explorers such as Willem Barentsz still haunts.
Expedition Cruises to Spitsbergen
With an expedition ship, sailing through the pack ice and along the coast where the rich animal life is mainly located, you will have the best opportunity to observe polar bears, walrus and many whale species. With Zodiacs you then sail regularly through the fjords and glacial landscapes to a deserted bay to get a closer look at the animal and plant world. Expedition cruises to Spitsbergen run from May through September, the best time to spot whales, walruses and polar bears. Many birds already leave at the end of August. You can opt for grand luxury (such as the all-inclusive luxury cruises of Silversea) or for expedition cruises (such as Albatros Expeditions and Oceanwide Expeditions), which also have very comfortable ships, but with more options for sporting activities, such as kayaking and hiking.
