Wild Earth

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Day 1: Longyearbyn
During the afternoon we embark the M/S Quest and leave civilization behind.

Day 2-10: Spitsbergen
We are now in a truly wild and remote part of the world. Our route depends on weather, ice conditions and the wildlife we encounter. This is real expedition cruising, our goal is to make several landings each day, this is some of the places we hope to visit.

Ny Ålesund
Today a thriving scientific community is based at what is the northernmost settlement in the world. It was from that Amundsen, Byrd and Nobile departed in their courageous attempts to reach the North Pole.

Dansköya & Amsterdamöya
This was the starting point for Andrée’s attempt to reach the north pole by hydrogen balloon  in 1897. This was also a hub of the Dutch whaling fleet in the 17th century with blubber ovens still visible.

Liefdefjorden
Liefdefjorden, meaning “the fjord of love”, is an area of immense natural beauty. The fjord is lined with snow-covered mountain peaks and at its head lies the spectacular Monaco Glacier.

Hinlopen Strait
If the ice allows we may visit Hinlopen Strait. Here is Auk Mountain, a vertical basaltic cliff, which is home for nearly 200 000 Brunnich’s Guillemots. The waters here are especially nutritious, which explains the large quantities of seabirds.

East Spitsbergen
Heading east through Hinlopen Strait we may meet the massive Arctic pack ice. We enjoy the grandeur of this icy landscape. The chances of meeting polar bears increase as we sail along the ice edge.

Nordaustlandet
This fascinating island, covered with an enormous ice cap presents a multitude of opportunities for exploration. Here you find a huge glacier front intersected by hundreds of melt-waterfalls, an abandoned German weather station from WWII and many arctic breeding birds.

Barentsöya and Edgeöya
On Barentsöya there are remnants of old Pomor fishing camps, some 400 years old. The Pomors were brave pioneers sailing in open boats from the Arctic shores of Russia to fish and hunt. Edgeöya treats visitors to magnificent landscapes and tundra plains where the chances are good for seeing reindeer, Arctic fox and walrus.

Halvmäneöya
On Half Moon Island there is a trapping station where we learn more about the hunting and trapping techniques of the past. Here four Russian Pomors survived six winters before being rescued.

Hornsund
A grandiose fjord on Spitsbergen’s southwest coast where enormous glaciers tumble to the sea between alpine mountains. This is also a favourites area for Polar Bears.

Day 11: Longyearbyn
We arrive into Longyearbyn during the morning in time for afternoon flights to Oslo.

Please note: Our exact route will depend on ice, weather conditions and wildlife sightings. The places mentioned are just examples of some of the many sites Spitsbergen has to offer. We always strive to maximize your experience, but remember flexibility is the key to a successful expedition.