Our course today took us along the wild north coasts of Spitsbergen and Nordaustlandet. We explored the ice-choked entrances of the great fjords and farther south into Hinlopen Strait, which lies between the two largest islands of the archipelago. The icy world of April dominated the landscape with snowbound mountains towering over fjords paved with white plains of frozen ocean. Along the way, we kept a constant lookout for wildlife and found both seals and walruses. Then, in the late afternoon, we spotted our first polar bears, a beautiful mother with two tiny cubs. They had just emerged from their winter den.
6/17/2025
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Spitsbergen Island, Svalbard
Today, we landed at the stunning glacier front of Nordbreen, nestled deep within the majestic Wijdefjorden. The day offered unforgettable experiences, both on land and at sea. Our long hikers embarked on an epic journey up to the ridge of Slettho. The ascent was rewarded with sweeping views of the rugged, dramatic landscape carved by ancient ice. From this high vantage point, we felt the raw power and isolation of the Arctic. As we stood together in five minutes of silence, taking in the vast stillness, nature answered with a breathtaking moment: the glacier calved. The thunderous sound echoed across the fjord—a powerful reminder of the ever-changing world of ice. Meanwhile, our Zodiac cruisers witnessed the same calving event from sea level. From the water, they felt the full force of the glacier’s collapse—the crash of ice, the rolling waves, and the deep, resonating boom that followed. It was a rare and visceral moment, connecting all of us more deeply with the Arctic wilderness. A day like this reminds us of why we journey to these remote places: for connection, perspective, and awe.