In the Realm of the Polar Bear from £3391pp
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In the Realm of the Polar Bear

Experience the incredible scenery in Svalbard`s most remote regions. On this circumnavigation of Spitsbergen you will experience the low-hanging Midnight Sun creating unearthly hues reflected off the sea’s surface, the ice and the glaciers. Roaming in the realm of the polar bear at this time of the year is one of the most exotic Arctic experiences to which you can treat yourself.

Day 1 Longyearbyen and Barentsburg

The voyage starts in the Norwegian settlement often referred to as the capital
of Svalbard. The history of Longyearbyen is very much the history of coal mining and reminders of the first mining can be seen everywhere. We visit the Russian settlement of Barentsburg, constructed around the entrance to the coal mine. Here you will find an exotic collection of Russian artefacts and architecture.

Day 2 Kongsfjorden and North West Spitsbergen National Park

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. Magdalenefjorden is home to a very important piece of cultural heritage; a whaling station from the 16th century, including a graveyard of whalers who died during the first “oil adventure”.

DAY 3 North East Spitsbergen Nature Reserve

This is a true expedition day where we explore some of the most remote parts of
the Svalbard Archipelago. We will attempt to reach Sjuøyane, a cluster of islands at almost 81º N. These islands are closer to the Geographical North Pole than any other landmass in Europe. Polar bears and seabirds are the only inhabitants.

DAY 4 North East Spitsbergen Nature Reserve

The spectacular bird cliff of Alkefjellet is sometimes referred to as the Piccadilly Circus of seabirds; its 300 m spires rise directly from the sea and create perfect nesting conditions.

DAY 5 South West Svalbard Nature Reserve

Edgøya is the third largest island in Svalbard. Here you will find cultural
heritage from all eras of human exploration of Svalbard. Storfjorden will give us spectacular views of the east coast. In the distance we will see hundreds of glaciers and mountains and if we are lucky we meet some of the marine mammals of Svalbard.

DAY 6 South Spitsbergen National Park; Hornsund

The landscape of Hornsund is alpine with some very special mountains like Bautaen, or in English, the Obelisk, which, seen from the right angle looks like a giant Viking sword. Let your imagination run wild while spending the day in these extraordinary surroundings.

DAY 7 Isfjorden

Isfjorden is the largest fjord system in Svalbard. One of the most prominent
mountains 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.

2012 Prices (£s)

Cabin
Category
Twin Cabin
from
Single Cabin
from
MG 5181 9066
M 4892 8561
F 4372 7652
U 3968 6945
N 3680 6439
FJ 3680 6439
I 3391 5934
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Call 0844 272 8961 or book online
Price: from £3391pp
In brief
Duration: 8 days
Dates: 23 & 30 Aug 2012
Price: from £3391pp
Practical info

Includes: Voyage on a full board basis, Wind & water-resistant jacket, Landings in Polarcirkel boats, Lectures by Expedition Team
Not included: International flights, Travel insurance, Luggage handling, Optional Excursions & Gratuities

 

Book Online

or Call 0844 272 8961

Hurtigruten Ltd, Bedford House, 69-79 Fulham High Street, London, SW6 3JW 
Reservations UK: 0844 272 8961. Reservations Ireland: 01 607 4420
Facsimile: 020 8846 2678 | Email: uk.sales@hurtigruten.com


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