Journey To The Arctic: What To Expect

5 min

Author: Thidara Udomritkul

It was my first visit to the Arctic and nothing could have prepared me for the stark landscapes and its raw, untamed beauty. I embarked on the Spitsbergen Highlights: Expedition In Brief trip organized by Quark Expeditions, and set off on the maiden voyage of our ship, the Ultramarine. It was an incredible experience where we took in the sights of electric blue icebergs and snowy mountains in one of the harshest and most fragile environments in the world. Before I go deeper, here are fun facts and details to give you a fair introduction to the region.

Good To Know

• Spitsbergen is the largest island of the Norwegian archipelago, officially called Svalbard.
• The best way to get there is to fly to Helsinki, Finland, or Oslo, Norway, and then, board another private chartered flight to Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen’s largest settlement.
• Longyearbyen is actually a city where the streets have no names. They are only numbered.
• Polar bear protection is mandatory if you’re venturing beyond city limits. Svalbard is believed to have more polar bears than human beings, and their survival is threatened due to climate change.
• The weather is unpredictable so things may sometimes not go according to plan. It is important to bear that in mind while exploring the region. There is no fixed itinerary when you’re traveling here, as each trip is subject to changing weather and ice conditions. The route is chosen to provide the best conditions for exploring the wildlife, history and geology of Spitsbergen.

I had no idea what to expect when I decided to go on my first Arctic expedition, but it was a magical experience right from the start. After embarkation in Longyearbyen, we explored western Spitsbergen and its stunning fjords. The itinerary took us to Smeerenburg and the July 12 Glacier. Not only did I get an opportunity to revel in the beauty of the region, but I also learned a lot through the course of the trip. Here are some of my top tips and recommendations based on my personal experience.

1Svalbard has a wealth of wildlife

Keep your cameras handy when you’re in Spitsbergen, as you can observe walruses, seals, reindeer, Arctic foxes and polar bears in the wild….