SVALBARD: PASTEL WINTER
The Polar Night lasts from 26 October to 15 February, when the only natural light sources are the moon, the stars and the Northern Lights. In the weeks after the Polar Night, you experience the magical blue light, a favourite time for many photographers. March to May is the ‘pastel winter‘, when the darkness transitions to light, casting beautiful pastel colours over the snow-covered landscape.
Tour dates
15 – 23 April 2024
Group Size
12 people
Condition
Moderate, comfortable, pastel colours
Price
Shared twin cabin 7900 €
Single cabin 8900 €
SCHEDULE
Day 1
Departure: flight to Longyearbyen, where we check in to the hotel. Being present one day before the departure of the ship is highly recommended, to avoid trouble with cancelled flights or delays. The extra day gives you a great opportunity to experience daily life in the high Arctic.
Day 2-9
We embark the MS Freya, which will be our home for the next 8 days. You will explore one of the worlds wildest and most beautiful areas, making daily landings and discovering Arctic wildlife. This is an expedition, so ultimately our route will be determined by wind, weather, ice and the presence of wildlife. Patience and flexibility are the keys to success as we strive for the ultimate Svalbard experience!
Day 9
After breakfast, we check out of the ship at 9 AM.
WHITE NATURE
Svalbard is covered in snow almost 6 months a year. The deep fjords are frozen and the coasts are surrounded by ice fields. Not the best time of the year to sail a boat, but ideal for moving around safely and comfortably with a snow scooter.
As soon as you step off the plane at the small airport of Longyearbyen, you feel the cold air hit your lungs. This will be our playground for the upcoming week! Fortunately, we have warm clothes to protect us. The animals that survive in these harsh conditions must make do with their fur or feathers. An extreme example of nature that you can only respect!
WINTER WILDLIFE
The diversity of species in polar regions is generally limited during winter, while most summer guests head for warmer places in the south. Only a few brave animals stay in their beloved Svalbard all year round.
Hardly any birds are residents, except for the Svalbard subspecies of rock ptarmigans. They’re perfectly camouflaged with their white plumage and feathered legs. We also see reindeer here and there, and might spot the beautiful arctic foxes in their white winter fur. On the ice, we look for different species of seal. This is the polar bear‘s hunting ground, so we also hope to get this ferocious predator within camera range.
If the weather is good, flocks of little auks may fly past their breeding cliffs in large groups and make a lot of noise. The first birdsong to be heard after a long, silent winter.
ARCTIC LIGHT AND TEMPERATURES
We are at 78° north latitude. In April, the sun comes out for several hours over the rugged mountain ridges. During the night it doesn’t really get dark anymore. Mornings and evenings, in particular, offer a magical spectacle during the ‘blue hour’.
We enjoy low sunlight, but at the same time, it can still snow! In short: a breathtaking snow panorama with species that appeal to the imagination in photogenic light. Sound like heaven to you? It is!
ACCOMMODATION AND TRANSPORT
We work exclusively with small, ice-strengthened vessels that we have chosen carefully for our trips in the high Arctic. The MS Freya is one of our trusted ships. Built in 1980 for the Swedish Coast Guard, this ship ensured that the beacons and lighthouses worked in good order, moving through very tough weather and ice. She classifies as an ice-strengthened ship under Lloyd’s highest class.
Today, Freya sails in Arctic waters almost year-round. When she’s not in Svalbard, you might find her exploring the waters around Iceland, Greenland or northern Norway. This ship will safely take you to places other expedition ships never visit. Traveling in a small group will offer you a truly intimate experience of the beautiful Arctic surroundings. The ship has comfortable double cabins fitted with 220-volt European standard outlets. All cabins feature an ensuite WC and shower and are cleaned daily by the ship’s crew. There…
SPOT LOCATION
INCLUDED
2 experienced guides, daily excursions, all meals, lectures onboard, passenger fees for landings/ Svalbard
NOT INCLUDED
Services before and after the expedition, hotel nights before and after the trip, mandatory insurance, alcoholic beverages onboard