Svalbard Summer Expedition | Venture

Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland, is a city that effortlessly combines ancient history with a vibrant modern energy. Its streets are steeped in stories, from the cobblestones of the Old Town to the elegant Georgian avenues of the New Town, both recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Visit Edinburgh Castle, majestically poised atop an ancient volcanic rock, and stroll the Royal Mile leading to the regal Palace of Holyroodhouse. Discover world-class art at the Scottish National Gallery and find serenity in the Princes Street Gardens. Marvel at the contemporary Scottish Parliament building, tour the decommissioned Royal Yacht Britannia, and when night falls, immerse yourself in Edinburgh's thriving cultural scene.

Nestled in a narrow valley along the enchanting shores of Adventfjorden, Longyearbyen emerges as the administrative heart of Svalbard. This exceptional town is framed by the stunning Isfjord, a fjord system that stretches 100 kilometers into the depths of Spitsbergen. With nine tidewater glaciers and numerous hanging glaciers contributing to a combined ice-front of 21 kilometers, the views are truly breathtaking. Home to 2,100 residents, Longyearbyen stands as one of Earth's northernmost settlements, where residents thrive through coal mining, education, and tourism. Established in 1906 by American industrialist John Longyear, the town not only bears witness to human resilience but also serves as a gateway to unparalleled natural beauty.

Svalbard stands as a remote, expansive, and untamed expanse, largely undisturbed by human presence. When exploring this destination, our plans and itinerary remain flexible, allowing the ever-changing weather, conditions, and wildlife to shape each day's adventure. If a polar bear emerges on the horizon, we may halt the ship or Zodiacs to better observe it. In the presence of ice obstructing our path, we might leisurely navigate along its edge, marveling at its colors and forms while searching for wildlife, or redirect our course to an alternate destination. Should storms challenge our intended site, we may seek refuge in a sheltered bay, unveiling a different facet of exploration. Regardless of our actions, Svalbard harbors numerous beauties and mysteries, promising exhilarating discoveries for those with open eyes and hearts.

Halfway between Europe’s North Cape and the Svalbard Archipelago, isolated Bjørnøya also sits along the line between the Norwegian Sea and the Barents Sea. Its fortress-like cliffs and sea stacks greet your arrival with the white-noise of uncountable nesting seabirds coming and going from the rock walls. They circle overhead as you explore the sea caves and narrow channels between the stacks and the cliff in Zodiacs. Conditions permitting, the flat, lunar terrain of the opposite shore at Herwighamna may allow you to land and meet the small crew of the weather station.

Seize another day at sea to marvel at the endless expanse of the ocean, all while taking advantage of the onboard facilities.

The looming cliffs of Norway’s North Cape rise directly from the sea 1007 ft/307m to a plateau as flat as a table. This impressive headland has been selected to represent the northernmost point of Europe, even though it is technically located on an island, Magerøya, connected to the mainland by a bridge. At 71° 10’ 20” N latitude, it is just 1,306 mi/2012 km from the North Pole. At this point, the Norwegian Sea, which is part of the Atlantic Ocean, meets the Barents Sea, part of the Arctic Ocean. Further north, the mountainous archipelagoes of Franz Josef Land and Svalbard are the last lands before the Polar Ice Pack. The Midnight Sun does not dip below the horizon here at any time between May 14 and July 31 each year. Sheer and formidable, the North Cape pays its role to the hilt, emphatically declaring itself the end of Europe’s landmass.

Tromsø is the largest city in northern Norway and the ninth most populous municipality in the country. It surprises visitors with its sophisticated art scene, its contrasting modern and historical architecture, international cuisine, multicultural events, and festivals throughout the year.

Situated 200 miles north of the Arctic Circle, Tromsø is within the land of the midnight sun during summer months and the elusive northern lights in winter. However, thanks to the warming effect of the Gulf Stream, the sea doesn’t freeze here in winter, and there is no permafrost in the vicinity. Tromsø is noticeably milder than other towns at the same latitudes in other parts of the world.

Tromsø is also ‘The City of Explorers’ and has seen a number of expeditions set off from its shores to the probe the polar realm. Both Roald Amundsen and Fridtjof Nansen frequently recruited men in the city. Nowadays home to the Norwegian Polar Institute, Tromsø continues a tradition of being one of the key centers in explorations of the Arctic.