Postcard: Norway & Svalbard 2022
OSLO, LOFOTEN ISLANDS & TROMSO
Norway is a beautiful part of the world, and Oslo was alive with travellers from near and far. Exploration by foot, guided by a knowledgeable local guide, took us through the Palace grounds, passed the fusion of old and new architecture, and to the fascinating museums for a history lesson on polar exploration.
The dramatic and stunning fjords and rugged coastline of the Lofoten Islands made it worth not missing a moment as we travelled by bus down the island chain. We stayed in quaint villages in traditional rorbuers (fishing cabins) painted in historical red, mustard, or white. We explored on horseback, skiff and kayaked all the varying but equally magnificent nooks of the Lofotens. We experienced the old-world charm of the islands, learned about traditional trades, met colourful characters and came away all the richer for the experience.
We peddled through the streets of Tromso, the most northern city in the world, known as the Gateway to the Arctic, on ebike. We wandered around its botanical garden, sipped tea, and ate speciality treats while taking in the view from beneath the towering ski jump.
EXPRESSION OF INTEREST
We loved everything about our Arctic adventure and are planning our return in 2025.
The small ship experience onboard the MS Stockholm offers 12 guests an authentic journey into the remote corners of Svalbard. The heritage listed vessel has one of the most genuinely passionate and accommodating crews sailing the Arctic. The wildlife, natural beauty and polar history make for an exceptional experience.
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SVALBARD
With Wild Earth magic on our side, we were blessed with stunning weather for most of our expedition. It gifted us the opportunity to travel to the far northeast corner of Svalbard, where no other ships venture. Our ship, the MS Stockholm, is a heritage listed vessel, and it felt like we were the crew on an Arctic explorer's voyage to discover new lands and uncharted waters.
We hiked peaks and gazed out over ancient landscapes shaped by glaciers in an array of rich colours from the beginning of time. We cruised along the cliffs in zodiacs amidst the cacophony of guillemots, preparing their young for the mighty launch that would begin their long flight south. Arctic terns flit above the heads of curious walrus as they snorted and belched at us as they popped up beside our zodiacs. Our captain Magnus courageously led us to hidden corners and rarely visited sights. We hiked glacier-tumbled rocks to summits for majestic views over fjords and seemingly endless mighty glaciers. Gunilla imparted her knowledge about the impressive endeavours of Arctic explorers, the wildlife, the geology, and the glaciology of the magnificent surroundings we were experiencing.
Early morning wake-up calls had us basking in the midnight sun as whales, dolphins, and seabirds feasted on the rich arctic buffet. Then, we bravely plunged into the freezing polar waters at 80 degrees north, only 690 miles south of the North Pole. Sunshine revealed vivid hues of blue ice in the glaciers and icebergs as we navigated through crackling, brash ice from the advancing glaciers.
Polar bear sightings were beyond our expectations, with multiple encounters of bear behaviour in clear sight. We watched a Polar bear, and two cubs feast on a walrus carcass and a lone male slip into the water for a lengthy swim from one island to another. Reindeer grazed beneath dramatic peaks, and harbour seals perched precariously on rocks stealing the show as our guide tried to inform us of the historically significant sights from Arctic exploration of the north pole.
The camaraderie onboard the ship was wonderful, and the crew was exceptional (the food too delicious). We are looking forward to our return to the high Arctic.
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