We woke up to a drizzly day in yet another Nordfjord! We anchored near a small town called Loen. Half of the group took a 45 minute boat ride to the Kjenndalstova Inn and had a short walk to the Kjenndal Glacier. The rest of the group had a stunningly beautiful bus ride and a 45 minute walk to the Briksdal Glacier. The walk followed a gorgeous river of glacial melt water with huge cascading waterfalls to a milky turquoise lake at the base of the glacier. After we visited the glaciers both groups took a trip to the top of the mountain on the brand new Skylift cable car to get fantastic views of the fjord and the ship 1100 meters below.
6/17/2025
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National Geographic Resolution
Spitsbergen Island, Svalbard
Today, we landed at the stunning glacier front of Nordbreen, nestled deep within the majestic Wijdefjorden. The day offered unforgettable experiences, both on land and at sea. Our long hikers embarked on an epic journey up to the ridge of Slettho. The ascent was rewarded with sweeping views of the rugged, dramatic landscape carved by ancient ice. From this high vantage point, we felt the raw power and isolation of the Arctic. As we stood together in five minutes of silence, taking in the vast stillness, nature answered with a breathtaking moment: the glacier calved. The thunderous sound echoed across the fjord—a powerful reminder of the ever-changing world of ice. Meanwhile, our Zodiac cruisers witnessed the same calving event from sea level. From the water, they felt the full force of the glacier’s collapse—the crash of ice, the rolling waves, and the deep, resonating boom that followed. It was a rare and visceral moment, connecting all of us more deeply with the Arctic wilderness. A day like this reminds us of why we journey to these remote places: for connection, perspective, and awe.
