This morning, we found some sunshine and settled weather inside Forlandsund, a long, narrow bay that separates the mainland of Spitsbergen and the island of Prins Karls Fordland. Not quite half way up from the southern tip is a small point known as Poolepynten, which is a known haul-out for walrus. In small groups, we slowly approached the haul-out so everyone could get close-up views of walrus after a short walk from the landing. In the afternoon, we found some stunning scenery inside St. Jonsfjord, and many guests took advantage of the fine afternoon weather to partake in a variety of hikes and photo walks.
- Daily Expedition Reports
- 31 May 2019
Western Spitsbergen, 5/31/2019, National Geographic Explorer
- Aboard the National Geographic Explorer
- Arctic
Doug Gould, Naturalist/Certified Photo Instructor
Travel and adventure were an integral part of Doug’s upbringing in a small town on the south shore of Long Island, New York. Growing up on the Great South Bay, his family claims Doug learned to sail before he learned to walk. Whether it was camping, ...
Read MoreSarah Culler, Videographer
Sarah was raised on a multi-generational family dairy farm, established circa 1815 in Lucas, Ohio. Consequently, her first paying job was milking cows! Rewarding as it was to get paid for the first time, she found her passion behind the lens of a cam...
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Norway's Fjords and Arctic Svalbard
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6/4/2025
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Tromsø, Norway
After a week exploring the most remote corners of the Norwegian fjords, today we arrived in the city of Tromsø, gateway to the Arctic, and we were welcomed by full summer weather —apparently the first warm day of the year—while the surrounding mountains were still completely covered in snow. We set off early and part of the group visited a museum to learn about the history of cod (tasting included!), an important part of life in this region for many centuries. Others went to a dog kennel (because petting huskies is always a great choice) and learned firsthand about the Finnmarksløpet, the most important dog sled race in Europe. Later, we all met at the Polar Museum which holds a rich collection of items from polar expeditions that passed through this city. In those days, anyone heading to or returning from Svalbard stopped here. To make the most of this summer-like day, the galley team surprised us with homemade burgers, which we enjoyed under the sun on the outside decks while sailing through the last fjords before heading out to open sea. And as a little preview of what lies ahead, puffins and humpback whales came to greet us. Svalbard, here we come!
6/3/2025
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Hellmobotn, Norway
The morning began with a light drizzle at the small Sami settlement of Hellmobotn. Unperturbed, everyone went ashore for beautiful walks surrounded by beautiful waterfalls, birch and pine trees, and large black rocks of the fjord walls. With positivity in the air, the sun came out between the clouds and the day turned out to be gloriously warm in the fjords of Norway. Instead of moving locations after the lunch, the decision was made to enjoy the beautiful weather. Two rounds of kayaks went out and Zodiac cruises zipped along the fjords where everyone was continually captivated by the beauty of Norway.