The Arctic Part 1, NORWAY
Airing Date: Apr 18th, 2005
The name Svalbard refers to the group of islands stretching from Bjrnya in the south to Rossya in the north which represents Europe's northernmost point at over 80 degrees north.
The Svalbard Archipelago is part of Norway, lying far to the north of the Norwegian mainland and high above the Arctic Circle. All up they total about 63,000 square kilometres in area, about the same size as Tasmania. The region enjoys the midnight sun from April to August; while in the period from October to February, the sun never peaks over the horizon.
Longyearbyen is the capital of Svalbard. Due to its remote location, Longyearbyen has a frontier feel about it. If you intend hiking or undertaking any activity adventurous in nature, the law requires that you carry a firearm to protect yourself against polar bears! You can hire a gun at the local Wildlife Services office.
A fantastic way to explore the Arctic is with a Peregrine Adventures High Arctic tour on board the ship Akademik Sergey Vavilov. The Akademik Sergey Vavilov used to be a Cold War Russian spy ship, and now it's been fitted out for tourists.
The Vavilov cruises the Arctic only during the summer months when the ice melts enough to let ships go that far north. Once on board, your 10 day tour of the Artic begins. You will be introduced to the expedition team, learn a bit about the ship and its layout, talk about the itinerary, and participate in the obligatory lifeboat drill.
First port of call is New Alesund which is a polar research centre & the world's northernmost town. In 1926 Norway's Roald Amundsen was the first man to set off from New Alesund to reach the North Pole - but an American, Admiral Byrd beat him there!
On-board facilities include a spacious top deck, where you can enjoy spectacular views, and a refreshing sauna and plunge pool. There is also a well-stocked library, a comfortable lounge and a friendly bar. Other facilities include an exercise room, gift shop and laundry.
Weather permitting, there are opportunities for getting off the ship and exploring at closer range. The Vavilov has zodiac landing craft on board that can take you in and around the ice. They even carry snowshoes, gumboots and camping gear. During your expedition, one of the activities you may choose is sea kayaking. You will experience amazing scenery and may get in close proximity to marine mammals, particularly whales, seals, walrus and especially the polar bears! Despite it's seemingly harsh climate, the Arctic also has a lot of bird life.
Of the non-avian attractions of Svalbard the greatest must be the Polar Bears, the quintessential Arctic dweller: A large number can be found on the islands east of Spitsbergen, yet you should be prepared to encounter a polar-bear wherever you are on Svalbard. The Scandinavian Arctic is believed to be home to around 5000 polar bears.
Further information:
10 night Spitsbergen Explorer from $6250 a person. Based on twin share. Includes taxes. Conditions apply. Includes all meals and excursions.
Peregrine Adventures
1300 854 500
Prices correct at 10/6/06
Thai Airways International to Copenhagen from $1894 ex east coast. Price includes taxes. Subject to fluctuation. Conditions apply.
www.thaiairways.com.au
Prices correct at
23/5/06
Scandanavian Airlines connect to Svalbard from $534 return
Price includes taxes. Subject to fluctuation. Conditions apply.
www.flysas.com
Prices correct at 23/5/06
