North Spitsbergen polar bears, pack ice, and other Arctic marvels
Last month we discussed one of the best Arctic cruise spots on the planet in our North Spitsbergen blog. That entry provided not only a description of our itinerary in that sublime area, but also some of the eye-popping places where you might see polar bears, whales, walruses, seals, seabirds, and the many enchanting ice formations of the far north.
Instead of writing about these things again, we'll just let them speak for themselves.
Here follow 22 tantalizing photos of the phenomenal wildlife, landscapes, and pack ice that make the Arctic paradise of North Spitsbergen so singularly unique. May they serve as visual proof that, if you ever make the supremely wise decision of booking a Spitsbergen trip, one of your chief priorities should be the island's stunning northern ranges.
1. Contemplating the vast views of North Spitsbergen
Image by Markus Eichenberger
2. Local walrus doing the same
Image by Sarah Gerats
3. Kittiwake cruising the Svalbard skies
Image by Sara Jenner
4. Humpback whale waving at the camera
Image by Geert Kroes
5. Floating northern fulmars on a blue backdrop
Image by Markus Eichenberger
6. Getting that perfect pack ice pic
Image by Markus Eichenberger
7. North Spitsbergen seas and ice sculptures
Image by Sarah Gerats
8. Arctic fox prowling for overlooked eggs
Image by Peter Tadin
9. Svalbard pack ice as far as the eye can see
Image by Markus Eichenberger
10. Pensive polar bear cub and mother
Image by Wim van Passel
11. The surreal Spitsbergen bay of Fjortende Julibukta
Image by Sarah Gerats
12. Brünnich's guillemots bobbing on the waves
Image by Mathieu Berteloot
13. Minke whale surfacing for a breather
14. Organized polar bear family on the prowl
Image by Markus Eichenberger
15. Snowy spans of Svalbard mountains
16. Spitsbergen reindeer trekking the tundra
Image by Jan Michiels
17. The sleek figure of a fin whale
Image by Ali Liddle
18. Bearded seal lounging on the pack ice
Image by Markus Eichenberger
19. Spitsbergen's incredible bay of Ebeltofthamna
Image by Sarah Gerats
20. Polar bear up close and personal
Image by Wim van Passel
21. Spouting blue whale in Woodfjord
Image by Geert Kroes
22. Polar bear on the North Spitsbergen pack ice
Image by Markus Eichenberger
Title image by Wim van Passel
