This year, Carina Svensson celebrates two decades at PolarQuest. Her first journey to Svalbard in 2004 was a memorable expedition with the goal of reaching the legendary Kvitøya (White Island). Joining the expedition as a lecturer was Håkan Jorikson, director of the Grenna Museum. The expedition not only succeeded in reaching Kvitøya but also made valuable discoveries that shed new light on its fascinating history.
Carina Svensson began her career at PolarQuest in August 2004 by joining an expedition to Svalbard, with the goal of reaching the legendary Kvitøya. This remote island is known as the site where Andrée and his expedition members were found, 33 years after their failed attempt to reach the North Pole with the balloon Örnen. At the time, Carina had extensive experience in the travel industry, but the polar regions were completely new to her.
– I never thought I would do something like that; I’ve always preferred warmth. But I’ve definitely changed my mind about that," she says with a smile.
Just arriving in Longyearbyen was an experience in itself.
– Everything was new to me – seeing the warning signs for polar bears and then boarding the small ship. It was truly amazing.
Before the journey, detailed studies of ice maps had shown that the conditions for reaching the remote Kvitøya were favorable. The group arrived in thick fog that evening, but by the next morning, the fog had cleared. The guides went ashore to scout the area and soon confirmed that it was safe to land.
Joining the expedition was Håkan Jorikson, director of the Grenna Museum, along with a group of history enthusiasts. The excitement was palpable when fragments of wood and textiles from the camp were discovered almost immediately. No one had been able to land here for many years due to the ice, but now the ice sheet had melted, exposing the ground. It was also revealed that the camp was situated slightly differently than previously believed.
– This allowed us to discover new artifacts, including a pair of blue socks that were completely intact. Incredible," Carina recounts.
For Carina, the story has grown over the years as she has gained more and more knowledge.
–I was completely new to the field back then. But I clearly remember visiting the Grenna Museum afterward and being able to discuss the trip in detail with Håkan. I think I almost appreciated his excitement about the journey more than anything else. Quite fantastic!
Photos: Håkan Jorikson, Grenna Museum 2004
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