Today we went for a hike at Idunneset located on the massive island called Nordaustlandet, North East of Spitsbergen. It was chilly, but partially sunny day where you could see as far as your eyes let you.
At the very top of Idunneset, we had a mighty view over two glaciers - Idunbreen & Bragebreen. After lunch, we sailed along the fast ice and got to see another polar bear. It was far onto the fast ice, walking into the horizon, so still a beautiful observation.
Nearly 10 minutes after we saw our first walruses chilling on the ice edge, lucky us because it was a mother and a calf!
In late afternoon we crossed Hinlopen strait from East to West and dropped our Zodiacs for a cruise which is usually one of the highlights - Alkefjellet (Mount Guillemot) - sheer cliffs; more than 100m high. Basaltic individual columns which have been perfectly dissected out of the cliffs by erosion, are home to more than 60 000 breeding pairs of guillemot, glaucous gulls and kittiwakes.
We had a fantastic time out, looking at this wonder - and not only did we have the birds, but we were incredibly lucky to also see a walrus hauled out on the beach below the cliffs, as well as three foxes and a seal.
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© Patrik JonassonGlaciers. -
© Patrik JonassonArctic fox. -
© Patrik JonassonBrünnich's Guillemot. -
© Patrik JonassonLowering of the zodiac. -
© Patrik JonassonAlkefjellet.
Please note: Depending on the lens used for a photo or video shot an animal may appear to be closer than it is. We always follow strict wildlife guidelines to ensure that we do not cause any disturbance.
