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Paradise beaches with white sand and lush palm trees have their charm. But why not spend this summer in an icy wonderland? The period between June and October is the most ideal to embark on an enthralling polar cruise to admire magnificent ice fields amidst the glistening sea.
1. Svalbard
A classic for travels to the Arctic is Svalbard, also called land of the midnight sun. You may also know the destination under the name of its largest island: Spitsbergen. You can visit the international science station Ny-Alesund, a former mining town and starting point for many North Pole expeditions or the blue shimmering Monaco Glacier. In Spitsbergen’s vast National Parks you can not only admire the arctic flora and mesmerizing glacier fronts, but also discover its lively fauna like flurries of birds dancing in the sky, or ice bears, the Arctic's namesake.
Environment: glaciers, mountains, icebergs and fjords
Wildlife: polar bear, walrus, whale, seal, Arctic fox, Svalbard reindeer
2. Iceland
Many people who visit Iceland stay on the island. A polar cruise, however, is a great opportunity to get to know the land of fire and ice from a different angle. A cruise along Iceland’s west coast is also ideal for passengers who feel uncomfortable on the open sea. Discover a mystical landscape of silent glaciers, volcanic rocks and fjords with their distinctive reliefs. You will pass the impressive Kirkjufell, a cone-shaped volcano surrounded by a wild tundra, the northern island Grímsey that is home to diverse bird species or the southern Westman Islands, one of Iceland’s best kept secrets.
Environment: glaciers, fjords, basalt columns, rugged cliffs, geysers, volcanoes
Wildlife: puffin, gannet, arctic tern, minke whale, humpback whale, Icelandic horse
3. Greenland
Visit the largest island in the world and the white richness this autonomous Danish territory has to offer. You can combine a polar cruise to Greenland with the beauty of Iceland in the East or Canada in the West. But Greenland alone already promises enough awe-inspiring moments for an entire trip. It is home to many superlatives such as the longest fjord system in the world, Kangerlussuaq Fjord, the biggest national park in the world, Northeast Greenland National Park and also Sermeq Kujalleq, one of the fastest and most active glaciers in the world.
Environment: rugged, rocky mountainous coastline
Wildlife: polar bear, muskox, blue whale, narwhal, fin whale, humpback whale, ringed seal, Arctic birds
4. North Pole
For those who are very passionate about the Arctic, a cruise to the geographic North Pole is a must and will probably be one of the most unique experiences of your life. The North Pole is located above the ice and is therefore unclaimed land. It is not a fixed point as the two to three meter thick ice is always moving. A journey could take you across the fascinating islands of Svalbard or Iceland all the way up to the north, from where every direction is south. Experience the rough and untameable nature 800 km away from the nearest civilisation.
Environment: ice, ocean
Wildlife (rare): polar bear, Arctic fox, ringed seal, Arctic birds
Bonus: Antarctica – for the perfect winter experience
The continent of Antarctica is best to be visited during the European winter season from November to March. The world's most remote wilderness awaits you, with the White Continent’s most famous habitants: the emperor penguins. Be enchanted by a magnificent landscape of icebergs, ice floes and thousand-year-old glaciers, populated by amazing wildlife. Depending on the weather and ice conditions, this extreme environment will reveal its most beautiful secrets and allow you to make many discoveries. Pass by Pourquoi Pas Island, because why not?
Environment: glaciers, mountains, bays, fjords, inlets, pebble beaches, rugged coastlines
Wildlife: emperor penguin, minke, humpback, right, blue, sperm and killer whale
Despite the endless cold, the Arctic region has many facets and each one promises unforgettable impressions. If you are as intrigued as we are, feel free to contact us so that we can create a unique polar experience for your next summer.
If you liked this article, you may also like: For holidays far from the beach try the French Alps: The best resorts for a summer in the mountains.
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