Spitsbergen 06-24 August 2024 with SY Arctica II

Part 2: Nordaustland and Hinlopen Strait

Glacier edge in Lady Franklinfjord

Arctica II has always been the perfect ship to explore Nordaustland and its surroundings. And again, we made good use of the opportunity.

We started in Lady Franklinfjord with a sweet little walk on Tomboloøya – this time without being kicked off the island by a polar bear, as some years ago. Good thing. We did see polar bears the very same day, however, deeper in Lady Franklinfjord, followed by a walk on a rocky hilltop for some great views of the mighty glaciers there.

This was followed on the next day by a very cool hike in Franklindalen to Brennevinsfjord further east. That’s exactly what I love about these trips, these golden opportunities for hikes like this. I’d love do to more of them. There won’t be any more hikes like this on Nordaustland in the future, but until now, we have done well. No regrets whatsoever! The same holds true for a hike in Beverlydalen the late afternoon. A busy day. We had used and enjoyed every minute of it!

Hiking in Beverlydalen, Nordaustland.

After little but very cool hike on the central island of Sabineøyane – another very rare thing to do – followed by an afternoon in Planciusbukta – same here – we ventured deeper into Rijpfjord, to the glaciers (Rijpbreane) and the old German war weather station Haudegen. The next day brought dense fog, a short walk on Scoresbyøya directly followed by a beautiful polar bear sighting and an evening landing on Parryøya, one of Sjuøyane, Svalbard’s northernmost outposts.

Polar bear on Scoresbyøya.

After another polar bear had waved us goodbye from Nelsonøya, we set course for Hinlopen Strait, starting with the one and only Alkefjellet. Other than that, this time Hinlopen didn’t have much to offer beyond fog.