Svalbard

Why not venture to Svalbard, also called Spitsbergen, on your Arctic cruise? This Arctic archipelago is known as the best spot to see polar bears! It is the largest wilderness area in Europe and showcases craggy mountains, lush tundra, and even provides opportunities to see the Aurora Borealis (or Northern Lights). Besides polar bears, there are many other wildlife residents to be seen! Other wildlife includes seals, reindeer, whales, and walruses. The region is technically part of Norway and historically was first discovered in 1194. It was rediscovered in 1956 by Dutch explorers, then later followed by whalers from numerous countries. Temperatures on Svalbard in the summer range from 36-44 degrees Fahrenheit, or 2-6 degrees Celsius. In July of 2020 the region experienced its highest temperature ever recorded at 73.4 degrees Fahrenheit, or 23 degrees Celsius. Typical weather during the summer is rolling fog and light rain. In most cases the rain is more frequent on the eastern portion of the region.