The Whalers graveyard of Smeerenburg Smeerenburg was the main site for Dutch whaling operations in the 17th century. Today, the historic graves of dutch whalers are quickly decaying due to the melt of the permafrost.
Nordaustlandet: The edge of the world If the world were flat, Nordaustlandet would be right at the edge of it. The island is located at 80°N in the arctic sea. To the north of it is nothing but the diminishing sea ice of the North Pole.
Iceberg calving at Negribreen At negribreen, huge blocks of ice slide through the muddy seabed until the tide sets them free and allows them to drift southward.
Sailing the Arctic with Tall Ship Antigua The best way to explore the rugged Spitsbergen shores is no doubt by sailing a tall ship like the Antigua.
The Microcosmos of the Rondane The Rondane is a mountainous area in central Norway. Besides low shrubs, not much seems to be growing here, but if you take a closer look, a microcosmos appears right under your feet.
Frisian lakes and islands The Dutch province Friesland is famous for its lakes and the Wadden Sea, the largest tidal flats system in the world.
The hike to Steindalsbreen The Lyngen peninsula is dominated by a 90km long mountain range, often referred to as the Lyngen Alps. The glaciers in the area offer magnificent hiking opportunities.
Lilliehöökfjorden - Arctic paradise The pristine views of Lilliehöökfjorden, arguably the most beautiful fjord of Spitsbergen, quickly make you forget your rushed every-day-life.
Besseggen - Hike amongst giants The spectacular views on the mountain ridge Besseggen make it one of the most popular hikes in Norway. Each summer, some 60.000 visitors walk the ridge in a strenuous 6-8 hours hike.
Antigua photo trip 2019 Every September, the crew of tall ship Antigua welcomes enthusiast photographers and takes them on a magnificent sailing trip along the shores of arctic Spitsbergen.
Barentsburg: glory days of communism The mining settlement Barentsburg was once an example of Soviet grandeur beyond the borders of the empire. After 30 years of decay, the town now undergoes another transformation.
Traces of war in Signehamna The early years of the Second World War passed relatively quiet on Spitsbergen. Initially, Germany’s occupation of Norway in 1940 didn’t have consequences for the mining settlements at the arctic islands.
Engelskbukta and its cruel history The calmness of Engelsbukta hides a rather savage history. A few centuries ago, whaling enterprises turned the waters in the bay red.
The contrasts of Coraholmen Coraholmen used to be a relatively flat island, but that all changed when a nearby glacier surged and slowly bulldozed its way through the fjord.
The hike to Lamlitinden (Hadseløya) The island Hadseløya offers magnificent hiking opportunities, like the beautiful hike to Lamlitinden.
Kjenndalsbreen Just like other glacier arms in Europe, Kjenndalsbreen has shrunken significantly over the recent years. Though, the magnificent drive along Lovatnet still makes a visit a wonderful experience.
Abandoned: Beelitz-Heilstätten This vast sanatorium complex just South of Berlin has seen world powers come and go. Today, it's slowly decaying.
Lovatnet and its dramatic history A view at Lovatnet makes you feel like you just entered a fairy tale. Azure waters, steep mountains and glaciers, waterfalls, and lush green vegetation seem to create the perfect picture.
The Lyngstuva shipwrecks The rocky northern cape of the Lyngen peninsula is notorious for its strong tidal currents. Many ships have ended their journey here prematurely, and two of the shipwrecks can easily be spotted at the cliffs of Lyngstuva.
Aurora in September The Northern lights, or Aurora Borealis, is an amazing light show that forms when electrically charged solar particles enter the earth’s atmosphere and collide with gases like nitrogen and oxygen.
A Meet-up with sailing ship Antigua This post is about a journey that has not happened - yet. In autumn 2019 we will embark on a sailing trip along the northern coast of arctic Spitsbergen.
Haukelifjell Haukelifjell is a mountain and a mountain pass in Telemark, South Norway. The road E134 across the pass connects Oslo with Haugesund on the west coast.
Briksdalsbreen Briksdalsbreen is one of the most-visited glacier arms of Jostedalsbreen. It is set in Briksdal Valley, at the end of Oldedalen Valley.
Austerdalsisen Svartisen is the largest glacier of Northern Norway, part of the Saltfjellet-Svartisen National Park. It is not nearly as crowded as the glaciers in Southern Norway and the area offers very nice hiking opportunities.
Sea eagles of the Lofoten Nordland has a large population of white-tailed eagles, or Sea Eagles, which are present all year round. The majestic birds of prey are the lagest birds of prey in Norway and can have a wingspan of up to 2½ meters.
Mývatn: volcanic hotspot Mývatn is a shallow lake in the north of Iceland. In Icelandic Mývatn means Lake of Midges, because of the huge amount of them that appear in summer.
Nordic engineering Despite the elaborate network of ferry services, overland travel in the land of fjords is pretty time-consuming. Road construction in the rugged coastline of Norway has always been a challenging job, but the Norwegians never stop to improve their road network.
The decline of Bødalsbreen Jostedalsbreen is the biggest ice mass in continental Europe. Its glacier arms stretch into many of it’s surrounding valleys. Often they are named after those valleys or villages nearby.
Askja by 4 Wheel Drive The caldera of the Askja volcano is located deep in Iceland's desolate interior, which resembles a moon-like desert of lava rocks. To get to the Askja, you'll have to take a few hurdles.
Låtefossen Driving on Route 13 between Odda and Skare, it’s impossible to miss the beautiful roadside waterfall Låtefossen. The twin waterfall is 165m high, the photo shows the cascades of one of the two parts.
The legend of Skógafoss A legend tells us that the Viking Þrasi Þórólfsson buried a treasure beneath the waterfall Skógafoss. Chances are slim you'll find the chest, but a visit to the waterfall is still worthwhile in any season.
Senja in September A Rough coastline, barren mountains, farmlands and forest, and tiny fishing villages; the island Senja has everything that makes Norway fantastic.
Viewpoint Snøhetta The viewpoint Snøhetta combines the beauty of nature with Norwegian architecture. The shell of steel, wood, and glass makes a warm shelter at 1200m and gives a beautiful view on Dovre-Sunndalsfjella National Park.
Monte Palace: demise of a luxury hotel The lush green islands of the Azores are often called the Hawaii of Europe, and it’s easy to see why. The volcanic nature is evident on each of the nine islands in the archipelago, with some of the islands still having active volcanism.
The ferries to Scandinavia If you’re traveling by car from mainland Europe to Scandinavia, the various ferry services are a good option to get there.