#83 Expedition Svalbard | High Arctic Sailing, Icebergs & Polar History

In this episode of our Arctic sailing documentary, we explore the dramatic fjords and remote anchorages of Svalbard. From Ny Ålesund we navigate into Kongsfjorden towards the imposing front of Kronebreen, carefully assessing drifting ice and the possibility of uncharted shallows as we approach the glacier. At Peirsonhamna anchorage, we maintain an ice watch as icebergs drift through the bay, testing our anchoring strategy and Arctic seamanship. We even attempt to move a drifting bergy bit with the dinghy to better understand the scale and force of these frozen masses. Ashore, we visit the historic marble mining remains of Ny London, founded by Ernest Mansfield’s Northern Exploration Company in 1911. Rusting machinery, abandoned railway tracks and weathered cabins stand as stark reminders of early industrial ambition in the High Arctic. In Ny Ålesund, one of the world’s northernmost settlements, our friend Linda guides us through its history — from coal mining town to international Arctic research hub. We see the historic telegraph station and the mooring mast used for Roald Amundsen’s 1926 North Pole airship expedition. Continuing south, we sail into Tempelfjorden and anchor at Bionahamna beneath the striking sedimentary formations of Temple Mountain. We approach Tunabreen glacier in calm conditions, capturing Polaris against the vast Arctic ice landscape. This is High Arctic sailing in its rawest form: glaciers, drifting ice, polar history and remote wilderness at the edge of the world. #Svalbard #ArcticSailing #NyAlesund #PolarHistory #HighArcticAdventure ⏳ Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 00:50 Sailing Into the Ice – Kronebreen, Peirsonhamna 03:38 Anchoring in Peirsonhamna, Ice Watch 07:18 Exploring Ny London, Crashing Dinghy Into Ice 11:33 Ny Ålesund 15:49 Saling Back to Longyearbyen, Visit to Tempelfjorden, Bionahamna 21:25 Preview To Next Episode 🎵 Music from Epidemic Sound: My Last Transmission by Gavin Luke You Will Return by Kikoru Glitch In Reality by David Celeste Secret Spring by Helmut Schenker Woodland Spirits by Bonnie Grace Wendy's Waltz by Anna Landstrom A Summer Breeze by Ten Towers Permittivity by Martin Gauffin 🔗 Links: https://www.norwegiancruisingguide.com https://www.barentswatch.no/en https://www.yr.no/en 📺 Watch More… https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLRvcLZL9-pokLoV22O1OP3p5eR32J-SDD 🚢 Subscribe & Hit the Bell 🔔 https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAym9YS0z1-qYm-s47pNEfw?sub_confirmation=1 📍 Follow Our Journey: https://www.instagram.com/sailingpolaris https://www.facebook.com/sailingpolaris https://www.sailingpolaris.uk 🛥️ Ever dreamed of sailing the world? Join us aboard Polaris Helvetica, our beloved Bavaria Cruiser 46, as we explore breathtaking coastlines, hidden gems, and the beauty of life at sea! 🌊 What to Expect: ✔️ Stunning ocean views & epic sunsets ✔️ Off-the-beaten-path destinations ✔️ Sailing tips, challenges & triumphs ✔️ Hiking adventures in remote locations 💬 What’s your dream sailing destination? Tell us in the comments! ⚓ See you on the water—fair winds & following seas!