[et_pb_section fb_built=\u201d1\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||0px||false|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_row _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d max_width=\u201d900px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||0px||true|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d4_4\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.2\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d header_2_font=\u201d|300|||||||\u201d header_2_text_color=\u201d#334556\u2033 header_2_font_size=\u201d38px\u201d header_2_line_height=\u201d1.4em\u201d custom_padding=\u201d32px||32px||true|\u201d header_2_font_size_tablet=\u201d38px\u201d header_2_font_size_phone=\u201d38px\u201d header_2_font_size_last_edited=\u201don|desktop\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]<\/p>\n
It was on Spitsbergen<\/strong>, the closest inhabited island to the North Pole<\/strong><\/a>, that Laura Jourdan<\/strong>, a biologist by training, took her first steps as a polar expedition guide<\/strong>. She immediately fell in love with the landscapes, wildlife and culture of the Arctic<\/a>, which she shares with Escales<\/em>.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d max_width=\u201d900px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||0px||true|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d4_4\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.2\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d header_2_font=\u201d|600|||||||\u201d header_2_font_size=\u201d26px\u201d header_2_line_height=\u201d1.2em\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||15px||false|false\u201d header_2_font_size_tablet=\u201d26px\u201d header_2_font_size_phone=\u201d23px\u201d header_2_font_size_last_edited=\u201don|phone\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.2\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d header_2_font=\u201d|300|||||||\u201d header_2_text_color=\u201d#334556\u2033 header_2_font_size=\u201d38px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||24px||false|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]<\/p>\n Spitsbergen is part of the Norwegian archipelago<\/strong> of Svalbard<\/strong>. The island is surrounded by the Norwegian<\/a> and Barents Seas to the south, the Greenland<\/a> Sea to the west and the Arctic Ocean to the north. A population of around 2,400 includes scientists and Arctic enthusiasts, as well as students and miners. Longyearbyen<\/strong> is the larger of the two inhabited settlements on Spitsbergen<\/a>.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=\u201dhttps:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/No-2412_CR26_B170822_Longyearbyen_Longyearbyen\u00a9StudioPONANT_MorganeLANCO-1.jpg\u201d alt=\u201dgrains de caf\u00e9\u201d title_text=\u201dNo-2412_CR26_B170822_Longyearbyen_Longyearbyen\u00a9StudioPONANT_MorganeLANCO (1)\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.27.2\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d custom_padding=\u201d||39px|||\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.2\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d header_2_font=\u201d|300|||||||\u201d header_2_text_color=\u201d#334556\u2033 header_2_font_size=\u201d38px\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]<\/p>\n It was her curiosity about wildlife in extreme environments that drew Laura Jourdan<\/strong> to Spitsbergen<\/strong> for the first time. She stayed there for over three years. This thirst for discovery also motivates more than 700 students every year. Svalbard<\/strong> is a model for scientific cooperation<\/a> on the polar environments<\/strong>. In Longyearbyen, the most northerly university on the planet, UNIS (University Centre in Svabard) is home to future Arctic<\/a> experts and <\/strong>scientists from all over the world, who work year-round at the Ny-\u00c5lesund<\/strong> research centre.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d max_width=\u201d900px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||0px||true|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d4_4\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.2\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d header_2_font=\u201d|600|||||||\u201d header_2_font_size=\u201d26px\u201d header_2_line_height=\u201d1.2em\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||16px||false|false\u201d header_2_font_size_tablet=\u201d26px\u201d header_2_font_size_phone=\u201d23px\u201d header_2_font_size_last_edited=\u201don|phone\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=\u201dhttps:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/iStock-1220547052-1.jpg\u201d alt=\u201dgrains de caf\u00e9\u201d title_text=\u201diStock-1220547052 (1)\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.27.2\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d custom_padding=\u201d||15px|||\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.2\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d header_2_font=\u201d|300|||||||\u201d header_2_text_color=\u201d#334556\u2033 header_2_font_size=\u201d38px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||6px||false|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]<\/p>\n \n<\/p> The polar night<\/strong> lasts four months of the year at Spitsbergen<\/strong>.\u00a0 What unites the residents? The same passion for the Arctic<\/strong> and the desire to preserve a unique environment. Here, hospitality and the warmth of the people make up for the freezing temperatures, as Laura explains: \u201cThe locals call it the \u201c<\/em>dugnad <\/strong>\u201c. This word refers to solidarity between residents. Everyone contributes to the common good by contributing their know-how. Whether it\u2019s building a tree house in the forest or tidying up the local library, here helping each other is second-nature and a real comfort.<\/em>\u201c<\/p>\n \n<\/p> [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d max_width=\u201d900px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||0px||true|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d4_4\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.2\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d header_2_font=\u201d|600|||||||\u201d header_2_font_size=\u201d26px\u201d header_2_line_height=\u201d1.2em\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||14px||false|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.2\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d header_2_font=\u201d|300|||||||\u201d header_2_text_color=\u201d#334556\u2033 header_2_font_size=\u201d38px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||33px||false|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]<\/p>\n Located at a latitude of 78 degrees north, Longyearbyen<\/strong> grew after American John Longyear discovered coal deposits in 1901. Before that, the region was deserted. It was only attractive to trappers and whalers hunting polar bears<\/strong><\/a>, seals and whales. Since 1925, the Spitsbergen Treaty<\/strong>, signed in 1920, has granted Norway administration of Svalbard.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d max_width=\u201d900px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||0px||true|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d4_4\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_image src=\u201dhttps:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/iStock-174661329-1.jpg\u201d alt=\u201dgrains de caf\u00e9\u201d title_text=\u201diStock-174661329 (1)\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.27.2\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d custom_padding=\u201d||25px|||\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.2\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d header_2_font=\u201d|300|||||||\u201d header_2_text_color=\u201d#334556\u2033 header_2_font_size=\u201d38px\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]<\/p>\n The young, cosmopolitan population of Longyearbyen<\/strong> is contributing to the town\u2019s development. Restaurants, pubs, cinemas, swimming pools\u2026 and even regular jazz and blues festivals produce a concentrated hub of life at the far north of the planet<\/strong>, on an island where it\u2019s forbidden to die! However, with polar bears<\/strong> on the city\u2019s doorstep, the danger is very real. \u201cThankfully, no one locks their doors here<\/em>,\u201d Laura tells us.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=\u201d2_5,3_5\u2033 admin_label=\u201dMEA \u2013 decalage\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.27.0\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d max_width=\u201d900px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d6px||6px||true|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d2_5\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d background_enable_color=\u201doff\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.2\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d header_2_font=\u201d|300|on||||||\u201d header_2_text_align=\u201dleft\u201d header_2_text_color=\u201d#ffffff\u201d header_2_font_size=\u201d23px\u201d header_2_line_height=\u201d1.4em\u201d background_color=\u201d#307f90\u2033 custom_margin=\u201d|-30%|||false|false\u201d custom_margin_tablet=\u201d|0%|||false|false\u201d custom_margin_phone=\u201d\u201d custom_margin_last_edited=\u201don|tablet\u201d custom_padding=\u201d30px|59.8%|30px|20px|true|false\u201d custom_padding_tablet=\u201d|20px|||true|false\u201d custom_padding_phone=\u201d\u201d custom_padding_last_edited=\u201don|tablet\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=\u201d3_5\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d background_enable_color=\u201doff\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.2\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d background_color=\u201d#f7f7f7\u2033 custom_margin=\u201d50px|||-19.1%|false|false\u201d custom_margin_tablet=\u201d0px|||0%|false|false\u201d custom_margin_phone=\u201d\u201d custom_margin_last_edited=\u201don|desktop\u201d custom_padding=\u201d40px|40px|40px|40px|true|true\u201d custom_padding_tablet=\u201d|20px||20px|true|true\u201d custom_padding_phone=\u201d\u201d custom_padding_last_edited=\u201don|tablet\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d max_width=\u201d900px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||0px||true|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d4_4\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.2\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d header_2_font=\u201d|600|||||||\u201d header_2_font_size=\u201d26px\u201d header_2_line_height=\u201d1.2em\u201d custom_padding=\u201d17px||10px||false|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=\u201dhttps:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/No-2262_AU240523_Longyearbyen-Longyearbyen_Gravnesodden-Magdalenfjord-Spitzberg\u00a9StudioPONANT-Juliett-1.jpg\u201d alt=\u201dgrains de caf\u00e9\u201d title_text=\u201dNo-2262_AU240523_Longyearbyen-Longyearbyen_Gravnesodden Magdalenfjord Spitzberg\u00a9StudioPONANT-Juliett (1)\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.27.2\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d custom_padding=\u201d||39px|||\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.2\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d header_2_font=\u201d|300|||||||\u201d header_2_text_color=\u201d#334556\u2033 header_2_font_size=\u201d38px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||0px||false|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]<\/p>\n The island of Spitsbergen<\/strong> attracts enthusiasts of the wild territories of the Far North. When ice<\/strong> imprisons the waters, the only link from Norway<\/strong> is by plane. Locally, snowmobiles<\/strong> remain the preferred means of locomotion in winter. And as Laura Jourdan points out \u201ca sudden change in the weather or an encounter with a polar bear<\/strong> is always possible. There\u2019s no question of venturing out without a rifle or GPS!\u00a0\u00bb<\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.2\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d header_2_font=\u201d|300|||||||\u201d header_2_text_color=\u201d#334556\u2033 header_2_font_size=\u201d38px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||0px||false|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]<\/p>\n At Svalbard, experiencing the polar night<\/strong> is part of the adventure. Every year on 8 March, all eyes turn feverishly towards the mountain Sarkofagen<\/strong> to celebrate Solfestuka<\/strong>. \u201cWhat could be more intoxicating than the return of the sun<\/strong> after four months of darkness?\u201d<\/em> , confides Laura.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=\u201don|phone\u201d admin_label=\u201dMEA \u2013 quote V2\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.27.0\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d background_color=\u201dRGBA(255,255,255,0)\u201d background_enable_image=\u201doff\u201d background_size=\u201dcustom\u201d background_image_width=\u201d20%\u201d background_position=\u201dtop_left\u201d max_width=\u201d1000px\u201d custom_margin=\u201d50px||||false|false\u201d custom_padding=\u201d|50px|60px|50px|false|true\u201d custom_padding_tablet=\u201d|0px||0px|false|true\u201d custom_padding_phone=\u201d|0px||0px|false|true\u201d background_last_edited=\u201doff|desktop\u201d background_image_width_tablet=\u201d20%\u201d background_image_width_phone=\u201d40%\u201d background_position_tablet=\u201dtop_left\u201d background_horizontal_offset_tablet=\u201d-4%\u201d background_horizontal_offset_phone=\u201d-10%\u201d background_vertical_offset_tablet=\u201d50%\u201d background_vertical_offset_phone=\u201d35%\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d4_4\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.27.0\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d background_color=\u201dRGBA(255,255,255,0)\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_image src=\u201dhttps:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/picto-quote.png\u201d alt=\u201dpicto-quote\u201d title_text=\u201dpicto-quote\u201d align=\u201dcenter\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.27.0\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d max_width=\u201d55px\u201d module_alignment=\u201dcenter\u201d custom_margin=\u201d||40px||false|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.2\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d text_font=\u201d|300|||||||\u201d text_text_color=\u201d#334556\u2033 text_font_size=\u201d26px\u201d header_2_font=\u201d|300|on||||||\u201d header_2_text_align=\u201dcenter\u201d header_2_line_height=\u201d1.5em\u201d background_enable_color=\u201doff\u201d text_orientation=\u201dcenter\u201d custom_padding=\u201d|20px||20px|true|true\u201d custom_padding_tablet=\u201d|0px||0px|true|true\u201d custom_padding_phone=\u201d|0px||0px|true|true\u201d custom_padding_last_edited=\u201don|desktop\u201d text_font_size_tablet=\u201d20px\u201d text_font_size_phone=\u201d18px\u201d text_font_size_last_edited=\u201don|phone\u201d header_2_letter_spacing_tablet=\u201d\u201d header_2_letter_spacing_phone=\u201d\u201d header_2_letter_spacing_last_edited=\u201don|phone\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]<\/p>\n From the church square, eyelids closed, I listen to the school children singing and I was surprised by the softness of the first rays on my skin.<\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d max_width=\u201d900px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||0px||true|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d4_4\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.2\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d header_2_font=\u201d|600|||||||\u201d header_2_font_size=\u201d26px\u201d header_2_line_height=\u201d1.2em\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||15px||false|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=\u201dhttps:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/iStock-1512989493-1.jpg\u201d alt=\u201dgrains de caf\u00e9\u201d title_text=\u201diStock-1512989493 (1)\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.27.2\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d custom_padding=\u201d||39px|||\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.2\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d header_2_font=\u201d|300|||||||\u201d header_2_text_color=\u201d#334556\u2033 header_2_font_size=\u201d38px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||0px||false|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]<\/p>\n But visiting Svalbard also means immersing yourself in the history of the archipelago<\/strong>. Five kilometres from Longyearbyen, the disused mine<\/strong> Gruve 3<\/strong> offers a journey into the daily lives of miners at the beginning of the twentieth century. Although the Gruve 7<\/strong> mine, around twenty minutes\u2019 drive from the town, still supplies Longyearbyen\u2019s electricity, it is due to close in 2025.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.2\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d header_2_font=\u201d|300|||||||\u201d header_2_text_color=\u201d#334556\u2033 header_2_font_size=\u201d38px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||0px||false|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]<\/p>\n In the disused Russian mining towns of Barentsburg<\/strong> and Pyramiden<\/strong>, time seems to have stood still. A giant bust of Lenin, an Orthodox chapel and an auditorium bear witness to the former glory of the Soviet Union.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=\u201don|phone\u201d admin_label=\u201dMEA \u2013 quote V2\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.27.0\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d background_color=\u201dRGBA(255,255,255,0)\u201d background_enable_image=\u201doff\u201d background_size=\u201dcustom\u201d background_image_width=\u201d20%\u201d background_position=\u201dtop_left\u201d max_width=\u201d1000px\u201d custom_margin=\u201d10px|auto||auto|false|false\u201d custom_padding=\u201d|50px|60px|50px|false|true\u201d custom_padding_tablet=\u201d|0px||0px|false|true\u201d custom_padding_phone=\u201d|0px||0px|false|true\u201d background_last_edited=\u201doff|desktop\u201d background_image_width_tablet=\u201d20%\u201d background_image_width_phone=\u201d40%\u201d background_position_tablet=\u201dtop_left\u201d background_horizontal_offset_tablet=\u201d-4%\u201d background_horizontal_offset_phone=\u201d-10%\u201d background_vertical_offset_tablet=\u201d50%\u201d background_vertical_offset_phone=\u201d35%\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d4_4\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.27.0\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d background_color=\u201dRGBA(255,255,255,0)\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_image src=\u201dhttps:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/picto-quote.png\u201d alt=\u201dpicto-quote\u201d title_text=\u201dpicto-quote\u201d align=\u201dcenter\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.27.0\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d max_width=\u201d55px\u201d module_alignment=\u201dcenter\u201d custom_margin=\u201d||40px||false|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.2\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d text_font=\u201d|300|||||||\u201d text_text_color=\u201d#334556\u2033 text_font_size=\u201d26px\u201d header_2_font=\u201d|300|on||||||\u201d header_2_text_align=\u201dcenter\u201d header_2_line_height=\u201d1.5em\u201d background_enable_color=\u201doff\u201d text_orientation=\u201dcenter\u201d custom_padding=\u201d|20px||20px|true|true\u201d custom_padding_tablet=\u201d|0px||0px|true|true\u201d custom_padding_phone=\u201d|0px||0px|true|true\u201d custom_padding_last_edited=\u201don|desktop\u201d text_font_size_tablet=\u201d20px\u201d text_font_size_phone=\u201d18px\u201d text_font_size_last_edited=\u201don|phone\u201d header_2_letter_spacing_tablet=\u201d\u201d header_2_letter_spacing_phone=\u201d\u201d header_2_letter_spacing_last_edited=\u201don|phone\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]<\/p>\n Pyramiden is now a ghost town. Only a few guides live here all year round.<\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d max_width=\u201d900px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||0px||true|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d4_4\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.2\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d header_line_height=\u201d1.2em\u201d header_2_font=\u201d|600|||||||\u201d header_2_font_size=\u201d26px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||19px||false|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.2\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d header_2_font=\u201d|300|||||||\u201d header_2_text_color=\u201d#334556\u2033 header_2_font_size=\u201d38px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||0px||false|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]<\/p>\n Magic of the fjords<\/strong>. Intense blue of icebergs<\/strong>. Depth of ice caves<\/strong>. Spitsbergen delights lovers of fairytale natural sites<\/a>, the playground of emblematic Arctic wildlife.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=\u201dhttps:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/No-2292_AU240523_Longyearbyen-Longyearbyen_Gravnesodden-Magdalenfjord-Spitzberg\u00a9StudioPONANT-Juliett-1.jpg\u201d alt=\u201dgrains de caf\u00e9\u201d title_text=\u201dNo-2292_AU240523_Longyearbyen-Longyearbyen_Gravnesodden Magdalenfjord Spitzberg\u00a9StudioPONANT-Juliett (1)\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.27.2\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d custom_margin=\u201d||27px|||\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d max_width=\u201d900px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||0px||true|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d4_4\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.2\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d header_2_font=\u201d|600|||||||\u201d header_2_font_size=\u201d26px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||12px||false|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.2\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d header_2_font=\u201d|300|||||||\u201d header_2_text_color=\u201d#334556\u2033 header_2_font_size=\u201d38px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||0px||false|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]<\/p>\n \u201cBe taken on a ride pulled by dog sled<\/a><\/strong> across stretches of snow as far as the eye can see, go on a snowmobile excursion<\/strong> or cano\u00eb-kayak<\/a> on the fjords<\/strong> or be tempted to glide along on touring skis\u2026. In winter, Spitsbergen<\/strong> offers many opportunities to discover the landscapes and wildlife,<\/em> explains the young guide.<\/p>\n In summer, the snow gives way to tundra<\/strong>. Pink saxifrages and polar poppies give the landscape a dreamlike quality. The Nordvest-Spitsbergen<\/strong> national park is working to preserve the island\u2019s biodiversity. More than anywhere else, the fragile balance of fjords<\/strong> and glaciers<\/a><\/strong> at the gateway to the North Pole<\/a> is threatened by global warming.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=\u201dhttps:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Banquise-Ours_Spitzberg\u00a9StudioPONANT.jpg\u201d alt=\u201dours polaire sur la banquise au Spitzberg\u201d title_text=\u201dBanquise-Ours_Spitzberg\u00a9StudioPONANT\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.27.2\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d max_width=\u201d900px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||0px||true|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d4_4\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.2\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d header_2_font=\u201d|300|||||||\u201d header_2_text_color=\u201d#334556\u2033 header_2_font_size=\u201d38px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d26px||40px||false|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]<\/p>\n Spitsbergen is the kingdom of unspoilt wildlife. The short-legged and thick-furred Svalbard reindeer<\/strong> is part of this fairytale landscape. While the Arctic fox<\/strong> watches near the cliffs for the tragic fall of a guillemot egg or the failed attempt of a small chick to take to the air. Along the shore line, seals<\/strong>, \u00a0walruses<\/strong> and belugas<\/strong> coexist alongside orcas<\/strong> and humpback whales<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=\u201d2_5,3_5\u2033 admin_label=\u201dMEA \u2013 decalage\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.27.0\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d max_width=\u201d900px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d26px||26px||true|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d2_5\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d background_enable_color=\u201doff\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.2\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d header_2_font=\u201d|300|on||||||\u201d header_2_text_align=\u201dleft\u201d header_2_text_color=\u201d#ffffff\u201d header_2_line_height=\u201d1.4em\u201d background_color=\u201d#307f90\u2033 custom_margin=\u201d|-30%|||false|false\u201d custom_margin_tablet=\u201d|0%|||false|false\u201d custom_margin_phone=\u201d\u201d custom_margin_last_edited=\u201don|tablet\u201d custom_padding=\u201d30px|72.2%|30px|20px|true|false\u201d custom_padding_tablet=\u201d|20px|||true|false\u201d custom_padding_phone=\u201d\u201d custom_padding_last_edited=\u201don|tablet\u201d header_2_font_size_tablet=\u201d\u201d header_2_font_size_phone=\u201d23px\u201d header_2_font_size_last_edited=\u201don|phone\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=\u201d3_5\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d background_enable_color=\u201doff\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.2\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d background_color=\u201d#f7f7f7\u2033 custom_margin=\u201d50px|||-25%|false|false\u201d custom_margin_tablet=\u201d0px|||0%|false|false\u201d custom_margin_phone=\u201d\u201d custom_margin_last_edited=\u201don|desktop\u201d custom_padding=\u201d40px|40px|40px|40px|true|true\u201d custom_padding_tablet=\u201d|20px||20px|true|true\u201d custom_padding_phone=\u201d\u201d custom_padding_last_edited=\u201don|tablet\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]<\/p>\n On the island, there are more polar bears<\/strong> than human beings. According to the Norwegian Polar Institute, there are around 3,500 ursus maritimus<\/em><\/strong> on Svalbard. As soon as you enter Longyearbyen, a sign warns you of their presence, but it\u2019s from the deck of a boat that you can watch them safely, as they move along the coast or drift on a piece of pack ice. The presence of seals makes this their favourite hunting ground.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d max_width=\u201d900px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||0px||true|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d4_4\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.2\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d header_2_font=\u201d|600|||||||\u201d header_2_font_size=\u201d26px\u201d header_2_line_height=\u201d1.2em\u201d custom_padding=\u201d21px||16px||false|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=\u201dhttps:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Smeerenburgfjorden_SpitzbergcStudio-PONANT-Noemie-Watel-1.jpg\u201d alt=\u201dgrains de caf\u00e9\u201d title_text=\u201dSmeerenburgfjorden_Spitzberg(c)Studio PONANT-Noemie Watel (1)\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.27.2\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.2\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d header_2_font=\u201d|300|||||||\u201d header_2_text_color=\u201d#334556\u2033 header_2_font_size=\u201d38px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d32px||14px||false|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]<\/p>\nSpitsbergen, the only inhabited island in Svalbard<\/h2>\n
A life of solidarity in the polar environment<\/h2>\n
Longyearbyen, the most northerly settlement in the world<\/h2>\n
Museums to visit in Longyearbyen<\/h2>\n
\n
Spitsbergen, a land of everyday adventures<\/h2>\n
Spitsbergen\u2019s mining past<\/h2>\n
An Arctic setting of sea, land and ice<\/h2>\n
A fragile and protected polar ecosystem<\/h2>\n
Spitsbergen: the land of bears<\/h2>\n
Explore Spitsbergen\u2019s fjords and glaciers<\/h2>\n