Located 400 miles north of Norway and half-way to the North Pole, the Svalbard archipelago is one of the most accessible and dramatic destinations in the Arctic. The main island of Spitsbergen was discovered by the Dutch explorer Barent in 1596 and lives up to its name, with spectacular mountains and glaciers.

The west coast's fjords are warmed by the Gulf Stream, allowing summer exploration, but pack ice is never far from the north and east of the islands, providing an ideal habitat for polar bears. Marine mammals such as walrus and ringed seal abound, while there are huge seabird colonies and a surprising variety of high arctic wildflowers.

The midnight sun shines between April and August, allowing maximum time to appreciate the rugged landscapes and abundant wildlife.

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