Krossfjorden, Spitsbergen
Midsummer day, or summer solstice. No matter what you call it, it is the longest day of the year in the northern hemisphere, but that doesn’t really matter here in the land of the midnight sun. And sun was on the menu today. Glassy seas and blazing sunshine made for a fabulous exploration of Krossfjord on the northwest coast of the Svalbard archipelago.
At the head of Kross fjord the Lilliehöökbreen glacier dominates the vista for 270 degrees of view. Towering peaks stick above the ice, as glacial tongues descend to the sea. A massive amphitheater is created as cliffs of ice rise 100-150 feet straight above us, and occasionally these cliffs tumble down, leaving floating ice of every shape. The ice-choked fjord made for the perfect place to explore on our first day of this expedition here in the high Arctic.
Enjoying the calm seas, we deployed our entire fleet of watercraft to enjoy this wonderful area. Kayaking and Zodiac cruising allowed for a very intimate exploration of this expansive landscape. Bearded seals floated on recently calved chunks of ice and were certainly a highlight for many. Faces stained with bottom sediment from their feeding forays, the seals’ tiny heads seemed out of place on their very plump bodies. With temperatures approaching 50¢ª F, ice was melting and popping in the warm sunlight. Many brave souls even grabbed the opportunity for a polar plunge, swimming in a sea surrounded by ice!
Late in the afternoon we left the fjord and headed north. The weather continued to amaze, and throughout dinner, sea birds passed by the vessel. Late in the evening we passed through some narrow passes on the very northwest tip of Spitsbergen. Scenic cruising through various fjords was the end of our first “day” in the land of the midnight sun on this glorious summer solstice.
