Visit to the polar bear land

Svenskøya (Swedish island) in a paranormal weather.

King Karls Land is an island group east of Svalbard's main islands. It's know of very bad and cold (high Arctic) weather prevalent to this area, but also because of it has the highest density of polar bear dens (hides under snow where polar bear females are giving birth for their young) on Svalbard. It's very restricted and conserved area, because of the polar bears. One has to be very lucky to get the permission to visit these islands. For example, boats are not allowed to go even close to these islands. Needless to say that visiting the place has been one of my big dreams even since I came to Svalbard.

Last week we were lucky. A kind offer from my bosses. We were asked to join for an ivory gull counting trip heading to the islands. Weather was not good in Longyearbyen, but turned to amazing when approaching King Karls Land. Some minus degrees, blue sky and fresh breeze. Just-few-times-in-a-year weather for this area. The trip was fairly memorable...The place reminded me of Rijpfjorden. It must be the place to be. I love remote areas with harsh climate.

Helicopter on a fueling stop in front of the legendary polar bear research cabin in Kongsøya.

Geology of Kongsøya (King's island) is rather stony, apart from the ice.

Kvalrossøya (Walrus island), located to Storfjorden, on a way home.