AA trip to Svalbard had long been a dream for Niclas Kullberg, and in July 2025 he decided to join an expedition aboard M/S Quest. Looking back, he describes the journey as an experience that had everything he was looking for: tranquillity, magnificent nature, adventure, and the feeling of being far away from it all.
Standing on deck among the drifting ice, surrounded by sea and sky, felt like catching a glimpse of a world that still remains untouched.
Was it your first time visiting Svalbard?
– Yes, it was my first time. I’ve travelled a lot but never visited anywhere quite like it. Travelling to Svalbard has been on my list for at least ten years. I’m drawn to destinations that are different, where nature, culture, and adventure play a big part in the experience. By choosing Svalbard with its unique combination of all these elements, I hoped for something out of the ordinary — to get that feeling of being in one of the world’s most remote places.
Did the trip meet your expectations?
– Yes, the trip exceeded what I had hoped for. Seeing a polar bear and encountering icebergs was truly unforgettable. On top of that, we visited places marked by the explorers of the past and saw the remains of Andrée’s polar expedition. It was an amazing journey that left a deep impression on me. I’ll be back!
It’s a destination everyone should experience.
How would you describe Svalbard as a destination to someone who hasn’t been there?
– Travelling around Svalbard by ship is something truly unique and absolutely amazing. Being just 800 kilometres from the North Pole is hard to beat, and the experience of the polar regions with icebergs and polar bears is pure magic. It’s a destination everyone should experience!
What was the best thing about experiencing Svalbard from a ship?
Experiencing Svalbard from a ship offered a completely new perspective – a sense of freedom. Travelling across the Arctic Ocean was powerful. We drifted quietly among ice floes and icebergs, watched glaciers calve and send out small waves. We came close to nature and wildlife without disturbing it. It was an experience that combined wilderness, adventure, freedom, and tranquillity.
Many describe the “Arctic silence” as something very special. Was that something you reflected on?
– Absolutely! The silence was almost unreal, and the wind over the Arctic Ocean gave me a deep sense of calm. At times, the stillness was broken by the sound of thick ice floes crushing against the ship’s hull, or by a gull flying past with its characteristic call. When we passed large masses of ice, we could hear faint cracks and pops – it sounded like popcorn popping. We called it “Svalbard popcorn.” The feeling of being at such northern latitudes and taking in these unique sounds – all part of the Arctic silence – was magnificent.
The voyage around Svalbard with M/S Quest was one of my best trips ever.
How did you find travelling with a group?
– It was nothing but positive. It’s both interesting and fun to meet people from different countries and share the experiences with them. The atmosphere on board was great, and I spent time talking and socialising with several of the other travellers.
Many of our travellers catch what we call the “polar bug” – a longing to return. Would you say that applies to you?
– Yes, absolutely! I’ve long been curious to learn more about the polar regions, especially about Andrée’s balloon expedition. Another thought that struck me as we drifted through the landscape in the Zodiac was that I’d like to spend some time here on my own – partly to explore how I would respond to it, but also to photograph. The voyage around Svalbard with M/S Quest was one of my best trips ever.
Do you have any particularly memorable moments you’d like to share?
– What stands out the most was our first encounter with a polar bear – it appeared after about four days of searching. Another powerful memory was when I spotted an Arctic fox running past me with a goose in its mouth, and I managed to capture it on camera.
In what way was this one of your best trips?
The journey to Svalbard was unique – one of the best I’ve ever taken, as it combined everything I love about travelling: tranquillity, magnificent nature, adventure, memorable experiences, and the feeling of being far away from it all. Standing on deck among the drifting ice, surrounded by sea and sky, felt like catching a glimpse of a world that still remains untouched.
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© Niclas Kullberg -
© Niclas Kullberg -
© Niclas Kullberg -
© Niclas Kullberg -
© Niclas Kullberg -
© Niclas Kullberg -
© Niclas Kullberg -
© Niclas Kullberg -
© Niclas Kullberg -
© Niclas Kullberg -
© Niclas Kullberg
Please note: Depending on the lens used for a photo or video shot an animal may appear to be closer than it is. We always follow strict wildlife guidelines to ensure that we do not cause any disturbance.