Latest news with #Svalbard
Yahoo
a day ago
- General
- Yahoo
Why remote Svalbard is best explored on an expedition cruise
The world is at its quietest and most awe-inspiring in the planet's remote reaches, where wildlife reigns and the planet's stark beauty is on display. Located some 580 miles from the city of Tromsø in mainland Norway, Svalbard is an archipelago comprising nine main islands, the largest being Spitsbergen. One of the best ways to immerse yourself in this wild environment is on an expedition cruise, where you'll glide past imposing glaciers, noisy walrus colonies, cliffs dotted with sea birds and families of polar bears. In the summer months, Svalbard enjoys constant daylight — making it an ideal time to see these pristine landscapes in all their glory. Here are five reasons to go on an expedition through this otherworldly archipelago. For any visitor to Svalbard, the chance to see the King of the Arctic in his natural habitat is the stuff of wildlife-spotting dreams. Roughly 3,000 polar bears call Svalbard home — more than the human population here — and as the largest of all the bear species, there's a high chance of spotting one of these mighty carnivores from a ship or tender. Polar bears are often seen navigating ice floes, stalking birds perched on cliffs or paddling alongside desolate beaches. These bears can disappear out of sight as quickly as they appear, so having an eagle-eyed guide makes all the difference. The chalk-white humps of belugas swimming in a procession; the breach of a huge humpback; or the tall fluke of a sperm whale slowly dropping below the ocean's surface, signalling the start of a deep dive — these are just a few of the wondrous wildlife moments you may encounter while exploring Svalbard. This Arctic landscape is where hundreds of walruses gather on rocky beaches to snort out a chorus, while herds of reindeer forage for moss along the tundra. Elsewhere, you can spot seals warily navigating the sea ice, or ogle thousands of sea birds — including guillemots, glaucous gulls and fulmars — nesting on vertical cliffs. During the summer months in Svalbard, when the North Pole is angled closest to the sun, the archipelago experiences perpetual daylight. The sun never quite dips below the horizon, casting a pink hue across the sky from dusk until morning. This phenomenon, known as the midnight sun, only adds to the wonder of travelling through these islands. You may lose track of time in the brightness of near-constant daytime, but this means any moment offers the chance to take in the astonishing scale of a glacier or watch as a whale exhales plumes of breath into the sky. Naturalists, marine biologists, geologists and experienced expedition staff are the human elements who make an adventure to Svalbard exceptional. The most fulfilling journeys through this archipelago bring the region's history, landscapes, marine life and conservation efforts to life through onboard lectures and presentations. On an expedition here, you are likely to have the opportunity to mingle with staff and ask them questions to develop a deeper understanding of this distinctive dot on the map. Journeying around Spitsbergen (the only inhabited island in the archipelago) feels much like moving through a documentary of your own making. This is where the Arctic's colour palette is most vibrant, visible in the dark granite seams of snow-topped mountain peaks, the glaciers that appear to glow turquoise and the steely blues of rippling ocean waves. Former whaling stations and hunting cabins made of wood and stone mark a history of human habitation — but it's the enormous whale bones lining the shore that are the most striking reminders of our past. This is paid content for Trailfinders. It does not necessarily reflect the views of National Geographic, National Geographic Traveller (UK) or their editorial subscribe to National Geographic Traveller (UK) magazine click here. (Available in select countries only).
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Iconic UK band announce SPLIT after 15 years as they release heartfelt update
The band are set to end their successful 15-year career in the music industry next year. But before they go their seperate ways they have some big gigs lined up for fans An iconic UK band announced their shock split this week after a 15-year run in the music industry. The post-metal band Svalbard shared the sad news as they released their final tour dates in a heartfelt update to fans. They formed in 2011 comprising of five members; Serena Cherry, Liam Phelan, Mark Lilley, Matt Francis and Adam Parrish. Their 2015 debut, One Day All This Will End, gained them a reputation for combining post-hardcore, post-metal and black metal with emotionally raw, socially conscious lyrics. Svalbard have supported heavyweights like Enslaved, Alcest and Cult Of Luna, and appeared at festivals including Hellfest, Summer Breeze, Arctangent and 2000 Trees. The band, based between London and Bristol, are set to end their successful 15-year career in the music industry next year. But before then they have some big gigs lined up. They're also due to make their debut at Download Festival this summer, with a slot booked for Friday, June 13. They have announced their final UK tour dates and a new song before they are due to officially split. The tour is set to begin in November and will put on a show for fans for one final time alongside Cage Fight and Knife Bride. The group has also teased a series of shows across Europe. On Wednesday, May 28 the band shared a post to Instagram in which they also revealed that they will be embarking on a tour across Japan. The post read: "Ater much reflection, we have decided that 2026 will be the final year of Svalbard. "'Our final UK tour will be in November 2025. Following that, we will be doing a final EU tour, a final Japanese tour and a few more select farewell shows in 2026. Thank you to everyone who has supported us during our 15 years as a band. Your support has meant the world to us. "We've shared so many unforgettable moments and we look forward to commemorating our last year as a band with you in 2026". Fellow musician Julian Gage commented: "So sad about this, you guys were the first band to give us a shot as an opener and I have the fondest memories from that tour! thanks for everything legends." A fan wrote: "I hope to see you on the European tour. I wish you much success with your new projects, but my heart breaks a little," another wrote: "I hope you guys will still be making music." A third wrote: "This news sucks but you lot have crushed it for so many years!! Absolute legacy!"
Daily Mail
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Iconic UK band announce shock SPLIT after 15 years as they release final tour dates in heartfelt update
An iconic UK band announced their shock split on Wednesday as they released their final tour dates in a heartfelt update. Post-metal band Svalbard, are set to end their successful 15-year run in the music industry next year, after a run of shows and one new song. They group, made up of Serena Cherry, Liam Phelan, Mark Lilley, Matt Francis and Adam Parrish, formed in 2011 and are based between London and Bristol. They will kick start their final UK tour in November and will entertain fans for one final time alongside Cage Fight and Knife Bride. However, the group are not stopping there and have also teased a series of shows across Europe. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new Showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. Post-metal band Svalbard, are set to end their successful 15-year run in the music industry after a run of shows and one new song In a post shared to Instagram the band also revealed that they will also be embarking on a tour across Japan. They penned: 'After much reflection, we have decided that 2026 will be the final year of Svalbard. 'Our final UK tour will be in November 2025. Following that, we will be doing a final EU tour, a final Japanese tour and a few more select farewell shows in 2026. 'Thank you to everyone who has supported us during our 15 years as a band. Your support has meant the world to us. 'We've shared so many unforgettable moments and we look forward to commemorating our last year as a band with you in 2026'. Singer and guitarist Serena also spoke exclusively to Metal Hammer about the decision to end things on a high note. She said: 'We've always been an all-or-nothing band. And even though it's utterly heartbreaking, we have accepted that our musical journey together is reaching its end. 'We have one song left within us as a band. We want to finish on a decisive high, having released four albums that we are 100 percent proud of. They will kick start their final UK tour in November and have also teased a series of shows across Europe Serena started the band with guitarist and vocalist Liam Phelan in 2011. Their 2015 debut, One Day All This Will End, gained them a reputation for combining post-hardcore, post-metal and black metal with emotionally raw, socially conscious lyrics. Svalbard have supported heavyweights like Enslaved, Alcest and Cult Of Luna, and appeared at festivals including Hellfest, Summer Breeze, Arctangent and 2000 Trees. They're also due to make their debut at Download Festival this summer, with a slot booked for Friday, June 13.
The Irish Sun
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
UK band announce split after 13 years together as they reveal farewell tour
SVALBARD have announced their split after 13 years together. The UK post-metal band will bring their 15-year run to a close with a farewell tour, as well as one final release. Advertisement 3 Svalbard have announced their split after 13 years together Credit: Instagram The five-piece, who formed in 2011 and are based between Bristol and London, will bow out in 2026 but not before a busy send-off. This November, they'll hit the road for a final UK tour alongside Cage Fight and Knife Bride, with further dates expected in A last single will also arrive before they disband. Singer and guitarist Serena Cherry spoke exclusively to Advertisement read more on band splits She said: 'We've always been an all-or-nothing band. And even though it's utterly heartbreaking, we have accepted that our musical journey together is reaching its end. We have one song left within us as a band. We want to finish on a decisive high, having released four albums that we are 100 percent proud of. 'There is no animosity between band members and we wanted to give the band a proper send-off, with a final UK tour and final shows all over the world coming in 2026. It means a lot to us that we can give Svalbard one last year before we musically go our separate ways.' Serena started the band with guitarist and vocalist Liam Phelan in 2011. Their debut, One Day All This Will End, arrived in 2015, and they quickly gained a reputation for combining post-hardcore, post-metal and black metal with emotionally raw, socially conscious lyrics. Advertisement Most read in Music Over the years, Serena's writing has taken on subjects like rape culture, mental illness and late-stage capitalism, earning the band a loyal fanbase. In a 2023 interview with SVALBARD - To Wilt Beneath The Weight, OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO "You could listen to a song by most metal bands and it might be about depression or something political but, dressed up in prose and poetry, that message becomes obscured. "If you say something as concisely as possible, you can reach as many people as possible.' Advertisement Their third album When I Die, Will I Get Better? was hailed by Metal Hammer as 'the most important British metal record of 2020'. Their fourth and final LP, 2023's The Weight Of The Mask received similar acclaim. Svalbard have supported heavyweights like Enslaved, Alcest and Cult Of Luna, and appeared at festivals including Hellfest, Summer Breeze, Arctangent and 2000 Trees. They're also due to make their debut at Download Festival this summer, with a slot booked for Friday, June 13. Advertisement 3 The five-piece formed in 2011 and are based between Bristol and London Credit: Instagram 3 They will bring their 15-year run to a close with a farewell tour Credit: Spotify
Scottish Sun
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
UK band announce split after 13 years together as they reveal farewell tour
The five-piece, who formed in 2011 and are based between Bristol and London, will bow out in 2026 but not before a busy send-off that's too bard UK band announce split after 13 years together as they reveal farewell tour – leaving fans gutted SVALBARD have announced their split after 13 years together. The UK post-metal band will bring their 15-year run to a close with a farewell tour, as well as one final release. 3 Svalbard have announced their split after 13 years together Credit: Instagram The five-piece, who formed in 2011 and are based between Bristol and London, will bow out in 2026 but not before a busy send-off. This November, they'll hit the road for a final UK tour alongside Cage Fight and Knife Bride, with further dates expected in Japan and across Europe. A last single will also arrive before they disband. Singer and guitarist Serena Cherry spoke exclusively to Metal Hammer about the decision to end things on a high note. She said: 'We've always been an all-or-nothing band. And even though it's utterly heartbreaking, we have accepted that our musical journey together is reaching its end. We have one song left within us as a band. We want to finish on a decisive high, having released four albums that we are 100 percent proud of. 'There is no animosity between band members and we wanted to give the band a proper send-off, with a final UK tour and final shows all over the world coming in 2026. It means a lot to us that we can give Svalbard one last year before we musically go our separate ways.' Serena started the band with guitarist and vocalist Liam Phelan in 2011. Their debut, One Day All This Will End, arrived in 2015, and they quickly gained a reputation for combining post-hardcore, post-metal and black metal with emotionally raw, socially conscious lyrics. Over the years, Serena's writing has taken on subjects like rape culture, mental illness and late-stage capitalism, earning the band a loyal fanbase. In a 2023 interview with The Guardian, she explained her direct approach, saying: 'It was a very deliberate choice to be as lyrically direct as possible. SVALBARD - To Wilt Beneath The Weight, OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO "You could listen to a song by most metal bands and it might be about depression or something political but, dressed up in prose and poetry, that message becomes obscured. "If you say something as concisely as possible, you can reach as many people as possible.' Their third album When I Die, Will I Get Better? was hailed by Metal Hammer as 'the most important British metal record of 2020'. Their fourth and final LP, 2023's The Weight Of The Mask received similar acclaim. Svalbard have supported heavyweights like Enslaved, Alcest and Cult Of Luna, and appeared at festivals including Hellfest, Summer Breeze, Arctangent and 2000 Trees. They're also due to make their debut at Download Festival this summer, with a slot booked for Friday, June 13. 3 The five-piece formed in 2011 and are based between Bristol and London Credit: Instagram
