Travel news
A decade after first wowing audiences with snowy landscapes and hardy creatures surviving in sub-zero conditions in Frozen Planet, Sir David Attenborough has returned with Frozen Planet II.
But it is possible for travellers to have a polar adventure of their own? And, as climate change reshapes the environment, these are experiences you won’t want to put on ice.
Whales, fjords and mighty bergs
Largely covered by ice, Greenland is almost impossible to traverse overland. Cruising the coastline is the best way to explore – meeting Inuit communities, watching for whales and weaving through a sculpture gallery of icebergs. While most voyages head west, this expedition explores the east coast. intrepidtravel.com
Dog sledding into the wilds
Once considered a wilderness, Arctic archipelago Svalbard has become much more accessible in recent years. But there are still icy nooks and crannies offering adventure. Travel by dog sled and explore valleys, mountains and glaciers in a land with no roads. dogs.regent-holidays.co.uk
Following the path of emperors
Most voyages to Antarctica head along the west coast of the peninsula. But, as temperatures rise and ice shifts, the Weddell Sea is becoming more accessible. Earlier this year, scientists uncovered explorer Shackleton’s lost ship, The Endurance, and tourist ships made it as far south as Snow Hill.
Visit the remote island, a gateway to one of the few accessible emperor penguin colonies. If conditions allow, a helicopter transfers guests inland to hike across sea ice and observe the world’s largest penguin and their chicks. discover-the-world.com
Taking the small ship polar plunge
Along with observing walrus and polar bears, guests can snowshoe on shore and admire the “spikey” landscape that earned Spitsbergen, in the Svalbard archipelago in Norway, its name. Sailing in the summer when the sun never sets, there’s plenty of time to enjoy the scenery. keadventure.com