08/31/2026 | Yana Kirichenko

Russia maps its historical heritage on Svalbard

The Russian Geographical Society says it plans to document hundreds of objects linked to Russian history on Svalbard for a new Arctic heritage database and atlas. Barentsburg, seen from Grønfjorden, is Svalbard’s only permanently inhabited Russian settlement. (Image: Svalbard Photography)The Russian

08/30/2026 | Christian Hug

Nobile’s Drama and Amundsen’s End

Umberto Nobile was born on 21 January 1885 in Lauro, near Naples. Nobile was an Italian airship pioneer and general. He became particularly famous for his polar expeditions with his two airships, the ‘Norge’ and the ‘Italia’. Umberto Nobile died on 30 July 1978 in Rome.Things could have turned out v

08/29/2026 | Yana Kirichenko

New Bird Flu Case in Svalbard Polar Bear

Confirmed avian influenza infections in polar bears remain rare. (Image: Polar Journal Library)This makes it the third confirmed case of bird flu in a polar bear worldwide, but evidence suggests exposure on Svalbard is far more widespread.A second polar bear on Svalbard has tested positive for highl

08/28/2026 | Polar Journal AG Team

Ukraine and Indonesia deepen cooperation in Antarctic research

From the tropics to Antarctica, Indonesia and Ukraine are finding new opportunities for scientific cooperation. With decades of Antarctic experience, a permanent research base and regular expeditions, Ukraine is opening its polar infrastructure to Indonesian researchers through a new scientific part

08/27/2026 | Heiner Kubny

New Zealand begins construction of the new Scott Base

Artist’s impression of the new Scott Base on Ross Island. The new development includes modern research and operational buildings as well as an upgraded energy infrastructure, and is due to be completed by 2030. (Artist’s impression: Antarctica New Zealand)New Zealand has signed the construction cont

08/27/2026 | Heiner Kubny

New Russian nuclear-powered icebreaker delayed

The ‘Chukotka’ in the Arctic pack ice. (AI-generated illustration: PolarJournal)Russia’s expansion of its nuclear-powered icebreaker fleet is being delayed. The ‘Chukotka’, the next icebreaker in the Project 22220 class, is not due to enter service at the end of 2026 as planned, but not until 2027.T

08/26/2026 | Rosamaria Kubny

Thousands of whales migrate to East Greenland

A fin whale swims through the calm waters of Greenland. These large baleen whales are now being spotted with increasing frequency off the coast of East Greenland too. (Photo: Aqqa Rosing-Asvid / Visit Greenland)A remarkable change is taking place off the east coast of Greenland. Fin whales, humpback

08/26/2026 | Heiner Kubny

South Korea tests container route through the Arctic

The PanStar Acro in the port of Busan ahead of its first trial voyage via the Northern Sea Route to Europe. The 2,758 TEU container ship is set to explore new possibilities for a shorter sea route between South Korea and Europe. (Photo: PanStar Group)South Korea is entering the race for new shipping

08/25/2026 | Heiner Kubny

Norway continues to rely on oil and gas from the Arctic

The LNG plant on Melkøya near Hammerfest at dusk. On the right, the gas tanker Arctic Discoverer is docked at the terminal to be loaded. (Photo: Virtual-Pano / Wikimedia Commons)Norway intends to continue developing its oil and gas reserves in the Barents Sea – even though the European Union is crit

08/25/2026 | Rosamaria Kubny

The return of the grey petrels to Macquarie Island

A grey petrel (Procellaria cinerea) glides elegantly across the Southern Ocean with its long, narrow wings. This endangered seabird species spends most of its life on the open sea and returns only to breed on a few sub-Antarctic islands such as Macquarie Island. (Photo: Australian Antarctic Division

08/24/2026 | Yana Kirichenko

Russia tests new stratospheric technologies in the high Arctic

The nuclear-powered icebreaker 50 Let Pobedy. Those behind the experiments say that conducting such work regularly and at the required frequency is only possible with the support of Russia’s nuclear icebreaker fleet. (Image: Christopher Michel / CC BY 2.0 / cropped)First-of-their-kind experimental l

08/23/2026 | Rosamaria Kubny

Aphids defy Svalbard’s climate

Acyrthosiphon svalbardicum, egg-laying female. (Photo: Dominik Chłond)When people think of Svalbard, they usually picture polar bears, reindeer, arctic foxes and barren tundra landscapes. Hardly anyone would suspect that aphids also belong among the inhabitants of the far north. Yet it is precisely

Science

08/31/2026| Yana Kirichenko

Russia maps its historical heritage on Svalbard

The Russian Geographical Society says it plans to document hundreds of objects linked to Russian history on Svalbard for a new Arctic heritage database and atlas. Barentsburg, seen from Grønfjorden, is Svalbard’s only permanently inhabited Russian settlement. (Image: Svalbard Photography)The Russian

08/28/2026| Polar Journal AG Team

Ukraine and Indonesia deepen cooperation in Antarctic research

From the tropics to Antarctica, Indonesia and Ukraine are finding new opportunities for scientific cooperation. With decades of Antarctic experience, a permanent research base and regular expeditions, Ukraine is opening its polar infrastructure to Indonesian researchers through a new scientific part

08/27/2026| Heiner Kubny

New Zealand begins construction of the new Scott Base

Artist’s impression of the new Scott Base on Ross Island. The new development includes modern research and operational buildings as well as an upgraded energy infrastructure, and is due to be completed by 2030. (Artist’s impression: Antarctica New Zealand)New Zealand has signed the construction cont

08/26/2026| Rosamaria Kubny

Thousands of whales migrate to East Greenland

A fin whale swims through the calm waters of Greenland. These large baleen whales are now being spotted with increasing frequency off the coast of East Greenland too. (Photo: Aqqa Rosing-Asvid / Visit Greenland)A remarkable change is taking place off the east coast of Greenland. Fin whales, humpback

08/25/2026| Rosamaria Kubny

The return of the grey petrels to Macquarie Island

A grey petrel (Procellaria cinerea) glides elegantly across the Southern Ocean with its long, narrow wings. This endangered seabird species spends most of its life on the open sea and returns only to breed on a few sub-Antarctic islands such as Macquarie Island. (Photo: Australian Antarctic Division

08/24/2026| Yana Kirichenko

Russia tests new stratospheric technologies in the high Arctic

The nuclear-powered icebreaker 50 Let Pobedy. Those behind the experiments say that conducting such work regularly and at the required frequency is only possible with the support of Russia’s nuclear icebreaker fleet. (Image: Christopher Michel / CC BY 2.0 / cropped)First-of-their-kind experimental l

08/23/2026| Rosamaria Kubny

Aphids defy Svalbard’s climate

Acyrthosiphon svalbardicum, egg-laying female. (Photo: Dominik Chłond)When people think of Svalbard, they usually picture polar bears, reindeer, arctic foxes and barren tundra landscapes. Hardly anyone would suspect that aphids also belong among the inhabitants of the far north. Yet it is precisely

08/21/2026| Dr. Jan Benedict Spannenkrebs

Canada’s Largest Icebreaker Reaches the North Pole

CCGS Louis S. St-Laurent on the way to the north-poleThe Canadian Coast Guard’s largest and most powerful icebreaker, CCGS Louis S. St-Laurent, reached the Geographic North Pole on 16 August during its 2026 Arctic deployment. The voyage forms part of a multi-year Canadian mission to collect seabed a

Politics

08/27/2026, Heiner Kubny

New Zealand begins construction of the new Scott Base

Artist’s impression of the new Scott Base on Ross Island. The new development includes modern research and operational buildings as well as an upgraded energy infrastructure, and is due to be completed by 2030. (Artist’s impression: Antarctica New Zealand)New Zealand has signed the construction cont

08/27/2026, Heiner Kubny

New Russian nuclear-powered icebreaker delayed

The ‘Chukotka’ in the Arctic pack ice. (AI-generated illustration: PolarJournal)Russia’s expansion of its nuclear-powered icebreaker fleet is being delayed. The ‘Chukotka’, the next icebreaker in the Project 22220 class, is not due to enter service at the end of 2026 as planned, but not until 2027.T

08/25/2026, Heiner Kubny

Norway continues to rely on oil and gas from the Arctic

The LNG plant on Melkøya near Hammerfest at dusk. On the right, the gas tanker Arctic Discoverer is docked at the terminal to be loaded. (Photo: Virtual-Pano / Wikimedia Commons)Norway intends to continue developing its oil and gas reserves in the Barents Sea – even though the European Union is crit

08/19/2026, Heiner Kubny

China launches Arctic liner service to Europe

At around 7 pm on 15 August, the ‘Dubai Tower’ set sail from the port of Ningbo-Zhoushan. This marked the official start of the weekly summer service of the China-Europe Arctic Express (CAX) to Europe via the Arctic’s Northeast Passage. (Photo: Jiang Yushi / People’s Daily)Shipping along the Russian

08/18/2026, Heiner Kubny

Australia modernises Davis Station

Rendering of the planned new buildings at Davis Station: the elevated, red-clad modules are intended to modernise Australia’s research base whilst also providing better protection against snow build-up and the extreme Antarctic conditions. (Image: Australian Antarctic Division)Australia has taken a

08/02/2026, Heiner Kubny

Russia’s new polar flagship is taking shape

Artist’s impression of the future Russian research and expedition vessel “Ivan Frolov”. The Project 23680 vessel is set to serve as the new flagship for Russian polar research in the Arctic and Antarctic. (Photo: AARI)Construction of the new Russian research and expedition vessel “Ivan Frolov” is pr

07/30/2026, Heiner Kubny

How much tourism can Antarctica sustain?

Whilst expedition ships carrying fewer than 500 passengers allow shore excursions, large cruise ships such as the Celebrity Equinox, carrying over 3,100 passengers, usually sail through Antarctica without allowing passengers to go ashore. (Photo: Celebrity Cruises)Tourism in Antarctica has been grow

07/26/2026, Heiner Kubny

Hobart is in the grip of Antarctic fever

From 20 to 23 August 2026, Hobart will be celebrating its unique connection to Antarctica – with science, history and activities for the whole family. Hobart’s waterfront. (Foto: AAF)The Australian Antarctic Festival will return to Hobart’s waterfront from 20–23 August 2026, celebrating Australia’s

Society

08/24/2026, Yana Kirichenko

Russia tests new stratospheric technologies in the high Arctic

The nuclear-powered icebreaker 50 Let Pobedy. Those behind the experiments say that conducting such work regularly and at the required frequency is only possible with the support of Russia’s nuclear icebreaker fleet. (Image: Christopher Michel / CC BY 2.0 / cropped)First-of-their-kind experimental l

08/22/2026, Yana Kirichenko

A Landmark Indigenous Circumpolar Art Exhibition Shines in Ottawa

Described as the world’s largest Indigenous circumpolar art exhibition ever organized, Qillaniq is still on view at the National Gallery of Canada in Ottawa. The National Gallery of Canada holds a significant Inuit art collection and has a long history of presenting exhibitions featuring artists and

08/21/2026, Rosamaria Kubny

An expensive wake-up call on Spitsbergen

A polar bear uses a hollow in the snow to take a long rest in the Arctic landscape of Svalbard. Disturbing polar bears whilst they are resting can prove costly. (Photo: Heiner Kubny)An unnecessary wake-up call for a sleeping polar bear has had costly consequences on Svalbard. A person on board a shi

08/21/2026, Dr. Jan Benedict Spannenkrebs

Canada’s Largest Icebreaker Reaches the North Pole

CCGS Louis S. St-Laurent on the way to the north-poleThe Canadian Coast Guard’s largest and most powerful icebreaker, CCGS Louis S. St-Laurent, reached the Geographic North Pole on 16 August during its 2026 Arctic deployment. The voyage forms part of a multi-year Canadian mission to collect seabed a

08/16/2026, Rosamaria Kubny

Solar Eclipse 2026 – When Plan B Turns into a Stroke of Luck

Originally, we had wanted to experience the solar eclipse in the Arctic again, ideally in Greenland. Months beforehand, we had already been looking closely at possible viewing locations, but eventually decided on Spain. An abandoned mud-brick house in the Spanish countryside provides a striking back

07/31/2026, Léa Zinsli

Climate change in Greenland: lived experience and local perspectives

For many in Greenland, climate change is not a distant concept but a daily reality, even if its causes are understood in different ways. Greenlandic village along the coast (Photo: Heiner Kubny)When climate change is discussed, attention often focuses on melting glaciers and rising temperatures. In

07/27/2026, Léa Zinsli

The Role of Scurvy in Polar Expeditions

Scurvy was a serious threat to polar expeditions, caused by a lack of vitamin C. Scurvy could develop gradually and weaken explorers over timeScurvy was one of the most serious and misunderstood threats faced by early polar explorers. It is caused by a lack of vitamin C, a nutrient essential for mai

07/26/2026, Heiner Kubny

Hobart is in the grip of Antarctic fever

From 20 to 23 August 2026, Hobart will be celebrating its unique connection to Antarctica – with science, history and activities for the whole family. Hobart’s waterfront. (Foto: AAF)The Australian Antarctic Festival will return to Hobart’s waterfront from 20–23 August 2026, celebrating Australia’s

Culture

08/31/2026, Yana Kirichenko

Russia maps its historical heritage on Svalbard

The Russian Geographical Society says it plans to document hundreds of objects linked to Russian history on Svalbard for a new Arctic heritage database and atlas. Barentsburg, seen from Grønfjorden, is Svalbard’s only permanently inhabited Russian settlement. (Image: Svalbard Photography)The Russian

08/22/2026, Yana Kirichenko

A Landmark Indigenous Circumpolar Art Exhibition Shines in Ottawa

Described as the world’s largest Indigenous circumpolar art exhibition ever organized, Qillaniq is still on view at the National Gallery of Canada in Ottawa. The National Gallery of Canada holds a significant Inuit art collection and has a long history of presenting exhibitions featuring artists and

07/13/2026, Léa Zinsli

Pyramiden, Frozen in Time

Decades after its abandonment, the Soviet mining settlement of Pyramiden remains suspended between Arctic wilderness, preserved history and the slow return of nature. An abandoned swing in Pyramiden (Photo: Léa Zinsli)Pyramiden is often described as a ghost town, but the former Soviet settlement on

07/03/2026, Polar Journal AG Team

How Early Explorers Survived the Cold

Survival in the polar regions depended on practical skills, careful planning, and the ability to adapt to extreme cold. Early polar expeditions required practical skills to travel across snow and ice and withstand extreme coldEarly polar explorers faced extreme cold without the advanced technology w

06/26/2026, Léa Zinsli

Arctic Wildlife and Human Health in a Changing Environment

As climate change reshapes Arctic ecosystems, the close ties between wildlife and food systems are increasing the risk of diseases passing from animals to people. Key zoonotic pathogens in the Arctic and their animal or environmental sourcesThe Arctic is often imagined as a remote wilderness of ice

06/14/2026, Rosamaria Kubny

Greenlandic cuisine – Kalaallit Nunaat

A traditional dish from Greenland that captures the flavors of the North. Tender reindeer meat is combined with fresh berries and herbs to create a unique explosion of flavors. The hearty wildness of the meat is balanced by the sweet freshness of the berries, while the herbs add an earthy note. This

06/12/2026, Léa Zinsli

More Than Transport: Human–Dog Cooperation in the Arctic

In the Arctic, humans and sled dogs form a cooperative system that combines mobility, sensory awareness, and shared learning to adapt to extreme conditions. Sled dog in Svalbard (Photo: Léa Zinsli)For millennia, survival in the Arctic has depended on close cooperation between humans and dogs. Rather

05/24/2026, Rosamaria Kubny

Argentine Cuisine: Matambre a la Pizza

Matambre a la Pizza is a delicious Argentine dish that combines the best elements of grilled meat and pizza. The tender, juicy beef is topped with a flavorful tomato sauce, melted cheese, and fresh herbs. Every bite delivers an explosion of flavors, achieved through the perfect balance of savory mea

Economy

08/27/2026, Heiner Kubny

New Russian nuclear-powered icebreaker delayed

The ‘Chukotka’ in the Arctic pack ice. (AI-generated illustration: PolarJournal)Russia’s expansion of its nuclear-powered icebreaker fleet is being delayed. The ‘Chukotka’, the next icebreaker in the Project 22220 class, is not due to enter service at the end of 2026 as planned, but not until 2027.T

08/26/2026, Heiner Kubny

South Korea tests container route through the Arctic

The PanStar Acro in the port of Busan ahead of its first trial voyage via the Northern Sea Route to Europe. The 2,758 TEU container ship is set to explore new possibilities for a shorter sea route between South Korea and Europe. (Photo: PanStar Group)South Korea is entering the race for new shipping

08/25/2026, Heiner Kubny

Norway continues to rely on oil and gas from the Arctic

The LNG plant on Melkøya near Hammerfest at dusk. On the right, the gas tanker Arctic Discoverer is docked at the terminal to be loaded. (Photo: Virtual-Pano / Wikimedia Commons)Norway intends to continue developing its oil and gas reserves in the Barents Sea – even though the European Union is crit

08/19/2026, Heiner Kubny

China launches Arctic liner service to Europe

At around 7 pm on 15 August, the ‘Dubai Tower’ set sail from the port of Ningbo-Zhoushan. This marked the official start of the weekly summer service of the China-Europe Arctic Express (CAX) to Europe via the Arctic’s Northeast Passage. (Photo: Jiang Yushi / People’s Daily)Shipping along the Russian

07/16/2026, Heiner Kubny

Russia is expanding its influence in the Arctic

The Russian nuclear-powered icebreaker ‘Rossiya’, part of Project 10510 ‘Lider’, is set to become the world’s most powerful icebreaker with an output of 120 megawatts (163,000 PS) and enable year-round shipping through the Northeast Passage. (Photo: Rosatomflot)With the construction of the new nucle

07/02/2026, Heiner Kubny

PORT LAWNA: The Failure of a Billion-Dollar Project

GTLK is responsible for the construction of the port complex and investment management. The new facilities include a 508 m² transfer station and three conveyor belts with a total length of 145.7 meters. (Photo: GTLK Press Service)New facilities at the Lawna coal transshipment complex in Murmansk hav

06/30/2026, Heiner Kubny

Milestone for floating nuclear power plants

On rails to St. Petersburg: The first RITM-200S reactor pressure vessel leaves the ZiO-Podolsk plant near Moscow. (Photo: Rosatom)The Russian state-owned corporation Rosatom has made significant progress in its program for floating nuclear power plants. At the end of May, the first RITM-200S reactor

06/09/2026, Heiner Kubny

Increasing Microplastic Pollution in the Arctic

Due to the influence of tides and mechanical breakdown, plastic in water is transformed into microplastics. These are tiny plastic particles with a diameter of less than 5 mm (up to 5000 micrometers). (Photo: Unsplash)While the world powers compete for control of the Arctic, a new and unexpected con

Tourism

08/11/2026, Rosamaria Kubny

Visits to South Georgia will become more expensive from July 2026

Gold Harbour, South Georgia: A southern elephant seal rests on the beach, whilst visitors respectfully observe the extraordinary wildlife from a distance. With its huge king penguin colony and mighty glaciers, Gold Harbour is one of the most impressive nature and wildlife viewing areas in the South

08/06/2026, Heiner Kubny

Solar eclipses in the Solar System

Solar eclipses occur throughout the solar system. However, the way they manifest varies from planet to planet. The solar corona is only visible during a total solar eclipse, when the Moon completely obscures the bright solar disc.A total solar eclipse is one of the most impressive natural phenomena

07/30/2026, Heiner Kubny

How much tourism can Antarctica sustain?

Whilst expedition ships carrying fewer than 500 passengers allow shore excursions, large cruise ships such as the Celebrity Equinox, carrying over 3,100 passengers, usually sail through Antarctica without allowing passengers to go ashore. (Photo: Celebrity Cruises)Tourism in Antarctica has been grow

07/25/2026, Gastautor

From Mexico City to the Arctic: Chasing a Polar Ice Swimming Dream

Dreams often begin in the most unexpected places. Arleen González Pérez's dream started in Mexico City - a place where icy water simply does not exist. Yet that never stopped her from pursuing her passion for ice swimming. Team behind the world recordBy Arleen González PérezDreams often begin in the

07/04/2026, Polar Journal AG Team

Arctic Row 2026: Swiss Expedition Plans Historic Row Across the Arctic

Happy Days underway in Adventfjorden (Photo: Janic Spinas)Four Swiss adventurers will begin the Arctic Row 2026 expedition at midnight between 3 and 4 July 2026, departing from Svalbard. Their goal is to complete a historic human-powered row of more than 3,000 kilometres to the edge of the Arctic se

06/21/2026, Heiner Kubny

Qaqortoq Airport has opened

The new airport in Qaqortoq takes over the role of the former Narsarsuaq Airport and becomes the central air hub of South Greenland. (Photo: Greenland Airports)With the official opening of the new airport in Qaqortoq on April 16, 2026, South Greenland entered a new phase of economic and tourism deve

06/17/2026, Heiner Kubny

Tourism: Murmansk Reconnects with Svalbard

The Professor Molchanov belongs to the so-called “Akademik Shuleykin class” of small research vessels. It was specifically designed to operate in cold waters and near-ice regions, making it particularly suitable for expeditions in the Arctic and Antarctic.After an interruption of almost three decade

05/16/2026, Léa Zinsli

Rain, Slush and Record Temperatures Mark April on Svalbard

Exceptionally warm temperatures and heavy rain disrupted research, tourism and winter activities across Svalbard during one of the Arctic archipelago’s warmest Aprils on record. Snowmobiles stand on wet, melting tundra in Longyearbyen on April 19th during an exceptionally warm spring on Svalbard (Ph

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