Tourism in Greenland: a fragile balance, an update after the elections
Gastautor, 03/19/2025

Tourism in Greenland: a fragile balance, an update after the elections

In an article for Polar Journal AG, Marie-Noëlle Rimaud advocates “finding a way out from the top, through intelligence”. The lecturer and researcher in tourism economics and management calls for the development of a win-win strategy between foreign investors in the tourism sector and the island’s i

Adult-Themed Cruise to Antarctica: Theme Park Tourism or Isolated Incident?
Dr. Michael Wenger, 03/13/2025

Adult-Themed Cruise to Antarctica: Theme Park Tourism or Isolated Incident?

An unusual event in Antarctic tourism unfolded in January 2025, prompting discussions about the evolving nature of travel to this unique region. The expedition vessel of a well-known cruise line was fully chartered by a travel agency to host an “adult-themed” voyage, marketed as the “7th Continent A

Managing the route, from Australia to Greenland’s Arctic Circle Trail
Mirjana Binggeli, 11/19/2024

Managing the route, from Australia to Greenland’s Arctic Circle Trail

When a passion for hiking, writing, and photography leads to managing Greenland’s most famous trail. Lisa Germany’s job allows her to combine some of her greatest interests. Photo: Lisa GermanyHiking in the magnificent Greenlandic backcountry as your job? For many, this may seem like the ultimate fa

Marie-Noëlle Rimaud, islander, polar explorer and pioneer
Camille Lin, 11/08/2024

Marie-Noëlle Rimaud, islander, polar explorer and pioneer

Her passion for sailing opened up opportunities in Greenland. Illustration: Gisèle Durand RuizPolar tourism in Greenland is not a subject frequently addressed in French economic and social sciences. Yet Marie-Noëlle Rimaud is now able to capture what was once just over the horizon, and observe it th

“In the Arctic, there are no small accidents”
Camille Lin, 10/22/2024

“In the Arctic, there are no small accidents”

Safety is an issue for shipping in the Arctic, where emergency infrastructures are rare. Over the last ten years, the distance covered by the Polar Code has doubled, and the number of ships has increased. Image: Air Force / Joint Arctic CommandThe challenges of maritime safety in polar zones were d

Podcast Radio Arctic – Tourism Trajectories
Julia Hager, 10/19/2024

Podcast Radio Arctic – Tourism Trajectories

The Arctic has become an increasingly popular travel destination in recent years. In the new podcast, Radio Arctic discusses the future of tourism in the Arctic with various experts. The Arctic is no longer just a destination for daring explorers and adventurers but has transformed into an increasin

The Polar Retrospective – Antarctic awakening
Dr. Michael Wenger, 10/14/2024

The Polar Retrospective – Antarctic awakening

The Antarctic season start at Port Lockoy will kick off soon. (Photo: Michael Wenger)The Polar Retrospective looks at stories of the past week that are related to the Arctic and Antarctic and focuses on one or more aspects. This week will look at the start of the Antarctic tourism season along the A

When regulation is lacking and demand growing, whales should not pay the bill
Gastautor, 09/28/2024

When regulation is lacking and demand growing, whales should not pay the bill

From whaling to whale watching, our relationship with these animals has improved considerably, but they continue to suffer from infractions or the absence of rules. Image : Michael WengerThe attraction and curiosity about whales can be mutual if all the conditions are met. But when economic attracti

Small passenger vessel sinks in South Greenland – concern about oil pollution
Julia Hager, 09/27/2024

Small passenger vessel sinks in South Greenland – concern about oil pollution

The area around Nanortalik is characterized by numerous skerries – one of which was the Adolf Jensen’ s undoing. Photo: Wikipedia/Jensbn The passenger ship Adolf Jensen ran aground and sank off Nanortalik in southern Greenland last week. All passengers and crew members managed to evacuate and are sa

The Polar Retrospective – Alaska, arctic region of contrasts
Dr. Michael Wenger, 09/23/2024

The Polar Retrospective – Alaska, arctic region of contrasts

In the opinion of the editor-in-chief, the largest and northernmost state of the USA is fascinating in its diversity, but it also shows some contrasts in the relationship between the US and the Arctic. The Great Bear (aka Big Dipper), the Arctic constellation, and the Polar Star (top right), in the

Christiane Drieux – The northernmost friendship in the world
Camille Lin, 09/02/2024

Christiane Drieux – The northernmost friendship in the world

A strong and friendly relationship has developed in the Siorapaluk region. Image: Christiane Drieux Inspiring career paths? Information on working in the polar regions? Or feedback? As well as publishing job offers, Polar Jobs offers first-hand experiences and life stories to give ideas to those who

How a professional bicycle race is showcasing Norway’s Arctic landscapes
Ole Ellekrog, 08/08/2024

How a professional bicycle race is showcasing Norway’s Arctic landscapes

This year, the Arctic Tour of Norway was centered around Bodø, the European Capital of Culture, but during its 11 years, it has been through all municipalities of Northern Norway. Photo: Aurelien Vialatte, Arctic Race of NorwayThe four-stage-long Arctic Race of Norway finished with an uphill sprint

Cross-country skiing in Antarctica with Antarctic Logistics & Expeditions
Gastautor, 07/13/2024

Cross-country skiing in Antarctica with Antarctic Logistics & Expeditions

The Union Glacier Camp operated by Antarctic Logistics & Expeditions at the foot of the Ellsworth Mountains. Photo: Chris Michel, Antarctic Logistics & Expeditions Antarctic Logistics & Expeditions (ALE), a leading expedition provider, has announced that it will be organizing cross-country skiing ra

Courtesy exercises on the edge of the Arctic pack ice
Camille Lin, 07/04/2024

Courtesy exercises on the edge of the Arctic pack ice

Escort of the French Navy’s BSAM Rhône. Image: Guillaume Robin / Studio Ponant / French Navy The French, Danish and Icelandic navies performed search and rescue maneuvers at sea with the most powerful icebreaker in the NATO zone, a tourist liner flying the flag of the French islands of Wallis and Fu

Towards a regulation of Antarctic tourism
Camille Lin, 06/26/2024

Towards a regulation of Antarctic tourism

The Madrid Protocol gives priority to scientific research in Antarctica – a natural reserve dedicated to peace and science – but it does not have exclusivity. Photo: Michael Wenger The growth of tourism in Antarctica is not without concern for the Treaty’s Consultative Parties. In a press release is

The Polar Retrospective – Arctic tourism like hiking in the polar night
Dr. Michael Wenger, 06/24/2024

The Polar Retrospective – Arctic tourism like hiking in the polar night

Tourism in Arctic regions is increasingly at the center of a debate between politics, science and industry, and searching for solutions seems like a hike in the polar night. The Arctic night sky and the region are not always lit up by auroras. Often enough, the only light available comes from lamps,

Nuuk Airport postpones terminal opening
Heiner Kubny, 06/21/2024

Nuuk Airport postpones terminal opening

It is not unusual for complex buildings such as airports to occasionally experience delays. However, it is special if the commissioning is canceled just on the evening before. The urgent expansion of the new Nuuk airport is still dragging on. (Photo: Kalaallit Airports) With tourism on the rise, Gre

New Svalbard report: Stronger national control by Norway and fewer ships
Julia Hager, 06/06/2024

New Svalbard report: Stronger national control by Norway and fewer ships

Longyearbyen is also occasionally visited by large cruise ships carrying over 2,000 passengers. In contrast to the much smaller expedition cruise ships, however, the benefits of this type of tourism for the local economy are minimal. Photo: Webcam Port of Longyear In the recently published new whit

Antarctica – Overcapacity leaves its first traces
Heiner Kubny, 06/06/2024

Antarctica – Overcapacity leaves its first traces

The “Hanseatic Spirit” will not be sailing in the Antarctic next winter. (Photo: Hapag Lloyd Cruises) The “Hanseatic Spirit” of the German shipping company Hapag-Lloyd Cruises was actually supposed to sail to Antarctica several times this coming winter. This will now come to nothing. The shipping co

Greenland’s new tourism law could render some areas “no-go zones”
Ole Ellekrog, 05/29/2024

Greenland’s new tourism law could render some areas “no-go zones”

The Northeast Greenland National Park is mentioned as one of the areas that might become completely restricted for tourists as a result of a new law. This photo is from the Franz Josef Fjord Glacier in the southeastern part of the park. Photo: Jerzy Strzelecki, Wikimedia CommonsThe new law is curren

Environmentalists demand regulations for Antarctic tourism
Heiner Kubny, 05/22/2024

Environmentalists demand regulations for Antarctic tourism

In view of a sharp increase in tourism in the Antarctic region, which is severely affected by climate change, environmental protection organizations are calling for countermeasures. Emperor penguins are particularly endangered by climate change and the melting ice. (Photo: Heiner Kubny) In view of a