The Stories we keep – The Knowledge we shareThe ‘Arctic Voices’ event series is a multidisciplinary cultural festival taking place in Bern (Switzerland) from 23 April to 14 May 2026, bringing Indigenous voices, perspectives and stories from Arctic regions to Bern and showcasing them through a variet
Trappers Trail 2026 brought sled dogs and mushers together for a weekend of racing, community spirit, and Arctic adventure on Svalbard. Trappers Trail in SvalbardOn the weekend of 21-22 March 2026, the northernmost sled dog race in the world, Trappers Trail, took place on Svalbard. Covering 70 km, t
In Dawson City, Yukon, adventurous drinkers can join the Sourtoe Cocktail Club by downing a shot containing a real dehydrated human toe. Illustration ofthe Sourtoe Cocktail (Sketch Léa Zinsli)Have you ever heard of the world’s most disgusting drink? In Dawson City, Yukon, the Sourtoe Cocktail consis
On March 8th, the community in Longyearbyen gathered at the Svalbard Museum to celebrate International Women’s Day, with speeches, a discussion panel, and music from a local choir. Katrine Boel Gregussen giving her speech for the International Women’s Day On March 8th, Longyearbyen not only celebrat
On March 8th, the people of Longyearbyen came together to celebrate the annual return of the sun, a cherished moment after the long polar night. People gathering in front of the church to welcome the sun to LongyearbyenOn Sunday, March 8th, the people of Longyearbyen gathered to celebrate the annual
Klippfisk, also known as bacalhau, is a traditional dish from Norway made from dried and salted cod. This dish stands out for its intense flavors and the perfect balance between salty and savory. The combination of tender fish, potatoes, and aromatic herbs makes it a true delight for the senses.Prep
Ice Alaska 2025 (Photo: Alan Silva)The winter silence in George Horner Ice Park in Fairbanks has come to an end. For several days now, there has been bustling activity. Vehicles transport blocks of ice, and warmly dressed women and men cut and shape the ice blocks late into the night. The residents
Icelandic fish casserole is a delicious combination of tender fish, potatoes, creamy sauce, and flavorful cheese. This hearty meal offers a harmonious blend of fresh fish, creamy sauce, and a gentle spiciness from the seasonings. This fish casserole is a feast for the senses and a true delight for l
Colorfull houses in Longyearbyen – Image: Lisa ScherkIn the northern polar regions, the sun disappears below the horizon for weeks or even months during winter – a phenomenon known as the polar night. Everywhere north of the Arctic Circle, this prolonged darkness influences daily life, mood, and soc
On 28 February 2023, Johann Klages threw the message in a bottle for his children overboard in the Drake Passage. (Photo: AWI, Thomas Ronge)What began as a spontaneous idea on the high seas developed into an extraordinary journey: After more than two and a half years, a message in a bottle from an A
Kirsten Shaw with letterbox and letter (Photo: Matt Hughes)In the middle of the eternal ice, a special gift caused a stir shortly before Christmas: the staff of the British Rothera Research Station in Antarctica received an original Royal Mail letterbox, of the classic pillar-box design and bearing
Take off into the New YearDear Readers, dear Polar Community,As the year draws to a close, we look back with gratitude – and ahead with anticipation. The past year has once again highlighted how dynamic, complex, and vital the polar regions are for our planet. With every article, every piece of rese
We look back on an extraordinary year - one filled with fascinating insights, moving stories, and new perspectives from the most remote regions of our planet. Dear Polar Community,As the world around us is wrapped in sparkling lights and quiet moments, we at Polar Journal also look back on an extrao
Somewhere between myths and hard facts you find Nome, poised also between yesterday and tomorrow. Drawing on his background in anthropology and an equal passion for history, Michael Engelhard, through the lens of one pivotal city, surveys the seam that links two neighboring continents.The region’s l
Butter tarts are a classic Canadian dessert known for their rich, buttery filling. These small pastries offer the perfect balance between sweet and savory, with a crisp crust and a sticky, caramelized filling. They are ideal for any occasion, whether it’s a festive dinner or a cozy afternoon tea.Pre
Travelling through the far north of Greenland – Markus Bühler journeys with Inuit and their Greenland dogs across the Arctic.Opening on 14 December 2025 at 11 a.m. – at the North America Native Museum in Zurich, Switzerland.Swiss photographer Markus Bühler presents the exhibition “At the Edge of the
Thawing permafrost is causing major damage to residential buildings. (Photo: Heiner Kubny)The destruction of permafrost and increasing extreme weather events could cost the Russian economy billions of dollars. Most studies point to growing damage in Russia’s northern regions as a result of climate c
Norway has decided to halt deep-sea mining plans in Arctic waters until at least 2029. The move, announced on 1 December 2025, is part of a political compromise tied to the 2026 state budget. No new licenses will be issued during the current legislative term, and public funding for seabed mineral ma
Tørret Fisk is a traditional dish that captures the essence of Nordic cuisine. The fish is carefully dried to concentrate its flavors and create a unique texture. Served with a selection of fresh herbs and spices, this dish offers a harmonious blend of salty, spicy, and fresh notes — a true delight
Almost a fetish animal for scientists, a star attraction on Arctic cruises and a global climate icon, the polar bear goes far beyond its role as a symbolic species. From Inuit mythology to tales of exploration, from traditional sculpture to contemporary advertising, the polar bear has never ceased t
A new project launching this week in Dundee brings together long-lost stories, photos and personal artefacts from Scottish whaling communities, not to glorify the industry, but to preserve its human history.Everyday objects, family photos, logbooks, and personal mementos come together in the Whalers
Join us this Sunday, June 22 at NONAM. The Zurich-based museum welcomes Indigenous artists, creators, and representatives from the Yukon and Norway for a day of festivities and intercultural dialogue. Join the NONAM this Sunday, June 22. The Zurich-based museum welcomes Indigenous artists, creators,
Inuit throat-singing duo PIQSIQ release their new album. Aptly titled Legends, this new work immerses listeners in the world of traditional Inuit storytelling. The PIQSIQ duo is Kayley Inuksuk Mackay (left) and Tiffany Kuliktana Ayalik (right). Photo: Inuksuk Mackay After completing their first Eur
Siri Veland (geographer), Skade Henriksen (artist), Anna Lindal (artist), and Marie Stougaard Østertorn (student and activist) explain the concept behind the Ilulissat Art and Science Hub. We open the doors to this anchor point, which marks the end of our series in this Greenlandic town. The sun dog
