Historic locations

The Whalers graveyard of Smeerenburg

Smeerenburg was the main site for Dutch whaling operations in the 17th century. Today, the historic graves of dutch whalers are quickly decaying due to the melt of the permafrost.

Barentsburg: glory days of communism

The mining settlement Barentsburg was once an example of Soviet grandeur beyond the borders of the empire. After 30 years of decay, the town now undergoes another transformation.

Traces of war in Signehamna

The early years of the Second World War passed relatively quiet on Spitsbergen. Initially, Germany’s occupation of Norway in 1940 didn’t have consequences for the mining settlements at the arctic islands. Nevertheless, the mining settlements were evacuated.

Engelskbukta and its cruel history

The calmness of Engelsbukta hides a rather savage history. A few centuries ago, whaling enterprises turned the waters in the bay red.

Abandoned: Beelitz-Heilstätten

This vast sanatorium complex just South of Berlin has seen world powers come and go. Today, it's slowly decaying.

Lovatnet and its dramatic history

A view at Lovatnet makes you feel like you just entered a fairy tale. Azure waters, steep mountains and glaciers, waterfalls, and lush green vegetation seem to create the perfect picture. The valley is also the gateway to the Kjenndalsbreen and Bødalsbreen glacier arms. The fertile valley has attracted farmers for centuries and it’s known to be inhabited as far back as the fourteenth century. but the tranquil appearance of Lovatnet hides a rather grim history. Steep mountain slopes create a risk of avalanches and rock slides, and just that has happened quite a few times in this valley.

The legend of Skógafoss

A legend tells us that the Viking Þrasi Þórólfsson buried a treasure beneath the waterfall Skógafoss. Chances are slim you'll find the chest, but a visit to the waterfall is still worthwhile in any season.