30^th June

After a sad goodbye with the amazing hotel at Kapp Linné, our trip went to the little Russian mining town called Barentsburg. The sun was shining and the sea was calm, so the boat trip was soothing and easy. Passing through the unique Festningen geological section by Grønfjorden we saw a hint of black smoke rising up from the chimney high above the rest of town. “Small smoke” as our guide explained later. There was a large ship docking at the pier, which apparently was the first ship to export coal since the fire broke out two years ago. Our guide, Vitaly, met us at the pier where he was more enthusiastic about Elise’s dog than introducing us to Barentsburg. Nevertheless, he was a great guide and we were moving through the town like a warm knife through butter.

After a short guided tour through Barents Hotel/hospital/science town, we were served a traditional Russian dinner, which consisted of a piece of meat, cheese, and a ham and pea salad. Next on the agenda was the trip back to Longyearbyen with a few stops at the bird cliffs near Bjørndalen. The survival suits were still dry and no major injuries. Some of the girls made pancakes in Barack 11, which was a super ending to a fantastic day on the west coast of Spitsbergen.

The romantic heart of Russians is described by the poem from one of the building walls:

… ?????? ??? ? ?? ??????

?? ????????????,

?? ?????? ????? ?????

?????? ??????? ?????????

????????,

?????? ?????? ???????? ???.

Authors: Bo Haugan (Norway) and Mihkel Jarveoja (Estonia)

Photos: Mihkel Jarveoja (Estonia)

Guide Vitaly explaining the mystery of Russian heart

The small smoke and the coal ship in Barentsburg

The view from Barentsburg

Deserted houses in Barentsburg