It's been 11 years since my first visit to Svalbard, and I'm still just as overwhelmed and enamoured with the place as I was the very first time. There is something very raw and beautiful in the cold Arctic landscapes, and being able to immerse yourself in it completely is something that, for me, elevates a trip like this from just a photographic adventure to an all-round bucket list experience.
Yes, polar bears always seem to be high on the list when you head to Svalbard, but very soon after arriving, you will realise that the place is about so much more. We have seen polar bears on every expedition we have hosted over the years, but we have never called our Svalbard expedition a polar bear trip for that exact reason. Fallot feels like you're stepping into a movie, and it's a place that will make you want to return even before you have left.
I have just returned from another incredible expedition. Grab a cup of coffee and join me for a video in which I share some stories and highlights from the trip as well as more feelings about one of my favourite destinations.
As you can hopefully tell from the video, the experience was way more than just polar bears, and the camaraderie, jokes, and moments shared reflect the true value of an expedition like this.
Below are just a few of the images from the expedition, which will give you a better glimpse of what you could expect to create when you join us in the high Arctic of Svalbard.
![Gerry van der Walt - Wild Eye - Svalbard Gerry van der Walt - Wild Eye - Svalbard](https://wild-eye.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/GvdW-WildEye-Svalbard-07.jpg)
![Gerry van der Walt - Wild Eye - Svalbard Gerry van der Walt - Wild Eye - Svalbard](https://wild-eye.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/GvdW-WildEye-Svalbard-09.jpg)
![Gerry van der Walt - Wild Eye - Svalbard Gerry van der Walt - Wild Eye - Svalbard](https://wild-eye.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/GvdW-WildEye-Svalbard-08.jpg)
![Gerry van der Walt - Wild Eye - Svalbard Gerry van der Walt - Wild Eye - Svalbard](https://wild-eye.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/GvdW-WildEye-Svalbard-06.jpg)
![Gerry van der Walt - Wild Eye - Svalbard Gerry van der Walt - Wild Eye - Svalbard](https://wild-eye.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/GvdW-WildEye-Svalbard-03.jpg)
![Gerry van der Walt - Wild Eye - Svalbard Gerry van der Walt - Wild Eye - Svalbard](https://wild-eye.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/GvdW-WildEye-Svalbard-02.jpg)
![Gerry van der Walt - Wild Eye - Svalbard Gerry van der Walt - Wild Eye - Svalbard](https://wild-eye.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/GvdW-WildEye-Svalbard-04.jpg)
![Gerry van der Walt - Wild Eye - Svalbard Gerry van der Walt - Wild Eye - Svalbard](https://wild-eye.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/GvdW-WildEye-Svalbard-09.jpg)
![Gerry van der Walt - Wild Eye - Svalbard Gerry van der Walt - Wild Eye - Svalbard](https://wild-eye.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/GvdW-WildEye-Svalbard-10.jpg)
Once I've had some time to process through all the images and the experience in my mind, I'll be releasing another podcast episode where I will share more details about the trip, what you could expect, and how to get the most out of an experience. I will also be doing some new YouTube tutorials that show you how to process Arctic landscapes and, based on some of the questions I already received, how to manage exposures in a pure white world.
A huge shout out once again to Captain Magnus and the crew of the M/S Stockholm, Christian and Jaap, all the guests who bought into and made this experience what it was, and of course Randy from the Wild Eye office who helped us with making sure that all the logistics for this expedition went smoothly.
![Gerry van der Walt - Wild Eye - Svalbard Gerry van der Walt - Wild Eye - Svalbard](https://wild-eye.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/GvdW-WildEye-Svalbard-Group.jpg)
Svalbard remains one of my favourite destinations, so if you have any questions, please feel free to reach out. And yes, the details for the 2025 expedition have been finalised, and bookings are now open.
Have a great day, stay safe, and, as always, don't forget to be awesome.
Join me in Svalbard in 2025
The month of September in Svalbard offers a truly unique and captivating showcase, as the Arctic landscape transitions from the perpetual sunlight of summer to the mystical hues of autumn. Join me in September 2025 for an extraordinary opportunity to witness the Arctic's autumn splendour before the long, dark winter sets in.