MONACOBREEN
The Most Beautiful Glacier of Spitsbergen
BASIC INFORMATION
Monacobreen is one of the most stunning and largest glaciers in Spitsbergen, situated in Liefdefjorden. Its name is owed to Prince Albert I of Monaco, who discovered it during his expeditions in 1906/07.
The front of the glacier is approximately 7 km wide, and impressive 60 m high. The glacier extends deeply into the land and is surrounded by towering mountains, which are almost 800 meters high. It is highly active and frequently calves, often filling the approaching Liefdefjorden with ice. Sailing through the shimmering shades of blue of the pack ice from the calving glacier leaves a profound impression.
This is where our desire to be in Svalbard was born
The charm of this place is breathtaking. White blends with blue – ice, snow, polar bears, and belugas. Surrounded by the peaks of towering mountains, the glacier advances into the fjord with its tongues of ice.
It was here, when we first saw this glacier in 2017, where we decided to stay in Svalbard for a longer time, as we wanted to show this place to our friends.
Since then, Monacobreen has been the goal of every northern exploration of Spitsbergen. In the surrounding raw and wild beauty, one can forget about the rest of the world. The prevailing silence is occasionally interrupted by the ominous rumble of cracking ice. Pods of whales, including belugas, can be often encountered here.
The fjord’s shores are gentle and perfect for landing. One can approach the front of the glacier and climb above it. The glacier seen from above is one of the most incredible sights. Thousands of ice peaks, shattered blocks, craters, crevices, and frozen lakes create an unearthly panorama, the sight of which is enough reason to embark on a long journey north.
In this beautiful scenery, one should find time for rest, reflection and fun. For the more adventurous ones, there awaits a dip in icy waters and admiring icebergs from up close.
