TEMPELFJORDEN

In Search of Wildlife

BASIC INFORMATION
Tempelfjorden and Sassenfjorden are interconnected fjords located somewhat off the beaten path to the northeast of Longyearbyen. The fjords boast stunning scenery, with the towering Templet mountain overlooking them, and are ended by the fronts of the Tunabreen and van Postbreen glaciers. It’s a beautiful place for yacht excursions.
The name of the Templet mountain derives from its appearance resembling a temple or a Gothic cathedral. The surrounding mountains are a treasure trove of knowledge for geomorphologists. Here, one can encounter formations ranging from the Carboniferous, through the Permian, Triassic, Jurassic, Cretaceous to the Quaternary. Some layers contain shells, ammonites, and belemnites, but the sensation came in 2006 when dinosaur skeletons were discovered in the Diabasodden area. Over 20 plesiosaurs and 6 ichthyosaurs were found there. There are many historically significant places here, as well as places important for fauna and flora.
Various birds, including charming puffins, nest here. Large numbers of them can be seen on the water and in the air. Herds of reindeer and polar foxes are often visible on the shores. It’s also a popular route for polar bear hikes. The shoreline, reachable by yacht, allows for searching for these predators. Sometimes whales venture into the depths of the fjords. This is where we had the most spectacular encounter with a humpback whale, which played with us for several hours. It repeatedly approached our yacht, showing great interest, and then breached out of the water numerous times.

Our basic program in Sassenfjorden and Tempelfjorden involves sailing along them to their ends. During this time, we search for wildlife. At the end of the fjord, we approach the Tunabreen glacier closely. It’s large, with a high front, and often calves. After spending enough time in this place, we head to the nearby bay of Bjonahamna, which is a convenient anchorage and offers opportunities for trekking in the area. In May and June, when Tempelfjord is still frozen, we search for polar bears in this area. Seals haul out on ice, and as they say, where there are seals, polar bears are likely to appear.