Finding the Fabled Frozen Continent

finding the fabled frozen continent

It’s 1820, and the race to find the elusive southern continent is on. But who will be the first to discover it? What follows is a story of human endeavour, tenacity, determination, and the will to triumph where others failed.

Even ancient Greek scholars suspected that there could be a large, unknown continent in the south. In the 15th century, the hypothetical land was already frequently printed on maps and referred to as "Terra Australis Incognita" - Unknown Southern Land.

Although dismissed by most as a fantasy, the mere thought of a southern continent, Antarctica, fired the imagination of many explorers.

And indeed, this fantasy soon became a reality.

IN ORDER TO TELL THE TRUE STORY, WE MUST START BEFORE THE YEAR 1820

land ahoy!

27th January 1820, a Russian expedition led by Bellingshausen crossed the Antarctic Circle, for the second time in history.

The next day, he became the first explorer to ever lay eyes on the unknown continent - an honour that history denied him due to incorrect translation of his journal.

Just a year later, explorer John Davis became the first person to set foot on Antarctica.

At last, there was no doubt, the seventh continent was real. The focus quickly shifted to the inevitable question of which country and explorer would claim the enviable glory aof first to reach the South Pole.

Two expeditions soon followed in 1910. Norwegian Roald Amundsen led one, Robert Falcon Scott the other.

the heroic age
of antarctic
exploration

At last, there was no doubt, the seventh continent was real. The focus quickly shifted to the inevitable question of which country and explorer would claim the enviable glory aof first to reach the South Pole.

Two expeditions soon followed
in 1910. Norwegian Roald
Amundsen led one, Robert
Falcon Scott the other.

THE RACE
TO THE
FINISH LINE

On 14 December 1911, after 99 days and 1,400 nautical miles after his departure, Roald Amundsen raised the Norwegian flag at the South Pole.

Robert Falcon Scott arrived 33 days later. His agony is recorded in his diary, “The worst has happened… all the daydreams must go… Great God! This is an awful place”. Tragically, neither he nor his companions made it back alive.

In the years to come, several countries claimed rights in Antarctica. Finally, to prevent conflict in the region, 12 countries signed the Antarctic Treaty in 1959.

The treaty set Antarctica aside as a scientific preserve and banned all military activity on the continent. Antarctica remains to this day, a site for scientific research and a beacon for the most adventurous of travellers.

powers of peace

In the years to come, several countries claimed rights in Antarctica. Finally, to prevent conflict in the region, 12 countries signed the Antarctic Treaty in 1959.

The treaty set Antarctica aside as a scientific preserve and banned all military activity on the continent. Antarctica remains to this day, a site for scientific research and a beacon for the most adventurous of travellers.

NOW IT’S YOUR TURN

Explorer history in Antarctica is a story of courage, adventure, and an unwavering desire to go where no one has gone before.

Fortunately, getting to Antarctica is a much safer endeavour nowadays. We have explored some of the world’s most challenging waters since 1893 and started sailings to Antarctica 20 years ago.

Join us on an unforgettable journey, so that you too can be part of the history of the frozen continent.

It’s known for its outstanding wildlife and nature, attracting explorers from around the world. People arrive in winter to witness the beautiful Northern Lights dance across the sky, while in summer, there’s the Midnight Sun, bringing 24 hours of daylight.

SVALBARD IS UNLIKE
ANYWHERE ELSE

But what most visitors to Svalbard don’t realise is that housed unseen within this magical landscape is an important treasure trove crucial to the survival of the planet.