Explore Arctic flora in Bellsund

The beauty of Arctic cruises lies in their many surprises: from chance sightings of large whales to the striking blue color of a glacier as it comes into view, one of the Arctic's biggest surprises is the amount of vegetation it is able to support. One of the finest places to experience the region's native flora and fungi is in Bellsund, Norway. To the south of Bellsund, a number of alpine-hair grasses fill the region, making it appear like a wind-swept, albeit frigid, paradise. The lower elevations of town additionally feature a number of moist pockets that allow for many small, often vibrant mushrooms through the area. These wet areas also support a number of moss species, which, interestingly, depend on the nutrients of seabird excrement to stay alive. In the fragile ecosystem, those travelers that take the time to observe these small wonders will be amazed at their resilience. At the higher elevations, the vegetation is of the Arctic polar desert ecosystem. Visitors with a keen eye will spot the Svalbard poppy, a brilliant flower that provides a sudden burst of color amid the gray, brown and white landscapes.