Crown Prince Haakon of Norway has left Norway with Greenland as his destination.
On 19 May, he kicks off on a three-week-long journey to cross Greenland on skis and kites.
The expedition is organised by the University of Tromsø and marks the university’s 50th anniversary. It was King Olav who opened the university 50 years ago.
The Crown Prince will be part of the first part of the expedition that goes over the inland ice with kites and skis as a means of transport. The journey starts in Ilulissat on 19 May. The trek will later continue along Greenland’s east coast, but the Crown Prince will not participate in this part. The expedition is led by polar historian Harald Dag Jølle. He and the Crown Prince are joined by a team of four from the University of Tromsø.
The purpose of the expedition is to gather knowledge and insight about Arctic nature, research and polar history. In addition, the journey will take regular snow samples to be delivered to climate scientists.
The expedition entourage will visit two research stations and have a short stay there during their journey. Along the way, they will drill through the 2.500-metre thick ice to find out more about how much ice will disappear in a warmer climate.
The expedition will be part of a documentary to be broadcast on the Norwegian TV channel NRK. The Norwegian Royal Court will send out travel updates along the way when they are able. The Crown Prince is in excellent shape, and he has good and long experience with cold climates and skiing.
