Arctic Expeditions

Join us on an Arctic expedition around Svalbard or Greenland. We travel deep into the the land of the polar bear and experience the dramatic landscapes, beautiful fjords, rugged mountains, enormous glaciers and spectacular wildlife in some of the most extreme and remote regions on this planet. These are unique and exclusive expeditions with a small group on the best expedition ship in the Arctic.

THE MOTHERBEAR ARCTIC EXPEDITIONS SVALBARD GREENLAND 2025-2026

Join us on an Arctic expedition We go on an adventure cruise through all the wonders of the Arctic and travel deep into the the land of the polar bear to experience the dramatic landscapes, beautiful fjords, rugged mountains, enormous glaciers and spectacular wildlife in some of the most extreme and remote regions on this planet. These are unique and exclusive expeditions with a small group led by Fredrik Granath and Melissa Schäfer with Lianna Nixon and an extremely experienced crew on board the best expedition ship in the Arctic.

Responsibility and respect for the environment and wildlife we are here to witness are the heart of our expeditions.

We have worked in the Arctic for the last 25 years and know the region and its wildlife like few others. The adventure of a lifetime.

SVALBARD GREENLAND

26 40 50 52 54 59

OUR SHIP FREYA

OBSERVE TO PROTECT ABOUT THE MOTHERBEAR

OUR GUIDES

CONTACT

SVALBARD

WINTER AND SPRING IS THE MOST MAGICAL TIME OF THE YEAR around Svalbard and Spitsbergen. The landscapes are covered in snow and there is plenty of drift ice in the fjords and areas surrounding the islands. Our ship handles these conditions well and we will travel far out into the most remote and unique areas where we best can experience the Arctic nature and its impressive wildlife, of course including the polar bear. Usually we also encounter animals like walrus, seals, birds, arctic foxes, reindeer and whales. In March and April, after months of polar night, a world of ice comes out of darkness and the days quickly become longer. From the middle of March we have plenty of daylight with a warm and beautiful light, while sunsets color the snow covered landscapes and frozen fjords, shifting from dark blue, to pink, violet, red and orange. In May, spring is beginning to embrace the Arctic and the midnight sun shines around the clock. The landscapes are still covered in snow and there is usually plenty of drift ice in the fjords and areas surrounding the islands. The feeling out there is indescribable. ON OUR CHARMING EXPEDITION SHIP M/S FREYA we are comfortably accommodated. During the days, when conditions allow, we leave the ship with our zodiacs to cruise around for even closer contact with the amazing life and nature, like ice bergs and glaciers, or take a walk on land or the ice. The meals onboard are prepared by our Swedish Chef, and when it’s possible we can also enjoy a late-night barbeque on land or on deck. If someone would like to take a cool swim in the Arctic Ocean there’s a sauna on board where you can get warm afterwards. WHEN WE ARE NOT EXPLORING THE NATURE outside the ship, we enjoy the comfort on deck, looking for polar bears, whales, seals and other animals, or relax in the cozy lounge.

SVALBARD

Dates and details

2025 MARCH 22-30 MARCH 30-APRIL 7 MAY 1-9 MAY 9-17 JULY 25-AUGUST 4 2026 MARCH 22-30 MARCH 30-APRIL 7 MAY 1-9 MAY 9-17

Departure Longyearbyen at 4 pm first day. Return Longyearbyen last day at 9 am. TRIP LENGTH: 9 days GROUP SIZE: maximum 12 people PRICE per person: Superior cabin US$ 9,900/EUR 8900 ACCOMMODATION:

Shared twin cabin. All cabins have separate, lower beds, private bathroom/shower and a window to the ocean. Single cabins are available on request on some dates at an extra fee. Price includes: • All activities, transportation and fees/permissions on Svalbard. • Guiding in English. • All meals on board M/S Freya. (Dietary requirements like vegan, vegetarian, lactose, allergies etc are not a problem - let us know). • Large format photo book with memories from our journey. • 120% Climate compensated trip including your flight. Not included in the price: • Flight to/from Longyearbyen. • Travel insurance. • Optional tip for the ship crew. Payment terms: A deposit of 20% after making your reservation. The rest is due two months before departure.

FOR CURRENT AVAILABILITY OF SPOTS ON THESE TRIPS, CHECK OUR WEBSITE AT THEMOTHERBEAR.COM OR SEND US AN E-MAIL AT INFO@THEMOTHERBEAR.COM

SVALBARD

Svalbard and Spitsbergen CLOSE TO 80° NORTH , Svalbard rises out of the Arctic Ocean. It is our home, and also the home of 2,000 to 3,000 polar bears. Svalbard consists of hundreds of islands, of which Spitsbergen is the biggest. Here, only 700 miles south of the North Pole, rugged mountains, glaciers, and magnificent landscapes make up one of the most unique and harsh regions on the planet. Sixty percent of the land area is covered by glaciers. This was uncharted territory up until June 17, 1596, when Dutch navigator and explorer Willem Barentsz discovered Spitsbergen. It is one of the latest additions to the world map, and the archipelago now belongs to Norway. These northerly latitudes are a world of contrasts in constant transformation. The seasons, the ever-changing light, the weather, the sea ice, the air - everything is in transition. Even the landscapes change as the glaciers move and sculpt the land beneath. In the High Arctic, winters and summers are literally like night and day. On Svalbard, polar night reigns from November to February, when the sun remains under the horizon and the only sources of light are the moon, the stars, and the colorful auroras. Although far from visible, the sun still colors the sky dark blue, and some days it can make the sky red and purple for moments of magic by shining its light on ice crystals in the atmosphere. From April to August on the other hand, the sun never sets. In the midst of midnight sun, the sun remains high in the sky even at midnight. Every month is unique. We choose the dates for all our expeditions carefully. We want the perfect conditions when it comes to light, ice and wildlife. And it is the time of year when the sun is low that we love the most. In March and April the days become longer and the winter night slowly turns to permanent day. The rising sun brings forward color reflections in the sky, snow, and ice, shifting from blue, pink, and violet to red and orange. In May, the early days of the midnight sun, the sun is low at night, giving us a warm, beautiful light.

SVALBARD

Day to day program

DAY 1 ARRIVAL IN THE ARCTIC In the afternoon we board our ship at the harbor in Longyearbyen. We meet the crew and have a safety briefing while we begin cruising out of Adventfjorden via Isfjorden out into the Arctic wilderness. We settle in on the ship and in our cabins. During the evening we eat a welcome dinner, socialize and enjoy the magnificent glaciers and mountains pass by as we travel towards the land of the polar bear. Magic is ahead. DAY 2 - 8 EXPLORING THE ARCTIC WILDERNESS Travelling through the drift ice, our exact route will be decided by ice and weather conditions. Our goal is to explore and experience as much as possible of what the Arctic has to offer and encounter the impressive wildlife, of course hopefully also the King of the Arctic: the polar bear. When conditions allow, we get into our zodiacs to cruise around and perhaps go on land or ice. We will most likely travel to the fjords Fuglefjorden and Raudfjorden on the north side of Spitsbergen where we should encounter the edge of the North Pole pack ice. Later in the week we travel down south on Spitsbergen’s west coast to Bellsund and Hornsund. DAY 9 BYE BYE ARCTIC After a last breakfast together on the ship it is time to leave. There is time to explore the village some more and perhaps shop some souveniers for friends and family back home. Please note: Our exact route and travel plans are depending on weather and ice conditions and where we expect the best opportunities at the time of our expedition. We will do everything possible to make the most out of our Arctic adventure. Flexibility is the key to a successful expedition! During our expeditions we typically encounter polar bears and other wildlife, such as seals, walrus, foxes, as well as in summer-autumn also some whales. And of course always the magical scenery of Svalbard. There are never any guarantees for anything up here though. But we do know one thing: it will be amazing. It always is, and every expedition is unique and unlike the others. Nature is the boss. And that is what makes this a true adventure.

SVALBARD

Some travel details

Cabins There are nine cabins for guests on board, all with windows facing the sea and with private shower and toilet. All cabins have closets with hangers and a few drawers for storage of personal items. All beds are lower beds (no bunkbeds). Food We are served food in the dining room three times per day: breakfast, lunch and dinner. Coffee, tea, drinks and snacks are available around the clock. Dietary requirements like vegetarian, vegan, lactose, allergies etc are not a problem - just let us know! There is also a bar in the dining room which has a selection of wine, beer and drinks. Electricity All electrical outlets on the ship have standard Swedish 220V / 50Hz outlets. When you come from abroad, for example the U.S., you need to bring a power plug adapter. Ask us if you’re not sure. Visit the bridge Passengers are always welcome on the bridge. But please listen to the captain’s orders that may come for example when navigating through close drift ice or during bad weather. Water M/S Freya makes her own water for us from the ocean. It tastes great, and yes, you can and should drink a lot of it! Cell phones and communication There is good cell phone coverage and plenty of Wifi hotspots in Longyearbyen. But as soon as we leave the harbour, we disconnect from everything. For emergencies though, we have satellite phone on the ship.

Currency On Svalbard we use Norwegian “kronor” (NOK). There is no ATM in Longyearbyen. Most stores, restaurants etc accept the common credit cards. Passport A valid passport is mandatory to enter Svalbard. Make sure it is valid for at least six months past the trip’s last day. (Please note: a passport is also necessary for European citizens since Svalbard is not part of Schengen.) Tipping Tip is not included in the trip price. It is very appreciated to tip the crew (not us or the guides though) when we leave the ship. Please note that this is optional and everyone decides on their own if they want to tip and how much. A normal tip is around US$ 10 / EUR 10 per passenger and day. Travel insurance Make sure you have a valid travel insurance for your entire trip. Check with your insurance company what’s included and if you need to get additional coverage. Weather In March-April the temperature on Svalbard usually is around -15°C (5°F) and in May around -5°C (20°F), but it varies a lot. In the northern and eastern parts of the archipelago, it is normally a few degrees colder. Also keep in mind that we have windy conditions at times. It rarely rains here, but when we go in our zodiacs a little bit of sea water may splash over us. That’s why we recommend clothing that can handle both wind and some water.

Packing the right gear in the right amount is important for a successful adventure. Here are some tips on clothing and items you will want to bring. - Small daytrip backpack - for your personal items during zodiac rides and landings - Rain cover or waterproof bag for your back pack and camera in the zodiac - Parka or down jacket with hood (March-April) - Wind- and waterproof jacket and pants - Thermal underwear, wool or synthetic - two sets, one thick and warm, one thinner - Fleece or wool sweater and pants - Warm hat, scarf and mittens - Gloves - thin, windproof ones that you can wear alone or inside the mittens

What to bring

- Socks, thick and thin of wool - several pairs - Comfortable clothes to wear inside the ship

We spend most of our time on the ship and on its deck experiencing the amazing nature around us and looking for wildlife. Inside the ship we are warm and comfortable. Outside, the temperature in March-April usually is around -15°C/5°F, in May -5°C/20°F. We often get asked if you need to be very physically fit for an expedition like this, and the quick answer is no! Getting in and out of the zodiacs you climb a short ladder while assisted by the crew. In the zodiac you sit comfortably on its side. We don’t drive fast, and we don’t go into the zodiacs if the sea is rough. A couple of times during each expedition we may take a walk on ice or land, depending on conditions. We have three armed guides, so we can split the group if someone wants to take a longer walk. For your own and others safety, it is not allowed to walk alone. This is polar bear territory and the risks must be taken seriously. Our guides are very experienced, listen carefully to what they say. If there is something you’re not sure about, don’t hesitate to ask!

- Comfortable shoes and sandals/sneakers to wear on the ship - Trekking boots or insulated rubber boots - to wear in the zodiac and during landings - Swimwear, if you feel like taking a dip in the Arctic Ocean! And some other personal items: - Personal hygiene, toiletry items and medication - Sunscreen and lip balm - If you use glasses or contact lenses, make sure to bring an extra pair - Camera, memory cards and batteries - Laptop and/or hard drive to backup your memory cards - Cards, games, books etc for leisure time on the ship - Binoculars - Sunglasses with good UV protection - Power adapter (all power outlets on the ship are of Swedish 220V standard) Before the trip we will send you a more detailed list of recommended items. And we’re always available for more advice.

GREENLAND

SCORESBY SOUND IN GREENLAND is one of the last untouched frontiers of our planet. It stands remote and pristine, cradled in solitude as an untamed wilderness, waiting for us to explore. Along the coast, rugged mountains and dramatic landscapes emerge, reaching out from beneath the grasp of Greenlands gigantic ice cap. For over eight months every year the fjords here are packed with ice. In summer, as the midnight sun warms the region, massive icebergs are born, breaking free and drifting into the deep, serene waters of Scoresby Sound. Here, these giants glide through the fjords—silent witnesses to the fragile balance of a world in flux. When we visit in August-September, the often mirror-like waters are surrounded by land covered in spectacular autumn colors. Join us on an exclusive expedition with a small group on the best ship for an expedition cruise like this. We travel through the fjord system and use our small zodiac boats as often as possible to get even closer to the nature around, and to go on land. We will hopefully encounter musk oxen, arctic foxes, seals and with a bit of luck also polar bears and whales. If the ice conditions allow it, we may also travel a bit north of Scoresby Sound, along the eastern coast of Greenland towards the North Pole pack ice.

This is a unique opportunity to visit one of the most difficult to reach and stunning areas on our planet.

GREENLAND

Dates and details

2026 AUGUST 21-31 AUGUST 31-SEPTEMBER 10

This expedition begins and ends in Reykjavik in ICELAND. We meet up at the domestic airport in Reykjavik, and fly together to Akureyri in northern Iceland. There, our ship M/S Freya is waiting for us, and we sail over to Greenland. At the end of the expedition we sail back from Greenland to Iceland and the expedition ends in Reykja- vik on the final day. Start: At the Reykjavik Domestic Airport RKV at 9 am first day. End: At the Reykjavik Domestic Airport RKV at 4 pm on the last day, TRIP LENGTH: 11 days GROUP SIZE: maximum 12 people PRICE per person: Superior cabin US$ 13,400/EUR 11,900 ACCOMMODATION: Shared twin cabin. All cabins have separate, lower beds, private bathroom/shower and a window to the ocean. Single cabins are available on request on some dates at an extra fee. Price includes: • All activities, transportation and fees/permissions in Greenland. • Guiding in English. • Flight roundtrip Reykjavik-Akureyri. • All meals on board M/S Freya. (Dietary requirements like vegan, vegetarian, lactose, allergies etc are not a problem - let us know). • Large format photo book with memories from our journey. • 120% Climate compensated trip including your flight. Not included in the price: • Flight to/from Reykjavik in Iceland. • Travel insurance. • Optional tip for the ship crew. Payment terms: A deposit of 20% after making your reservation. The rest is due two months before departure.

FOR CURRENT AVAILABILITY OF SPOTS ON THESE TRIPS, CHECK OUR WEBSITE AT THEMOTHERBEAR.COM OR SEND US AN E-MAIL AT INFO@THEMOTHERBEAR.COM

GREENLAND

Day to day program

DAY 1 ARRIVAL IN THE ARCTIC We meet at the domestic city airport in Reykjavik, RKV at 9 am. From here we fly to Akureyri on the northern coast of Iceland. Here, our ship M/S Freya is waiting for us, and in the af- ternoon we set sail for Scoresby Sound and Greenland. The trip over takes around 24 hours. On the way we hope to see some whales, like humpbacks and fin whales, and as we get closer to Greenland, our first ice bergs. DAY 2 - 9 EXPLORING THE ARCTIC WILDERNESS Travelling through the deep fjords of Greenland, our exact route will be decided by ice and weather conditions. Our goal is to explore and experience as much as possible of what Scoresby Sound and these remote parts of Greenland have to offer and encounter the impres- sive wildlife, of course hopefully also the King of the Arctic: the polar bear. When conditions allow, we get into our zodiacs to cruise around to experience the massive ice bergs and perhaps go on land. We will also most likely visit the only settlement in this region, Ittoqqortoormiit. DAY 10 SAILING SOUTH We set sail south and return to Akureyri and Iceland. DAY 11 BYE BYE ARCTIC After a last breakfast together on the ship it is time to leave. We fly from Akureyri to Reykjavik together and there it’s time to say goodbye. Please note: Our exact route and travel plans are depending on weather and ice conditions and where we expect the best opportunities at the time of our expedition. We will do everything possible to make the most out of our Arctic adventure. Flexibility is the key to a successful expedition! During our expeditions we typically encounter polar bears as well as other wildlife. And of course always the mag- ical scenery of the Arctic. There are never any guarantees for anything up here though. But we do know one thing: it will be amazing. It always is, and every expedition is unique and unlike the others.

Nature is the boss. And that is what makes this a true adventure.

Packing the right gear in the right amount is important for a successful adventure. Here are some tips on clothing and items you will want to bring. - Small daytrip backpack - for your personal items during zodiac rides and landings - Rain cover or waterproof bag for your back pack and camera in the zodiac - Wind- and waterproof jacket and pants - Thermal underwear, wool or synthetic - two sets, one thick and warm, one thinner - Fleece or wool sweater and pants - Warm hat, scarf and mittens - Gloves - thin, windproof ones that you can wear alone or inside the mittens

What to bring

- Socks, thick and thin of wool - several pairs - Comfortable clothes to wear inside the ship

We spend most of our time on the ship and on its deck experiencing the amazing nature around us and looking for wildlife. Inside the ship we are warm and comfortable. Outside, the temperature in Scoresby Sound usually is around 10°C/50°F. We often get asked if you need to be very physically fit for an expedition like this, and the quick answer is no! Getting in and out of the zodiacs you climb a short ladder while assisted by the crew. In the zodiac you sit comfortably on its side. We don’t drive fast, and we don’t go into the zodiacs if the sea is rough. A couple of times during each expedition we may take a walk on ice or land, depending on conditions. We have three armed guides, so we can split the group if someone wants to take a longer walk. For your own and others safety, it is not allowed to walk alone. This is polar bear territory and the risks must be taken seriously. Our guides are very experienced, listen carefully to what they say. If there is something you’re not sure about, don’t hesitate to ask!

GREENLAND

Some travel details

Cabins There are nine cabins for guests on board, all with windows facing the sea and with private shower and toilet. All cabins have closets with hangers and a few drawers for storage of personal items. All beds are lower beds (no bunkbeds). Food We are served food in the dining room three times per day: breakfast, lunch and dinner. Coffee, tea, drinks and snacks are available around the clock. Dietary requirements like vegetarian, vegan, lactose, allergies etc are not a problem - just let us know! There is also a bar in the dining room which has a selection of wine, beer and drinks. Electricity All electrical outlets on the ship have standard Swedish 220V / 50Hz outlets. When you come from abroad, for example the U.S., you need to bring a power plug adapter. Ask us if you’re not sure. Visit the bridge Passengers are always welcome on the bridge. But please listen to the captain’s orders that may come for example when navigating through close drift ice or during bad weather. Water M/S Freya makes her own water for us from the ocean. It tastes great, and yes, you can and should drink a lot of it! Cell phones and communication As soon as we leave the harbour, we disconnect from everything. For emergencies though, we have satellite phone as well as inter- net connection on the ship.

Currency In the settlement Ittoqqortoormiit that we may visit they use Danisk currency DKK, but the small store and gift shop there also accept the most common credit cards. In Iceland the currency is ISK, but also here credit cards work fine. Passport A valid passport is mandatory to enter Iceland and Greenland. Make sure it is valid for at least six months past the trip’s last day. Tipping Tip is not included in the trip price. It is very appreciated to tip the crew (not us or the guides though) when we leave the ship. Please note that this is optional and everyone decides on their own if they want to tip and how much. A normal tip is around US$ 10 / EUR 10 per passenger and day. Travel insurance Make sure you have a valid travel insurance for your entire trip. Check with your insurance company what’s included and if you need to get additional coverage. Weather In August-September the temperature around Scoresby Sound usually is around 10°C (50°F), but it varies a lot. Also keep in mind that we have windy conditions at times. It rarely rains here, but when we go in our zodiacs a little bit of sea water may splash over us. That’s why we recommend clothing that can handle both wind and some water.

OUR EXPEDITION SHIP M

/ S FREYA

OUR SHIP

M/S FREYA IS THE BEST EXPEDITION SHIP IN THE ARCTIC . She is small enough to get close to animals and nature without disturbing, but she also has the strength and power to force her way through close drift ice in a safe way. She was originally built for the Swedish Maritime Administration in 1981 and was later taken over by the Swedish Coast Guard. She has been used as an en- vironmental protection vessel as well as for research and science expeditions. In 2015 she was converted to an Arctic expedition ship and came to Svalbard for the first time in the summer of 2016. In 2018 Freya was acquired by Edvin Vidarsson and the Skattegården farm in Sweden. Freya is built to Lloyd’s class for unrestricted trade and has the highest ice class 1A. She has capacity for up to 26 passengers in seven newly built twin cabins and four triple cabins. On this expedition we only bring 12 passengers, to make it as spacious and comfortable for everyone as possible. We also have three zodiacs (small rubber boats) on the ship, which we use as often we can when conditions allow it for exploring the surroundings more closely. M/S Freya has a spectacular deck with a 360-degree view, a large dining room, a nice lounge and a cozy sauna where you can warm yourself after the day’s adventures. Travelling with only 12 passengers makes it feel more like being on a private yacht rather than a bigger expedition ship. We have an experi- enced crew of eight people plus three guides on board, everyone ready to assist and make the most out of our expedition.

OUR SHIP

Observe to protect

The far north is an ecosystem in perfect balance when it has the cold and the ice it needs, but every single degree of warming has huge consequences, and this makes it extremely vulnerable. The high Arctic offers some of Earth’s most extreme conditions and it inhibits some of the strongest, most powerful wildlife. At the same time it is the most fragile place you can imagine. All human activity leaves footprints, also this trip. On our expeditions everything happens on the terms of the environment and wildlife around us. If anything we do comes at a cost for these, we do all we humanly can to avoid it. We never disturb wildlife knowingly. If an animal seems affected by our presence we always back off and retreat. When an animal changes its behaviour because of us, we have failed. Being quiet and avoiding disturbance is a much easier task on our small ship with only 12 guests than the big ones, with dozens or hundreds of passengers. By visiting the Arctic we leave footprints. And by flying to the Arctic and then travel with a ship, we can not avoid emitting greenhouse gases. We and the owners of M/S Freya are completely committed to minimizing our emissions. We look at all aspects of these operations, big and small. All from what fuel is used to the products used on board and what food is served. We are constantly looking at ways to improve our operations. M/S Freya is owned by Edvin Vidarsson and his family who also are running Skattegården, a beautiful farm in Sweden. They have an amazing focus on environmentally friendly production and work hard for a sustainable future. The ship and the farm is part of the same universe. For example, the goal is to have as much as possible of the food served on board produced by the farm. Locally produced and served in the north! This way of working and forward way of thinking make us very proud to work with M/S Freya, Edvin and Skattegården. We also calculate all carbon emissions created during this trip, not only from the ship, but from our guests’ flights as well. And we carbon offset (climate compensate) everything connected with this expedition. Our goal is to over-compensate up to at least 120% - to give more than we take to our planet. This is not a perfect system, but it does help. We follow all national and international laws and regulations as well as the guidelines set up by The Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators (AECO). But we also have our own guidelines to follow in situations when they are more strict. The number one priority for this expedition is to safeguard the place and life we are here to observe. The goal is to learn about the Arctic, its environment and wildlife by experiencing it close at firsthand. We only do five-six expeditions each year. We at The Motherbear want to feel everything that our guests feel when we see that beautiful polar bear or magical sunset. We want to feel the same excitement and happiness. Our expeditions will never become routine for us. The Arctic and its fragile environment is far too precious to be treated in any other way.

52 Photo by Lianna Nixon

The Motherbear

We are photographer Melissa Schäfer and producer Fredrik Granath. Partners in life, love, work and all. We are based in Stockholm, Sweden, Longyearbyen on Svalbard, and the world. We work with photography in the Arctic with a focus on the polar bear and climate change. Much of our field work we do on our own, during winter, often going on long expeditions travelling on snowmobile around Svalbard. Since 2016 we also charter the ship M/S Freya every year. Bringing new friends to the Arctic and experiencing this world of wonders together on M/S Freya has proved to be amongst the most amazing things we could ever have hoped for. Many of our guests come home having become friends for life, with each other and us, all sharing moments we will carry together forever. We let you see the nature and wildlife through our eyes, and we are so grateful to also see it through yours - with new fascination and excitement! With backgrounds in over two decades of Arctic field work, conservation storytelling, award winning photography, publishing of bestseller books, science education and the leading of Arctic expeditions, our expedition team has an unmatched experience and expertise. But most importantly: we do this because we love the Arctic, its wild- life and nature.

Our guides

FREDRIK GRANATH PRODUCER & EXPEDITION LEADER Expedition leader and producer Fredrik Granath works together with his partner, photographer Melissa Schäfer, and their Motherbear Productions, documenting the nature and wildlife of the Arctic. The focus is on the life of the polar bear and its role in a changing climate. Fredrik is a leading expert on field work and production in the polar regions. He has assembled a unique expertise of working under the most extreme conditions and is specialised in polar bears. Since 2001 Fredrik has been working around the Arctic on his own projects, and also as a producer for other film- and photographic projects, including work for film studios and the National Geographic. He has been published in the New York Times, Vanity Fair and many others, and co-authored the book “Polar Tales” with Melissa Schäfer.

Together with their Motherbear Productions, Fredrik and Melissa organise expeditions in the Arctic with the ship M/S Freya since

MELISSA SCHÄFER PHOTOGRAPHER & EXPEDITION GUIDE From her early childhood days in Hamburg, Germany, Melissa has viewed the world through her camera lens. With a back- ground in creative and portrait photography she has always had a unique eye for the surroundings. A deep love for the Arctic and polar bears as well as a strong commitment to nature and the environment is a foundation for all her work. In 2020 Melissa and Fredrik published their award winning, best selling book “Polar Tales” worldwide in English. It has also been published in German as “Das Königreich der Eisbären”, Swedish as “Bortom isbjörnens rike” and Chinese. Melissa is the founder and editor in chief of the “Mother” magazine, which launched in 2023 and since then has been distributed in 55 countries. She has been published by The New York Times, National Geographic, GEO and many others. Melissa and Fredrik live outside Stockholm, Sweden with their two dogs, Nanuk and Pingo, who is an adopted sled dog from Svalbard.

LIANNA NIXON EDUCATOR & EXPEDITION GUIDE Lianna is an award-winning conservation storyteller, environmental science educator, photographer and experienced expedition leader and guide. Her work explores how storytelling impacts learning about climate science and intersectional environmentalism. Today she works for Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRES) to help scientists communicate their work to the public. Lianna’s work has been published in magazines such as GEO, CBS, ABC, Stern, Nature, PM, and many academic journals. Lianna also worked at the MOSAiC expedition, drifting through the North Pole pack-ice for months, studying the changing sea ice. She is specialised in the Arctic region and has vast experience of working around Alaska and Svalbard. She has worked as expedition leader and guide on many expeditions around the Arctic, in Alaska, Greenland and on Svalbard since 2017. Lianna and her husband Casey live in Vancouver, Washington, U.S.A. with their dogs Maya and Ace.

We would love to have you with us! If you want to make a booking request or have questions, call us or send an e-mail!

E-MAIL info@themotherbear.com PHONE/WHATSAPP +46 707 811 787

Or use the contact form on our website themotherbear.com

THEMOTHERBEAR.COM Visit our website for the latest news on our expeditions, current projects, books and upcoming events.

You can also subscribe to our newsletter.

These expeditions are produced in collaboration with Swedish travel agency Expeditionsresor, one of the best and most experienced adventure travel operators in the world. They handle administrative details and all reservations. Expeditionsresor have the government issued travel guarantee required under Swedish law, which gives you rights such as absolute security in case of insolvancy or a cancelled trip.

Expeditionsresor, Ynglingagatan 7, 11347 Stockholm, Sweden Phone: +46 8 540 254 40 E-mail: info@expeditionsresor.se

THE MOTHERBEAR PRODUCTIONS Castorvagen 1, 141 44 Huddinge, Sweden PHONE +46 707 811 787

FREDRIK E-MAIL fred@themotherbear.com MELISSA E-MAIL melissa@themotherbear.com themotherbear.com

Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26 Page 27 Page 28 Page 29 Page 30 Page 31 Page 32 Page 33 Page 34 Page 35 Page 36 Page 37 Page 38 Page 39 Page 40 Page 41 Page 42 Page 43 Page 44 Page 45 Page 46 Page 47 Page 48 Page 49 Page 50 Page 51 Page 52 Page 53 Page 54 Page 55 Page 56 Page 57 Page 58 Page 59 Page 60

www.themotherbear.com

Made with FlippingBook. PDF to flipbook with ease