Sailing Polaris · video

What this video covers

The island of Arøya in northern Norway features an extensive network of World War II bunkers, part of the German Atlantic Wall fortifications built to control the strategic Lingenfjord.0:33 The island remained restricted by the Norwegian military until 2006 and is now uninhabited, accessible only by private boat.2:32 Visitors can explore the ruins and a memorial to Soviet prisoners of war, though the southern portion of the island is a nature reserve with restricted access during the bird breeding season.4:51 Nearby in Lyngen, the Aurora Spirit Distillery produces spirits under the Bifrost brand, aging products in repurposed Cold War NATO bunkers and a replica Viking longhouse.10:29 Due to Norwegian alcohol laws, the distillery cannot sell spirits directly to visitors; products are available only through state-owned Vinmonopolet stores.9:03 The crew of Polaris attempted to berth at the distillery’s pontoon but found it too fragile for their vessel, opting instead for a guest pontoon in Lyngseidet.8:00 The area also offers hiking, including a 7-kilometer ascent to the glacier lake Rotenvikvatnet.13:37

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