Sandra Walser
Expedition Leader
Expertise
Sandra is a historian and photographer with a deep expertise in the human history of the polar regions, especially Svalbard. Combining meticulous research with a passion for visual storytelling – both historic and contemporary – she brings the past to life in a way that is immersive, compelling, and authentic.
Impact
Sandra is the author of a widely acclaimed book on the pioneering tourists who cruised Spitsbergen in the late 19th century, bringing their stories to life with vivid detail. An accomplished photographer as well, her work captures both the past and present of the polar regions with depth and authenticity.
Style
Visiting the polar regions comes with an enormous responsibility. Besides creating a safe and genuinely unforgettable experience, Sandra’s focus lies on helping her fellow travellers to sustainably explore the last frontiers.
“I love Svalbard for its raw natural beauty and rich human history. The best way to experience places like this is on one of Secret Atlas’ small vessels, allowing for close-up encounters with nature, access to hidden gems, and the flexibility to embrace the ever-changing Arctic conditions.”
— Sandra Walser
Questions & Answers
My most transformative travel experience
In 2014, I received a special permit to report on the Bárðarbunga volcanic eruption in Iceland. This rare opportunity allowed me to witness the raw, untamed force of nature up close. It was both humbling and mesmerising – an experience that left me in absolute awe.
My exploration inspiration
My favourite explorer is Salomon August Andrée, who set out in 1896/97 on an audacious quest to reach the North Pole by gas balloon from northern Svalbard. It was perhaps the most daring expedition of its time – ill-fated, yet wrapped in incredible tales of survival and death, mystery, and even romance!
My dream adventure
One day, I’d love to explore Antarctica’s Ross Sea region, especially the surreal Dry Valleys and the historic huts of legendary explorers like Ernest Shackleton and Robert Falcon Scott – a journey through both extreme landscapes and the echoes of the Heroic Age of Exploration.
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