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  • Writer's pictureMarion Marquardt

Valdez - the Switzerland of North America

Updated: Dec 6, 2021

After our adventure in Wrangell-St.-Elias National Park, we head towards Valdez. The town at the Prince William Sound is known for its island glaciers and breathtaking wildlife viewing. Of course we don't want to miss that. Even the approach over the Thompson Pass passing the Worthington Glacier is stunning.

Worthington Gletscher glacier thompson pass richardson highway
Worthington glacier

In Valdez we head for a campsite with a view of Prince William Sound - it is also the only one that is open in May. But we couldn't have done a better choice. We have a unique panorama in front of our camper and the sea eagles romp around there!

valdez harbour hafen boote gletscher kajak
Harbour of Valdez

We are outside for countless hours and just watch the beautiful animals glide elegantly through the air. Not an easy undertaking to capture the fast movements photographically. But there are some very good shots.

The next day we do an excursion to the Columbia Glacier, which calves straight into the sea. The boat tour also promises exciting wildlife. And we are not disappointed - we get sea otters, seals, sea lions and a humpback whale in front of the lens!

As we approach the Columbia Glacier, pack ice is swimming everywhere - a challenge for the captain. Nevertheless, we are heading as close as possible to it. Another moment in Alaska where I feel very small :-)

packeis columbia gletscher alaska valdez
Pack ice of Columbia glacier

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