Around Svalbard with the CZ 600 LUX: Czech Crew Circumnavigates the Arctic on the 118-Year-Old Vessel ANNA

In the summer of 2025, a Czech crew embarked on an extraordinary polar expedition that combined history, courage, and reliable equipment. Aboard the 118-year-old wooden vessel ANNA, they completed the first full circumnavigation of the main island of the Svalbard archipelago – with the CZ 600 LUX rifle in .30-06 Springfield accompanying the expedition throughout its Arctic journey.

In the summer of 2025, a Czech crew made maritime history. As the first Czech team, they successfully circumnavigated the main island of the Svalbard archipelago aboard the historic polar vessel ANNA, which this year marked 118 years of service. The expedition ranks among exceptional nautical achievements that remain highly demanding even today – not only because of the harsh Arctic conditions.

An Old Vessel with a Rich History

The vessel ANNA was built in 1907 in northern Norway as a robust wooden ship designed for navigation in icy waters. Over more than a century, it served fishermen, polar expeditions, and was also used during the Second World War. After decades of service, however, the vessel gradually deteriorated and faced the prospect of being scrapped.

A turning point came in 2017, when Czech sailor Petr Kos discovered the ship. At the time, ANNA was in poor technical condition and awaiting disposal. Thanks to several years of careful restoration, the vessel was returned to full operational capability, while preserving its original character and its ability to withstand the extreme conditions of northern seas.

A Journey Toward a Polar First

In June 2025, the crew set sail with ANNA from Tromsø, Norway, heading north. After crossing Bear Island (Bjørnøya), they reached the shores of Svalbard, where they spent more than two months navigating Arctic waters. In August, the expedition successfully completed the circumnavigation of the entire main island, concluding an exceptional voyage that remains challenging even for modern vessels equipped with the latest technology.

With this achievement, the Czech crew became the first Czech team to complete a full circumnavigation of Svalbard aboard this historic vessel.

Reliable Equipment in a Hostile Environment

Throughout the expedition, the crew was accompanied by the CZ 600 LUX rifle in .30-06 Springfield. In Arctic regions, where people operate in close proximity to wild nature and far from civilization, a reliable firearm represents above all an element of safety and confidence.

Traditional design, a proven caliber, and an emphasis on functionality in demanding conditions were the reasons the crew chose this particular model. The CZ 600 LUX thus accompanied the expedition throughout the entire voyage as a quiet but essential partner in an environment where compromises are not an option.

An Adventure That Continues

The journey around Svalbard was not only about nautical miles covered and a historic first achieved. It was also a return to the values of traditional seamanship, respect for nature, and trust in equipment that must perform under all circumstances.

After more than a century, the historic vessel ANNA returned to its original polar routes – and together with the Czech crew and the CZ 600 LUX rifle demonstrated that true adventure still has its place today.