Spend time in the rugged capital Longyearbyen then sail along the west coast of Spitsbergen on this amazing exploration. Discover the extraordinary Arctic landscape, glaciers, fjords and scan for magnificent Arctic wildlife. If you are lucky, you might just see the King of the Arctic himself, the mighty polar bear. At the end of your voyage perhaps extend your stay in Svalbard with one of our Independent tours.
Itinerary
Choose from two itineraries: Option 1 has two nights hotel accommodation in Longyearbyen and three nights on board. Option 2 has one night hotel accommodation in Longyearbyen and four nights on board.
Option 1 (3 Nights at Sea)
Day 1 Longyearbyen Arrival
Transfer from Longyearbyen airport to your accommodation. Your adventure starts with an overnight stay to enjoy Longyearbyen´s galleries, pubs, restaurants and magnificent setting on the edge of an Arctic wilderness. Reminders of mining heritage are everywhere in this frontier town. The 2,000 inhabitants here are outnumbered by snowmobiles, and reindeer roam the streets, which have been given numbers instead of names. Get a taste of what it feels like to live in this legendary Arctic frontier as you stroll the main street and admire its colourful buildings. Head to the aptly named North Pole Expedition Museum and immerse yourself in Svalbard’s polar exploration history. You’ll find old newspapers, photos, postcards, several hours of original expedition film footage and quirky historical artefacts from the fabled age of exploration. Perhaps visit the Svalbard Brewery and enjoy a tasting session of beers brewed in the Arctic. Not only will you sample excellent beers, but you’ll also have the opportunity to rub shoulders with the resilient residents of this singular town. You may meet nature enthusiasts and explorers just like you, or scientists and engineers associated with various projects, such as the nearby Global Seed Vault. The locals like to remove their shoes before entering most public buildings. This is a custom that originated in the mining days to prevent people from trekking coal dust indoors, and is just one way the town’s mining history continues to affect its culture. This evening, you’ll enjoy a light dinner at a local restaurant before spending the night at your hotel, which offers modern comforts in historical surroundings.
Day 2 Svalbard Museum & Camp Barentz - Longyearbyen Embarkation - Isfjorden
After breakfast, check-out and take your luggage to the coach for a guided tour that includes a visit to the Svalbard Museum where you can find out all about the history, geology and wildlife of the archipelago. Then visit Camp Barentz, where you’ll learn about polar bears. While you’re there, keep an eye out for reindeer, grouse and foxes. The historic MS Nordstjernen awaits at the harbour. A lovingly modernised ship that retains its 1950s charm, you'll be immersed in nautical nostalgia while on board. Look out for Arctic wildlife as we cruise into Isfjorden's lush fjord system, surrounded by immense, glacier-carved valleys and rugged rock formations. The cultural remains of Svalbard’s whaling and hunting heritage can be found along Isjorden’s beaches and bays. Further south, we’ll pass the former Isfjord Radio Station, now a stylish hotel. 1st overnight on board.
Day 3 Magdalenefjord, North West Corner, Moffen and 80°North
Today we enter the wilderness of Spitsbergen’s North West Corner, a summer breeding ground for thousands of birds. Look out for Little Auks, Arctic terns, Skuas and Eider Ducks. You might even spot a polar bear searching for eggs. Magdalenefjorden offers spectacular jagged mountain peaks and glaciers combined with history, as you’ll see from what’s left of a 17th century whaling station. Sailing north under the Midnight Sun, we reach the famed walrus colony of Moffen Island. You’ll see large numbers of these vulnerable animals at the southern tip, but we’ll maintain a safe distance to protect them. 2nd overnight on board.
Day 4 Kongsfjord and Ny-Ålesund
Also known as Kong’s Fjord or King’s Bay, Kongsfjord is the largest fjord on the northwest coast of Spitsbergen. Two imposing glaciers, Kongsvegen and the colossal Kongsbreen, watch over the entrance of the fjord. As we cruise silently, you might hear the tell-tale creaks and groans of chunks of glacier ice about to plunge into the sea. Framed by picturesque mountain formations, it’s undoubtedly one of Svalbard’s most scenic spots. Hiking in the lush tundra will allow you to observe birds in a pristine environment. For bird lovers, Kongsfjord is a treasure trove. Northern Fulmars, Black-legged Kittiwakes, Atlantic Puffins and guillemots are just some of the species found here in the summer months. A bird sanctuary consisting of about ten islands lies at the inner end of the fjord, supporting breeding populations of protected species such as Pink-footed Geese and Common Eider. Later we dock at Ny-Ålesund. This former mining settlement is now an international science and research hub. Discover explorer history at the museum, and maybe send a postcard from the world’s northernmost post box! 3rd overnight on board.
Day 5 Isfjord and Longyearbyen
This morning we sail back into Isfjorden. As we pass Alkehornet, with its horn-shaped mount, look out for guillemots and kittiwakes, Svalbard reindeer and maybe even Arctic foxes. Your expedition comes to a close back where it started in Longyearbyen. Pick up some souvenirs from local shops, or admire artworks inspired by the High Arctic at Galleri Svalbard. Enjoy a farewell dinner at your hotel, where you’ll swap memories and say goodbye to your new friends.
Day 6 Longyearbyen Departure
Transfer to Longyearbyen airport and end of arrangements.
Option 2 (4 nights at Sea)
Day 1 Longyearbyen Arrival
Transfer from Longyearbyen airport to your accommodation. Your journey begins in the frontier town of Longyearbyen, where people are outnumbered by snowmobiles. You'll enjoy an overnight stay at a modern hotel in historical surroundings. The town is perfect for exploring on foot. As you take in the galleries, pubs and restaurants you might see Svalbard reindeer saunter by. Although wild, they're curious and tame. Reminders of mining heritage are everywhere in this frontier town. Taste a selection of beers brewed in the Arctic at Svalbard Brewery and immerse yourself in Svalbard's fascinating polar exploration history in the aptly named North Pole Expedition Museum. This evening, you’ll enjoy a light dinner at a local restaurant before spending the night at your hotel, which offers modern comforts in historical surroundings.
Day 2 Svalbard Museum & Camp Barentz - Longyearbyen Embarkation - Isfjorden
After breakfast, relax and explore this quaint town. Walk up to the church just a few minutes away. Maybe you will encounter the Svalbard reindeer that are often walking around town minding their own business. Although wild, you’ll find them more curious and tamer. Stroll the main street, admiring the colourful buildings and picking out souvenirs and gifts from the shops of the world’s northernmost town. Enjoy a guided tour that includes a visit to the Svalbard Museum where you can find out all about the history, geology and wildlife of the archipelago. Then we visit Camp Barentz, where you’ll learn about polar bears. While you’re there, keep an eye out for reindeer, grouse and foxes. The historic MS Nordstjernen awaits at the harbour. A lovingly modernised ship that retains its 1950s charm, you'll be immersed in nautical nostalgia while on board. Our cruise begins as we sail into Isfjorden's lush fjord system, where you'll see immense, glacier-carved valleys rich in wildlife, vegetation and human history. To the north, Alkehornet is home to guillemots, kittiwakes, Svalbard reindeer and Arctic foxes. The remains of whaling and hunting implements are visible on beaches and bays. Further south, we’ll pass the former Isfjord Radio Station, now a stylish hotel. 1st overnight on board.
Day 3 Magdalenefjord and the North West Corner
We leave civilisation behind and enter the wilds of Spitsbergen, free from the distractions of modern life. You’ll marvel at Magdalenefjorden's spectacular jagged mountain peaks and glaciers, perfectly reflected in the glassy surface of the water. We'll attempt to land here and take you to the remains of a 17th century whaling station. It's a paradise for wildlife lovers – look out for Little Auks, Arctic terns, Skuas, Eider Ducks and Barnacle Geese. Minke and beluga whales visit these waters in summer, and you might spot seals or polar bears on the floating sea ice. 2nd overnight on board.
Day 4 Woodfjord, Liefdefjord, Moffen and 80°North
As you explore the fjord systems around Spitsbergen, you’ll be struck by its contrasts. Woodfjorden’s landscape features dramatic red mountains, the cone-shaped remnants of three volcanoes and thermal springs. In Liefdefjorden, rolling red hills give way to snowcapped mountains and thousands of sea birds fill the sky. Watch for kittiwakes, terns, Eiders and more. We'll attempt to sail above 80° North, where the Midnight Sun shines on Moffen, an island supporting a large walrus population. We’ll watch from a safe distance as these huge but vulnerable animals frolic in the waters and on the shore. 3rd overnight on board.
Day 5 Kongsfjord and Ny-Ålesund
You might hear the creaks and groans of glaciers calving into the sea at Kongsfjorden. It’s one of Svalbard's most scenic spots, and a paradise for birders. Keep your eyes open for Northern Fulmars, Black-legged Kittiwakes, Atlantic Puffins and guillemots. A bird sanctuary of about ten islands is home to protected species like the Pink-footed Goose and Common Eider. Later we dock at Ny-Ålesund. This former mining settlement is now an international science and research hub. Discover explorer history at the museum, and maybe send a postcard from the world’s northernmost post box! 4th overnight on board.
Day 6 Longyearbyen Departure
Morning disembarkation in Longyearbyen at approximately and transfer to the airport. End of arrangements. Your Arctic adventure around Svalbard is over for this time. As you wind down from your expedition, you’ll have some time to look back on all your new memories, still holding onto that elated feeling of having just been quite literally near the “top of the world.”
2024 departures (Option 1):
19, 26 May
02, 09, 16, 23, 30 June
07, 14, 21, 28 July
04, 11, 18, 25 August
2024 departures (Option 2):
15, 22, 29 May
05, 12, 19, 26 June
03, 10, 17, 24, 31 July
07, 14, 21, 28 August
Notes:
Maximum group size: 104 persons
This is an expedition where the elements rule, and the weather, wind and ice conditions will determine the final schedule. Safety is paramount and the captain will decide the exact sailing itinerary during the voyage. Therefore, this itinerary is just an indication of what you may experience, and why every expedition is unique. All planned activities are subject to weather and ice conditions.
About the vessel, MS Nordstjernen
The ship was built in 1956, modernised in 2000, refurbished in 2013, retaining the brass and wooden classic interiors and original art. Accommodation is in basic, small interior or exterior cabins, all with upper and lower berths. Some cabins have a small bathroom with shower and toilet whilst other cabins have only a hand basin, with shared facilities in the hallway. There is a dining room and bar, a café, a panorama lounge, library, and deck space some of which is covered.
