Circumnavigating Spitsbergen
In the realm of the Polar Bear
Discover vast landscapes of mighty glaciers, peaceful fjords and Arctic wildlife under the enchanting Midnight Sun.
Explore Longyearbyen and Northwest Spitsbergen National Park.
The Midnight Sun offers long, leisurely days, and provides perfect light for photographing incredible High Arctic scenery and wildlife.
Land of the polar bear
Starting from Oslo, you‘ll fly to Longyearbyen, where your adventure continues at sea. We then sail into Northwest Spitsbergen National Park. Take in the stunning Arctic scenery as we scout for polar bears, Arctic foxes, and Svalbard reindeer. You’ll also have the chance to see colonies of Brünnich’s guillemot and kittiwakes.
Crossing the 80th parallel north
We plan to circumnavigate Spitsbergen and attempt to sail beyond the 80th parallel north, if conditions permit. You’ll see awe-inspiring nature and wildlife, along with the breathtaking Hornsund mountains, before we cruise toward stunning Isfjord and back to cozy Longyearbyen.
Key Expedition Details
Itinerary
Your adventure at a glance. Daily highlights, included activities, and optional extras to make it unforgettable.
Enjoy time in Oslo before flying to Svalbard
Your expedition begins in Oslo, Norway’s fjord-side capital.
With its rich history and fashionable art scene, Oslo is a fascinating city. You’ll find museums, galleries, and breathtaking architecture, including the beautiful Opera House and new Munch Museum.
Take a stroll in the Ekebergparken sculpture park, visit Akershus Fortress or relax in a floating sauna. Explore modern Sørenga and enjoy urban beach life or try New Nordic cuisine before spending the night in your airport hotel.
Explore colorful Longyearbyen
After your morning flight to Longyearbyen, it’s time to explore the world's northernmost town, a colorful frontier settlement where people are outnumbered by snowmobiles.
Longyearbyen is perfect for exploring on foot. Stroll down the main street and you might see Svalbard reindeer saunter by. Although wild, they're curious and tame.
Before boarding your ship in the afternoon and continuing your Arctic discovery, join an included excursion and get a glimpse of this amazing polar bear–inspired region at the top of the world.
Experience pristine Arctic wilderness
Over the next three days, you’ll explore the natural beauty and rugged tundra of Northwest Spitsbergen National Park. Surrounded by steep mountains, stark glaciers, and beautiful offshore islands, we’ll scan for Arctic animals, including whales, seals, walruses, and reindeer. If we’re really lucky, we might even see the elusive polar bear hunting on the ice. In stunning Kongsfjord, you may see glaciers calving into the sea.
Be ready for adventure – we’ll seize any opportunity to launch our kayaks or use our small boats (RIBs) to go ashore to hike or help in a beach clean-up.
Scouting for polar bears, seabirds, and walruses
The frozen seascape of eastern Svalbard is home to the archipelago’s largest population of polar bears. We have high hopes you’ll see this elusive animal over the next two days. We will also scout for walrus and colonies of Brünnich’s guillemots and other seabirds in the Hinlopen Strait. We may head south to Freemansundet and Kapp Lee or take our small boats (RIBs) to Edgeøya or Barentsøya.
Your Expedition Team will set the daily itinerary. They’ll monitor local ice and weather conditions to take you on exhilarating landings, hikes, and kayaking tours.
Majestic glaciers, rich vegetation, and seabirds
As we sail toward the southernmost tip of Spitsbergen, we’ll enter Hornsund, one of Svalbard’s most beautiful fjords. Rich, colorful vegetation transforms into towering mountains along this picturesque waterway. Head out on deck to spot seals and whales, admire Mount Hornsundtind, and watch glaciers calving into the sea.
The green patches of land you’ll see here are fertilized by little auk colonies. This in turn attracts Svalbard reindeer and Arctic foxes, so keep your eyes peeled. In the evening, we’ll journey north toward Isfjord, past beautiful Bellsund.
Witness living history and ecology
Our Svalbard circumnavigation continues into Isfjord’s lush fjord system, where you’ll see immense, glacier-carved valleys rich in wildlife, vegetation, and human history.
To the north, Alkhornet is home to guillemots, kittiwakes, Svalbard reindeer, and Arctic foxes. Clear traces of the area’s whaling and hunting past are visible on beaches and in bays. Farther south, we’ll pass the former Isfjord Radio satellite communication station, which is now one of the world’s most beautifully situated hotels.
Today’s activities will be determined by the ever-changing weather conditions in Isfjord. Each day, your Expedition Team will decide on the best options for exploring.
A final day on top of the world
Your Arctic adventure comes to an end back in Longyearbyen. You’ll return home knowing more about Arctic animals, history, polar ice, and climate change than when you arrived. You’ll also have lifelong memories from this incredible experience.
If you have time before your flight back to Oslo, you can discover more of Longyearbyen and do a spot of shopping – perhaps a warm Svalbard sweater.
Time to say goodbye
After breakfast, it’s time to say goodbye as the voyage comes to an end. Feel free to explore some more of Oslo city if you have time before your flight back home.
Attempt
- - - Attempted route, ice conditions dependent
Our Attempts are voyages where we challenge the elements in true expedition style. As we explore these remote and captivating areas in a safe way, our adventure will ultimately be guided by nature. If weather, sea or ice conditions do not allow our planned navigation, our experienced crew will deliver an adapted itinerary. Flexibility and our deep knowledge of the area combine to give you an amazing exploration experience.
Included activities & excursions
These activities are included with your trip. Dates and times will be confirmed closer to departure, you’ll just need to reserve your spot after booking.
What else is included?
Our Svalbard ships
Get a taste of what life is like on board the ships that sail on this itinerary
