Solar Eclipse Expedition 2026 – Greenland, Iceland and Svalbard
Cruise Overview
Solar Eclipse Expedition 2026 – Greenland, Iceland and Svalbard
Be one of very few people to witness an incredible celestial event when a total solar eclipse occurs over East Greenland on August 12, 2026.
Setting out from Oslo to Greenland via Svalbard, explore the largest national park and the grandest fjord system in the world before ending in Iceland.
Discover epic scenery and captivating nature in true explorer style as our flexible route makes the best of the conditions.
An Arctic voyage of discovery
Setting sail from Svalbard, we head to the world’s largest national park. Situated in East Greenland, this huge natural reserve of 375,000 square miles occupies the remote northeastern quarter of Greenland. In the absence of people wildlife abounds here, and we may see iconic Arctic species like musk oxen and even polar bears. The beauty and the silence here is breathtaking, and you’ll be one of only a few people lucky enough to visit this wilderness region.
Witness the 2026 solar eclipse in Greenland
After this we head south to Scoresby Sound where we’ll witness the amazing spectacle of a total solar eclipse. Scoresby Sund is an immense system of fjords and glaciers fanning out over 24,000 square miles. Expect majestic fjord landscapes, historical ruins, abundant Arctic wildlife, and a potential visit to one of the most remote communities in the world.
Afterwards, we sail across the Denmark Strait to Iceland, and our solar eclipse voyage of discovery ends in charming and artsy Reykjavík.
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Practical information you need to know
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Arrive in Longyearbyen
Day 1
Arrive in Longyearbyen
Get ready for your Arctic solar eclipse voyage
After a flight from Oslo, your adventure begins with two overnights in the world’s northernmost town, Longyearbyen.
A colourful frontier settlement where people are outnumbered by snowmobiles, Longyearbyen is a unique place on the edge of the Arctic wilderness. If you have time, head out to get a first look at this special town before enjoying a relaxing evening at your leisure.
Longyearbyen adventures
Day 2
Longyearbyen adventures
Explore the town at the top of the world
After breakfast it’s time to experience Longyearbyen, a town that’s 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.
Get out on the water with an included nature tour aboard the hybrid electric catamaran, MS Bard. The engine and propellers are designed to be as quiet as possible, meaning we won’t disturb the nature and wildlife by our presence.
The evening is yours to spend at your leisure – enjoy your last night on land before we head off on our solar eclipse voyage tomorrow.
Your solar eclipse adventure begins
Day 3
Your solar eclipse adventure begins
A last look at Longyearbyen
Today’s the day when our solar eclipse adventure begins.
Before boarding the expedition ship in the afternoon, join an included excursion and get another look at this amazing polar bear–inspired region at the top of the world.
Relaxing at sea
Day 4-5
Relaxing at sea
Getting ready for Greenland - Kalaallit Nunaat
As we sail into the Greenland Sea on our way to the world’s largest island, it’s time to relax, find your sea legs and get acquainted with the onboard facilities.
The Expedition Team will give talks about your upcoming adventure and will explain the protocols of respectfully visiting wildlife habitats and Indigenous Arctic communities. In the lecture hall, you’ll find out what to expect in the epic landscapes of East Greenland National Park and the stunning fjords of Scoresby Sund. There will also be talks on astronomy and the upcoming solar eclipse over Greenland, which will occur a week into our adventure.
If you’re feeling active, head to the gym and do a workout with a view. On the other hand, you could sample the sauna, laze in a hot tub, indulge yourself at the onboard eateries or just find a quiet corner to read a book with a hot drink. Love science? Then why not join one of our onboard Citizen Science projects, a fun and engaging way to contribute to global research.
Northeast Greenland National Park and Scoresby Sund expedition days
6-15
Northeast Greenland National Park and Scoresby Sund expedition days
Explore the wild east and witness the solar eclipse
We’ll spend the next 10 days exploring Greenland’s remote and pristine east coast. Extending for over 1,740 miles from north to south, this long stretch of coast is cold, isolated, and remote even by Greenlandic standards. The south-flowing East Greenland Current brings lots of sea ice directly from the Arctic Ocean, challenging human settlement but creating a heaven for ice-dependant wildlife, including the polar bear.
Local weather and ice conditions will dictate our exact route, but our plan is to sail first to the Northeast Greenland National Park – the world’s largest national park. Visiting this fragile Arctic wilderness is a rare privilege as only a few visitors are permitted here each year.
Apart from old trapper huts, some science research stations, and a military outpost, there are very few traces of human life in this 375,000 square mile park. Be assured that this is one of the quietest places on Earth, and you’ll enjoy a feeling of great peace as we explore this beautiful wilderness.
We’ll then sail south to Scoresby Sund, the world’s largest fjord system. It’s during our time in Scoresby Sund that the 2026 solar eclipse will occur. We’ll aim to be in the perfect position to witness it within the fjord system, and you’ll be able to see the surrounding landscape and sea fall into and then re-emerge from darkness. We won’t know our exact positioning until the day, as weather and ice conditions will play a part, but the Captain will ensure we sail to the best possible location to experience this amazing celestial event, which will occur at 16:35.
During our time in Scoresby Sound, you’ll feel a deep sense of serenity in this wild and rugged region, with white and blue icebergs floating in mirror-like waters surrounded by looming mountains. If conditions permit, we’ll visit Ittoqqortoormiit – the most remote inhabited community in the Western Hemisphere.
As this is an expedition cruise, the Captain and Expedition Team will guide us to the most favourable spots on a daily basis. Our goal will be to pack in as many shore landings, small boat cruises, nature walks, kayaking adventures and wildlife sightings as possible.
Denmark Strait
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Denmark Strait
Relax and reflect as we head to Iceland
After exploring the remote beauty of Greenland, we set our course for Iceland. Spend the days at sea recapping your experiences with new friends, studying nature in the Science Centre, listening to a lecture or two, or just relaxing on deck. Look out for the seabirds that follow our ship and keep an eye out for whales.
As you reflect on your cruise, from witnessing a total solar eclipse and soaking up the soul-stirring Arctic scenery, take some time to relax at sea and enjoy the ship’s food and facilities.
Reykjavík
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Reykjavík
End your expedition in Iceland’s capital
We say a fond farewell to MS Spitsbergen as we end our expedition cruise in the lovely city of Reykjavík. With its interesting museums, stylish galleries, restaurants and geothermal pools, there’s so much to enjoy in Iceland’s capital.
And if you want to discover more of Iceland, you can join our optional Post-Programme before you head home. Or simply extend your stay to enjoy more of Reykjavík and its surrounding geothermal attractions. It’s a great place to end an epic journey!
What's included
Flights
- Flight in economy class from Oslo to Longyearbyen before the expedition cruise
Transfers
- All transfers in Longyearbyen including two excursions and one lunch before the expedition cruise
Hotel
- Two overnights in Longyearbyen before the expedition cruise, including light dinner and breakfast
Expedition Cruise
- A stay in a cabin of your choice
- Daily breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Wine, beer and spirits available at meals and throughout the day and evening (subject to licensing laws, excludes premium drinks)
- All day coffee, tea and soft drinks
- A complimentary water bottle to refill on board and take home
- A polar expedition jacket, a backpack, or another piece of HX kit
- Professional photos from your trip taken by our onboard photographer
- Complimentary Wi-Fi. Please note, streaming is not supported
- Use of sauna, hot tubs, fitness room, lounges and more
- Gratuities included. Fantastic service is standard at HX – though if you’d like to leave something extra, it’s always appreciated
- Range of included activities
Landing Activities
- Escorted landings with small expedition boats
- Loan of boots, trekking poles and all equipment for activities
- Expedition photographers on hand to assist you
Onboard Activities
- In-depth lectures and discussions hosted by experts on the Expedition Team
- Full access to the ship’s Science Centre
- Citizen Science Programme allows guests to assist with ongoing scientific research
- Professional onboard photographer gives tips and tricks for the best landscape and wildlife photos
- Informal gatherings with the crew for daily briefings
Notes
- All planned activities are subject to weather and ice conditions
- Excursions and activities are subject to change
- Please make sure you meet all entry and boarding requirements
- Depending on your flight times, an additional overnight might be needed (not included)
What's not included
International flights
Additional overnight(s) if required due to international flight timings
Travel insurance
Luggage handling
Optional shore excursions with our local partners
Optional small-group activities with our Expedition Team
Special offers
Expedition exclusive cost savings and rare opportunities.
* Certain offers may not be combinable, up to two savings opportunities except where noted otherwise