Highlights of Spitsbergen

Your Arctic expedition will begin in the Norwegian capital city of Oslo where after arriving independently you can make your way to your hotel close to the airport for your included overnight stay. You may wish to arrive a couple of days early to allow time to sample some of this vibrant city’s many delights.

On the morning of day 2 you will join the transfer to the airport for your charter flight to Longyearbyen, the administrative capital of Svalbard. Upon arrival there will be some time to explore this unique Arctic town before you board your ship and settle in to your comfortable surroundings. As we set sail you will get fantastic views of the mountainous background and dramatic landscapes of this remote settlement. Your experienced expedition crew will brief you on what’s ahead as you embark on your Arctic adventure.

Please note: From 2023, this itinerary will instead depart from Helsinki, Finland. An overnight stay in Helsinki and return flights between Helsinki and Longyearbyen will be included.

For the next 4 days you will immerse yourself in the beauty of the western coastline of this spectacular remote island, on a constant search for the wildlife that makes this part of the world so intriguing. Embracing the very nature of expedition cruising there will be no particular fixed itinerary for your time in Spitsbergen, however there are a number of destinations that you can expect to visit as we navigate through the stunning fjords and glistening tundra.

Each day your experienced expedition team will choose the best course for optimum wildlife viewing and the best places from which to get an insight into the history and geology of Spitsbergen. Some of the areas you can expect to visit include Krossfjord, Ny London, the Monaco Glacier, Moffen Island, Smeerenburg and Barentsburg amongst many others.

In Krossfjord we hope to sail deep into the fjord to arrive at the impressive Lilliehöök Glacier where the sights and sounds of the glacier calving mighty chunks of ice into the sea is sure to be a memorable experience. In nearby NY London an exciting Zodiac excursion will take us to shore to enjoy walks in search of wildlife including the indigenous Svalbard reindeer and a visit to an abandoned mining settlement. As we move further north up the western coastline one of the highlights will be the magnificent Monaco Glacier where we can enjoy a thrilling Zodiac cruise and some exciting landings where we may be lucky enough to spot some of the Polar bears that are known to frequent here. Wildlife enthusiasts will be in their element here as we search for marine mammals along the ice edges before traveling on to Moffen Island to see its large herds of walrus. As you come across the noisy spectacle of these lumbering giants vying for a choice spot on the coastline you will definitely want to have your camera ready!

There is no shortage of natural beauty in Spitsbergen and one of the very best examples of this is in the beautiful Magdalenafjord where a Zodiac cruise or gentle sail will reward in stunning views of snow-capped mountains and massive glaciers reflected in the crystal-clear waters. If weather conditions permit there may also be a chance for a walking excursion in Smeerenburg where you can visit a memorial erected in 1906. This historical site honours the whalers who lost their lives in the 17th and 18th centuries while working in extreme Arctic conditions. One of the best ways to experience Spitsbergen is to join an optional kayaking excursion through the more isolated pockets of the area, or a hiking excursion across the often remarkably colourful tundra. Please note, kayaking is not included in the price of your voyage and should be booked in advance.

As we make our way back to Longyearbyen there will time for one last day of adventure as we visit the Russian mining town of Barentsburg. Here we can visit the world’s northernmost brewery before moving on to Alkehornet to see the towering bird cliffs which are teeming with nesting seabirds including Brünnich’s guillemots and fulmars amongst many others.

Whichever course your expedition team choose for your thrilling Spitsbergen adventure you can be assured of remarkable scenic sights, from polar flora to immense glaciers, exceptional wildlife viewing and a sense of true wilderness in these beautiful lands at the top of the world.

Our arrival back into Longyearbyen signals the end of our exciting Spitsbergen cruise. A group transfer will take you to the airport for your return charter flight to Oslo. Should you wish to spend more time in Longyearbyen there are numerous possibilities for more Arctic adventures so please feel free to ask for options and advice.

Please note: From 2023, this itinerary will conclude in Helsinki, Finland. The flight from Longyearbyen to Helsinki will be included.