Arctic Saga: Exploring Svalbard via the Faroe Islands and Jan Mayen

Immerse yourself in a remarkable adventure that takes you from the historic streets of Aberdeen to the remote expanses of Spitsbergen. This extraordinary journey offers a perfect blend of cultural discoveries and impressive natural experiences. Begin your expedition aboard the Ocean Explorer and be enchanted by the fascinating landscapes of the Faroe Islands and Jan Mayen. Observe majestic whales and colorful puffins in their natural habitat and enjoy the pristine beauty of the Arctic. This journey promises impressive moments and offers a variety of activities that make every day a new adventure. Look forward to comfortable accommodations and culinary delights on board as you explore the wonders of the northern hemisphere.
 

Itinerary: Arctic Saga: Exploring Spitsbergen via the Faroes and Jan Mayen

 
Day 1: Arrive in Aberdeen, United Kingdom
Arrive any time on Day 1 and make your way to your included hotel. The gateway for your Arctic adventure, the Scottish city of Aberdeen has many monikers, but its most famous is Granite City, as it was once the granite capital of the world. Wandering the streets, you’ll soon see why, as the Victorian buildings sparkle in the sun. A bustling cultural hub, Aberdeen also offers a range of museums, galleries, theaters, shops, cafés and restaurants to explore. As you stroll through the city, you'll be captivated by the unique blend of historical charm and modern vibrancy that defines Aberdeen. The city's rich history is reflected in its architecture, while its contemporary spirit is evident in the lively arts scene and diverse culinary offerings. Whether you're a history enthusiast, an art lover, or a foodie, Aberdeen has something to pique your interest and make your visit memorable.
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Day 2: Embarkation Day
Today, you have some free time before being taken to the port to board your ship. Take the opportunity to relax or explore the surroundings before the sea adventure begins. Once you set sail in the afternoon, be sure to head to the deck and have your camera ready. The coastal waters of this region are known for their excellent opportunities to observe fascinating marine life. Look out for playful bottlenose dolphins and distinctive white-beaked dolphins, often spotted in these waters. Porpoises and minke whales also roam here, offering an impressive natural spectacle. These wildlife encounters are an impressive start to your journey and offer you the chance to experience the beauty and diversity of the maritime world up close.
 
Day 3: Exploring Fair Isle
The U.K.’s most remote inhabited island, the extraordinary Fair Isle is located halfway between the Shetland and Orkney Islands. Boasting a rugged beauty, Fair Isle’s landscape is diverse, with fields and moors dominated by seaside cliffs and an astounding number of sea stacks, natural arches and caves. Despite its small size, the island offers activities for history, nature and photography buffs alike. Visit the museum to immerse yourself in local artifacts, photos, knitwear and other historic memorabilia. Don’t forget to snap a shot of the circa 1935 classic red phone booth by the post office! In terms of wildlife, orcas are native to the waters around Fair Isle, and they sometimes come close in pursuit of seals. But the island is best known for its coastal cliffs teeming with seabirds in spring and summer. The star attraction is the Atlantic puffin, a clown-like bird that burrows in nests in the grassy flat tops of the island’s cliffs. Photographers will surely want to capture pictures of their bemused expressions, and Fair Isle’s easily accessible grassy banks make it one of the best places in the Shetlands (if not the entire Scottish Isles!) to observe these colorful creatures. Northern fulmars, kittiwakes, storm petrels, razorbills and guillemots may be spotted soaring over the open waters. Visitors to this community of crofters, artisans and artists may be able to pick up a traditional Fair Isle sweater to keep warm during the rest of your Arctic voyage.
 
Day 4 & 5: Exploring the Faroe Islands
Known for its beautiful, unspoiled landscape, with verdant pastures giving way to rugged, steep cliffs, the Faroe Islands have a storied past, though the details of the archipelago’s early history remain mysterious. The first settlers may have been seventh-century Irish monks seeking solitude on these islands far removed from any continent. Their isolation ended in 800 AD, with the arrival of Norse farmers, and Norwegian colonization continued throughout the Viking Age. Today, many of the inhabitants of the Faroe Islands, now a self-governing country within the Kingdom of Denmark, are descendants of Norwegian Vikings, and speak Faroese, a descendant language of Old Norse. We will have two days to explore this seldom-visited archipelago made up of 18 rugged islands located about halfway between Scotland and Iceland. The mighty North Atlantic is omnipresent wherever we go with no place on the Faroe Islands farther than 3 miles (5 km) from its shores. The sea has always dominated life on the Faroes—throughout history as much as today: rich fisheries, magnificent ocean views and thriving sea bird colonies make up this rare Nordic jewel—often referred to as Europe’s best kept secret. We will spend a day exploring the outer islands of the archipelago, separated by narrow sounds and fjords, and delight in their surreal landscapes, dramatic cliffs, and rock formations. You’ll see green valleys engulfed by steep mountains, protecting picturesque villages with colorful turf-topped homes. Wind, weather and sea conditions will influence and shape our activity options, but we will of course always keep our eyes out for marine and bird life, especially the iconic Atlantic puffin. Our second day in the Faroes will be dedicated to the capital city of Tórshavn, where the Vikings established their government in 825 AD. One of the world’s smallest capitals, the picturesque Tórshavn has a relaxed vibe and a number of historical and cultural sites. Meander the maze of narrow laneways of the Old Town, admiring the quaint wooden houses with traditional sod roofs and white paned windows. If you’re looking for more action, a hike to historic Kirkjubøur not only unlocks some of the country’s best medieval history but also rewards with sweeping views over the southern islands of Koltur, Hestur & Sandur. Or perhaps you’ll prefer to wander the charming harbor, filled with cafés, pubs and old warehouses, and simply gaze out at the sea while sipping a latte.
 
Day 6 & 7: Cruising
As we bid farewell to the enchanting Faroes, our journey takes us toward the remote and intriguing Jan Mayen, the world’s most northerly volcanic island. While we navigate the open seas, a variety of activities await to keep you engaged and entertained. You can immerse yourself in the art of identifying seabirds as they gracefully glide alongside our ship, or perhaps attend one of the dynamic presentations delivered by our knowledgeable Expedition Team, offering insights into the region's unique ecology and history. For those seeking a quieter moment, our polar library provides a serene escape, perfect for delving into a good book. Alternatively, you might choose to simply spend time on deck, soaking in the vast and mesmerizing ocean views. With binoculars and camera in hand, remain vigilant for the majestic sight of a humpback, blue, or fin whale breaching the surface. The curious nature of minke whales or orcas might even bring them close to our vessel, offering a thrilling encounter. And if fortune smiles upon us, the sight of harp seals could add an extra touch of magic to our voyage.
 
Day 8 & 9: Exploring Jan Mayen
North of the Arctic Circle, about 450 km east of Greenland and 550 km north of Iceland, the mysterious Jan Mayen rises from the depths of the North Atlantic. Often shrouded in dense fog, the small, mountainous island was declared a nature reserve in 2010 and is rarely visited, apart from the 18 rotating staff of the Norwegian military and the Norwegian Meteorological Institute, who are the only year-round residents, aside from some additional staff in the summer. Landing here is determined by the weather and the sea. If conditions allow, keep an eye out on deck as the highest peak of the spoon-shaped island emerges. The impressive Beerenberg volcano, standing 2,277 meters high, impresses with its symmetrical cone shape and stunning glaciers flowing into the sea. In the summer months, the island's lower landscape is covered with grass, moss, and a handful of hardy flowers, adding a splash of color to the otherwise barren black lava terrain. One place we hope to visit is Olonkinbyen and the surrounding area. Named after the Russian-Norwegian polar explorer Gennady Olonkin, it is the island's only settlement and the site of the meteorological station, where you have the opportunity to learn about polar research and see how weather is monitored at the end of the world. Another option could be the black sand beach at Kvalrossbukta, where the remains of a 17th-century Dutch whaling station and a large colony of fulmars can be found. In 1632, two Basque ships landed in the small bay and plundered the station. A Dutch group was sent here the following year to protect the land stations in winter, but all seven men died of scurvy. Whaling in the area ended about 20 years later. If conditions allow, we can view the volcano and the layered cliffs of the spectacular north coast on a Zodiac cruise around the island and search for wildlife. Designated an Important Bird Area by BirdLife International, Jan Mayen supports colonies of fulmars, little auks, ivory gulls, kittiwakes, and thick-billed murres. And if we're lucky, you might see the "sea parrots," the Atlantic puffins, again. The waters here are rich feeding grounds for marine life, so keep an eye out for minke, fin, blue, or humpback whales.
 
Day 10: Cruising
As we continue to sail north, a wonderful opportunity presents itself to spend time with your fellow travelers in the cozy lounge. Here, you can share exciting stories and impressive photos you have collected on your journey. It is an ideal moment to reflect on the experiences of the past days and forge new friendships. Alternatively, you can use the time to learn more about the regions visited. Your experienced and knowledgeable Expedition Team is ready to provide you with fascinating insights and information. Whether you are interested in the history, culture, or nature of the places visited, the team is well-equipped to satisfy your curiosity and expand your knowledge. Use this relaxed phase of the journey to recover and at the same time deepen your understanding of the impressive landscapes and cultures that surround you.
 
Day 11 to 13: Exploring Spitsbergen, Svalbard
Rugged, wild and situated entirely within the Arctic Circle, the largest island of the Svalbard archipelago is a place of wonder. From immense glaciers to lush tundra to polar deserts, the landscape here is as varied as the wildlife. As we explore the fjords of the southwestern corner of this magical island, it won’t take long for you to see firsthand why Spitsbergen is considered a wildlife haven in the Arctic. Some areas we hope to visit include Hornsund and Bellsund fjords and Hornbreen Glacier. The possible landing sites at Hornsund, the island’s most southerly fjord, have rich histories. You may visit Isbjornhamna, a bay at the entrance of the fjord, where we hope to explore colonies of delightful little auks. You may also spot Svalbard reindeer and hike to a viewpoint for views of calving glaciers. A 12-mile (20 km) long sound, Bellsund lured miners a century ago to its natural resources. Today, visitors come to Bourbonhamna and Calypsobyen to see historic mining and trapper sites and marvel at the magnificent vistas. It may also be possible to hike along the colorful tundra, dotted with flowers bursting for a taste of sunshine, and discover old whale bones.
 
Day 14: Disembark in Longyearbyen and Fly to Helsinki
The time has come to bid farewell to your newfound friends and the dedicated Expedition Team who have accompanied you on this remarkable journey. As you disembark, take a moment to reflect on the incredible experiences shared and the memories created. Once on land, you have the opportunity to spend the day immersing yourself in the unique atmosphere of Longyearbyen, a frontier-style settlement that offers a glimpse into life in the Arctic. Stroll through the town, taking in the sights and sounds that make this place so distinctive. As the day unfolds, prepare to transition from this remote outpost to the bustling city of Helsinki. Later, you will catch the charter flight that will transport you from the serene landscapes of the Arctic to the vibrant urban environment of Finland's capital, marking the end of this memorable chapter in your travels.
 
Day 15: Onward Flight Home
After a leisurely breakfast, you have the opportunity to make your way to the airport to embark on your onward flight home. Alternatively, if you have made prior arrangements, you may choose to linger a little longer in Finland's culturally rich capital and explore it on your own. Helsinki offers a wealth of sights and experiences waiting to be discovered. Whether you wish to stroll through the charming streets, admire the impressive architecture, or relax in one of the many cafés, the city has something to offer for every taste. Take the opportunity to enjoy the unique atmosphere of this fascinating metropolis before embarking on your journey home.
 
 
Further Information: This expedition offers various options in terms of duration, ranging from 14 to 15 days.
 
Discover the fascinating landscapes and rich wildlife of the Arctic on this unique journey that takes you from Scotland to the untouched expanses of Jan Mayen. Spaces are limited and demand is high, so we recommend you inquire now without obligation and plan your adventure!
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