Arctic Sommer in North Svalbard

Go on a voyage of discovery with Oceanwide Expeditions and experience summer in the Arctic. Explore the north of Spitsbergen and marvel at fascinating landscapes with impressive glaciers and fjords. Look out for the king of the Arctic, the polar bear, and many other inhabitants of this beautiful nature. Enjoy the views as they pass by and linger on the outside deck as ice floes and icebergs drift past you. The price per person refers to accommodation in a double cabin for two people, other categories on request. Please note that this is an exemplary route description, as it will be adapted to the weather and ice conditions as well as animal observation opportunities. A high degree of flexibility promises a unique and unforgettable experience.

Arctic summer in North Spitsbergen

Day 1: Embarkation and start of the expedition
You will be met at the airport or hotel in Longyearbyen and transferred to the ship. Embarkation takes place in the afternoon - the crew and the expedition team are already waiting for you full of anticipation. You move into a comfortable cabin and then you are ready to set off. The ship leaves the harbor in the afternoon and sails out into the Isfjord. Watch from the outside deck and perhaps you will spot the first minke whales. In the evening we head to Trygghamna, where the next morning we will visit the remains of an English whaling station from the 17th century and a Pomeranian hunting station from the 18th century.

All pictures of this partner

Day 2-10: North Spitsbergen
You start each day with a hearty breakfast and look forward to the adventures that lie ahead. Every day looks different and is determined by the prevailing conditions. The hike starts from Trygghamna to Alkhornet, a large seabird cliff where the birds are choosing their breeding sites. There is a good chance of spotting Arctic foxes under the cliffs. With little snow and a bit of luck, you should also come across reindeer feeding on the lush vegetation. Sail in Fuglefjorden with views of Svitjodbreen and Birgerbukta, both breeding grounds for large skuas - there may also be a polar bear nearby. The destination is a visit to Ytre Norskøya. Here you can follow in the footsteps of the whalers to the top of the island, passing famous bird cliffs on the way. Look forward to the glaciers and geology of Raudfjorden: Raudfjorden on the north coast of Spitsbergen is an impressive place to view the glaciers. It also serves as a resting place for ringed and bearded seals, colonies of seabirds and the occasional polar bear and beluga whale.
If ice conditions permit, it is possible to land on the north side of Graahuken, an extensive tundra area of Spitsbergen, and hike from there to Hyttesletten. Keep an eye out for reindeer, waders, loons and black eiders. The entrance to the Liefdefjord and the approach to the front of the steep Monaco Glacier also depend on the conditions. The break-off edge of the glacier is a favorite feeding ground for thousands of kittiwakes, while the pack ice in front of the break-off edge offers good hunting conditions for polar bears. If ice conditions prevent entry early in the season, an alternative route can be taken along the west coast of Spitsbergen.
The journey then takes you south to the Magdalena Fjord. A shore leave in Gravneset shows you the remains of English whaling from the 17th century. In the north, you will travel to Kongsfjorden and Krossfjorden, where historically interesting places await you: Ny London, where you can see the remains of marble mining from the early 20th century, and Ny Ålesund, the northernmost municipality in the world. The Krossfjord offers views of colossal glaciers and high mountain peaks. During your journey south, the aim is to land at Forlandsundet near Sarstangen, where there is a walrus colony. Alternatively, you could also go ashore on the coast at Engelskbukta. Next, the journey takes you to Bohemanflya, a vast tundra plain with its own birdlife, as well as impressive geological formations along the coast. You will probably already notice it: There is an incredible amount to discover and experience here. You will collect memories for a lifetime and be amazed not only by the breathtaking beauty of nature, but also by exciting historical sites.
 
Day 11: Disembarkation and departure
After a last breakfast together on board, it is unfortunately time to say goodbye. Disembarkation takes place in the morning and a transfer takes you to your hotel or Longyearbyen airport.

Arrival
The journey starts and ends with a transfer to/from the ship in Longyearbyen.

Expedition ship
The SV Rembrandt van Rijn is very well suited for expeditions between small islands and has good viewing opportunities from the outside deck - even with the sails set. The two inflatable dinghies (Zodiacs) make it possible to go ashore and observe animals in otherwise inaccessible areas. The Rembrandt van Rijn is 49.50 meters long, 7 meters wide and has a draught of 2.8 meters. The average speed is 6.5 knots. The ship's crew consists of 12 experienced members, including 2 tour guides. The ship offers enough space for a maximum of 33 passengers in 16 double cabins: 1 private three-bed cabin (with shower, toilet & porthole); 6 private double inside cabins (with shower & toilet, without porthole); 9 private double cabins (with shower & toilet, with porthole).
Show all dates