Around Spitsbergen - Arctic Summer

This sailing expedition starts and ends in Longyearbyen and follows a wide route around Spitsbergen. After sailing out into Isfjord, the ship heads to Trygghamna, where the remains of a seventeenth century English whaling station and an eighteenth century Pomor hunting station can be visited. A coastal hike then leads from Trygghamna to Alkhornet, a major seabird cliff with chances to see Arctic foxes and, if snow cover is not too deep, reindeer grazing in relatively rich vegetation. Further north, the voyage includes Fuglefjorden with views of Svitjodbreen and Birgerbukta, where Basque blubber ovens from the seventeenth century can be seen, followed by Ytre Norskøya with Dutch whaling traces, multiple blubber ovens and graves of about two hundred Dutch whalers, now surrounded by breeding skuas and eider ducks. In the following days, depending on conditions, the ship sails to either Sorgfjord or Murchison Bay, then continues through Hinlopen Strait and may operate in additional areas such as Lomfjord, Wilhelmøya, Svartknausflya, Heleysundet and Freemansundet. A key section is Hornsund, with its fjord labyrinth and glacier fronts near Brepollen, where bearded seals and polar bears are possible. On the return toward Longyearbyen, Bellsund and Ahlstrandhalvøya may be visited, featuring notable geology and remains linked to twentieth century beluga hunting, in an area that can still offer chances to see belugas. The exact route depends on weather, sea state and local conditions.

Around Spitsbergen - Arctic Summer: The itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Longyearbyen and embarkation
You arrive in Longyearbyen, the administrative centre of Spitsbergen on the largest island of the Svalbard archipelago. Before embarkation there is time to explore the former mining town independently. The parish church and the Svalbard Museum provide a useful introduction to the region’s history and natural setting. Although the settlement is densely built, more than one hundred plant species have been recorded in the area. In the afternoon you board s/v Rembrandt van Rijn and sail out into Isfjord. With some luck you may see a minke whale already on this first leg. In the evening the ship continues to Trygghamna, where the next morning you can visit the remains of a seventeenth century English whaling station and an eighteenth century Pomor hunting station.

Day 2: Trygghamna to Alkhornet, seabird cliffs and tundra wildlife
From Trygghamna you hike to Alkhornet, a major seabird cliff. At this time many birds are selecting nesting sites, so activity on the cliffs can be noticeable. Below the cliffs is a good area to watch for Arctic foxes moving through the terrain. If snow cover is not too deep, you may also encounter reindeer grazing on relatively rich vegetation. The hike combines seabird observation with the chance to see land mammals and experience the coastal landscape shaped by distinctive rock formations. The day’s pace and exact route depend on conditions and visibility, but the focus remains on the corridor between Trygghamna and Alkhornet. In the evening you return to the ship and continue the voyage.

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Day 3: Fuglefjorden, Birgerbukta and Ytre Norskøya, whaling remains
Today you sail into Fuglefjorden with views of Svitjodbreen and Birgerbukta. Both areas are breeding grounds for great skuas, and it is possible that a polar bear may be nearby, so wildlife conditions are considered throughout. In Birgerbukta you can see Basque blubber ovens from the seventeenth century, reflecting early use of these waters. The next objective is Ytre Norskøya, a small island used by the Dutch for many years as a lookout point for whale spotting. Here you can follow whalers’ traces up to the island’s summit, passing well known bird cliffs. On land there are remains of several seventeenth century blubber ovens, while skuas and eider ducks breed among the graves of about two hundred Dutch whalers, creating a strong link between history and present day wildlife.

Day 4: Sorgfjord or Murchison Bay, then toward Hinlopen Strait
Depending on conditions, the ship sails either to Sorgfjord or to Murchison Bay. On the north side of Murchison Bay there is an extensive tundra area inhabited by many reindeer, and a Swedish research station is also located there. The choice of destination depends on weather, sea state and the feasibility of safe landings. After this, the route continues toward Hinlopen Strait, an area framed by ice caps and distinctive coastal forms. The day functions as a transition stage, combining scenery with possible wildlife observation while positioning the ship for the eastern and northern parts of the circumnavigation. The exact sequence remains expedition flexible.

Day 5: Hinlopen Strait and possible landings in Lomfjord
The voyage continues through Hinlopen Strait. Depending on conditions, Lomfjord may be visited, a fjord with high mountains that is well suited for hiking. Daily planning depends on wind, ice and visibility, as these factors determine which shore sections are accessible and how long time ashore is possible. Alongside hiking, there is time to observe the landscape structure and coastline, often shaped by steep slopes and remnants of glaciation. Wildlife observation is possible, though sightings are not predictable and depend strongly on local conditions. The day retains the character of a sailing expedition, using landing opportunities when safe windows exist. Exploration of the eastern regions of Spitsbergen continues.

Day 6: Wilhelmøya, tundra landscapes and walking options
Wilhelmøya is a possible objective, a tundra landscape where polar bears can be seen. The area can be suitable for coastal and inland walks and may also allow small summit hikes, depending on conditions. The day’s plan depends on weather and wildlife presence, as polar bear safety considerations can require adjustments. The focus is on experiencing open tundra terrain that often feels wide and sparsely vegetated. There is also time for observing birds and possible marine mammals in surrounding waters. This day is another component of the circumnavigation, with flexible routing and decisions made according to local conditions.

Day 7: Svartknausflya, polar desert and fossil rich shorelines
An excursion to Svartknausflya may take place. This area is described as a barren polar desert with very little vegetation, but it is rich in fossils of invertebrates and whale skeletons found along old beach ridges. The day therefore has a strong geological focus, offering a view of the landscape as a record of earlier sea levels and ecosystems. Walking here is shaped less by elevation gain and more by ground conditions and wind exposure, so planning is adjusted accordingly. Alongside fossils and bone remains, there is time to observe the scale and structure of the coastal plains. Wildlife observation is possible but is not the primary focus of this site. The day adds a distinct natural history element to the voyage.

Day 8: Heleysundet, a narrow passage against the current
A possible segment is the passage through Heleysundet, a narrow but scenic waterway between Spitsbergen and Barentsøya. This route can only be taken against the current, so timing windows and navigation are central. The day is therefore strongly shaped by conditions, including current strength, wind and visibility. During the transit, there are often good views of coastal forms and the structure of the strait, defined by its narrowness and surrounding slopes. Depending on opportunities, short observation periods or limited activities may be included, but safe passage remains the priority. This day highlights how nautical conditions can determine the daily programme during a circumnavigation.

Day 9: Freemansundet, Kapp Lee and Diskobukta bird colony
Depending on conditions, Freemansundet may be navigated. During a walk at Kapp Lee you may get closer views of reindeer and walruses, while maintaining appropriate distance. A large kittiwake colony nesting in a canyon in Diskobukta may also be visited. Arctic foxes often roam this area, and polar bears with cubs can occur as they search for birds that fall from ledges. Sub fossil whale bones are scattered across old beach ridges, adding geological context. The day combines wildlife observation, a concentrated seabird site and traces of earlier marine use. The exact sequence depends on ice, weather and wildlife conditions.

Day 10: Southbound passage, preparing for Hornsund
The circumnavigation continues and the ship’s course increasingly turns toward the southern parts of Spitsbergen. This day is planned as a passage, with the possibility of additional coastal stops or observation periods depending on conditions. Wildlife watching remains part of the routine, especially at sea where marine mammals can appear. As you approach the south, fjord systems again become more strongly shaped by glaciers and steeper mountain forms. On board, planning for the Hornsund section is prepared, as ice, wind and visibility can strongly influence operations there. The day functions as a transition into one of the voyage’s key regions.

Day 11: Hornsund, Brepollen and glacier fronts
You sail into the fjord labyrinth of Hornsund. At Brepollen a large glacier deposit lies at the head of the fjord, and cruising along the glacier front may be possible. In this area there are good chances to see bearded seals, and polar bears are also possible. Beyond wildlife, geological formations are an important element, as Hornsund is known for varied rock types and striking landforms. Depending on conditions, landings or shorter walks may be added, with safety and wildlife presence guiding decisions. This day is a central section of the voyage, combining fjord scenery, ice and wildlife observation.

Day 12: Continuing along the west coast, flexible landings
After Hornsund the voyage continues, with course set toward western fjord systems. Depending on conditions, the day may be used for additional landings or observation periods, with site selection guided by weather and sea state. The coastline offers changing perspectives on mountains, glacier remnants and tundra sections. Wildlife observation remains possible both on land and at sea, though sightings cannot be guaranteed. The day also helps position the ship for the Bellsund section on the return toward Longyearbyen. The programme remains flexible while staying aligned with the overall logic of the circumnavigation.

Day 13: Bellsund, Ahlstrandhalvøya and beluga history
On the return toward Longyearbyen you reach Bellsund. Ahlstrandhalvøya may be visited, where notable geology and remains linked to twentieth century beluga hunting can be seen. The area is still considered a place where belugas may be observed, depending on conditions and presence. The day links landscape, geology and historical use, with the possibility of wildlife observation. Depending on weather and timing, additional sections of the fjord system may be explored to use suitable landing sites. Planning remains adaptable, with safe execution of activities as the priority.

Day 14: Returning toward Longyearbyen and preparing for disembarkation
The return toward Longyearbyen continues. Depending on position and conditions, additional observation time at sea or short stops in sheltered areas may be possible before the ship re enters the Isfjord region. The day also supports preparation for disembarkation, with practical information on board and packing of equipment. There is time to organise impressions from the circumnavigation, which has combined historic whaling sites, tundra landscapes and fjord systems. The final night on board concludes the expedition before disembarkation the next morning.

Day 15: Longyearbyen disembarkation
You arrive in Longyearbyen. The package ends after breakfast on board with disembarkation. You then continue your onward or return travel independently.

Included Around Spitsbergen - Arctic Summer

- Free use of rubber boots and snowshoes
- Complimentary Wi-Fi: each guest receives 1.5 GB of data per day, renewed every 24 hours
- Complimentary Dopper water bottle for use during and after your expedition
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