Spitsbergen - Northeast Greenland - Scoresby Sund

This expedition starts in Longyearbyen and ends in Akureyri. The route first follows Spitsbergen’s north coast to Raudfjorden, an expansive fjord with glaciers, seabird cliffs and chances for ringed and bearded seals as well as polar bears. The voyage then continues toward East Greenland, where the jagged edge of sea ice may come into view depending on conditions, and whale and migrating seabird watching becomes a key focus. In Foster Bay, a landing at Myggebugten is planned, followed by sailing through Kaiser Franz Josef Fjord or alternatively Sofia Sound, combining tundra, musk oxen and interior icebergs. Further stops include Teufelschloss and the islands Ruth, Maria and Ella, Segelsällskapets Fjord and Alpefjord with a possible Zodiac cruise near Gully Glacier, and Antarctic Havn. In Scoresby Sund, the programme includes sailing along glaciated coasts, Zodiac cruising near glacier fronts and possible landings at sites such as Vikingebugt, Charcot Havn, Bjørneøer, Øfjord, Sorte Ø, Røde Fjord, Harefjord and Sydkap. A visit to Ittoqqortoormiit is included, as well as a tundra landing on Liverpool Land. A sea day offers wildlife watching and northern lights at night. The voyage ends with disembarkation in Akureyri, with an optional pre booked charter bus transfer to Reykjavík.

Spitsbergen - Northeast Greenland - Scoresby Sund: 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 landscape can appear stark, more than one hundred plant species have been recorded here. In the early evening you board m/v Plancius and the ship sails out of Isfjord. Marine mammals can occur near the fjord mouth and you may spot the first minke whale of the voyage. The evening is used to settle in on board and receive initial briefings about routines and safety.

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Day 2: Raudfjorden, glaciers and seabird cliffs
Today you sail to Raudfjorden on the north coast of Spitsbergen. This broad fjord is shaped by glaciers and offers strong opportunities to observe coastal ice features from different perspectives. Ringed seals and bearded seals may occur here, and polar bears are also possible, so wildlife conditions are monitored continuously. The cliffs and shoreline support active seabird colonies, and vegetation can be relatively rich in sheltered areas. Depending on conditions, landings and shorter walks may be possible to experience the landscape on shore. The day combines fjord scenery, ice and wildlife watching before the ship continues toward East Greenland.

Day 3: Crossing toward East Greenland, sea day with ice and migration watch
The voyage continues toward East Greenland. Depending on conditions, the jagged edge of East Greenland sea ice may become visible on the horizon, marking the approach to more ice influenced waters. This is a sea day focused on watching for whales and migrating seabirds. Species composition can shift as you near the ice, and sightings depend strongly on weather, visibility and sea state. On board, planning for upcoming landings is adjusted to local conditions, as ice and wind influence coastal access. The day also provides time to review the long hike framework for those intending to participate. Routing remains flexible to respond to ice distribution and wildlife sightings.

Day 4: East Greenland in sight, continued transit along ice and coast
The approach to East Greenland continues. Depending on position and conditions, the ship may move closer to the ice zone or continue through open water to maintain safe navigation. Whale and seabird watching remains central, as these transition zones can be productive. The day remains primarily a transit, but with a clear sense of changing seascape as Greenland draws nearer. On board, preparations are made for the first landings, and the expedition team adjusts plans to weather and ice. For long hike participants, requirements and procedures are reviewed again, as this activity demands endurance and sure footing. This day completes the main crossing phase and leads into the first Greenland operations.

Day 5: Foster Bay, Myggebugten and the first long hike option
On reaching Greenland, the route may pass through sea ice into Foster Bay, with a planned landing at Myggebugten. Near an old hunters’ hut used by Norwegian trappers in the first half of the twentieth century, a broad tundra area is home to musk oxen, and geese may be seen on small lakes. The ship then sails through Kaiser Franz Josef Fjord, surrounded by high mountains and bright interior icebergs. An alternative route is Sofia Sound, a narrower waterway. For those who choose to join, the first long hike takes place today, lasting about six to seven hours including breaks. It starts at Myggbukta station, continues into Badlanddal, then turns south to Fangsthytte near Kap Bennet. A Zodiac travels ahead and parallel to the coast to scout for polar bears.

Day 6: Teufelschloss, Blomsterbugt and islands in Antarctic Sound
You arrive at Teufelschloss, a mountain known for layered geology. On the other side of the fjord lies Blomsterbugt and the intended landing site, subject to conditions. In the afternoon you head into Antarctic Sound, where the islands Ruth, Maria and Ella are located. Maria is considered the most likely landing site. The day combines distinctive geology with island landings that can support short walks and observation. The exact sequence depends on weather, wind and landing feasibility. Wildlife watching remains part of the routine, as seabirds and marine mammals can occur in these waters. This is a typical expedition day where navigation and activities are closely linked.

Day 7: Segelsällskapets Fjord and Alpefjord, Zodiac cruise near Gully Glacier
In the morning you enter Segelsällskapets Fjord, with the streaked slopes of the Berzelius Mountains along the northern side. A landing is planned on the southern shore, where ancient sedimentary formations are visible underfoot. A hike leads toward a small lake with good chances to see musk oxen, Arctic hares and ptarmigan. In the afternoon the ship ventures into Alpefjord, named for the spire like peaks rising around it. A Zodiac cruise near Gully Glacier may follow, a glacier that once blocked access to the inner waters. The farther you move into the fjord, the more the scenery is defined by steep walls, ice and the fjord’s narrowing profile. The day combines a landing, a hike and Zodiac operations.

Day 8: Antarctic Havn, autumn colours and musk oxen
The first half of the day is spent in Antarctic Havn, an extensive valley where groups of musk oxen can be observed. At this time of year, sparse vegetation can show strong autumn colours, changing the appearance of the tundra. The day is oriented toward quiet observation and hiking, with routes adjusted to conditions and animal movement. Arctic hares or birds may also be seen depending on location and timing. The landscape here feels more open than in narrow fjords, and the valley allows longer walks without alpine terrain. This stop also serves as a transition toward Scoresby Sund, which is reached in the following days. The day remains expedition focused, with nature observation and scenery as the main themes.

Day 9: Scoresby Sund, Boons Kyst, Vikingebugt and Milne Land
Today you reach Scoresby Sund and sail along the glaciated Boons Kyst. Depending on conditions, a Zodiac cruise near a glacier front may be possible, along with a visit to the basalt columns and ice formations of Vikingebugt. In the afternoon the plan is to sail along the east coast of Milne Land among many giant icebergs. If a landing at Charcot Havn is possible, a walk to Charcot Glacier is planned. The voyage then continues toward Bjørneøer and into Øfjord, where a landing may also be possible. The day is defined by icebergs, glaciated coasts and changing perspectives within one of the world’s largest fjord systems. Sequence depends on ice, wind and visibility, which shape both navigation and landing options.

Day 10: Sorte Ø, Røde Fjord and Harefjord
The goal is a Zodiac cruise near Sorte Ø, surrounded by icebergs. The blue white ice contrasts strongly with nearby sediment slopes. In the afternoon the plan is to sail through the northern parts of Røde Fjord and enter Harefjord, with chances to see musk oxen and continued autumn colours on tundra slopes. The day combines time on the water among icebergs with opportunities to observe wildlife from ship or shore. Routing is adjusted to ice conditions, as bergs and drift ice can influence channels. There is also time for photography and observation, as light and weather strongly shape the appearance of this fjord landscape.

Day 11: Sydkap, enormous icebergs and a long hike to Nordøstbugt
In the morning you encounter colossal icebergs, some more than 100 metres high and over a kilometre long. Many are grounded because the fjord is only about 400 metres deep in places. A landing is then planned near Sydkap, offering views over Hall Bredning and good chances to see Arctic hares. A long hike also takes place today, from Sydkap to Nordøstbugt, about 12 km to the northeast, reaching the mouth of the river from Holger Danskes Briller. The plan is to walk south along the shore to Satakajik, seeing whale vertebrae and the remains of Thule summer houses. Guests not joining the long hike rejoin the group at this location for the second excursion of the day.

Day 12: Liverpool Land, Hurry Inlet and Ittoqqortoormiit
A tundra landing is planned on Liverpool Land in Hurry Inlet. In the afternoon you visit Ittoqqortoormiit, the largest settlement in Scoresby Sund with around five hundred inhabitants. At the post office you can buy stamps for postcards, or walk through the settlement to see sled dogs and drying skins of seals and musk oxen. After the visit the ship sails south, passing the landscapes of the Blosseville Coast. The day combines tundra experience, a visit to a remote community and a longer coastal passage. Timing and sequence depend on conditions but remain focused on these objectives.

Day 13: Sea day with wildlife watching and northern lights
A sea day offers opportunities to watch for whales and seabirds, with attention focused on open water conditions and changing weather systems. At night there are very good chances to see the northern lights, depending on cloud cover and activity. The day also supports preparation for arrival in Iceland, with practical information shared on board about disembarkation procedures. Sightings can occur during the passage, so lookout remains active. This day closes the expedition phase between Greenland and Iceland.

Day 14: Akureyri disembarkation and optional charter bus to Reykjavík
You arrive in Akureyri and disembark. The package ends after breakfast on board. On request, you can book a charter bus transfer, approximately six hours, which must be reserved in advance. The destination is the bus stop at Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre in Austurbakki, Reykjavík. You then continue your onward travel independently.

Additional information on long hikes:
Long hikes are limited to groups of up to 24 passengers. They are accompanied by two armed expedition staff, and a Zodiac travels ahead along the shoreline to scout for polar bears. Participants should be willing and able to walk at least 15 km in semi rough terrain including shorelines, tundra, low hills and river crossings. Walks take about six hours including breaks, at a modest pace and without alpine terrain. Guests not joining the long hikes land in the morning at the start point and then sail to the end point for a second landing in the afternoon.

Included Spitsbergen - Northeast Greenland - Scoresby Sund

- 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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