Spitsbergen Circumnavigation including Nordaustlandet

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Immerse yourself in the adventure of a unique cruise around Spitsbergen and Nordaustlandet aboard the MS Hondius. This journey promises remarkable encounters with Arctic wildlife, including majestic polar bears, curious walruses, and graceful belugas. Enjoy the impressive backdrop of glaciers and fjords as you explore the untouched nature of the polar region. The route offers flexible landings that may vary depending on weather and ice conditions to guarantee you the best possible experiences. Let yourself be enchanted by the beauty of the Arctic and experience an expedition that will remain in your memory for a long time.
 

Itinerary: Circumnavigation of Spitsbergen including Nordaustlandet

 
Day 1: The Largest City on the Largest Island
You land in Longyearbyen, the administrative center of Spitsbergen, located on the largest island of the Svalbard Archipelago. This charming town, once known as a mining town, offers a unique blend of history and nature. Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the streets and discover the fascinating attractions Longyearbyen has to offer. The parish church, a place of peace and reflection, invites you for a visit, while the Svalbard Museum with its interesting exhibitions provides a deep insight into the history and culture of the region. Despite the dense development of the settlement, nature is omnipresent, with more than a hundred plant species found in this area. In the early evening, as the sun slowly kisses the horizon, the ship sails out into the Isfjord. Here, in the calm waters, you have the opportunity to spot the majestic minke whales native to this region. An impressive start to your journey into the fascinating world of the far north.
 
Day 2 - 9: Circumnavigation of West Spitsbergen Clockwise
As you travel along the west coast heading north, you reach the Krossfjorden with great views of the glacier fronts. These impressive ice walls offer a panorama that reflects the pristine beauty of the Arctic landscape. In the afternoon, we visit Ny Ålesund, the northernmost settlement on earth. Once a mining village that also maintained the world's northernmost railway - you can still see its tracks - Ny Ålesund is now a research center. Near the settlement is a breeding ground for barnacle geese, pink-footed geese, and Arctic terns. Those interested in the history of Arctic exploration should view the anchor mast of the airships Norge (1926) and Italia (1928), used by the polar explorers Amundsen and Nobile. Depending on the weather, we sail into the Liefdefjord, land at the Texas Bar, and approach the 5-kilometer-long front of the rugged Monaco Glacier. The glacier's calving front is a favored foraging site for thousands of kittiwakes, and with pack ice in front of the calving front, polar bears find good hunting conditions. Another option is the mouth of the Wijdefjord with the tundra landscape and the glacier front of the Nordbreen on both sides. If ice conditions early in the season prevent entry here, an alternative route along the west coast of Spitsbergen can be taken. Sorgfjord, a reminder of hard times You may turn to the Sorgfjord, where French and Dutch ships (late 17th century) lie sunk deep beneath the water surface. Slightly west of the graves of the 17th-century whalers at Eolusneset, you have the chance to discover a herd of walruses. On a nature walk, you may encounter ptarmigan families here. The opposite side of the fjord at Heclahamna is also a beautiful area for a trip into a semi-desert. Stop at the Seven Islands The northernmost point of your journey could be north of Nordaustlandet, on Chermsideøya and Phippsøya in the Seven Islands. Here you reach 80° North, only 870 km (540 miles) from the geographical North Pole. In this region live polar bears and walruses. The ship sails eastward through the pack ice and traverses the area where the Italian captain Sora tried to rescue the Nobile expedition in 1928. Europe's largest ice cap We sail past Austfonna on Nordaustlandet to the east side and stop at Isisøya (a former nunatak surrounded by glaciers, now an island in the sea) for a Zodiac tour. Then we sail past Cape Mohn, which is part of Europe's largest ice cap and famous for its meltwater waterfalls. From there, we steer into the never-before-visited waters of Kong Karls Land, where we sail more than ½ km from the shore. It is a well-known area for polar bears. The many rewards of the Storfjorden We choose to sail upstream through Heleysundet between West Spitsbergen and Barentsøya when you arrive in a landscape with close glaciers such as the Negribreen. Later in the day, we may land at the mouth of the Skjolddalen valley on West Spitsbergen, four kilometers from an ivory gull colony. A landing at Diskobukta on Edgeøya, near a gorge with a large colony of kittiwakes, is also an option. Other landings such as Kvalhovden near mighty glacier fronts are also possible. The island of sharp mountains We start the day by exploring the side fjords of the Hornsund area in southern Spitsbergen. Particularly striking are the following tower-like massifs: Hornsundtind rises 1,431 meters, and Bautaen are perfect examples of why early Dutch explorers called this island Spitsbergen. It means 'sharp mountains'. In Hornsund there are 14 larger glaciers and opportunities to see seals, beluga whales, and polar bears. We may land in Samarinvaagen and Birgerbukta, where there are good opportunities for a long walk. Bell Sound flora, fauna, and moving history Today you are in Bell Sound, one of the largest fjord systems of Svalbard. The ocean currents make this region somewhat warmer than other areas of the archipelago, reflected in the relatively lush vegetation. Here there are excellent opportunities to enjoy both the history and wildlife. One option is Ahlstrandhalvøya at the mouth of the Van Keulenfjord, where beluga skeletons accumulate. These remains of 19th-century whaling are a haunting reminder of rampant exploitation. Fortunately, belugas were not threatened with extinction, so you have good chances of encountering a group of these animals. While cruising through the side fjords of Bellsund, you can scan the tundra for grazing reindeer or the cliffs on which the little auks nest near Vaarsolbukta.
 
Day 10: End of the Journey in Longyearbyen
Every adventure, no matter how grand, must come to an end sometime. The last day of our journey has arrived, and we bid farewell to the ship that accompanied us on this remarkable discovery tour. In Longyearbyen, the northernmost point of our journey, we set foot on solid ground again. With us are not just souvenirs and photos, but above all the memories of the impressive landscapes and unique experiences we gathered on this trip. These memories will accompany you wherever the next adventure takes place and they will always be a part of you no matter where the journey goes next. As we say goodbye to the crew and fellow travelers who have become friends, we know that the end of this journey is only the beginning of a new one.
 
Accommodation: On board the MS Hondius, you will experience extraordinary accommodation designed specifically for expedition travel. Choose from various cabin categories that offer comfort and amenities, including private showers, flat-screen TVs, and cozy seating areas. Each cabin is equipped with windows that provide impressive views of the surrounding Arctic landscape. Enjoy amenities such as Wi-Fi and tea and coffee-making facilities as you prepare for exciting adventures in the wilderness. Prices vary depending on the cabin type and occupancy, so there is a suitable option for every traveler.
 
Further Information: The possibility of a complete circumnavigation of Spitsbergen is 70%, based on experiences from previous trips. Should this not be possible, an alternative route through the Hinlopen Strait will be offered. The itinerary is intended as a guide only and can vary based on ice, weather, and wildlife observations. Landings are subject to permits and environmental considerations according to AECO regulations. The final schedule will be determined by the expedition leader, with flexibility being of the utmost importance in expedition travel.
 
Explore the impressive beauty of Spitsbergen on a remarkable expedition that offers you the opportunity to experience wildlife and stunning landscapes up close. Since spaces for this exclusive journey fill up quickly, we recommend you inquire promptly and secure your Arctic adventure!
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