Spitsbergen Circumnavigation including Nordaustlandet

Experience the Arctic nature of Svalbard up close, with its vast tundra landscapes, towering glaciers and diverse wildlife. This 10-day expedition takes you around Svalbard and to Nordaustlandet. With some luck, you may encounter polar bears, walruses, seals, beluga whales and a variety of seabirds along the way. The journey begins and ends in Longyearbyen, with opportunities to observe fjords, pack ice and remote coastal areas. On board the MS Ortelius, a vessel designed specifically for polar expeditions, you will enjoy comfortable accommodation and the guidance of an experienced expedition team.
 

Itinerary: Circumnavigation of Spitsbergen including Nordaustlandet

 
Day 1: Arrival in Longyearbye
Individual arrival in Longyearbyen, the administrative centre of Svalbard and one of the northernmost permanently inhabited settlements in the world. This former mining town blends Arctic history with modern research facilities. A walk through the town offers the chance to visit the church or the Svalbard Museum, which provides insights into the region’s natural and cultural history. Despite the compact settlement, the surrounding nature is ever-present; over one hundred plant species have been recorded in the area. In the evening, embarkation takes place. The ship departs the harbour and heads out into Isfjorden. With some luck, the first marine mammals, such as minke whales, may be sighted.

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Day 2 - 9: Circumnavigation of West Svalbard
The following days are dedicated to the flexible expedition programme. Routes, landings and activities depend on ice, weather and wildlife conditions.

West Coast of Svalbard
Sailing north along the west coast, you will reach Krossfjorden with its impressive glacier fronts. The steep ice cliffs offer a first impression of the Arctic landscape’s dynamics. In Ny-Ålesund, a small research station and former mining settlement, historical remains, including the remnants of the world’s northernmost railway, reflect its past. In the surrounding area, barnacle geese, pink-footed geese and Arctic terns breed. The mooring mast of the airships Norge and Italia commemorates early polar expeditions.

Liefdefjord and Monaco Glacier
Depending on conditions, the route may take you to Liefdefjord. A possible landing at Texas Bar allows a close approach to the broad calving front of the Monaco Glacier. Thousands of kittiwakes feed in the area, and polar bears are occasionally spotted. Alternatively, the expedition may proceed into Wijdefjorden, offering expansive tundra landscapes and glacier fronts.

Sorgfjord and Northern Islands
In Sorgfjord, historical remains and whalers’ graves recall early Arctic activity. Walruses are commonly seen near the coast. Walks traverse sparse tundra landscapes, home to species such as the Svalbard rock ptarmigan. If conditions permit, the ship may reach the Seven Islands (Sjuøyane), including Chermsideøya and Phippsøya. This region, near 80°N, is home to polar bears and walruses. The journey may continue through loose pack ice as conditions allow.

Nordaustlandet and Austfonna
Along the coast of Nordaustlandet, you will pass Austfonna, one of Europe’s largest ice caps. Zodiac trips are planned at Isisøya, if possible. Meltwater falls and calving ice cliffs shape the scenery. The waters around Kong Karls Land are also passed, maintaining prescribed distances from the protected areas. This region is an important habitat for polar bears.

Storfjorden and South Svalbard
The route may pass through Heleysundet between Barentsøya and Edgeøya. Here, large glaciers such as Negribreen calve into the sea. Potential landings include Skjolddalen, Diskobukta and Kvalhovden. In southern Svalbard, the Hornsund area features prominent peaks such as Hornsundtind. Numerous glaciers shape the landscape. Depending on conditions, there are opportunities for hikes and wildlife observation of seals, beluga whales and seabirds.

Bellsund
The expansive Bellsund fjord system benefits from a relatively mild microclimate, supporting diverse vegetation. Historical beluga whale skeletons from 19th-century whaling can be seen at Ahlstrandhalvøya. Reindeer are frequently observed in the tundra, and thick-billed murre colonies breed on nearby cliffs.
 
Day 10: Return to Longyearbyen
In the morning, the ship returns to Longyearbyen. After breakfast, disembarkation and individual departure.
 
Accommodation: The MS Ortelius is a modern expedition vessel designed for polar regions, combining functionality with comfortable amenities. Various cabin categories are available. Cabins feature private bathrooms with shower and WC, seating areas and storage space. Depending on the category, cabins have windows or portholes. Shared areas include the restaurant, lounges and lecture rooms. Wi-Fi is available on board, but – as is common in polar regions – access may be limited and dependent on satellite connection. Prices vary according to cabin category and occupancy.
 
Further Information: A full circumnavigation of Svalbard depends on ice and weather conditions and cannot be guaranteed. If a complete circumnavigation is not possible, the route will be adjusted, for example via Hinlopen Strait or alternative areas. The itinerary is for guidance only. Changes to the schedule, landings and activities may occur at any time, depending on ice, weather, safety considerations and wildlife. Landings are subject to official permits and compliance with AECO guidelines for the protection of the sensitive Arctic environment. The daily route is determined by the expedition team. A high degree of flexibility is an essential part of polar expedition travel.
 
This expedition offers the opportunity to experience Svalbard and Nordaustlandet in depth, with vast tundra landscapes, towering glaciers and diverse Arctic wildlife. The combination of natural exploration, flexible routing and expert guidance makes this journey a memorable Arctic experience. The expedition team is available to advise on any questions and support your travel planning.
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