Arctic Highlights

Ortelius · Antarctica · 7 nights

Duration
7 nights
Embarkation
Longyearbyen
Disembarkation
Longyearbyen

About this route

Embark on an incredible Arctic adventure starting and ending in Longyearbyen. This expedition unveils the dramatic landscapes and unique wildlife of Svalbard, cruising through stunning fjords and making landings to explore historical sites and observe diverse bird colonies. The journey offers opportunities for wildlife spotting, including whales, seals, and polar bears, alongside hikes and visits to former mining towns and whaling stations. Experience the raw beauty of the polar wilderness while learning about its rich history and ecology.

Shore excursions

  • Strolling around Longyearbyen, visiting the parish church and Svalbard Museum
  • Hiking to the glacier in Wibebwika (approx. 16 km)
  • Hiking to Treskelodden via Treskelen to Adriabukta
  • Long hike to Kapp Lee (approx. 20 km) or Rosengbergdalen (approx. 17 km)
  • Walk to ivory gull breeding places in Agardhfjellet
  • Landing at Stellingfjellet to see Brünnich's guillemot colony
  • Exploring the rarely visited coast of South Spitsbergen at Isbukta
  • Visiting Ahlstrandhalvøya to see beluga skeletons and historical whaling sites
  • Tundra exploration for reindeer
  • Exploring rock slopes where little auks are breeding
  • Landing at Recherchelagoone and walking along the eastern shore of Recherchefjord, by Laegerneset (17th century whaling station)
  • Visiting Ingebrightsenbukta for zodiac trips
  • Hiking in Ingeborgefjellet
  • Walking along the coast to the west side of van Muydenbukta to see whale skeletons

Day-by-day plan

  1. Day 1: Embarkation – Longyearbyen

    Your Arctic journey begins in Longyearbyen, the administrative center of Spitsbergen. Enjoy strolling through this former mining town, visiting its parish church and the Svalbard Museum. In the early evening, the ship sails out of Isfjorden, offering a chance to spot your first minke whale. Later, sail to Trygghamna to see the remains of a 17th-century English whaling station and an 18th-century Pomor hunting station, both of which can be visited the next morning.

  2. Day 2: Hornsound – Spectacular Fjords and Wildlife

    Start the day cruising the quiet fjords of the spectacular Hornsund area in southern Spitsbergen, admiring towering mountain peaks. ' This region boasts magnificent glaciers and offers excellent chances for spotting seals and polar bears. The cliffs of Sofiekammen are home to thousands of nesting kittiwakes, and in the evening, you might see thousands of harp seals resting on ice floes at Sørkapp.

  3. Day 3: Storfjorden – Rosenbergladen Excursion

    After navigating the drift ice of Storfjorden, where harp seals are sometimes sighted, the ship lands in northwest Edgeøya at the northern bank of Rosendalriver. Here, a walk across the raised beach reveals a landscape teeming with grazing reindeer. Later, plan a walk by a cliff with nesting black guillemots on the way to Stretehamna, where an octagonal trapper's cabin from 1905 is often found. Discover remnants of a 19th-century Pomor house and walrus bones from past hunting centuries.

  4. Day 4: Diskobukta – Coastal Exploration

    Today focuses on coastal exploration and potential long hikes. Depending on conditions, a landing might be made at Blankoddden, near a large kittiwake colony in a beautiful canyon. This offers the chance for a long walk to Kapp Lee (around 20 km) or to the south side of Rosengbergdalen (about 17 km). These excursions provide excellent opportunities to observe the Arctic landscape and its resilient wildlife up close.

  5. Day 5: Agardhfjellet – Ivory Gull Habitats

    The vessel sails to the east side of west Spitsbergen, on the west side of Storfjorden. The main activity for the day is a walk to the breeding places of ivory gulls in Agardhfjellet, which stands approximately 300 meters high. The trail leading to these nesting outcrops is notably littered with fossils of belemnites and ammonites, offering a glimpse into the region's ancient past alongside its vibrant birdlife.

  6. Day 6: South Spitsbergen – Isbukta Landing

    Today's objective is to land at the mountain of Stellingfjellet, which is home to the largest colony of Brünnich's guillemots in Spitsbergen. Later in the day, the journey continues with landings on the rarely visited coast of South Spitsbergen, specifically at the bay of Isbukta. This offers a unique opportunity to explore remote Arctic environments and observe significant seabird populations.

  7. Day 7: Bell Sund – Flora, Fauna, and History

    The voyage continues in Bell Sund, one of Svalbard's largest fjord systems. The ocean currents here are slightly warmer, fostering relatively lush vegetation. The area provides excellent opportunities to explore both history and wildlife. A highlight is Ahlstrandhalvøya at the mouth of Van Keulenfjorden, where piles of beluga skeletons are a stark reminder of historical whaling.

  8. Day 8: Disembarkation – Longyearbyen

    Every adventure, no matter how grand, must eventually come to an end. You will disembark in Longyearbyen, taking home incredible memories of your Arctic expedition. This marks the conclusion of your voyage.

Upcoming departures

No departures scheduled for this route right now.

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