Spitsbergen Arctic Adventure
spitsbergen arctic adventure
boutique cruise along stunning spitsbergen coast
This adventure voyage on MS Nordstjernen is the essential Spitsbergen experience. You spend two nights on land and the rest at sea sailing along the west coast of Spitsbergen. Explore the extraordinary Arctic landscape, glaciers, fjords and the magnificent arctic wildlife. If we are really lucky we might just see the King of the Arctic; the polar bear.
Spitsbergen is the crown of Arctic Norway; an island forged by wind, ocean, ice and snow. Its location creates a biological hot spot, where the frigid Arctic Ocean meets the warmer currents of the Gulf Stream.
Longyearbyen and Barentsburg
The fascinating settlements of Spitsbergen have their own distinct atmosphere. A common aspect is the rough and tumble pioneering spirit on which they were founded. This adventure starts in the Norwegian settlement often referred to as the capital of Svalbard. Here you’ll find all the amenities of a modern small town – situated in a fantastic Arctic landscape. The history of Longyearbyen is rich with a tradition of coal mining, and remnants from the early mining ventures can be seen everywhere. In the Russian settlement of Barentsburg, there will be opportunities to visit the Pomor Museum (optional) and see a lively folklore show. After this visit we will continue out of Isfjorden and head north along Prins Karls Forland.
Crossing 80° N
Moffen is a high latitude islet, located above the 80th parallel and is a popular home for walrus. We will try to reach this far north if wind and ice conditions allow.
Striking fjords and Ny-Ålesund
Woodfjorden and Liefdefjorden are large fjords in North Spitsbergen that offer a strikingly varied landscape – from large plains to remnants of extinct volcanoes and even the northernmost hot spring on earth. When we are cruising towards the Monaco glacier, we might get lucky and spot a polar bear searching for seals. Kongsfjorden is the largest fjord on the northwest coast of Spitsbergen. The landscape varies from large tundra plains to alpine peaks with dramatic glaciers tumbling into the ocean. At the end of the fjord, you will find the majestic Kongsbreen (King’s Glacier). At 78º 55’ N, Ny-Ålesund is one of the world’s northernmost year-round communities. Previously a coal mining community, Ny-Ålesund is now an advanced High Arctic research station. A number of countries run their own national research stations here, and there is a lot of activity in the summer. On our way back to Longyearbyen, we will visit the most prominent fjord system on Svalbard. Marvel at the large U-shaped valleys, carved out of the mountains by giant glaciers that covered the area ten thousand years ago.
The grand dame of Hurtigruten
Explore this extraordinary natural world from MS Nordstjernen, a ship that is rich in character with an aura of nostalgia. She was built for the Hurtigruten fleet in 1956, but has been extensively modernized. Her classic wooden interior fittings combined with the comfort on board creates an extraordinary atmosphere. Because MS Nordstjernen is a small vessel, she will take us to the less accessible pearls of these beautiful coastlines, making your voyage one-of-a-kind and truly unforgettable.
During the entire adventure, our programme of shore excursions will take you close to both Arctic wildlife and the cultural reminders of the early whaling era.
Tour Program
Spitsbergen arctic adventure
Day 1
Coal mining history and Arctic nature
Your adventure starts with an overnight stay in Longyearbyen. This Norwegian settlement is a unique little town. While the arctic environment is dominant, it is also a surprisingly cosmopolitan place, with art galleries, pubs, long wine lists at restaurants, stores and a mini-mall. Longyearbyen is often called an antidote to the stress of modern day life and is a prime destination for adventure travellers.
Reminders of the history and heritage of the island can be seen everywhere. When Coal Mine Number 1 was opened in the 1930’s, the miners survived in flimsy two-story barracks. When World War II ravaged Europe, the area of Svalbard known as Nybyen was set on fire. After the war, the miners moved back and rebuilt the barracks.
For your overnight, you may choose to stay in these barracks, which have now been completely renovated to offer our guests a high standard of comfort. The Coal Miners Cabins are situated about 2 kilometres from the town centre, a nice walk in beautiful surroundings.
Or, you may choose to stay in the Radisson Blu Polar Hotel, the world’s northernmost full-service hotel, located in the heart of Longyearbyen. From your table at Restaurant Nansen you can gaze out on the panoramic view towards the majestic peak of Hiorthfjellet and enjoy an excellent Arctic menu with a good selection of wines. The hotel was completed in March 1995.
Day 2
Discover two very different settlements
After breakfast, you are invited to a guided sightseeing tour in Longyearbyen that includes visits to the Svalbard Museum and Camp Barentz. This fantastic museum is really worth a visit, as it will provide you with a great deal of background information on all that you will come experience on your expedition. Then its time to embark on the adventure and MS Nordstjernen. We sail south in Isfjorden until we reach the Russian settlement Barentsburg. This “company coal mining town” has been Russian since 1932, and is still home to about 500 people. Here you can explore the exotic collection of old Russian artefacts and architecture, join a folklore show or soak up the real Russian atmosphere in the local pub.
Day 3
Chances of seeing polar bears
Locally known as the North West Corner, this area, rich with islands, fjords and beaches, has a long history of exploration. In Magdalenefjord you’ ll discover cultural heritage: a whaling station from the 16th century, including a graveyard of whalers who died during the first “oil gold rush”. We arrive in the morning, and will make our first landing to come ashore and explore this wonderful Arctic wilderness. In this beautiful fjord we might even see polar bears, minke whales and bearded seals.
Day 4
80° North
The North West Spitsbergen National Park is a rich environment, with islands, fjords and beaches, all with a long history of exploration. When Willhelm Barentz first sighted Svalbard in 1596, this was the land he first saw. The name he gave to this new terrain was ‘ Spitzbergen’ , reflecting the sharp and steep mountains in the area.
Look forward to exploring some of the most spectacular fjords of Northern Spitsbergen. Deep inside the giant Woodfjord system you will find the enormous and fast moving Monaco Glacier. In front of this crevassed glacier there is always brash ice as well as larger pieces that have “calved off”.
Sometimes we also visit the Jotunkjeldane thermal springs, the northernmost documented thermal springs on Earth. These large fjords offer a strikingly varied landscape – from the largest flat plain on Svalbard; Reinsdyrflya (the reindeer plain), to the red stone of Devonian geology, to remnants of volcanoes.
The day will be spent cruising towards the Monaco glacier, passing a number of small islets where eider ducks nest during the summer. If we are lucky, we may spot a polar bear searching for eggs here. Be on the lookout for the arched back of the occasional minke whale and bearded seals sunbathing on ice floes close to the glacier front.
If the ice conditions are favourable, we will sail past 80° North and towards Moffen, an island which is often host to walrus.
Day 5
Fjords, glaciers and reseach
Kongsfjorden is the largest fjord in the Northwest coast of Spitsbergen. It is also known as King’ s Bay. There is a very good chance that we will also cruise into a large side fjord called Krossfjorden. The landscape varies from large tundra plains to alpine peaks with dramatic glaciers tumbling into the ocean.
Be sure to sight for the mountain Mitra – named for a ‘ Mitre’ or a catholic bishop’ s hat – located on the northern shore of the entrance to Kongsfjorden. At the end of the fjord you will see the majestic Kongsbreen (King’ s Glacier) with the three characteristic nunataks: Nora, Dana and Svea – named after the three Scandinavian countries.
Later we dock at Ny-Ålesund. Situated at 78º 55’ N, this is one of the world’ s northernmost year-round communities. Previously a coal mining centre, it is now an advanced High Arctic research station. A number of countries run their own national research stations here, and the activity is particularly high in the summer.
Day 6
The Spitsbergen Adventure Voyage is over and it is time to say goodbye. An early morning transfer bus will take you to the airport for your flight.
included in this tour
- Hurtigruten Expedition in cabin grade of your choice on a full board basis
- Transfer airport to hotel in Longyearbyen
- One hotel night in Longyearbyen before the voyage including breakfast
- 3 hours Sightseeing in Longyearbyen incl. Museum and Camp Barentz, ending at the pier
- Transfer from ship to airport in Longyearbyen
- Landings with small boats and activities on board and ashore. All included
- Professional English-speaking Expedition team that gives lectures on shore as well as accompany landings and activities
- Free coffee and tea
Not included in this tour
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Luggage handling
- Optional Gratuities
