Svalbard Explorer: Best of High Arctic Norway
Discover the shivery essence of the Arctic as you explore Spitsbergen and its outlying islands. Search for wildlife at every turn, and be prepared for close encounters with lumbering polar bears, noisy walruses and huge colonies of seabirds. This is the largest island in Svalbard and boasts an astonishing array of wild, natural landscapes. Hike flowering tundra at the base of the 14th of July Glacier, roam the rocky, cliff-lined shores of Alkefjellet or grab your snowshoes for an inland excursion to the abandoned whaling sites of Smeerenburg. Along the rugged western coast, be captivated by untouched fjords and discover the many enchanting shades of ice. This trip captures the icy spirit of the polar regions, giving you a unique perspective of the history and geology of this mystical place at the northern reaches of the world.
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10 days, from
$7,395
per person
GROUP SIZE
ACTIVITY LEVEL
Details
Countries Visited:
Finland
Norway
Accommodation: Hotel (1 night), Expedition cruise ship (8 nights)
Transportation: Expedition cruise ship , Zodiac
Included Meals:
- 9 breakfasts
- 7 lunches
- 8 dinners
Group size: Minimum 1, Max 138
Minimum Age: 8
Uncover the incredible landscape of Spitsbergen, from the quirky northernmost city of Longyearbyen and brilliantly blue glaciers like the ‘14th July Glacier’, to stunning fjords and towering mountains and cliffs
Experience the unique and memorable sensation of 24 hours of sunlight
Scour sheets of ice and hopefully be rewarded with unforgettable sightings of the ruler of the Arctic – the Polar Bear
With endless daylight there are also endless wildlife-viewing opportunities – elusive Arctic foxes, breaching whales, lounging masses of walruses, and enchanting seabirds dotted along the cliffs of Alkefjellet
Choose to get even closer to this amazing environment with optional activities like snowshoeing, hiking, and gliding along pristine waters between icebergs in a sea kayak
Itinerary
Day 1: Helsinki, Finland
Your arctic adventure begins in Helsinki, where you may arrive at any time today. Known for its extraordinary architecture, Helsinki is a great place to spend time, exploring the many museums, galleries and restaurants. Perhaps relax at a Finnish sauna or wander the vibrant Design District before retiring at your included hotel.
Day 2: Helsinki, Finland to Longyearbyen for embarkation
This morning, the group will transfer to the airport and board our private charter flight to Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen’s largest settlement. As your ship sets sail, enjoy your first view of the island’s rugged, glacier-topped mountains rising majestically from frigid waters.
Day 3-9: Exploring Spitsbergen
You’ll cruise around this magical island on a constant search for wildlife. Your expedition will cover western Spitsbergen as well as stunning fjords to the north. From polar flora to immense glaciers, the natural landscape here is just as varied as the wildlife.
Each expedition presents new opportunities and different weather and ice, so there is no fixed itinerary; however, some of the places we may visit include the 14th of July Glacier, Smeerenburg, Alkefjellet and the Hinlopen Strait. The destinations visited will be selected for optimum wildlife viewing with an appreciation of the history and geology of Spitsbergen.
The island offers multiple opportunities for wildlife photography. Since most of Svalbard’s Arctic ecosystem is uninhabited and well-protected, this remote archipelago is one of the world’s best places to spot polar bears against stunning natural backdrops of mountains and ice.
The towering cliffs of Alkefjellet provide homes to thousands of Brünnich’s guillemots (thick-billed murres). Coming across a walrus haul-out is a moment you won’t soon forget. Get a chance to witness the intimate gatherings of giant pinnipeds as they haul out together on small coastal strips.
If you’re itching to experience a more intimate view from the water, you can book the sea kayaking or paddling excursion adventure options.
In Spitsbergen, there is no shortage of natural beauty. The tundra can be surprisingly colorful in summer, with wildflowers bursting for a taste of sunshine. Each day, you’ll see something interesting, whether it is an ever- changing gallery of spectacular icebergs, a polar bear resting between hunts, or an abandoned historical site from centuries ago.
Day 10: Disembark in Longyearbyen and Fly to Helsinki
The time to say goodbye to your Expedition Team and shipmates has come. Your adventure ends as it began, in the historic frontier-style settlement of Longyearbyen after breakfast. From here, transfer to the airport for your return group charter flight to Helsinki. Your trip comes to an end on arrival at Helsinki airport