North Spitsbergen - Arctic Spring

Day 1: Arrive in Longyearbyen

After arriving in Longyearbyen, you may wish to visit the Svalbard Museum which has an interesting collection on the history of Spitsbergen, the mining industry and polar exploration In the evening we sail, setting course for Trygghamna where we will see the remains of a 17th century English whaling station.

Day 2: Visit Alkhornet

From Trygghamna we walk to Alkhornet a large seabird cliff, where the birds are prospecting their breeding places. Below the cliffs is a den of Arctic Fox, and Reindeer graze on the lush vegetation. In Forlandsundet we visit a haul out place of Walrus at Poolepynten if sea conditions allows, or at Sarstangen.

Day 3-4: Sail north towards Kongsfjorden and Krossfjorden

This morning the ship will head north for Kongsfjorden and Krossfjorden. The landscape is likely to show signs of winter, the crags and slopes still blanketed with snow. Here there are rich opportunities for snowshoeing – we provide the snowshoes – and visiting places of historic interest: Ny London, where you can see the remains of early 20th century marble mining, and Ny Ålesund, the northernmost community in the world.

There are also research stations and the famous anchor mast of the dirigible Norge, which took the first flight across the North Pole to Nome, Alaska in 1926. Krossfjorden offers views of colossal glaciers and lofty mountain peaks, but ultimately the extent of fjord ice dictates the itinerary here.

Day 5: Cutting south between West Spitsbergen and Prins Karls Forland

Cutting south between the main island of west Spitsbergen and Prins Karls Forland, you may encounter walruses at Poolepynten, a common haul-out site. You also have views of St. Johnsfjorden, near Gaffelbreen. The winter ice may not have loosened its grip on the water here, and seals (ringed and bearded) could be numerous in the area.

Day 6-7: Venture into Ymerbukta and go on shore near the cliff of Tempet

Re-enter Isfjorden today and venture into Ymerbukta, possibly embarking on a walk in this mountainous area. Here you will find an expansive tundra with its own avifauna (depending on when spring arrives) as well as spectacular geological formations along the coast. Further northeast, near Ekmanfjorden, there is a chance for another hike. Common to this area are myriad glaciers that terminate near or in the sea. In Gipsvika , you can go on shore near the cliff of Templet, a mountainous location of eroded sedimentary rock from the Upper Carboniferous period – around 290 million years ago.

Day 8: Disembark in Longyearbyen and transfer to the airport

The ship will arrive in Longyearbyen this morning where where you will disembark and transfer to the airport for your outbound flight.

• On-board accommodation
• Port taxes
• Transfers for passengers on group flights to/from Longyearbyen
• Activities/shore excursions as specified
• Lectures and presentations by expedition leaders and naturalist staff
• All meals during the voyage 

• International and internal airfares
• Arrival/departure taxes or reciprocity fees, visa fees where applicable
• Travel insurance
• Gratuities 
• Any items not mentioned as included