Hurtigruten Expeditions Circumnavigating Svalbard The Ultimate Expedition (2024)

13-day itinerary

Day 1: Exploring Oslo, Norway’s Fjord-side capital

Your exciting Arctic Expedition will commence in Norway’s cosmopolitan capital, Oslo.

There is so much to experience in this intriguing city: Museums, breathtaking architecture, and stunning Art galleries, with the city’s extensive history and culture making it a must-visit on your journey.

Before spending the night in your airport hotel, why not take a relaxing stroll in Ekebergparken sculpture park, explore modern Sorenga or even experience urban beach life while in this beautiful city.

Day 2: Explore colourful Longyearbyen

Following your trip to Oslo and the early morning flight to Longyearbyen, it’s time for you to explore the world’s northernmost town, a vibrant frontier settlement where people are outnumbered by snowmobiles.

Perfect for exploring on foot, Longyearbyen offers many opportunities to see the native wildlife, including Svalbard Reindeer’s who can regularly be seen sauntering round the stunning landscape.

As part of your expedition cruise, travellers will be given the chance to join an included excursion and catch a glimpse of the fascinating polar bear-inspired region at the top of the world. After experiencing everything this charming settlement has to offer, you will then be boarding your cruise ship in the afternoon and continuing on with your Arctic adventure.

Day 3-5: Experience the untouched Arctic wilderness

During the next three days, you’ll be exploring the natural beauty and wondrous ecosystem of the Northwest Spitsbergen National Park. In this deserted and tranquil wilderness, steep mountains, stark glaciers, and stunning offshore Islands’ make up most of this unique region’s landscape. Use these areas to look out for exciting wildlife, including seals, whales, walruses, and potentially even the elusive polar bear hunting for its next meal.

Get ready to explore; your Expedition Team will be on-hand to seize any opportunity to launch kayaks or to go ashore to hike or participate in a beach clean-up.

Day 6-8: Exploring the east

You will certainly feel the sheer rush of adventure as the Expedition continues its journey across the 80^th North parallel, towards the pristine wildness of northeast Svalbard – if the conditions permit.

There’s so much to experience. Whether you head to the titanic Brasvellbreen glacier to see waterfalls plunging into the icy depths below, or to Kvitoy to search for the elusive polar bear, immerse yourself in this wondrous exploration of one of the world’s most remote areas. The cruise may head south Freemansundet and Kapp Lee to take the small expedition boats Edgeoya or Barentsoya.

The Expedition Team will continually be guided by the conditions as they tend to fluctuate day-by-day. Bring out your inner explorer as you take part in thrilling landings, hikes and kayak trips.

As mentioned, if the conditions aren’t favourable enough to pass through the Hinlopen Strait, there is no need to worry. Alternatively, you’ll experience just as much adventure delving deeper into the wonders of Western Svalbard, with flexible routes through deep fjords and calving glaciers ensuring that you will be able to still seek out the remarkable Arctic wildlife.

Day 9-10: Hornsund and Bellsund

Sailing south towards the southernmost tip of Spitsbergen, you will enter one of Svalbard’s most stunning fjords, Hornsund. The sheer contrast between the vibrant vegetation and the looming mountains provides a breathtaking backdrop as you make your way along the idyllic waterway, with the decking onboard the MS Spitsbergen being an ideal vantage point to spot seals and whales, along with Mount Hornsundtind.

Then you’ll be heading to the snow-capped Bellsund. Home to large colonies of Auks, Arctic foxes and Svalbard reindeer to name but a few, take a moment to appreciate the breathtaking wildlife living on this remote terrain, whilst also keeping an eye out for the remnants of early mining settlements in the region.

Day 11: Breathtaking Isfjord

Isfjords abundant fjord system will be the next stop on MS Spitsbergen’s Svalbard circumnavigation.  Here, travellers will witness immense, glacier carved valleys teeming with thriving wildlife, vegetation and human history.

To the north, Alkehort is a home to a prospering ecosystem, with guillemots, Arctic foxes, and Svalbard reindeer being just some examples of animals native to the area. However, what will become apparent as you pass the beaches and bays of Alkehort is a reminder of the importance of preserving this delicate ecosystem, with traces of whaling and hunting being visible to onlookers. As the cruise heads further south, you will be passing the former Isfjord Radio satellite communication station, which has since been redeveloped into one of the world’s most poignantly placed hotels.

The interchangeable weather conditions will again be decisive in any activities taking place on this day, with the Expedition Team using their broad expertise to ensure the safety and comfort of all travellers.

Day 12: Longyearbyen return

Your unforgettable Arctic expedition will not come to an end as you return to Longyearbyen. Take time to reflect on this incredible experience, whilst holding on to your now extensive knowledge of the Arctic’s history, the region’s landscape and ecosystem, as well as the effect that climate change can have on areas of outstanding natural beauty such as this.

Discover more of what Longyearbyen before you head back to Olso, doing a spot of souvenir shopping to remember your experience by.

After taking a transfer which brings you back to Oslo in the evening, spend your final night relaxing in your airport hotel.

Day 13: Oslo concludes your expedition

After you finish Breakfast, it’s unfortunately time to say goodbye as your voyage comes to an end. Take advantage of the spectacular Oslo sights before your flight back home.

What’s included

Flights

• Return flights in economy class between Oslo and Longyearbyen

Transfers

• All transfers in Longyearbyen including an excursion before the expedition cruise

Hotel

• Overnights in Oslo before and after your expedition cruise, including dinner and breakfast

Expedition Cruise

• A stay in a cabin of your choice
• Breakfast, lunch and dinner including beverages* in restaurant Aune
• À la carte restaurant Lindstrøm included for suite guests (MS Fram only)
• Complimentary tea and coffee
• Complimentary Wi-Fi on board†
• Complimentary reusable water bottle
• English-speaking Expedition Team who organise and accompany activities on board and ashore
• Range of included activities

Onboard Activities

• In-depth lectures and discussions hosted by experts on the Expedition Team
• Full use of our Science Center, extensive library and advanced biological and geological equipment
• Citizen Science Programme where you can assist with ongoing scientific research
• Photography tips and techniques for capturing landscape and wildlife from our onboard professional photographer
• Use of ship’s hot tubs, panoramic sauna and gym
• Informal gatherings with the crew for daily briefings

Landing Activities

• Escorted landings with small expedition boats
• Loan of boots, trekking poles and all equipment for activities
• Complimentary wind- and water-resistant expedition jacket
• Expedition photographers on hand to assist you

Notes

• All planned activities are subject to weather and ice conditions
• Excursions and activities are subject to change
• Please make sure you meet all entry and boarding requirements
• No gratuities expected
• Depending on your individual flight times, additional overnights might be necessary (not included)

What’s not included

• International flights
• Additional overnight(s) if required due to international flight timings
• Travel insurance
• Luggage handling
• Optional shore excursions with our local partners
• Optional small-group activities with our Expedition Team

MS Fram

Ms Spitsbergen