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Home » destinations » Arctic Ocean » Iceland & Svalbard » Hurtigruten Expeditions – Circumnavigating Svalbard: The Ultimate Expedition (2025)
14-day itinerary
Day 1: Arriving in Longyearbyen
Following your flight from Oslo, it’s now time for you to explore the world’s northernmost town, a vibrant frontier settlement where people are outnumbered by snowmobiles – Longyearbyen.
If you have time, be sure to explore more of what this unique town has to offer, before enjoying a relaxing evening at your leisure.
Day 2: Longyearbyen adventures
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. If you wish to explore Longyearbyen in more depth, optional pre-programme packages are available to purchase for travellers.
Day 3: Tranquil Ny-Alesund
On day three you will be discovering the peace and serenity of Ny-Alesund, whilst exploring neighbouring fjords such as Krossfjord and Kongsfjord. Take a day to detox from your phone and Wi-Fi as the Norwegian Authority’s nearby geodetic station means all devices must be switched off, so that there are no interferences with the station.
Standing as a hub for global science and climate research, travellers will be able to see the former remnant’s of the town’s history. Due to its geographical significance being one of the world’s northernmost settlements, Ny-Alesund was also formerly the starting point for Roald Amundsen’s northern expeditions.
Upon exploring the captivating fjords dotted around Ny-Alesund, immerse yourself in the rugged, glacial scenery of this remote town. The Expedition Team will be primed and ready to take you on an adventure; whether that be launching small expedition boats, going ashore to hike, or cruising past impressive glaciers.
Day 4-5: Northwest Spitsbergen National Park
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 6-7: Sailing to the edge of the polar ice cap
Depending on interchangeable weather conditions, the expedition will cruise north to explore the stunning ice edge. With the waters filled with ice floes and drifting pack ice, the transition zone between the ice cap and the sea creates an intriguing and mystical environment. Find a vantage spot back onboard and search for the teeming wildlife in the area. There are fantastic opportunities to witness animals such as seals and walruses lounging photogenically on the glistening ice caps. With the Expedition Team continually monitoring the conditions, you may have the chance to board one of the smaller expedition boats, getting up close and personal with the wonders surrounding the floating ice.
Due to the ice edge moving depending on the season, any landing will be an attempt and not a certainty. During the months where Summer progresses, the ice tends to retreat further back which may mean it is out of reach for the expedition. In this scenario, the tea will instead explore the captivating deep fjords, titanic glaciers and charming scenery along the Svalbard coast. Wildflowers appear in late July and into August, culminating in a blanket of colour which covers the rugged landscape.
Day 8-11: Exploring the east
You will certainly feel the sheer rush of adventure as the Expedition continues its journey across the 80th 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 12-13: 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 14: 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 Oslo, doing a spot of souvenir shopping to remember your experience by.
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