Hurtigruten Expeditions Iceland, Jan Mayen, Spitsbergen - Island hopping round the Arctic (Northbound)

14-day itinerary

Day 1: Discover Iceland’s modern capital city, Reykjavik

Located in southwestern Iceland, Reykjavik will be the first destination on your captivating expedition cruise.  A city which boasts a rich variety of cultural, historical, and artistic context, Reykjavik is a place worth immersing yourself in.

Take a scenic walk along Laugavegur wits its charming boutiques and outdoor shops, or drop in at the fascinating Reykjavik Art Museum – before boarding the MS Fram located in the city’s harbour. Upon your expedition cruise ship, take time to familiarise yourself with the excellent onboard facilities, and settle into one of the ship’s comfortable cabins.

Depending on how much time you have, there are pre-programme packages available to travellers who wish to experience the highlights of Reykjavik in greater depth.

Day 2: Gorgeous Grundarfjorour

The striking Kirkjufell mountain is certainly a must-see landmark while on your expedition, with this being one of the most recognisable attractions in Iceland. Rising two miles west of the small harbour of Grudarfjorour, a charming fishing town in Breiðafjörður bay, the mountain is home to panoramic views and unmissable sights.

Nearby lies Snæfellsnes Peninsula National Park, with the striking, ice-capped Snæfellsjökull volcano at the peninsula’s western tip. It’s nicknamed ‘Little Iceland’ for the array of landscapes.

Visit the unique black sand beach of Djúpalónssandur, or take a guided tour along the a titanic lava tube, marvelling in the enticing beauty of the region’s landscape.

Day 3: Scenic Isafjörður

Experience Westfjords’ stunning harbourside town as you continue your expedition. Surrounded by looming mountains on all sides, Isafjorour’s idyllic landscape provides an excellent gateway to the WestFjords’ region. There is a so much to see in this quaint town – take in the stunning architecture, purchase some of the local handicrafts, and even visit some of the oldest houses in Iceland.

You can learn more about the extensive maritime history of this intriguing port city in the Westfjord history museum, which was established all the way back in the 18^th century. Alternatively, take in some more of the stunning views Iceland has to offer and take a steep hike up the Naustahvilft, regarded by the locals as ‘The Troll’s Throne’.

Day 4: Akureyri and Goðafoss

Marvel at snowcapped peaks as your cruise journey’s on towards Iceland’s longest fjord – Eyjafjörður.  Along with the nearby Skjálfandi bay, this is one of Europe’s best areas to spot whales.

Referred to by some as Iceland’s ‘Northern Capital’, Akureyri is home to a modern oasis of a botanical garden as well as local restaurants and museums.

Looking further afield, experience the remarkable Godafoss waterfall, where sky-blue waves crash against the black rocks.  Being one of the few places to see the Mid-Atlantic ridge up close, Lake Mývatn’s active volcanic area is another place where travellers will get to witness geology burst into life.

Day 5: Crossing the Arctic Circle and visiting Husavik

Known for its whale-spotting opportunities, Husavik is charming, small town which will be the next stop on your cruise. Looking out over the Skjálfandi bay, passengers will be able to experience the utopia of captivating wildlife in the region. Scan for humpback and minke whales, white-beaked dolphins, harbour porpoises and even the occasional blue whale. Learn more about these rare creatures in the Husavik Whale Museum.

Regarded as the gateway to the north, experience Jökulsárgljúfur National Park, the waterfall of Dettiffos, and the horseshoe-shaped valley of Ásbyrgi, which according to Icelandic myth, was made by the eight-legged horse of Odin.

The dramatic Lake Myvatn lies further south. Sculpted by its volcanic past, Lake Myvatn is one of the only places on planet earth where there is such an array of active volcanic features and landscape evolution, with the ferocious eruptions of the 18th-century Mývatn fires and the Krafla fires of the late 1970s still leaving a distinguishable mark on the region.

Day 6: Relaxing day at sea

Take this opportunity to relax and reflect as the cruise journey’s on through the Arctic waters and towards Jan Mayen.

While on deck, keep a lookout for the elusive marine life on offer, whilst taking advantage of the onboard hot-tubs. Alternatively, listen to one of the interesting lectures from the onboard Expedition Team surrounding local history, geology, and Arctic wildlife, while Citizen Science projects are available for travellers to participate in.

Day 7: Volcanic Jan Mayen

Jan Mayen is a place of mystery and intrigue. A safe haven for a plethora of birdlife, your visit to Jan Mayen will be one of the few attempted landings to one of Earth’s most secluded places.

Being the world’s northernmost volcano and having its last eruption in 1985, Jan Mayen’s surreal moss-streaked landscape is dominated by the Beerenberg volcanic cone, displaying a constant reminder of its hazardous past.

The island is crucially significant in supporting birdlife, with large populations of Northern Fulmars, Brünnich’s Guillemots and Little Auks patrolling the skies above. There is also an abundance of marine life in the area, as whales and seals can be spotted in the nearby waters.

Day 8: Another day at sea

Take time to disconnect from the modern world as the cruise sails deeper into the Arctic towards the Svalbard archipelago. Immerse yourself in the peace and serenity of being at sea. Enjoy a workout in the onboard gym facilities, or kick back in the explorer lounge and bar with a refreshing drink.

As ever, gather more insights about the Arctic Islands by speaking to the Expedition Team, leaning on their wealth of knowledge to prepare yourself for the visit to Spitsbergen.

Day 9-13: Wondrous Spitsbergen

During the next five 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.

Sailing south towards the southernmost tip of Spitsbergen, you may visit 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. Alternatively, the team may take you to Ny Alesund, the world’s northernmost settlement and a significant climate research station.

As the expedition journeys towards the northwestern corner of Spitsbergen, you’ll cruise through Sørgattet, the southern entrance to Smeerenburgfjord. Absorb the region’s scenic views which are illuminated by the soft midnights sun, with a trip across the 80^th parallel north to discover the ever-changing ice age potentially being on the cards.

Day 14: Longyearbyen: A final day at the top of the world

Your island hopping expedition into the Arctic reaches its conclusion as you make it back 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 a transfer takes you home, doing a spot of souvenir shopping to remember your experience by.

Flights

• Flight in economy class from Longyearbyen to Oslo after your expedition cruise

Transfers

• Transfer from the ship to the airport in Longyearbyen

Expedition Cruise

• A stay in a cabin of your choice
• Daily breakfast, lunch and dinner
• Wine, beer and spirits available at meals and throughout the day and evening (subject to licensing laws, excludes premium drinks)
• All day coffee, tea and soft drinks
• Fine dining in restaurant Lindstrøm included for suite guests
• A complimentary water bottle to refill on board and take home
• A polar expedition jacket, a backpack, or another piece of HX kit
• Professional photos from your trip taken by our onboard photographer
• Complimentary Wi-Fi. Please note, streaming is not supported
• Use of sauna, hot tubs, fitness room, lounges and more
• Gratuities included. Fantastic service is standard at HX – though if you’d like to leave something extra, it’s always appreciated
• Range of included activities

Onboard Activities

• In-depth lectures and discussions hosted by experts on the Expedition Team
• Full access to the ship’s Science Centre
• Citizen Science Programme allows guests to assist with ongoing scientific research
• Professional onboard photographer gives tips and tricks for the best landscape and wildlife photos
• Informal gatherings with the crew for daily briefings

Landing Activities

• Escorted landing with small expedition boats
• Loan of boots, trekking poles and all equipment for activities
• 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
• Depending on your flight times, an additional overnight might be needed (not included)
• Mandatory Medical Screening Form to be completed by all passengers for Expeditions to Antarctica. See the help centre for more information.

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