HX Hurtigruten Expeditions Arctic Islands Discovery - Svalbard, Jan Mayen, Greenland & Iceland

15-day itinerary

Day 1: Longyearbyen arrival

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, the MS Spitsbergen, 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 3-5: Expedition days

Over the next three days, immerse yourself in the raw beauty of Northwest Spitsbergen National Park. This remote wilderness, with its towering mountains, immense glaciers, and stunning offshore islands, is home to a diverse array of Arctic wildlife. Keep an eye out for whales, seals, walruses, and reindeer – and if luck is on your side, you may even spot the elusive polar bear in its natural habitat.

Each day brings new adventures. Whether it’s a landing onshore or a kayaking excursion, your Captain and Expedition Team will determine the best sites and activities based on the conditions.

You may venture to the snowcapped peaks of Raudfjord, Hornsund, or Magdalenefjord to witness magnificent glaciers or visit Ny-Ålesund, the northernmost settlement on Earth and a key centre for climate research.

Day 6: Day at sea

Take a day to unwind as we cruise through Arctic waters toward Jan Mayen. Enjoy panoramic views from the deck, chat with fellow travellers in the Explorer Lounge & Bar, or soak in a hot tub while keeping an eye out for seabirds.

Enrich your journey with insightful lectures on local history, geology, or Arctic wildlife. For a deeper dive into the upcoming destinations, visit the Science Centre, where you can explore fascinating exhibits and even contribute to ongoing research by joining a Citizen Science project.

Day 7: Jan Mayen

Jan Mayen is one of the most isolated places on Earth, with no permanent residents and only a handful of visitors each year. If conditions allow, you’ll have the rare opportunity to set foot on this remote volcanic island.

The landscape here is otherworldly, covered in moss and lichen and dominated by the towering Beerenberg volcano – the world’s northernmost active volcano, last erupting in 1985.

While no land mammals inhabit the island, Jan Mayen is a designated Important Bird Area, home to thriving populations of Northern Fulmars, Brünnich’s Guillemots, and Little Auks. Keep an eye on the surrounding waters as well – you may spot whales and seals in this untouched Arctic ecosystem.

Day 8: Getting ready for Greenland

As the cruise journeys on towards Greenland, the onboard Expedition Team will take you through the AECO regulations to ensure that operations and landings are carried out safely and respectfully in the fragile environment in Greenland. Make sure you set aside time to attend these meetings if you wish to join the planned landings.

The team will also be on hand to prepare you for the experiences ahead. In the lecture hall, you’ll find out what to expect in the epic landscapes of East Greenland National Park and the incredible fjords at Scoresby Sund, whilst also gaining insights into the indigenous Arctic communities and beautiful wildlife habitats.

Day 9-12: Scoresby Sund and Northeast Greenland National Park Expedition

Over the coming days, you will be exploring the vast wilderness of Greenland’s vast and pristine east coast. Sailing calmly against the backdrop of looming mountains, crystal blue waters and glistening icebergs, you’ll be seeking out the elusive wildlife in the area, including whales and Greenlandic Gyrfalcons. With the Expedition team continually being guided by the ever-changing conditions, they’ll try to pack in as many landings, nature walks, kayaking trips, and wildlife sightings as possible.

You will also be visiting the most remotely inhabited community in the Western hemisphere, Ittoqqortoormiit. Depending on the conditions, you’ll be sailing towards the sea ice-edge to scan for wildlife. As ever, there are many Citizen Science projects for travellers to participate in, should they want to do their bit for the environment.

If conditions are considered to be suitable, the journey will continue north towards the wondrous Northeast Greenland National Park. Recognised officially as the world’s largest National Park, visiting this isolated region is a real privilege, with the area seeing very little visitors each year. Within this 375,000 square mile park, there are very few signs of human life. With the exception of a few military outposts and science research stations, this peaceful and serene park is one of the quietest places in the world. Take time to disconnect from everyday life and immerse yourself in the landscape’s sheer natural beauty.

Day 13: Another day at sea

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.

Day 14: 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 15: Reykjavik

Farewell to MS Spitsbergen – Welcome to Reykjavík

As your expedition comes to an end, bid a fond farewell to the MS Spitsbergen and arrive in the vibrant city of Reykjavík. With its fascinating museums, stylish galleries, diverse restaurants, and rejuvenating geothermal pools, Iceland’s capital offers plenty to explore.

MS Spitsbergen

Extended option is available, which includes extra days in Longyearbyen at the start of the expedition (17 days).