HX Hurtigruten Expeditions - Iceland, Jan Mayen & Spitsbergen, Arctic Island Discovery from Glasgow

13-day itinerary

Day 1: Embark in Glasgow

Once a thriving industrial hub, Glasgow has transformed into a vibrant cultural destination, brimming with museums, galleries, and green spaces. Before your expedition cruise begins, take in the stunning Art Nouveau designs of Charles Rennie Mackintosh.

Your journey starts in Fairlie, a charming coastal village just outside Glasgow. Set along the shores of the Firth of Clyde with the North Ayrshire Hills as its backdrop, this region is renowned for its Viking heritage and picturesque seaside towns.

After boarding MS Spitsbergen, take time to explore the ship before meeting the Expedition Team – your expert guides for the voyage ahead. Then, enjoy your first onboard dinner as we set sail into adventure.

Day 2-3: At sea

As you journey towards Iceland, take this time to unwind and explore the amenities of our expedition ship.

Your Expedition Team will provide insights into visiting wildlife habitats and remote communities with care and respect. Join the onboard experts for an introduction to Iceland’s fascinating geology, learn about Atlantic seabirds, and discover the whale species we may encounter along the way. You can even participate in a Citizen Science project and contribute to global research.

Day 4: Heimaey’s Explosive Past

Heimaey, the only inhabited island in the Westman Islands off Iceland’s south coast, has a dramatic history. The island still bears the scars of a powerful volcanic eruption that nearly wiped it out.

Explore Eldheimar, a museum showcasing an excavated home frozen in time, and uncover the story of the eruption and its aftermath. For nature lovers, a hike to Stórhöfði offers the chance to spot puffins, with around eight million nesting here each summer. Don’t miss the climb up Mount Eldfell – its summit rewards you with breath-taking views of the town below.

Day 5: 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 6: 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 7: 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 8: 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 9:  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 10-12: Wondrous Spitsbergen

Explore 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 breath-taking 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 north-western 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 13: 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.

MS Spitsbergen