Svalbard

Expedition Cruises to Svalbard with Hurtigruten Expeditions

Set in the High Arctic a few hundred miles from the North Pole, the archipelago of Svalbard is a silent wilderness of jaw-dropping beauty. This is a realm of pristine fjords and jagged mountain peaks where polar bears are known to roam. Sailing on an expedition cruise here in summer increases your chances of possibly spotting polar bears along the shores or across the ice. Free from winter’s snow, the tundra should also be painted with patches of colourful arctic flora.

Our long experience of sailing here since 1896 means we know these waters well, from the must-see highlights to the lesser-known gems. You’ll be accompanied by our expert Expedition Team, there to guide you through the in-depth history and behind-the-scenes science of what makes Svalbard such a fascinating place.

Travel Guide to Svalbard

Photo: Getty Images, Andrea Klaussner and Preben Boch

Reasons to Cruise to Svalbard

Set in the High Arctic a few hundred miles from the North Pole, the archipelago of Svalbard is a silent wilderness of jaw-dropping beauty. This is a realm of pristine fjords and jagged mountain peaks where polar bears are known to roam. Sailing on an expedition cruise here in summer increases your chances of possibly spotting polar bears along the shores or across the ice. Free from winter’s snow, the tundra should also be painted with patches of colourful arctic flora.
Our long experience of sailing here since 1896 means we know these waters well, from the must-see highlights to the lesser-known gems. You’ll be accompanied by our expert Expedition Team, there to guide you through the in-depth history and behind-the-scenes science of what makesSvalbard such a fascinating place.

Reasons to Cruise to Svalbard

Set in the High Arctic a few hundred miles from the North Pole, the archipelago of Svalbard is a silent wilderness of jaw-dropping beauty. This is a realm of pristine fjords and jagged mountain peaks where polar bears are known to roam. Sailing on an expedition cruise here in summer increases your chances of possibly spotting polar bears along the shores or across the ice. Free from winter’s snow, the tundra should also be painted with patches of colourful arctic flora.
Our long experience of sailing here since 1896 means we know these waters well, from the must-see highlights to the lesser-known gems. You’ll be accompanied by our expert Expedition Team, there to guide you through the in-depth history and behind-the-scenes science of what makesSvalbard such a fascinating place.

High Arctic archipelago

Set a few hundred miles from the North Pole, the islands of Svalbard are a silent wilderness of pristine fjords and jagged mountains. Sailing on an expedition cruise here in summer increases your chances of maybe spotting polar bears along the shores. Free from winter’s snow, the tundra should also be painted with patches of colourful arctic flora.
You can circumnavigate the entire archipelago on an epic 12-day expedition or choose from itineraries focusing on the largest island of Spitsbergen as well as sailings over a long weekend. Some of our Svalbard expeditions also include days exploring Iceland and the island of Jan Mayen.

Summer in Svalbard

Made up of the Old Norse words svalr meaning "cold" and barð meaning "edge”, Svalbard lives up to its name in the winter. Summer, however, hasthe last branch of the Gulf Stream warming its shores, bestowing the islands with average temperatures of around 5-7°C, which is relatively warm compared to their latitude.
This sunshine season stretches from mid-February until the end of October. Days grow gradually longer until they peak from mid-April through to late August with 24-hour daylight. During this time, Svalbard becomes the domain of the Midnight Sun phenomenon where the sun never sets, even at midnight.

Wild wonders

Nearly two-thirds of Svalbard’s land surface is protected as nature reserves, national parks,and bird sanctuaries. Svalbard reindeer and Arctic fox roam the valleys and tundra, while walrus and whales inhabit the seas. Polar bears prowl the shores on the hunt for bearded, harbour, and ringed seals.
Thanks to the Gulf Stream, come summertime, the west coast of Spitsbergen is the northernmost ice-free area in the world, attracting flocks of migratory birds. These are among the largest nesting sites in the North Atlantic, showcasing some 30 different species including gulls and kittiwakes, Brünnich’s Guillemots, Pink-footed Geese, Little Auks, King Eider and Atlantic Puffins.

Enter the fjords

Svalbard’s coastline features some of the world’s most dramatic fjords. Admire the reflection of snow-capped mountains mirrored on Magdalenefjord’s glassy surface. Enjoy Isfjord’s immense U-shaped valleysrich in wildlife and flora. Hornsund and Bellsund astound equally with frosted mountains, glaciers, and striking geological features.

On the Arctic frontier

Longyearbyen is the largest town in Svalbard with around 2,000 residents. It boasts coffee shops, bars, restaurants, and there’s even a chocolate factory, Thai supermarket, and micro-brewery. Most who live here work in hotels and outdoor adventure companies but there are scientists and engineers as well, associated with various projects such as the nearby Global Seed Vault.
Further south along Isfjord is Barentsburg, a Russian coal mining town with less than 500 hardy souls. Ny-Ålesund also began with coal mining but is now a research station for a team of international scientists. It is also the world’s northernmost settlement and was the starting point for a few historic North Pole attempts.
All along the coast, including Spitsbergen’s North West Corner, you’ll find signs of Svalbard’s first explorers such as graves, whale blubber ovens, and Russian Pomor trapper cabins.

Cruises

Activities in Svalbard

The High Arctic archipelago is a remote, rugged, and untouched wilderness ideal for adventure. The warmer summer months bring long days under the Midnight Sun, giving you plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities and for admiring the stunning scenery.

* Please note that these are optional activities; an additional cost may apply.

Activities in Svalbard

A group of people riding skis on a snowy mountain

Activities

Landings

Whenever weather and sea conditions allow, we’ll attempt landings via our expedition boats. Sites might include isolated settlements or a scenic beach with cultural artefacts from Svalbard’s early explorers. Once ashore, the Expedition Team will guide you on where to go and what to see.

Activities

Hiking*

Join the Expedition Team on guided tours and hikes handpicked by them based on their deep and extensive knowledge of Svalbard. Safe in their capable hands, you’ll see spectacular fjords, mountains and glaciers at a time when the Midnight Sun is in the sky and Arctic flowers are in bloom.

A group of people standing next to a dog

Activities

Wildlife Watching

Svalbard is a unique habitat for birdlife and mammals, including Arctic fox, Svalbard reindeer, and then polar bears at the top of the food chain. Our Expedition Team will guide you on how you can observe the wildlife you might encounter with the least amount of impact on their fragile ecosystem. Our guides are equipped with rifles and signal guns to ward off any animals that get too close and to ensure everyone’s safety.

A vase of flowers sitting on top of a snow covered mountain

Activities

Lectures

Featuring guest lecturers and scientists, our Expedition Team will enhance your knowledge of Svalbard with specialist lectures. Topics may include Svalbard’s flora and fauna, climate, cultural artefacts, geology, and exploration history. Informal talks and impromptu guiding may also take place out on deck or ashore.

Activities

Polar Plunge

For the brave and bold, there is an option to dive into the Arctic Ocean at the end of one of the landings. A plunge into the icy-cold water for a few seconds will undoubtedly get your blood pumping. Only a few guests on each expedition ever take up the challenge. Will you?

Activities

Science Center

During your expedition, you’ll have access to the ship’s Science Center, a treasure trove of information on Svalbard and other destinations. There are advanced microscopes and other science equipment available. You can also get involved in various Citizen Science projects that ask you to document wildlife you see or make specific observations of the environment.

Activities

Kayaking*

If the weather and ice conditions allow, kayaking is a great way to get close to Arctic nature. Enjoy the feeling of gliding through the water in serene silence while admiring the sight of glaciers and mountains dappled in summer’s grass and flowers.

A person in a body of water with a mountain in the background

Activities

Photography programme

As part of your expedition cruise experience, you’ll be accompanied by a professional onboard photographer. They’ll be on hand with advice on how to get the most out of the many incredible photo opportunities on your Svalbard adventure, whatever your equipment and skill level.

Animals of the High Arctic

Sitting less than 600 nautical miles from the Geographical North Pole, Svalbard is an archipelago of mostly ice and rock. Even so, it’s far from a barren wasteland. With polar bears hunting seals on the ice floes and dozens of bird species breeding on the sea cliffs, Svalbard boasts a diverse ecosystem.

Animals of the High Arctic

Braving the tundra

As indicated by its name, the Svalbard reindeer is endemic to Svalbard. It’s the only reindeer subspecies to be found on the archipelago, with herds present in the unglaciated tundra of almost every island. They’re easily identified by their majestic antlers, and during much of the summer, you can see these antlers in different stages of growth.

The Arctic fox can also be found all across Svalbard. It has thick white fur throughout the winter, but in summer, look out for a shorter coat of brown or grey fur. This darker coat matches the rocks and plants of the summer tundra, providing camouflage when there’s less snowfall.

A flock of birds sitting on top of a rock

Arctic avians

Svalbard truly is a haven for birds, providing prime annual breeding spots for 41 species of seabird. Keep an eye out for Black Guillemots and Common Eiders drifting across the calm water of the fjords, and Brünnich's Guillemots breeding on the steep sea cliffs.

Listen out for the squawk of the Glaucous gulls and the chirping of a flock of Little Auks. With an average length of 20 centimetres, this is the smallest auk species, and it can be found nesting almost everywhere in Svalbard.

Aquatic acrobats

The cold waters of Svalbard are home to several whale species. Beluga and minke whales are most common, but humpback and fin whales are also regularly seen. These immense sea mammals are surprisingly agile, sometimes throwing their entire bodies out of the water in an impressive acrobatic display.

You might even encounter the mighty blue whale, the largest animal that has ever lived on Earth. This ocean giant can blow up to 10 metres into the air through its blowhole, and it emits the loudest and deepest sound of any creature.

Pinniped paradise

Swimming in the waters of Svalbard are walruses and many species of true seal. These remarkable marine mammals are well adapted to life in the icy water. A thick layer of blubber insulates them from the cold, their nostrils close up while they dive, and they can even eat underwater! You might see bearded seals in a shallow bay, or shy ringed seals hauled out on the ice.

King of the Arctic

The polar bear is an iconic symbol of the North Pole. These solitary bears tower over adult humans, standing at a height of up to 10 feet (about 3 metres). With brilliant white fur that reflects the sunlight, they’re certainly an unforgettable sight. From a safe distance, you might catch a glimpse of one of these rare apex predators stalking a seal beside a glacier or swimming from one ice floe to another.

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Price from £ 4056

Svalbard

Svalbard

Expedition Cruises to Svalbard with Hurtigruten Expeditions

Reasons to Cruise to Svalbard

Reasons to Cruise to Svalbard

High Arctic archipelago

Summer in Svalbard

Wild wonders

Enter the fjords

On the Arctic frontier

Cruises

Activities in Svalbard

Activities in Svalbard

Landings

Hiking*

Wildlife Watching

Lectures

Polar Plunge

Science Center

Kayaking*

Photography programme

Animals of the High Arctic

Animals of the High Arctic

Braving the tundra

Arctic avians

Aquatic acrobats

Pinniped paradise

King of the Arctic

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