Crown of the Arctic
Svalbard, known as the `crown of Arctic Norway´, is a beautiful island forged by the extreme elements of the far north. The area is also a biological hot spot and home to a rich array of wildlife, with the mighty polar bear at the top of the food chain.
Longyearbyen and Barentsburg
The colourful settlements of Spitsbergen and Barentsburg are set on the edge of the vast Arctic wilderness. Our Svalbard cruise starts in the former mining hub of Longyearbyen, now a surprisingly active and vibrant frontier town, featuring the Svalbard Museum. Once underway, we´ll stop in the Russian settlement of Barentsburg, to visit the Pomor Museum (optional).
Crossing 80° N
The Spitsbergern cruise continues as we sail out of Isfjorden, the second-largest fjord in Svalbard, and north to Magdalenefjord and the North West Corner. We hope to make a tender boat landing here before heading towards Moffen, located above the 80th parallel and a popular home for walrus. We will try to reach this far north if wind and ice conditions allow.
Striking Fjords and Ny-Ålesund
North Spitsbergen offers a striking landscape, and we may spot a polar bear here hunting for seals. We will explore beautiful Lilliehöökfjord, and view the majestic Kongsbreen (King’s Glacier). We hope to call on Ny-Ålesund, one of the northernmost communities in the world. On our way back to Longyearbyen, we will sail through beautiful prominent fjords and deep glaciated valleys.