Spitsbergen Highlights in Brief Arctic by Quark

Day 1 — Arrive in Oslo, Norway

You will fly into Oslo, the vibrant capital of Norway. If you arrive early, you will be able to visit the museums, restaurants and green, heading back to your airport hotel in the evening for a good night’s sleep before your cruise (the one-night pre-cruise hotel stay is included in the package)

Day 2 — Embarkation Day in Longyearbyen, Svalbard

In the morning, you get a transfer with the group to the airport and board the private charter flight to Longyearbyen. The town is Spitsbergen’s largest settlement and you’ll have some time to explore before embarking. As your ship sets sail, you will enjoy stunning views of the Arctic archipelago’s mountainous landscape that serves as a backdrop for this iconic settlement.

Days 3 to 6 — Exploring Spitsbergen

The ship will sail along the magical white shores of Spitsbergen, constantly on the lookout for the planet’s largest terrestrial predator, the polar bear. On the way you will observe the regions natural wonders with ample opportunities to see immense glaciers, deep fjords, soaring mountains and unique flora and fauna.

You will sail north into Krossfjord. Have your camera at the ready as you will be able to capture some of the best glacier calving in Spitsbergen. Deep in the fjord, is the highly active Lilliehöök Glacier, listen in awe to the reverberating roar echoing through the fjord as huge chunks snap off, plunging into the icy water below. You will go an Zodiac excursion to the nearby Ny London, an abandoned mining settlement, which provides an ideal spot for a guided walk. You will encounter wildlife, like the indigenous Svalbard reindeer.

After sailing overnight, you will wake up to the stunning sight of the Monaco Glacier. To make this even more thrilling, help your Expedition Team to scan the shorelines and ice edge for marine mammals. Possible landing sites include Texas Bar, Worsleyneset and the Andoyane Islands (where polar bears have been known to roam). At 80°N, you’ll reach a walrus sanctuary on the tiny, crescent-shaped Moffen Island. Watching from the water as large groups of these lumbering giants jockey for space is an unforgettable experience, so be ready with your binoculars.

At Smeerenburg you can see the remains of an abandoned settlement that was established by Dutch whalers nearly 400 years ago. Here, at one of Europe’s most northerly outposts, you’ll have time to explore ashore and learn about Spitsbergen’s whaling history. Afterwards, cruising to Magdalenafjord rewards you with panoramic vistas of snow-capped mountains and massive glaciers reflected in the crystal-clear waters.

During your last full day of your arctic adventure, you may visit the Russian mining town of Barentsburg, home of the world’s northernmost brewery. We hope to round out the day in Alkehornet, taking in the towering cliffs teeming with nesting seabirds, such as fulmars and Brünnich’s guillemots (thick-billed murres). Encounters with reindeer might be possible here too. Later, in the evening, swap stories with your shipmates and crew one last time, at the captain’s dinner.

Day 7 — Disembark in Longyearbyen & fly to Oslo

The time to say goodbye has come. Your adventure ends as it began, in the frontier-style settlement of Longyearbyen. From here, we’ll transfer you to the airport for your return group charter flight to Oslo.