1/4

Norway and Spitsbergen – The Route of Polar Pioneers

Tromsø - Skarsvåg (North Cape) - Bjørnøya - Svalbard

This short Arctic expedition is full of excitement! Stand on the northernmost point of Europe, step ashore on wild Bjørnøya andspend two and a half days exploring the beautifully rugged coastline and narrow fjords in the west of Spitsbergen. Excursionopportunities include hiking, kayaking and visiting a science station, and don´t forget there will be chances to spot the mighty polarbear.

Visit of the North Cape – the very northern tip of Europe

Northwest Spitsbergen: packed with history and wildlife

Chance of sighting polar bears

See the Midnight Sun in untouched Arctic wilderness

The itinerary

This is an expedition where the elements rule, and the weather, wind and ice conditions will determine our final schedule. Safety is paramount and the captain will decide the sailing itinerary during the voyage. Therefore, this itinerary is just an indication of what you can experience, and why every expedition with us is unique.

Travel period

21 July 2019Duration

7 days

+971 4 512 4047 OFFICE: Marina Plaza, Dubai - UAE

Departure 21 July 2019

Departs fromTromsø, Norway

City of Explorers and Hunters

Location: Tromsø, Norway

Our voyage begins, as so many great explorations have, in Tromsø.  It’s a city with many great attractions but it is also easy toescape from the metropolis if you seek wilderness. In a traditional wharf house from the 1830s, you’ll find the Polar Museumwhere you can learn more about Tromsø’s polar history.  The experience centre Polaria lies five minutes from the heart of thecity. Here you’ll find an Arctic aquarium, interesting knowledge-based exhibits, a panoramic cinema and a gi� and souvenirshop.  The city’s most recognisable landmark is the Arctic Cathedral, built in 1965, featuring a huge original stained-glassmosaic.

Take the Fjellheisen Cable Car to the top of the Fløyfjellet Mountain (420 m) and enjoy breathtaking views of the city,mountains and fjords.

The Northernmost Point in Europe

Location: Skarsvåg

A few hours before we arrive at Skarsvåg we will sail past the spectacular North Cape cli�, o�ering you a stunning view of thisfamous landmark. Skarsvåg is a small village that lies along the northern coast of the island of Magerøya, and it claims thedistinction of being the world's northernmost fishing village.

Join the optional excursion to the North Cape and get a feeling what it’s like to stand at the end of the Earth. There is acombined museum and restaurant at the plateau, where you can learn more about early expeditions and watch a panoramicfilm that takes you through the four seasons in this landscape full of contrasts, light and breathtaking scenery. 

DAY 1

DAY 2

DAY 3

Middle of the Arctic Ocean

Location: Bjørnøya

Bjørnøya, with a population of just nine persons, is the southernmost island of the Svalbard Archipelago. It is an isolated spotin the middle of the Arctic Ocean, known for hosting perhaps the largest concentration of sea birds in the NorthernHemisphere. This is where the cold waters from the Arctic Ocean meet warm Gulf Stream currents. When these water massescollide, nutrient-rich water is pushed up to the surface, making it an "all-you-can-eat" bu�et for 126 di�erent bird species. Ifconditions allow, we will land here.

Amazing Fjords with Fascinating History

Location: West Coast of Spitsbergen

Cruising northbound from Bjørnøya, the Captain and Expedition leader will make the best use of the conditions at hand.  Wemay cruise into Hornsund and explore the ice-filled fjord by small boats, or land to hike to a viewpoint overlooking theglacier.  The Expedition team will tell stories of the history of the area, including that of Wanny Woldstad, the first femaletrapper-hunter who lived here in the 1930s.

We o�en observe polar bears, although not every day and seldom at very close range. Like most things in a true wilderness,there are no absolute guarantees.  But the more eyes scouting through binoculars, the better our chances of observing theKing of the Arctic.

We might visit Kongsfjord, considered one of the most beautiful fjord areas in Spitsbergen, with mighty glaciers calvingicebergs into the sea, framed by stunning mountain formations. On the shore of Kongfjord is the former mining settlement ofNy-Ålesund, now an international centre for research, with a picturesque mix of old and new buildings

Last Landing and Isfjorden

Location: Longyearbyen/Oslo

Every great explorer's voyage comes to an end. Many guests report a subtle exhilaration in the a�erglow of this journey, partlyfrom the thrill of coming just a few hundred miles from the North Pole.

The final day, we will have a morning landing and sail into Isfjord, the most extensive fjord system on Svalbard, on our way toLongyearbyen. We arrive in Longyearbyen late in the evening and transport you to the airport for your night flight to Oslo.

DAY 4-5

DAY 6

DAY 7

End of the Expedition

Location: Oslo, Norway

We arrive in Oslo early in the morning. You can either fly back home, or spend some time to explore the Norwegian capitalbefore returning home

Arrival 27 July 2019

LocationOslo, Norway