Svalbard: Realm of the Polar Bear

Arrive in Longyearbyen and board your vessel to begin your circumnavigation of Spitsbergen.

Sail north along the west coast to Krossfjorden, where glacier fronts dominate the landscape. In the afternoon, visit Ny Ålesund, the northernmost settlement on Earth, now a research centre with remnants of its mining past. Nearby, spot barnacle geese, pink-footed geese, and Arctic terns. History enthusiasts can see the anchoring mast used by Arctic explorers Amundsen and Nobile.

Sail into Liefdefjorden, land at Texas Bar, and cruise past the towering Monaco Glacier, a feeding ground for kittiwakes and a prime polar bear hunting area. Alternatively, explore Wijdefjorden’s tundra landscape and Nordbreen Glacier. If ice conditions are challenging, an alternate west coast route may be taken.

Reach 80° north at Chermsideøya and Phippsøya in the Seven Islands, just 870 km from the North Pole, where polar bears roam the pack ice. If ice conditions allow (mostly in August), spend an extra day here. Alternatively (mostly in July), explore Sorgfjord, home to walruses near historic whaler graves, and spot ptarmigans on a nature walk. Heclahamna offers another stunning excursion option.

Sail into Hinlopen Strait, home to seals, polar bears, and possibly blue whales. Cruise among Lomfjord’s ice floes before viewing Alkefjellet’s towering bird cliffs teeming with Brünnich’s guillemots. Land in Palanderbukta to spot reindeer, geese, and walruses, or explore Torrelneset’s polar desert near the world’s third-largest ice cap, where walruses may be seen along the raised beaches. If ice blocks entry, an alternate west Spitsbergen route may be taken.

Sail through Freemansundet, stopping at Sundneset on Barentsøya to see Würzburgerhytta and waterfowl-filled lakes. Later, land near Skjolddalen Valley on West Spitsbergen, close to an Ivory Gull colony. Options include Diskobukta on Edgeøya, near a canyon with a large Kittiwake colony, or Kvalhovden, where towering glacier fronts dominate the landscape.

You start the day by cruising the side fjords of the Hornsund area of southern Spitsbergen, taking in the spire-like peaks: Hornsundtind rises 1,431 meters (4,695 feet), and Bautaen is a perfect illustration of why early Dutch explorers named this island Spitsbergen, meaning “pointed mountains.” There are 14 sizable glaciers in this area as well as opportunities for spotting seals, beluga whales, and polar bears. We may land in Samarinvaagen and Birgerbukta, where we have great opportunities for a long walk.

Today you find yourself in Bellsund, one of the largest fjord systems in Svalbard. The ocean currents make this area slightly warmer than other areas in the archipelago, which shows in the relatively lush vegetation. Here there are excellent opportunities to enjoy both history and wildlife. A possibility is Ahlstrandhalvøya, at the mouth of Van Keulenfjorden, where piles of beluga skeletons can be found. These remains of 19th-century whale slaughter are a haunting reminder of the consequences of rampant exploitation. Fortunately, belugas were not hunted into extinction, and you have a good chance of coming across a pod. Alternately, while cruising the side fjords of Bellsund, you can explore tundra where reindeer like to feed as well as rock slopes where little auks are breeding, near Vaarsolbukta.

Cruise back to Longyearbyen and enjoy your final night aboard the ship

Disembark in Longyearbyen, carrying unforgettable memories of your Arctic adventure as you set off on your next journey