Svalbard in Spring – The Return of the Sun
Oslo - Longyearbyen
Experience the Arctic as it comes to life beneath the Midnight Sun.
Be among the first to witness Svalbard emerge from winter on this early-season expedition from Oslo to Longyearbyen and the wild landscapes of western Svalbard. This compact yet powerful Arctic adventure explores a region still cloaked in pristine snow, where mighty glaciers, still-frozen fjords, and towering mountains reflect the golden light of the Midnight Sun.
As the ice begins to loosen its grip, Svalbard stirs with new life. Migratory birds such as Little Auks and Arctic Terns return to the cliffs, while reindeer and Arctic foxes begin to roam the tundra once again. Walruses and seals gather on the shores and ice floes—and if fortune favors us, we may even spot a polar bear near the ice edge.
Sailing through the majestic Northwest Spitsbergen National Park, you’ll also visit the research settlement of Ny-Ålesund, where climate science and Arctic history come together. If ice conditions allow, we’ll attempt to sail beyond the 80th parallel north, reaching into remote polar waters few ever see.
For those seeking a deeper immersion, an extended version of this voyage includes two extra days in Longyearbyen before embarkation, offering additional land-based adventures in Svalbard’s remarkable capital.
This is the Arctic at its most serene and stirring—an icy world on the brink of renewal, waiting to be discovered.
Activities
Hiking
Lectures
Polar Plunge
Wildlife Watching
Zodiac Cruises
Itinerary
Day 1
Oslo
Oslo is the capital of Norway and is also its largest city, situated at the head of Oslo Fjord and surrounded by hills and forests. Home to some 50 museums and full of galleries, cafés, a sculpture park and the Royal Palace, this vibrant city with its handsome 19th-century buildings and wide streets has much to offer. Its history dates back 1,000 years, and includes a rich seafaring heritage that ranges from the Viking era to Thor Heyerdahl’s Kon Tiki expedition. Discover more about this exciting city on our varied selection of excursions.
Day 2
Longyearbyen
Longyearbyen is the biggest settlement in Svalbard. Seat of the Norwegian administration, it also has the best services and infrastructure in the archipelago. Located deep in the Adventfjord, a sidearm of the Isfjorden (Icefjord), Longyearbyen’s airport can be used all-year round, but its harbor is blocked by ice in winter. Most shops, hotels, restaurants and a hospital are within easy walking distance of the port. One of the most prominent buildings in town is the UNIS center, where several Norwegian universities have joined forces to operate and offer the northernmost higher education to both Norwegian and international students. Adjacent to UNIS, and well worth a visit, is the Svalbard Museum, covering the natural history and exploitation of Svalbard. Remnants of the former mining activity can be seen all around Longyearbyen and even in town.
Day 3
Hornsund
Day 4
Bellsund
Bellsund is a 20km sound in Norway’s Svalbard archipelago. It is distinctly cut into two branches, the fjords Van Mijenfjorden and Van Keulenfjorden which together offer a stunning journey. You’ll be dwarfed by the high mountains which characterise the landscape along with rich wildlife that thrives in such diverse conditions.
Day 5
Magdalenefjord
Day 6
Amsterdam Island, Spitsbergen
Day 8
Ny-Ålesund
Day 8
Krossfjord
Day 9
Longyearbyen
Longyearbyen is the biggest settlement in Svalbard. Seat of the Norwegian administration, it also has the best services and infrastructure in the archipelago. Located deep in the Adventfjord, a sidearm of the Isfjorden (Icefjord), Longyearbyen’s airport can be used all-year round, but its harbor is blocked by ice in winter. Most shops, hotels, restaurants and a hospital are within easy walking distance of the port. One of the most prominent buildings in town is the UNIS center, where several Norwegian universities have joined forces to operate and offer the northernmost higher education to both Norwegian and international students. Adjacent to UNIS, and well worth a visit, is the Svalbard Museum, covering the natural history and exploitation of Svalbard. Remnants of the former mining activity can be seen all around Longyearbyen and even in town.
Map
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