Svalbard in Spring: The Return of the Sun | With extended stay in Longyearbyen

Oslo - Longyearbyen

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250 Guests

11 Days

Step into a world of pristine snowscapes and glowing spring light on this immersive expedition cruise, beginning with an overnight stay in Oslo and two days exploring Longyearbyen, Svalbard’s lively capital. From here, you’ll set sail into the dramatic landscapes of western Svalbard—where snow-draped peaks, shimmering glaciers, and tranquil fjords await.

As the Arctic stirs from its winter slumber, wildlife begins to reappear across the icy wilderness. Keep your eyes peeled for walruses basking on ice, Svalbard reindeer foraging along the tundra, and Arctic foxes darting across the snow. Migratory birds such as Little Auks and Arctic Terns return in great numbers—and with a bit of luck, you may even glimpse the legendary polar bear.

Cruising beneath the ethereal glow of the Midnight Sun, you’ll venture through Northwest Spitsbergen National Park and visit the scientific outpost of Ny-Ålesund to learn about Arctic climate research. If conditions allow, we’ll attempt to sail beyond the 80th parallel north, where sea ice meets the sky and wildlife roams along the ice edge.

This is a concentrated Arctic experience—offering unforgettable encounters with raw nature, dramatic light, and the wild beauty of Svalbard as it comes alive in spring.

Activities

Hiking

Lectures

Polar Plunge

Sea Kayaking

Wildlife Watching

Zodiac Cruises

* Optional with additional cost

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.

Days 2-4

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 5

Hornsund

Day 6

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.