Enquire
Our staff will respond to your query promptly and provide detailed information to your questions.
10 days - Multitude of landings on Spitsbergen with Hurtigruten
This expedition is one of a kind, with a multitude of landing sites and exciting experiences in the Arctic.
We will sail above 80º N, to take you to the ice edge of the Arctic Ocean. The adventure will include several excursions including hiking, kayaking and other activities on land and on the water.
In Norway we have a special kind of activity that we call; brevandring – this means to cross a glacier. Don’t mistake this for ice climbing. Brevandring is on relatively 'even ice', but on some occasions we may have to negotiate small crevasses. You can expect an exceptional experience 'on the ice'. Glaciers cover 60% of the landmass of Svalbard, so stepping out onto the ice is an almost obligatory part of your Svalbard experience.
Within the Svalbard archipelago, there are approximately 3,000 polar bears, and 2,500 humans. Polar bears are solitary animals with no established territory – they simply roam wherever they can expect to find food. As polar bears are marine mammals, we are more likely to see one close to the water or even in water, especially around drift ice, which they like to use as a platform. The more eyes scouting for polar bears through binoculars, the higher the chance of seeing a King of the Arctic in the flesh!
If you wish to join this expedition, you can choose between two ships. The original explorer ship, MS Fram, sails around Svalbard in June 2019, while Hurtigruten's new and intimate MS Spitsbergen sails in July 2019. The itinerary is the same for both, and you are in for an extraordinary experience no matter which ship you end up boarding.
03, 11 June (MS Fram), or 11 July 2019 (MS Spitsbergen).
Highlights include
- Circumnavigate Svalbard
- Try 'brevandring', the Norwegian way to cross a glacier
- Great chance of seeing polar bears
- Bask in the midnight sun and experience untouched Arctic wilderness
- Day 1
- Evening flight from Oslo to Longyearbyen
- Day 2
- Explore Longyearbyen and then board MS Fram or MS Spitsbergen
- Day 3
- Kongsfjorden
- Day 4
- Krossfjorden and Mitrahalvøya
- Day 5
- North West Corner of Spitsbergen
- Day 6
- Eastern Svalbard Nature Reserves and South Spitsbergen National Park
- Day 7
- Eastern Svalbard Nature Reserves and South Spitsbergen National Park
- Day 8
- Visit the southernmost tip of Spitsbergen
- Day 9
- The Isfjord
- Day 10
- Early transfer to airport and then flight back to Oslo
- Start/End Place
- Oslo, Norway tours
- Destinations Visited
- Norway tours
- Svalbard tours
- Duration
- 10 Days
- Group Size
- 100 - 276
- Suitability
- Easy
- Code
- HRPB03
Details
Transportation
M/S Spitsbergen
MS Spitsbergen is named after the crown jewel of Arctic Norway – the Svalbard archipelago and its biggest island, Spitsbergen. Hurtigruten has a long history of travelling to Spitsbergen, beginning in 1896 with the `Sports Route´. MS Spitsbergen cruises along the Norwegian coast from September to May, and becomes part of our global Explorer sailings during the rest of the year.
After complete reconstruction, MS Spitsbergen joined the Hurtigruten fleet in 2016. The ship features high technical standards as well as comfortable, modern public areas and cabins. The vessel´s fresh Scandinavian design reflects a colour palette derived from the sea. She is modern and environmentally progressive, and we plan further improvements that will reduce emissions and fuel consumption even more. The new ship’s maneuverability and optimal size make her quite suitable for exploring polar waters.
Included
- Hurtigruten Expedition with cabin grade of your choice on a full board basis
- Return economy flights between Longyearbyen and Oslo
- One hotel night in Longyearbyen before the voyage including breakfast and lunch
- All transfers in Longyearbyen including an excursion before the voyage
- Wind and water-resistant jacket
- Landings with small boats and activities on board and ashore
- Professional English-speaking Expedition team that gives lectures as well as accompanies landings and activities
- Free tea and coffee
Not Included
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Optional excursions and gratuities
- Luggage handling
Itinerary
Day 1 - Evening flight from Oslo to Longyearbyen
This Arctic Circumnavigation starts with an evening flight from Oslo. Norway's capital is often called 'the blue, the green and the city in between' because of its idyllic setting, nestled between fjord and forest. Spend a day checking out the museums, parks and intriguing architecture, or relax in one of the many cafés or bars.
Then, set foot in an entirely different world when you arrive in Longyearbyen after your flight. This tiny town perched on the edge of the Arctic wilderness is surprisingly cosmopolitan, with first-class facilities, charming architecture, an internationally renowned museum and several bars and restaurants.
Transfer to your hotel and overnight.
Day 2 - Explore Longyearbyen and then board MS Fram or MS Spitsbergen
After an overnight stay in one of our hotels, you can join an exciting excursion to get to know this unique town and the surrounding area. The mighty Arctic wilderness dominates life here, but the town maintains a lively cultural life in spite of its remote position. Longyearbyen is often called an antidote to modern-day life and serves as a prime destination for adventure travelers. Enjoy the singular atmosphere of this colourful frontier outpost before boarding your ship.
Meals
1 Breakfast1 Lunch
1 Dinner
Accommodation
Day 3 - Kongsfjorden
Kongsfjorden is considered to be one of the most beautiful fjord areas in Spitsbergen, with mighty glaciers calving icebergs into the sea, framed by characteristic mountain formations.
Meals
1 Breakfast1 Lunch
1 Dinner
Accommodation
Day 4 - Krossfjorden and Mitrahalvøya
As we sail northwest, we reach Krossfjorden and Mitrahalvøya, where you can see ruined buildings from the whaling period, beautiful alpine flora, bird cliffs and quite often Svalbard reindeer. Try crossing a glacier with our Expedition Team. On our way back, we visit the former mining settlement of Ny-Ålesund, now an international centre for research, with a picturesque mix of old and new buildings.
Meals
1 Breakfast1 Lunch
1 Dinner
Accommodation
Day 5 - North West Corner of Spitsbergen
The North West Corner of Spitsbergen offers the largest concentration of graves, blubber ovens and other cultural treasures from when we first started to inhabit Svalbard. Raudfjorden offers plenty of opportunities for great hikes. Hamiltonbukta is too shallow for our ship to navigate, but it’s perfect to explore by kayak. We will also see the enormous Monaco Glacier in Liefdefjord.
Meals
1 Breakfast1 Lunch
1 Dinner
Accommodation
Day 6 - Eastern Svalbard Nature Reserves and South Spitsbergen National Park
Eastern Svalbard also boasts the highest population of polar bears on the archipelago – we really hope that we’ll get the chance to see one on this journey! Today, we'll explore Sorgfjorden, which borders the North East Spitsbergen Nature Reserve, and was the location of a famous 17th-century battle between whalers. Enjoy the view from on deck as we pass the spectacular bird cliff of Alkefjellet, one of the largest of its kind.
Meals
1 Breakfast1 Lunch
1 Dinner
Accommodation
Day 7 - Eastern Svalbard Nature Reserves and South Spitsbergen National Park
Edgeøya is the third-largest island in the Svalbard archipelago. On its western shores, the landscape is largely un-glaciated, unlike most other places on the east side of Spitsbergen. Kapp Lee is a wonderful site where you will find cultural heritage from all eras of human exploration of Svalbard.
Meals
1 Breakfast1 Lunch
1 Dinner
Accommodation
Day 8 - Visit the southernmost tip of Spitsbergen
We continue to the southern cape and the southernmost tip of Spitsbergen, where Hornsund has large variations in its landscape and geology within short distances. Ice being pushed into the fjord early in the season attracts polar bears that hunt on the ice.
Meals
1 Breakfast1 Lunch
1 Dinner
Accommodation
Day 9 - The Isfjord
We will spend the day exploring the Isfjord, the most prominent fjord system on Svalbard. In the inner parts of Isfjorden, the landscape changes constantly. The immense U-shaped valleys, carved out of the mountains by the giant glaciers that covered the area some ten thousand years ago are home to large populations of the endemic Svalbard Reindeer. Later on we’ll find a scenic fjord arm and arrange a farewell barbecue in the most beautiful Arctic surroundings.
Meals
1 Breakfast1 Lunch
1 Dinner
Accommodation
Day 10 - Early transfer to airport and then flight back to Oslo
Every good explorer's voyage comes to an end. You will probably sense that time has passed faster than expected. Lingering is the subtle exhilaration of having spent time on top of the globe, just a few hundred miles from the Geographical North Pole. An early morning transfer takes you to the airport for your flight back to Oslo.
Meals
1 BreakfastAll prices listed are FROM prices per person. Note that Hurtigruten has a flexible pricing system and the early booking prices are capacity controlled.
24 Sep 2022
Important Information
- Planned landings will depend on weather and ice conditions.
- We reserve the right to change the scheduled program and itinerary.
- Medical questionnaire mandatory
- Free rubber boot rental service on board
Read more about Hurtigruten Explorer Expedition Staff and the Explorer Voyage Excursions.
Gallery
Interactive Tour Map
Enquire
If you want to commit to a booking please use the Book Tour form below.
Book Tour
Travel Insurance
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory for all tours with 50 Degrees North. Please ensure that you have this organised as we will need to see proof of this upon issuing your tour documentation. Please contact us for a quote or visit http://www.suresave.net.au/
Practical Information before your Hurtigruten MS Fram, MS Roald Amundsen & MS Spitsbergen Explorer Voyage
Practical Information before your Hurtigruten MS Fram, MS Roald Amundsen & MS Spitsbergen Explorer Voyage
Hurtigruten have been the original coastal voyage in Norway since 1893 and offer knowledge and expertise on voyages that frequently exceed our guests' expectations. Life aboard Hurtigruten has its own special rhythm.
From the deck or the observation lounge you can observe the breathtaking scenery while we silently glide through the water. For Nansen, Amundsen and Sverdrup, Fram was a vessel for world exploration - let MS Fram be the same for you. You can journey to some of the most ecologically fascinating and scenically diverse landscapes. Each of these spectacular adventures is a voyage of discovery; through pristine environments and in the meeting of people from different cultures.
Sea Sickness
Seasickness pills are available at the reception at a low cost. If you are prone to seasickness please bring pills you are familiar with. You may also buy a 'sea band' onboard.
Contact details and Communication
All cabins are equipped with a telephone. In order to call from the ship a card has to be purchased at the reception desk. To call the ship simply dial the number below. Phone : +47 51 40 64 40 E-mail: fram@hurtigruten.com
Depending on the carrier company with which you have subscribed, mobile phones will function in some areas. Check with your supplier for more details. Guests may use their own GSM telephones on board the ship at all times at an international price level. The price will vary depending on which mobile operator you use. If there is no local reception the MCP Satellite System may be available. Please check with your supplier for rates and to ascertain if your subscription is valid on this.
Cruise card
Cruise cards can be issued upon arrival on board as part of the check-in procedure in accordance with ISPS regulations. All our guests are requested to wear this card when disembarking in all ports of call and landingsas it serves as a control system on the gangway enabling us to know which of our guests are on board or ashore at any time. This card, in addition to being the key card for your cabin, is also to be activated as your payment card on board. The card is the only means of payment for the on board facilities. To activate the cruise card account Visa and MasterCard are accepted on board. Please note that when using your credit card on the ship your account will be debited in Norwegian kroner (NOK). The rate of exchange will be the one validated by your credit card company. Indicative rates are given on board but are not fixed. The evening before the cruise ends the account will be added up to be settled on board and a receipt brought to your cabin. We regret that there are no cash withdrawal or money exchange facilities on board.
Diets
Special diets, such as vegetarian must be ordered well before departure.
Disabled guests
The ship is suitable for wheel-chair users. Heavily disabled persons or those in need of special assistance must travel with a companion. Please note that the ships gangway must be used in order to embark/disembark wheelchairs. In ports where tidal conditions or other circumstances require use of portable gangway, or during landings with Polarcirkel Boats, there is no possibility to use/take wheelchairs. This means that in order to travel with MS Fram in Greenland, you need to get in and out of the Polarcirkel boat in order to participate in the voyage.
Drinks
The ships are licensed to sell drinks onboard. If you would like to drink water with your meal please advise staff. If you prefer bottled water there is a charge for this.
Electricity
220 V AC 2 pin, and a continental adaptor is required.
Fitness room/sauna
A fitness room and a sauna are available.
Internet access
There is limited Internet access, which may be purchased on board. Wireless access is only available on deck 4 - reception area - no connection from cabins/suites. Please note that the connection is a 512 MB line and both internet and telephones will be out of range from time to time due to the vessel's location. We kindly ask our guests not to use live streaming media while on internet like video calls via skype, Youtube etc , all share the same limited band width, and live streaming occupies large parts of the capacity.
Excursions
We offer a selection of excursions which can be pre-booked and only remaining places will be sold on board the ship. (Exception: Helicopter flight to the Icefjord. This excursion can only be booked on board). The staff will inform you of your options. Unfortunately, most excursions are not adapted for disabled persons. The excursions have to be booked well in advance due to deadlines on shore. Please consider which excursions you would like to participate in and note that registration is binding. The Expedition Team will inform you about deadlines when booking onboard. The excursions will have English speaking guides. German and Scandinavian cannot be guaranteed. The excursions are subject to cancellation depending on the number of participants and weather conditions.
Laundry
Laundry service is available on board for a small fee. No dry cleaning is possible.
Meals
Our spacious restaurant has an ocean view from every table. Our menu has a Scandinavian base with an international touch. On board we serve a buffet breakfast and buffet lunch. Dinner may be a buffet, a set meal or a barbeque as announced in the daily programme. Our head waiter will assign tables and your table number and meal times will be in your cabin upon arrival. Please provide information regarding special requests for seating arrangements to your sales office/travel agent. If you have special dietary requirements, like vegetarian, diabetic or celiac diet, please inform us as early as possible, and contact the head waiter when on board. The chefs will do their utmost to meet your dietary requirements.
Pharmacy/doctor
There is an English-speaking doctor and nurse on board. The ship has a small hospital with the necessary equipment and drugs to handle some emergencies. In serious emergencies the nearest hospital will be contacted. There is a charge for medical consultations as well as medicines. The price for a consultation is approximately 285 NOK. If you are taking medication remember to bring sufficient to last through any unforeseen delays. We also recommend that you keep your medication in your hand luggage, properly labelled and with clear instructions for its use. If you depend on vital drugs, please inform the ship's doctor. Illness on board can lead to quarantine and orders from the ship's doctor and captain must be followed. All guests must have travel/health insurance which includes the cost of repatriation.
Remember
Do not forget to bring your binoculars, swimming trunks, camera and/or a video camera. Take practical, warm and windproof clothing for going out on deck. Smart, but casual clothes are recommended on board. Good comfortable footwear is vital for excursions.
Shop
Souvenirs, knitwear, postcards, stamps and a small supply of toiletries are sold on board.
Smoking
Smoking is only permitted in designated areas on the outside decks. Please do not smoke in your cabin, if you choose to ignore this a fine will be levied. To show respect for the environment please use the provided ashtrays. Throwing cigarette ends overboard is strictly prohibited.
Safety regulations
For reasons of safety it may sometimes be necessary to keep cabin ventilators/port-holes obscured.
Tour leader
The on board Expedition Team is composed of an Expedition Leader, a Trip Coordinator and several lecturers. Your Expedition Leader will regularly update you on the progress of the trip as well as the different points of interest and wildlife sightings that might occur. Biographies of the Expedition Team can be found on the Information bulletin board located close to their information desk. At the expedition desk you will be able to find information regarding the trip and book optional excursions.
Valuables
There is a safe in reception. Hurtigruten accept no responsibility for valuables and money kept in cabins.
Weather and climate
The planned itinerary may change due to weather and local conditions. Hurtigruten reserves the right to make changes due to this.
Hurtigruten has learned that many of our guests wish to give a special thanks to our service crew on board. It is at your discretion if you wish to reward service by the crew in bars, restaurant and cabins. As a guideline we recommend 50 NOK (approx 6 Euro, 8 USD) per passenger per day as an average gratuity. Whatever amount you have decided to give, please fill in the form you will find in your cabin and give it to the purser two nights before the end of the cruise. The amount will then be debited to your cruise account.
Itinerary Changes
Weather, wind and other operational conditions will determine our programme and our schedule. Safety is always the priority and the ship's Captain will decide the final itinerary during the voyage, therefore every voyage is unique and all published routes are only indicative. Every day the expedition team prints and distributes a daily programme with a list of port calls, landings, lectures, meals and activities on board. As this is an Explorer voyage it will be your Expedition Leader and Captain who decide the final route, depending on factors such as weather (temperatures, rain, wind) and other unforeseeable events, and we cannot guarantee a specific route or landing. All our published plans are subject to change.
Weather conditions can also make any landings with Polarcirkel boats more difficult or sometimes impossible. Remember that unforeseen twists often turn out to be the highlight of a trip. We invite you to be open to unexpected experiences, and flexibility is important on our Explorer cruises. We are also subject to written and unwritten laws like assisting vessels or people in need. Such situations are subject to natural laws and therefore are not within our liability.