Svalbard in depth

Welcome to Oslo. You will be greeted by our dedicated staffs when you walk out the Arrival Hall at Oslo Airport. A group transfer will take you to the hotel in your pre-cruise package for rest.

The remainder of the day is yours to explore at leisure. You may wish to walk along the Aker Brygge waterfront, visit the Fram Museum to discover Norway’s proud polar heritage, or admire the sweeping architecture of the Oslo Opera House. Spend the night in Oslo and prepare for your journey north.

Our complimentary Air2Sea transfer will be available from Oslo Airport (OSL) from 12pm to 6pm on a 2-hour frequency (12pm, 2pm, 4pm, 6pm). Pre-reserved is required. Please leave some time between flight arrival and shuttle bus departure. If you will travel from other places or arrive earlier, your hotel room will be available for check-in starting from 3pm.

Hotel: Radisson Hotel & Conference Centre Oslo Airport

Early this morning, transfer to Oslo Airport for your charter flight to Longyearbyen, the gateway to Svalbard.

Perched at 78°N and nestled amid dramatic mountains and glacial valleys, this northernmost town in the world serves as the embarkation point for your voyage aboard the Seaventure.

Before boarding the ship, you might have the chance to explore the unique charm of this town, known as the “city of the midnight sun”. The renowned “Global Seed Vault” is also worthy a visit.

After a free time at the town, a transfer will take you directly to the pier to embark on the Seaventure in the late afternoon. After embarkation and a safety briefing, settle into your cabin and take in the first breathtaking views as the ship sails under the glow of the midnight sun.

Ny Ålesund serves as a key gateway to the Arctic. Many renowned explorers once began their expeditions to the North Pole from here. Today, it attracts researchers from around the world, and several countries have established Arctic research stations in the area. Do not miss the local museum and the famous post office, considered the northernmost post office in the world.

Today, you will also explore Krossfjord and Kongsfjord, where glaciers cascade down rugged mountains and calve into shimmering icebergs. During a Zodiac cruise, you may approach the magnificent ice front of Lilliehöök Glacier, hearing the thunderous sound of ice breaking into the sea. This region is rich in wildlife: seals resting along the shoreline, Arctic foxes moving among the rocks, and seabirds swirling above the steep cliffs.

The northwestern region of Svalbard features dramatic fjords and extensive sea ice, creating a truly immersive Arctic environment of glaciers, drifting ice, and the midnight sun. Aboard the Seaventure, one of the highest ice-class expedition vessels, we will venture deep into the high Arctic to observe humpback whales, seals, walruses, and—with luck—polar bears roaming across the sea ice.

Weather and ice conditions permitting, we will push further to undertake a more extreme Arctic ice-edge exploration beyond 80°N.

Sail through the Hinlopen Strait, exploring habitats of walruses and seabirds along the way. You’ll witness thousands of birds sweeping across the skies above the sea—a true visual feast and a remarkable day for wildlife observation.

Our itinerary will depend on weather, sea conditions, and guidance from the captain and expedition team. Highlights may include:

Alkefjellet (the “Cliff of Auks”)

Entering this area feels like stepping into a primeval world. Towering basalt cliffs rise from the fjord, sculpted by glaciers into extraordinary formations. Over 60K pairs of thick-billed murres nest here each summer, creating one of the most spectacular seabird colonies on Earth.

Torellneset

A classic haul-out site for walruses. Groups of these remarkable animals can often be seen resting on the beach or swimming just offshore. With glaciers and the vast Arctic wilderness as a backdrop, the encounter offers a deeply immersive polar experience.

The southeastern nature reserve of the Svalbard Archipelago includes Barentsøya, dominated by glacier-covered mountains and barren landscapes, and Edgeøya, characterized by gently rolling terrain with expansive tundra, wetlands, and shallow bays. Weather and sea conditions permitting, we will explore the area by Zodiacs, getting close to floating ice and the fronts of some glaciers. During early summer tundra hikes, you can enjoy the colorful Arctic flora and may encounter Arctic foxes, various seabirds, or lounging seals on Edgeøya, fully immersing yourself in the pristine charm of Arctic wildlife.

Arriving at the southwestern part of Spitsbergen National Park, you’ll encounter spectacular glaciers. Exploring by Zodiac, you can experience the grandeur and ever-changing colors of the icebergs up close, from deep blues to crystal-clear ice whites, with truly breathtaking sights. This area is a haven for seabirds and marine mammals, where Arctic terns, gulls, and other species rest on floating ice, offering a vibrant glimpse into the polar wildlife.

The coastline is dotted with fjords, and by July, melting snow and ice reveal calm waters that mirror snow-capped mountains, tundra, and cliffs, creating stunning photographic opportunities. Fjord hikes allow close encounters with Arctic tundra flowers and low vegetation, letting you fully appreciate the serene and enchanting beauty of the polar landscape.

This morning, the Seaventure arrives in Longyearbyen. After breakfast, take a moment to say farewell to your expedition team and fellow travelers. You will then transfer to the airport for your charter flight back to Copenhagen, bringing your unforgettable Svalbard expedition to a close.

The information of charter flight will be available in March 2026. We highly recommend staying an extra night in Oslo after the charter flight arrives.