Spitsbergen – Northeast Greenland

Arrive in Longyearbyen, Norway, the administrative capital of Spitsbergen, the largest island of the Svalbard archipelago. Enjoy strolling through this former mining town, whose parish church and Svalbard Museum are well worth visiting. Though the countryside appears stark, more than a hundred species of plants have been recorded in it. In the early evening the ship will sail out of Isfjorden and possibly spot the first minke whale of the voyage.

Sail into Raudfjorden on the north coast of West Spitsbergen, take in an expansive fjord spilling with glaciers, sometimes visited by ringed and bearded seals. The cliffs and shoreline of this fjord also support thriving seabird colonies, rich vegetation and the possibility of polar bears.

You may eventually see the jagged edge of the east Greenland sea ice flashing into sight ahead, depending on conditions. Keep watch for whales and migrating seabirds.

As you approach Greenland, you may sail through the sea ice into Foster Bay and land at Myggebugten. Beyond the old hunters’ hut (where Norwegian trappers hunted here for polar bear and arctic fox in the first half of the 20th century) there is a sprawling tundra populated by musk oxen, with geese floating the small lakes. Sail through Kaiser Franz Josef Fjord, surrounded by towering mountains and bright interior icebergs. An alternate route is Sofia Sound, a narrower waterway.

For those who choose to attend, you have your first long walk (6-7 hours) of the voyage today. Start at Myggbukta station and head into Badlanddal, then turn south to Fangsthytte near Kap Bennet. A Zodiac will sail ahead of the walking party and parallel to the coast to watch out for bears.

Arrive at Teufelschloss (Devil’s Castle), a mountain with layered geology. On the other side of the fjord is Blomster Bugt and the intended landing site. In the afternoon sail into the Antarctic Sound, including the islands of Ruth, Maria and Ella. Maria is the most likely spot for a landing.

In the morning, enter Segelsällskapets Fjord with the beautiful streaked slopes of the Berzelius Mountains bordering the north side. By Zodiac, land on the south side of the fjord in an astounding place where the ancient sedimentary geology is literally at your feet. A hike takes you near a small lake with good chances to see musk oxen, arctic hares and ptarmigans. In the afternoon, venture into Alpefjord, aptly named for the spire-like peaks that thrust up around it. Embark on a Zodiac cruise around the Gully Glacier that once blocked the access to the interior of the fjord. Venturing deep into the fjord, experience a definitive Greenland adventure.

Spend the first half of the day in Antarctic Havn, an extensive valley where you may see groups of musk oxen. At this time of year, the sparse vegetation is dressed in the fiery colors of autumn.

Today reach the Scoresby Sund and sail in the morning along the glaciated Volquart Boons Kyst. Take a Zodiac cruise along one of the glacier fronts, along with a visit to the basalt columns and ice formations of Vikingebugt.

In the afternoon, plan to sail by the east coast of Milne Land among a multitude of giant icebergs. If possible to land at Charcot Havn, you will make a walk to the Charcot Glacier. You will then continue by Bjørneør and sail into Øfjord, where you might also make a landing.

The goal is a Zodiac cruise near Røde Ø, one of the world’s most cherished iceberg attractions. The austere blue-white of the icebergs sets sharp against the brooding red backdrop of the sediment slopes. The afternoon plan is to sail through the northern parts of Røde Fjord, with the chance to see musk oxen and warm autumnal foliage.

In the morning encounter colossal icebergs, some over 328 feet high and more than 3,280 feet in length. Most of the bergs are grounded as the fjord is only about 1,312 feet deep here. Land near Sydkap to view the Hall Bredning fjord and possible arctic hares.

Today’s long walk goes from Sydkap to Nordøstbugt (7.5 miles to the northeast), where the river coming from Holger Danskes Briller flows into the sea. Plan to walk south along the shore to Satakajik, seeing whale vertebrae and the remains of Thule summer houses. Passengers who opt out of the long walking group will join at this location for their second excursion of the day.

Today, make a tundra landing on Liverpool Land in Hurry Inlet. The afternoon stop is at Ittoqqortoormiut, the biggest settlement in the Scoresby Sund with about 500 inhabitants. At the post office you can buy stamps for your postcards or just wander around to see the sled dogs and the drying skins of seal and musk oxen. In the afternoon sail south passing the amazing landscape of the Blosseville Coast.

A day at sea grants fabulous opportunities to spot whales and seabirds and, at night, the magical northern lights.

Every adventure, no matter how grand, must come to an end. Disembark in the morning at Akureyri, where on request you can transfer by charter bus (six-hour drive that you must book in advance) to the Reykjavik city hall(2024) or the bus stop at Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Center at Austurbakki, Reykjavik(2025). Take home memories that will accompany you wherever you travel next.

Arrive in Longyearbyen, Norway, the administrative capital of Spitsbergen, the largest island of the Svalbard archipelago. Enjoy strolling through this former mining town, whose parish church and Svalbard Museum are well worth visiting. Though the countryside appears stark, more than a hundred species of plants have been recorded in it. In the early evening the ship will sail out of Isfjorden and possibly spot the first minke whale of the voyage.

In 1823 the Irish scientist, soldier, and explorer Edward Sabine had an observatory on Indre Norskøya, in northwestern Svalbard. Using a pendulum to study gravity, he suggested a project to measure the meridians (lines of longitude through the poles) on Spitsbergen, the goal of which was to define the curvature of the Earth. Try to get to Sabinehaugen, where he did his observations.

Sailing next into Raudfjorden, on the north coast of Spitsbergen, you’ll see in an expansive fjord spilling with glaciers–and maybe even visited by ringed seals, bearded seals and polar bears. The cliffs and shoreline of this fjord also support thriving seabird colonies.

You may eventually see the jagged edge of East Greenland sea ice flashing into sight ahead, depending on the conditions. Keep watch for whales and migrating seabirds here.

As you approach Greenland, you may sail through the sea ice into Foster Bay and land at Myggebugten. Beyond the old hunters’ hut (where Norwegian trappers hunted here for polar bear and arctic fox in the first half of the 20th century) there is a sprawling tundra populated by musk oxen, with geese floating the small lakes. Sail through Kaiser Franz Josef Fjord, surrounded by towering mountains and bright interior icebergs.

For those who choose to attend, you have your first long walk (6-7 hours) of the voyage today. Start at Myggbukta station and head into Badlanddal, then turn south to Fangsthytte near Kap Bennet. A Zodiac will sail ahead of the walking party and parallel to the coast to watch out for bears.

Arrive at Teufelschloss (Devil’s Castle), a mountain with layered geology. On the other side of the fjord is Blomster Bugt and the intended landing site. In the afternoon sail into the Antarctic Sound, including the islands of Ruth, Maria and Ella. Maria is the most likely spot for a landing.

In the morning, enter Segelsällskapets Fjord with the beautiful streaked slopes of the Berzelius Mountains bordering the north side. By Zodiac, land on the south side of the fjord in an astounding place where the ancient sedimentary geology is literally at your feet. A hike takes you near a small lake with good chances to see musk oxen, arctic hares and ptarmigans. In the afternoon, venture into Alpefjord, aptly named for the spire-like peaks that thrust up around it. Embark on a Zodiac cruise around the Gully Glacier that once blocked the access to the interior of the fjord. Venturing deep into the fjord, experience a definitive Greenland adventure.

Spend the first half of the day in Antarctic Havn, an extensive valley where you may see groups of musk oxen. At this time of year, the sparse vegetation is dressed in the fiery colors of autumn.

Today reach the Scoresby Sund and sail in the morning along the glaciated Volquart Boons Kyst. Take a Zodiac cruise along one of the glacier fronts, along with a visit to the basalt columns and ice formations of Vikingebugt.

In the afternoon, plan to sail by the east coast of Milne Land among a multitude of giant icebergs. If possible to land at Charcot Havn, you will make a walk to the Charcot Glacier. You will then continue by Bjørneør and sail into Øfjord, where you might also make a landing.

In the morning, encounter colossal icebergs, some over 330 feet high and more than a 0.6 miles long. Then land near Sydkap, with fine views of Hall Bredning and arctic hares. Today’s long hike goes from Sydkap to Satakajik, showing the remains of Thule winter houses built with whale vertebrae. In the evening, sail into Øfjord.

You will have a Zodiac cruise near Sorte Ø in the morning, surrounded by icebergs. Their austere blue-white contrasts sharply with the sediment slopes nearby. At midday the ship will position in the center of the moon  shadow in Øfjord. In the afternoon, watch the solar eclipse either from the ship or one of the nearby shores.

Today, make a tundra landing on Liverpool Land in Hurry Inlet. The afternoon stop is at Ittoqqortoormiut, the biggest settlement in the Scoresby Sund with about 500 inhabitants. At the post office you can buy stamps for your postcards or just wander around to see the sled dogs and the drying skins of seal and musk oxen. In the afternoon sail south passing the amazing landscape of the Blosseville Coast.

A day at sea grants fabulous opportunities to spot whales and seabirds and, at night, the magical northern lights.

Every adventure, no matter how grand, must come to an end. Disembark in the morning at Akureyri, where on request you can transfer by charter bus (six-hour drive that you must book in advance) to the bus stop at Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Center at Austurbakki, Reykjavik. Take home memories that will accompany you wherever you travel next.

The journey begins in the morning, where by request, you can transfer via chartered bus from bus stop Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre at Austurbakki, Reykjavik to the embarkation point in Akureyri. Arrive in the afternoon after a six-hour drive through northern Iceland. This transfer must be booked and paid for in advance. In the early evening, embark the expedition ship and enjoy dinner on board as the ship departs from the port of Akureyri, where whales are often seen at the mouth of the fjord. At night, cross the Arctic Circle.

While sailing north, you’re likely to see fulmars, kittiwakes, gannets, common guillemots and possibly whales. By evening, the first icebergs flash into sight as you approach the east Greenland coast near Kap Brewster. The scent of adventure is in the air.

Today you reach Scoresby Sund, sailing along the glaciated Volquart Boons Kyst. You may also enjoy a Zodiac cruise past one of the glacier fronts, along with a visit to the basalt columns and ice formations of Vikingebugt.

In the afternoon, plan to sail by the east coast of Milne Land among a multitude of giant icebergs. If a landing at Charcot Havn is possible, then you may walk to the Charcot Glacier. Then continue by Bjørneøer, a small group of islands – Bear Islands in English.

In the morning, you will likely encounter colossal icebergs, some over 328 feet (100m) high and more than 0.62 miles (1km) long. Most are grounded, as the fjord is only about 1,312 feet (400m) deep. You then land near Sydkap, with fine views of Hall Bredning and a good shot of seeing Arctic hares.

Today’s long walk goes from Sydkap to Nordøstbugt (7.5 miles/12km to the northeast), where the river coming from Holger Danskes Briller flows into the sea. Plan to walk south along the shore to Satakajik, seeing whale vertebrae and the remains of Thule summer houses. Passengers who opt out of the long walking group will join at this location for their second excursion of the day.

The morning stop is at Ittoqqortoormiit, the only settlement in Scoresby Sund with about 400 inhabitants. At the post office, you can buy stamps for your postcards or just stroll around to see the sled dogs and drying skins of seals, polar bears and musk oxen. In the afternoon, sail north, passing the picturesque landscapes of Liverpool Land. In the night, the ship sails into Kong Oscar Fjord.

Today, enter Segelsällskapets Fjord, with the striped slopes of the Berzelius Mountains bordering the north side. Land on the south shore, where ancient sedimentary formations lie at your feet. A hike takes you near a small lake with good chances to see musk oxen, arctic hares and ptarmigans.

Alternatively, the ship ventures into Alpefjord, which is aptly named for the spire-like peaks that thrust up around it. You may then embark on a Zodiac cruise around Gully Glacier, which once blocked access to the interior of these waters. Continuing deep into the fjord, you experience a definitive Greenland adventure.

In the early morning, pass by the islands of Ruth, Maria and Ella. Then arrive at Teufelschloss (Devil’s Castle), a mountain with impressive layered geology. Blomsterbugt and the intended landing site are on the other side of the fjord. In the afternoon, sail among icebergs, through the majestic Kaiser Franz Joseph Fjord and Mackenzie Bugt.

Hope to land at Eskimonaes on the southern shore of Clavering Ø, where Douglas Clavering met a small group of Thule culture people in 1823. This group represents the only living Thule people ever seen in Northeast Greenland. The remains of their existence can be found across Greenland.

From early in the morning until late in the day, sail by a choice of islands where, more than a century ago, the first polar expeditions set feet on land: Sabine Ø and Bass Rock (Pendulum Islands), where Edward Sabine did his Pendulum experiments in 1823, and cabins built by the Baldwin-Ziegler Polar Expedition were constructed. In the night, the ship passes Shannon Ø.

This long island was named by the second German Polar Expedition of Koldewey 1869–70. Hope to land on historical Kap Alf Trolle or Kap Ahrend. You are now well into the High Arctic climate regime. The landscape is getting lower and rounded, being much less alpine than more to the south. You may encounter heavier sea ice streaming south. Proposed landing sites may be given up due to sea ice, and others may be reachable.

Today, possibly land at Thoms Thomsen Naes, Fyrretyvekilometersnaesset, or another site in Germania Land, an area with musk oxen and sometimes a lonely wolf. The landing sites depend on ice and weather conditions, and wildlife opportunities.

When sailing eastward through and along the jagged edge of the Northeast Greenland sea ice, keep watch for whales, seals, polar bears and migrating seabirds. This is a landscape of constant change, and a real frontier for many species found in the Arctic.

At open sea now, sail eastward in the northernmost branch of the warm Gulf Stream toward Spitsbergen. If time allows, land late in the day at the walrus haul-out at Poolepynten.

In Longyearbyen, the administrative center of Spitsbergen, you may enjoy strolling around this former mining town, whose parish church and Svalbard Museum are fascinating attractions. Alternatively, you can board the first plane to Oslo for your onward journey.

The journey begins in the morning, where by request, you can transfer via chartered bus from bus stop Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre at Austurbakki, Reykjavik to the embarkation point in Akureyri. Arrive in the afternoon after a six-hour drive through northern Iceland. This transfer must be booked and paid for in advance. In the early evening, embark the expedition ship and enjoy dinner on board as the ship departs from the port of Akureyri, where whales are often seen at the mouth of the fjord. At night, cross the Arctic Circle.

Sail northward, following warmer waters before entering colder seas, where a multitude of sea life (whales, seals, seabirds) can be found in the mixing zones of these waters. A sea day grants you the opportunity to spot whales and seabirds–and at night, the magical northern lights.

In the morning, find yourself in the mouth of Kong Oscar Fjord in the strait between the island of Isikaja and the mainland. Until 30 years ago, Isikaja was connected to the mainland by a glacier.

On the south side, land at Wegener Halvöya and pay a tribute to this great explorer. Another possibility is Antarctic Havn, where muskoxen are often spotted. This bay is named for the ship Antarctic, used by Arctic explorer Alfred Gabriel Nathorst in 1899, while searching for the survivors of Salomon August Andrée’s failed attempt to reach the North Pole by air balloon.

At Ymers Ø, aim to land at Karl Jakobsens Bugt, near a historic trapper’s cabin. A few hundred meters east, at Botaniker Bugt, ruined dwellings of the Thule culture people from about two centuries ago can be encountered. A walk into Juluts dal provides good chances to a variety of polar fauna, including musk oxen, arctic hares and ptarmigans. A spectacular transit through the Antarctic Sound firmly places you in the most Alpine landscapes of the journey, with peaks on either side of the fjord in excess of 3,280 feet (1,000m).

Aim to land in Blomsterbugt (Flower Valley) with excellent walking opportunities, opposite Teufelsloss (Devil’s Castle), a spectacular mountain with impressive layered geology, described by Austro-Hungarian explorer Julius Payer as “A cubic rock colossus stretched far out into the fjord.”

Hope to land at Eskimonaes on the southern shore of Clavering Ø, where Douglas Clavering met a small group of Thule culture people in 1823. This group represents the only living Thule people ever seen in Northeast Greenland. The remains of their existence can be found across Greenland, including indications that they traded and interacted with Norse settlers in some form.

Sir Edward Sabine performed his pendulum experiments on Sabine Ø (formerly Inner Pendulum Island) in 1823. Carl Koldewey built a station there in 1869 at Germaniahavn. On its south side is Hvalros Island, where the population of walruses is increasing again. From this day onward, sailing north, you will experience daylight round the clock.

When sailing into Dove Bugt, you may, depending on the conditions, land at Hochstetter Forland, Store Koldewey, named by the second German Polar Expedition of Carl Koldewey at Kap Alf Trolle, or Kap Ahrend. Kap Bismarck, close to Germania Land, is also a possibility. You are now in muskox territory, and the southernmost realm of some lonely arctic wolves in Greenland.

Sail past Danmarks Havn Sirius Patrol Station and land on the east side of Germania Land, for instance, at Thomas Thomsen Naes. Depotneaset on Stormlandet is another possibility. You are now in muskox territory, and the southernmost realm of lonely Arctic wolves in Greenland, in a region where the ship’s crew have never been.

If ice and weather conditions are favorable, land at the south side of Isle de France, which was first reached by the Duke of Orleans on the Belgica in 1905. Aim to go ashore at Kap St. Jacques where, under the guidance of an archeologist from the National Greenland Museum, you can see the remains of the Independence II culture. You may also land at the ice-free area on the north side of the island.

When sailing by Norske Øer, where you’ll possibly land, you are sailing in territories where the crew have not been before. Hope to reach Northeast Water, a semi-permanently open water area in extreme Northeast Greenland, where relatively warm bottom water from the sea rises to the surface. It is a water rich with seals, whales, polar bears and seabirds. The ship’s crew will try to get you to Mallemukfjellet, at latitude 80’11 N’, to the northernmost colony of northern fulmars, with young still on the ledges. You will be on guard to observe the rare Ross gull, which winters in the central polar seas.

Working your way southeast in the outer fringes of the pack ice, continue to observe arctic marine mammals and seabirds, who thrive in this otherworldly habitat.

After leaving the shores and pack ice of Greenland behind, you now find yourself in the open sea. Sail eastward, across the Greenland Sea, following the northernmost branch of the warm Gulf Stream toward Spitsbergen (Svalbard), along with migrating whales. If time allows, you may land late in the day at the walrus haul-out at Poolepynten.

In Longyearbyen, the administrative center of Spitsbergen (Svalbard), you may enjoy strolling through this former mining town, home to the parish church, the Museum of Arctic Exploration and the Svalbard Museum, all fascinating attractions. Further opportunities for exploring Svalbard and Longyearbyen’s surroundings can be found here before you depart for Oslo and continue your onward journey.

Touch down in Longyearbyen, the administrative center of Spitsbergen, the largest island of the Svalbard archipelago. Enjoy strolling around this former mining town, whose parish church and Svalbard Museum make for fascinating attractions. Though the countryside appears stark, more than a hundred species of plant have been recorded in it. In the early evening the ship sails out of Isfjorden to possibly spot the first minke whale of the voyage. In the evening, sail for Trygghamna to visit the remains of a 17th-century English whaling station and 18th-century Pomor hunting station the next morning.

From Trygghamna walk to Alkhornet, a large seabird cliff where the birds are scouting out breeding places. Below the cliffs is a common place to spot arctic foxes and see reindeer often graze on the lush vegetation if there’s not too much snow.

Sail into Fuglefjorden amid views of Svitjodbreen and Birgerbukta, both breeding places for great skuas as well as likely spots to spy a polar bear. Raudfjorden, on the north coast of Spitsbergen, is a fine area for gazing over the glaciers. It’s also a favorite hangout for ringed and bearded seals, colonies of seabird, and the occasional polar bear and beluga whale.

After sailing in the Greenland Sea, eventually catch glimpse of the jagged edge of the east Greenland sea ice flashing into sight ahead, depending on the conditions. Keep watch for whales and migrating seabirds here.

The goal is to sail into Foster Bay, making the first landing at Myggbukta in the late afternoon or evening. Beyond the old hunters’ hut, where in the first half of the 20th century, Norwegian trappers hunted for polar bear and arctic fox, there is a sprawling tundra populated by musk oxen, with geese floating the small lakes.

Today, sail through Kaiser Franz Josef Fjord, enjoying its lofty mountains and bright interior icebergs. In the evening, reach Teufelsschloss, a prominent mountain that comprises part of the Eleonora Bay Supergroup: sedimentary rock created between 950–610 million years ago to a depth of 10 miles (16km). This rust-red, multi-layered unique geology defines the scenery over the coming days.

Landing at Blomsterbugten, have a good chance of spotting arctic hare and musk oxen. Noah Lake is home to great northern divers as well as their young, and the hiking opportunities here are numerous. In the afternoon, venture deeper into Kaiser Franz Joseph Fjord, finding shelter in Renbugten. Colossal icebergs and quintessential Arctic scenery accompany you while passing through this narrow fjord system.

Today the aim is to land in Renbugten in search of musk oxen and arctic hares. Around lunch, head east into the inversely named Antarctic Sound to enjoy views of the ancient sedimentary rock, arriving at Maria Island before nightfall.

Cut into Kong Oscars Fjord for an attempted landing near Menander Øer, a location with lively walking opportunities.

Continuing east, land in Antarctic Havn. Spend the afternoon in this expansive valley, searching for groups of musk oxen. At this time of year, the sparse vegetation is colored with golden fire. Learn about the intriguing geopolitics that played out here in the early 1930s between Norway and Denmark.

After spending the day at sea, make for the largest fjord system in the world: Scoresby Sund.

Reach Scoresbysund and sail along the glaciated Volquart Boons Kyst. Enjoy a Zodiac cruise past one of the glacier fronts, along with a visit to the basalt columns and ice formations of Vikingebugt. The afternoon goal is to visit Danmark Island, where you find the remains of an Inuit settlement abandoned around 200 years ago. The circular stone tent rings indicate the summer houses, while the winter houses can be seen closer to a small cape. The sites are well preserved, with easy identifiable entrances, bear-proof meat caches and grave sites. During the afternoon, sail along the east side of Milne Land amid a number of scattered icebergs.

Land near Sydkap, where arctic hares are often seen and during lunch get a glimpse of the entrance to Nordvestfjord in Scoresby Land. Encounter colossal icebergs, some over 328 feet (100m) high and a half mile (1+ km) in length. Most of these bergs are grounded, as the fjord is only about 1,312 feet (400m) deep.

At the western shores of Jameson Land lies a vast tundra with grazing musk oxen. Hope to make a landing on one of the areas, such as Tyskit Nunat, remembering Alfred Wegener’s efforts to cross Vandreblokken. You may also visit Kap Hooker or a lovely lagoon west of Kap Stewart.

Today’s stop is Ittoqqortoormiit, the largest settlement in Scoresby Sund at about 500 inhabitants. At the post office you can buy stamps for your postcards or just stroll around to see the sled dogs and drying skins of seals and musk oxen.

In the morning, stop on the south coast of Jameson Land, at a lagoon near Kap Stewart. Here the waders and geese are collecting for their autumn migration, and musk oxen and collared lemmings survive on the meager vegetation. Farther inside Hurry Inlet, take a walk near the head of the fjord as well as one of the rivers that terminate here. There’s also the chance of a climb up the mountain of J.P. Koch Fjeld, near Hareelv. In this remarkable area, scientists found fossils that linked fish and amphibians in the lower Cretaceous period. Spend the night at anchor off Constable Pynt.

Every adventure, no matter how grand, must eventually come to an end. Disembark and take the chartered plane from Constable Pynt to Keflavik, taking home memories for a lifetime.