Circumnavigating Svalbard -
In the Realm of the Polar Bear 2022 & 2023

Day 1 : Oslo, Norway - Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen, Norway

Your journey begins with a flight from Oslo, Norway's fjord-side city surrounded by forested hills and lakes. Explore the museums, parks and interesting architecture of Oslo, you'll discover its booming arts scene, modern beauty and culinary delights. It has an efficient and well-connected public transport system, which makes it easy to access all areas without needing a car, so make use of the buses, trains and trams while you're here. Discover the history of Norwegian Polar exploration at the Fram Museum, which has extensive displays and the opportunity to step aboard a polar exploration vessel. Experience what it must have been like to live and work on it as you explore the decks and cabins.

Take the chance to relax in one of the many cafés and bars, you'll find plenty of options for enjoying traditional Norwegian dishes or New Nordic cuisine. If you have time, you might take a walk in the forested hills that frame the city. Or you could simply spend the time you have relaxing in one of the many parks before your flight to Longyearbyen in the Svalbard Archipelago. On arrival you'll step into a different world. This little town, on the edge of the Arctic wilderness, is surprisingly cosmopolitan, with great facilities, charming architecture, an internationally renowned museum and several bars and restaurants. Transfer to your hotel.

Day 2 : Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen, Norway

After an overnight stay in your hotel, spend time exploring the colourful frontier town of Longyearbyen on your own before embarking the MS Fram or MS Spitsbergen in the afternoon. The history of Longyearbyen is very much the history of coal mining and reminders of the first mining can be seen everywhere. This is a lively small town, situated amid some incredible Arctic landscape.

An excursion is included in your voyage - or, choose from a selection of optional adventures before your cruise begins. During your stay, take a walk up to the church just a few minutes away. Perhaps you will encounter the one of the Svalbard reindeer that are often seen walking around town minding their own business. Although wild, you'll find them quite curious and tame.

Once aboard the ship, you'll collect your complimentary expedition jacket, find your cabin and take part in a mandatory safety drill. Check out the restaurants, Science Center, Observation Deck and Explorer Lounge & Bar - you'll be spending a lot of time here. Bid a fond farewell to Longyearbyen as you start our journey of discovery.

Days 3 - 4 : North-West Spitsbergen National Park, Spitsbergen, Norway

Kings Bay is the largest fjord on the North West coast of Spitsbergen. The landscape varies from large tundra plains to alpine peaks with dramatic glaciers calving into the ocean. Due to strong winds and currents, the ship's Captain monitors conditions closely before deciding where landings can be made or the ship can sail. This is why all of the itineraries are flexible; crew work with the elements, not against them, and safety is their first priority. If they are able to land, this area is excellent for exploring Svalbard's history. You will have the chance to see the remnants of ancient blubber ovens used to render whale oil.

At 78° 55' N, Ny Ålesund is the world's northernmost permanently inhabited community, where a number of countries run their own national research stations. Activity here is particularly high in the summer. Magdalenefjorden is home to a very important piece of cultural heritage; a whaling station from the 16th century, including a graveyard of whalers who died during the first "oil adventure".

Deep inside the giant Woodfjord system you find the enormous and fast moving Monaco Glacier. In front of this dramatic glacier the mixing of fresh and saline water creates excellent feeding grounds for sea birds. The Jotunkjeldane thermal springs in another branch of the Woodfjord system are unique - they are the northernmost documented thermal springs on Earth.

Days 5 - 7 : Eastern Svalbard, Svalbard, Norway

Eastern Svalbard is home to the largest population of polar bears on the archipelago so keep your cameras at the ready. If weather conditions are favourable, the ship will to sail to Isflakbukta on Phippsøya, part of Sjuøyane (Seven Islands), at the far north of Svalbard. Tens of thousands of seabirds inhabit this remote area and a population of walruses dive for clams here. Sorgfjorden, which is on the border of the North East Spitsbergen Nature Reserve, was once the site of a famous 17th-century battle between whalers. If conditions permit, you can hike in beautiful Eolusneset, join a tender boat that sails in the Hinlopen Strait area, or take a visit to Torellneset which offers excellent chances to spot walruses sunbathing on the beach.

The voyage continues to Edgeøya, the archipelago's third largest island. Its western shores are largely unglaciated unlike most places on the east. Kapp Lee is a great place to find examples of Svalbard's cultural heritage from all eras. At the southern cape, Hornsund exhibits superbly varied landscapes and geology. Ice gets pushed into the fjord early in the season attracting polar bears hunting on the floes, so with a bit of luck, you may spot some of these magnificent predators.

Day 8 : South Spitsbergen National Park, Svalbard, Norway

As the ship sails south through South Spitsbergen, you have a good chance of seeing a celebration of polar bears on the fjord ice in and around the majestic landscape and geology of Hornsund, a part of the South Spitsbergen National Park. Many consider this to be Svalbard's most beautiful fjord. Hornsund's rugged, steep mountains, stunning fjords, and rich, colourful vegetation make it one of the world's most scenic natural corners. As the ship cruises along the 18-mile-long fjord, you might see glaciers calving ice in the waters, or on a clear day, you may also see the magnificent Hornsundtind, towering to almost 4,700 ft. above sea level.

The lush tundra around the bird colonies attract fauna, including Svalbard reindeer and Arctic fox. You should also look out for seals and whales whilst you're sailing in the ocean.

In the evening, the ship heads north as you sail past Bellsund towards Isfjorden.

Day 9 : Isfjord, Spitsbergen, Norway

The ship sails the Isfjord, Svalbard's most extensive fjord system. Leading to many smaller fjords, it forms a lush and beautiful system rich in wildlife and vegetation. In the inner parts, the landscape changes constantly. The immense, ancient U-shaped valleys, carved out of the mountains by giant glaciers some ten thousand years ago, are home to large populations of Svalbard Reindeer.

To the north of the fjord, Alkehornet is a prominent landmark. It's an imposing example of carbonate rock, with a horn-shaped mount at its peak. Arctic fox might be spotted here, as well as thousands of Guillemots and Kittiwakes.

Day 9 : Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen, Norway

Sadly, every Hurtigruten explorer voyage has to come to an end. Hopefully you will be recalling the memory of that polar bear, the calving glacier front or the buzzing bird life - or simply enjoying the subtle, odd feeling of having spent time on top of the globe, just a few hundred kilometres from the Geographical North Pole. Airport transfers are provided for your early morning flight back to Oslo.

The route described here is only an indicative. Based on the weather conditions at the time, the final itinerary will be presented to you after embarkation.

DEPARTURES: 2022

September 14.

DEPARTURES: 2023

June 7, 8, 15, 16, 23, 24.
July 1, 9
September 15.

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IN THE REALM OF THE POLAR BEAR VOYAGE - PRICES : 2022 & 2023

EARLY BOOKING PRICES

• Save on the brochure price by booking early.
• The early booking prices are subject to limited availability.
• Be aware that Hurtigruten has a flexible pricing system and the early booking prices are capacity controlled.
• Prices may change at any time before departure date, the applicable price will be quoted at the time of booking.

WHAT'S INCLUDED :

Flights

• • Return flights in economy class between Oslo and Longyearbyen

Hotel

• • Overnight in Longyearbyen before the expedition cruise, including breakfast and lunch

Transfers

• • All transfers in Longyearbyen including an excursion before the expedition cruise

Expedition Voyage

• • Expedition cruise in a cabin of your choice
• • Breakfast, lunch and dinner including beverages (house beer and wine, sodas, and mineral water) in restaurant Aune
• • À la carte restaurant Lindstrøm included for suite guests (on MS Fram only)
• • Complimentary tea and coffee
• • Complimentary Wi-Fi on board. Please note there is very limited Wi-Fi and phone signal in the remote areas we travel to and streaming is not supported. When in Svalbard, there is no Wi-Fi or mobile coverage except in Longyearbyen or Barentsburg.
• • Complimentary reusable water bottle to use at water refill stations on board
• • English-speaking Expedition Team who organise and accompany activities on board and ashore
• • Range of included activities

Onboard Activities

• • Experts on the Expedition Team deliver in-depth lectures on a variety of topics
• • Use of the ship's Science Center which has an extensive library and advanced biological and geological microscopes
• • Citizen Science programme allows guests to assist with live scientific research
• • Professional onboard photographer gives top tips and tricks for the best landscape and wildlife photos
• • Use of the ship's hot tubs, panoramic sauna and indoor gym
• • Informal gatherings with the crew such as daily recaps and preparation for the day to come

Landing Activities

• • Escorted landings with small expedition boats
• • Loan of boots, trekking poles, and all equipment for activities
• • Complimentary wind and water-resistant expedition jacket
• • Expedition Photographers help with your camera settings

NOT INCLUDED :

• • International flights other than where shown as included.
• • Travel insurance
• • Luggage handling
• • Optional excursions
• • Gratuities

NOTES :

• • Prices are in £s per person.
• • All planned landings are subject to weather and ice conditions.
• • All itineraries are subject to change.

FLIGHT PACKAGE PRICE INCLUDES :

• • Return Economy class from London to Oslo including current taxes and charges.

NOT INCLUDED :

• • Travel insurance.
• • Regional departures and upgrades may be available at extra cost.