Route Description - East Spitsbergen
This is a voyage, with a group of scientists on the ship, who will follow-up on the investigations which Dutch researchers began on Edgeøya in the 20th century. Academic voyage organised by the Dutch University of Groningen to the Island Edgeøya south of Spitsbergen. Voyage dedicated to science and research.
Day 1 - Largest town, biggest island
You arrive in Longyearbyen, the administrative centre of Spitsbergen, the largest island in the Svalbard archipelago. Take time to explore this remote former mining town, including the Svalbard Museum and historic church, which offer fascinating insight into Arctic exploration and life in the High Arctic. Though the landscape appears stark, over a hundred plant species survive here during the short summer season. In the early evening, the vessel sails out of Isfjorden, where you may spot your first minke whale of the journey.
Day 2 - South Spitsbergen
Cruise along the rarely visited southern coastline of Spitsbergen between Sørkap and Isbukta. This remote region offers dramatic Arctic scenery and possible Zodiac landings depending on conditions. Sail past Stellingfjellet, home to one of the largest Brünnich’s guillemot colonies in Svalbard, where thousands of seabirds nest along towering cliffs.
Day 3 - Wild west side of Edgeøya
Explore Diskobukta on the west side of Edgeøya with a Zodiac cruise through shallow coastal waters before landing at Blankodden. The beach here is scattered with whale bones and driftwood from Siberia. Continue inland toward Kapp Lee, passing cliffs filled with kittiwakes, black guillemots, and glaucous gulls. Arctic foxes and polar bears may be observed patrolling the area during the breeding season.
Day 4 - Ivory Gulls in Agardhfjellet
On the eastern side of Spitsbergen, hike into Agardhfjellet to reach high-altitude nesting grounds of the rare ivory gull. The surrounding valley is rich in fossils, including belemnites and ammonites embedded in the rock. The combination of geological history and Arctic wildlife makes this a truly unique landing.
Day 5 - Trapper’s history in Freemansundet
In Freemansundet, land at Sundneset on Barentsøya to visit an old trapper’s hut and explore the tundra in search of Svalbard reindeer and barnacle geese. A Zodiac cruise near the Freeman Glacier offers additional Arctic scenery, along with visits to kittiwake colonies nesting in canyon walls.
Day 6 - Inland expedition in Diskobukta
Return to Diskobukta for a longer inland exploration across braided river valleys and tundra landscapes. At Caltexfjellet and Smelledalen, search for ivory gull nesting sites and unique geological features such as pingos. Alternative landings may include Plurdalen, an area once explored for oil.
Day 7 - Russian history in Habenichtbukta
Visit Habenichtbukta, where Russian Pomor hunters once established seasonal hunting stations in the 18th and 19th centuries. Explore inland lakes and tundra habitats filled with migratory birds such as ducks and geese, offering a mix of cultural history and Arctic wilderness.
Day 8 - Walruses and whale skeletons
At Andrétangen, observe walruses hauled out near an old trapper station. Inland, discover ancient whale skeletons preserved on uplifted shorelines from thousands of years ago. Later, continue to Kong Ludvigøyane or Tiholmane, both linked to the historic Pomor era.
Day 9 - Spectacular Hornsund
Cruise through the dramatic fjords of Hornsund in southern Spitsbergen, surrounded by towering peaks such as Hornsundtind and Bautaen, which gave Spitsbergen its name “pointed mountains.” The region is home to 14 glaciers and offers excellent chances of spotting seals and polar bears. A visit to the Polish research station may provide insight into Arctic science, while nearby cliffs host thousands of nesting little auks.
Day 10 - There and back again
Every expedition must eventually come to an end. Return to Longyearbyen with memories of Arctic wilderness, wildlife encounters, and dramatic polar landscapes that will last a lifetime.