Trip Reports
Duration
8 Nights
Journey Type
Cruise only (Please call for flight options)
Ports
9 Ports
7 June
Setting sail from Longyearbyen
This is the world's northernmost city and the base for tourism in Svalbard. A bit quirky, as you would expect from somewhere that spends four months of the year in near darkness, Longyearbyen doesn't take long to explore. Its brightly coloured wooden houses are built on stilts, as the ground in Svalbard is permafrost. When you enter a building, you are normally asked to remove your shoes, and leave your gun at the door. Gun carrying is more or less essential for the locals, as with 3,000 local hungry polar bears, it is said that you never know when you might need protection. That said, we visited safely without a gun!
Our tip
Don’t die here – it’s illegal. There have been no new burials for over 70 years, because the permafrost prevents bodies from decomposing.
8-13 June
Svalbard and Jan Mayen: Krossfjorden, Raudfjord, Liefdefjord, Hinlopen Strait, Freemansundet, Hornsund
14 June
Svalbard and Jan Mayen: Isfjorden
Isfjorden is the second longest fjord in Svalbard, and is also where you’ll find the archipelago’s largest settlements, Longyearbyen and Barentsburg. Birds including guillemots, kittiwakes and puffins can be seen on the cliffs along the coast, and polar bears are known to prowl here.
15 June
Arriving in Longyearbyen
Don't miss
At the so called heart of the city, Huset has long been the centre for culture and community. Go there for great food and to sample one of the largest wine cellars in Europe!
Your home from home
This purpose-built ice class expedition vessel is perfectly kitted out for polar exploration, with zodiacs and expert lecturers on board, and accommodates 318 guests in comfortable cabins.
What we love
Fram emerges in 2020 from an extensive refurbishment, with upgraded cabins, suites and public areas. Designed for polar cruising, she regularly visits the Arctic and Antarctic, with an ice-strengthened hull and a wealth of technological gizmos on board. Cabins are simple but comfortable, and the observation lounge and restaurant are designed to provide wonderful views of the ever-changing landscape outside. If you're feeling brave there are even outdoor Jacuzzis to keep you warm as the icebergs float past!
| Capacity | 250 Guests (200 in Antarctica) |
|---|---|
| Style | A Hurtigruten voyage is all about the destination, with a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere on board. |
| Inclusions |
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Tailor-make your trip
Ways to make it better
Where to stay in Longyearbyen
There’s really not much choice! Go for the Radisson Blu.
Explore Spitsbergen
Travel out of Longyearbyen by snow scooter or dog sled to take a look at the amazing scenery and hunt for wildlife.
