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Svalbard Circumnavigation Micro Cruise
As the sea opens up under the midnight sun, take the unique opportunity to circumnavigate Europe’s last great wilderness.
Sailing in the summer, this in-depth 12-day expedition sets out to circumnavigate Svalbard and explore its remotest reaches, including the Austfonna ice cap. Svalbard comes alive with wildlife at this time of year, with reindeer, whales, Arctic foxes, and polar bears spotted against a backdrop of fairytale fjords, calving glaciers, and snow-capped mountains.
An all-encompassing adventure to see Svalbard come alive with wildlife.
On this summer expedition, as the sea ice opens up around Svalbard, we take the unique opportunity nature presents us with and set out to circumnavigate the archipelago.
Our aim is to reach the remoter areas of Svalbard, including the mammoth Austfonna ice cap, with its famous, horizon-stealing ice wall. Along the way, we will explore every corner of the archipelago, the last stop before the North Pole, marvelling at its magnificent creatures and stunning scenery, under the light of the midnight sun.
The warmth of the sun invites migratory species back to Svalbard and encourages resident animals to come out from their wintery hiding places, making summer the best season to spot whales, seabirds, walruses, and polar bears in their natural habitat.
Head out on Zodiac cruises and hikes amid the Arctic majesty of picturesque fjords, mountains, and icebergs. Search for walrus haulouts on remote beaches, and scour the sea ice for polar bears. This is the Arctic experience you’ve been searching for.
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Svalbard Circumnavigation Micro Cruise itinerary:
Depart Longyearbyen at 4pm.
Sail past striking Fuglefjella (Bird Mountain), a fine example of plateau mountainous landscape, as we leave Longyearbyen.
Explore Poolepynten, a headland on Prins Karls Forland, home to a walrus colony and a burial site.
Visit Ny-Ålesund Research Station, the world’s northernmost year-round research facility, and Kongsfjorden, with landings and cruises to its two glaciers, Kronebreen and Kongsbreen.
Sail to Smeerenburg, a former whaling settlement and source of an enduring myth, now home to a walrus colony.
Possible landing in Virgohamna, a historical site, to learn about the attempts to reach the North Pole by air that departed from here and see remains of blubber ovens from the 1600s.
Sail along the continental shelf, scouting for fin and blue whales that gather in the upwelling zones.
Search the ice edge, a dynamic setting of texture and light, home to seals, seabirds, and polar bears.
Marvel at Alkefjellet, a stunning bird cliff, nesting location of Brünnich guillemot.
Take a Zodiac cruise to see Storisstraumen and a ship cruise by Bråsvellbreen of the Austfonna ice cap, Europe's third-largest glacier by volume and area.
Sail through the narrow sound of Heleysundet.
Zodiac landing at Teistpynten in the bay of Mohnbukta, taking in views of Hayesbreen glacier.
Enjoy the green Kapp Lee headland on Edgeøya, spotting walruses, reindeer, and Arctic foxes, along with remnants of the walrus hunting industry.
Zodiac landing and hike at Kvalvågen, a geologically interesting bay known for its Cretaceous period dinosaur footprints.
Take a Zodiac cruise of Hambergbukta, an attractive bay in south Spitsbergen.
See Hornsund, with a landing in Gnålodden to marvel at the scenic bird cliff (home to black-legged kittiwakes) and trapper’s hut.
Sail back to Isfjorden and Longyearbyen.
Disembark in Longyearbyen at 9am.
Itineraries are subject to change.
Svalbard Circumnavigation Micro Cruise reverse itinerary:
Itineraries are subject to change.
Disembark in Longyearbyen at 9am.
See Hornsund, with a landing in Gnålodden to marvel at the scenic bird cliff (home to black-legged kittiwakes) and trapper’s hut.
Sail back to Isfjorden and Longyearbyen.
Marvel at Alkefjellet, a stunning bird cliff, nesting location of Brünnich guillemot.
Take a Zodiac cruise to see Storisstraumen and a ship cruise by Bråsvellbreen of the Austfonna ice cap, Europe's third-largest glacier by volume and area.
Sail through the narrow sound of Heleysundet.
Zodiac landing at Teistpynten in the bay of Mohnbukta, taking in views of Hayesbreen glacier.
Enjoy the green Kapp Lee headland on Edgeøya, spotting walruses, reindeer, and Arctic foxes, along with remnants of the walrus hunting industry.
Zodiac landing and hike at Kvalvågen, a geologically interesting bay known for its Cretaceous period dinosaur footprints.
Take a Zodiac cruise of Hambergbukta, an attractive bay in south Spitsbergen.
Sail along the continental shelf, scouting for fin and blue whales that gather in the upwelling zones.
Search the ice edge, a dynamic setting of texture and light, home to seals, seabirds, and polar bears.
Visit Ny-Ålesund Research Station, the world’s northernmost year-round research facility, and Kongsfjorden, with landings and cruises to its two glaciers, Kronebreen and Kongsbreen.
Sail to Smeerenburg, a former whaling settlement and source of an enduring myth, now home to a walrus colony.
Possible landing in Virgohamna, a historical site, to learn about the attempts to reach the North Pole by air that departed from here and see remains of blubber ovens from the 1600s.
Explore Poolepynten, a headland on Prins Karls Forland, home to a walrus colony and a burial site.
Depart Longyearbyen at 4pm.
Sail past striking Fuglefjella (Bird Mountain), a fine example of plateau mountainous landscape, as we leave Longyearbyen.
Freya
Vessel Type: Ice Class Small Ship
Length: 45 meters
Passenger Capacity: 12
MV Freya is a high-strength ice-class expedition vessel originally built for lighthouse construction, now refitted to provide first-class Arctic exploration. Its sturdy 1A ice-class hull allows access deep into the pack ice, offering unique perspectives on remote regions. The ship accommodates small groups with seven characterfully decorated cabins, including twin, double, and single options, all with ensuite bathrooms and windows. Multiple observation decks, a sauna, and an outdoor hot tub ensure guests can relax and enjoy panoramic views of the Arctic environment.
Life on board is centred around a cosy saloon-style dining room and bar, complemented by a comfortable lounge for lectures, presentations, or quiet reading. Guests are welcome on the open bridge to observe navigation and wildlife spotting firsthand. MV Freya also carries two Zodiacs for closer shore landings and wildlife encounters. Designed for intimate, itinerary-free expeditions, the vessel provides a seamless blend of adventure, comfort, and immersive engagement with the Arctic wilderness.
• Summer is when Svalbard’s wildlife – from Arctic foxes to whales, migratory birds, and polar bears – is at its most abundant and most visible
• Breathtaking landscape of majestic glaciers, stark mountains, and fjords, lit up by the midnight sun