Norwegian Discovery: Svalbard and the Northern Fjords

12 Days

Overview

From the remarkable wilderness of the high Arctic to the fabled fjords of Norway, explore two distinct but intertwined regions. Spend several days amid the ice floes and islands of Svalbard in search of the polar bear, plus see walruses, seals, and myriad seabirds. Kayak, Zodiac cruise, and go ashore to hike. Then head south to the indented coastline of Norway, where nature flourishes.

Arrive in Oslo and transfer to your centrally located hotel. Spend the day exploring this vibrant city at your own pace. Check in with the hospitality desk this afternoon to make arrangements before your charter flight the following day.

Depart Oslo on the recommended flight to Longyearbyen; transfers to the airport and luggage assistance will be provided. On arrival to this Arctic outpost, explore the world’s northernmost settlement that has morphed from a coal mining hub to a base for exploration and science in recent history. Witness daily life and delve into this history before embarking.

Explore in true expedition style as nature dictates the ship’s day-to-day movements within an immense Arctic wonderland. The fully stabilized, ice-class expedition ship probes deep into the ice where the polar bears forage, walruses sun themselves and the Svalbard reindeer roam. Join spotters on the bridge as they scan the floes and islands for these iconic creatures, along with bearded and ringed seals; Arctic fox; and whales that call these waters home like beluga, fin and minke. There’s no greater thrill than a sighting that brings everyone rushing to the bow or Bridge for a close-up view.

Sail deep into protected bays and fjords, where even a novice kayaker can comfortably paddle surrounded by sparkling bergs and dramatic mountains. Video from a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) allows you to peer into the mysterious world that exists 1,000 feet below you during recaps with your multi-talented field staff.

Sitting at the confluence of the Norwegian and Barents Seas, Bear Island is ironically known as a birdwatcher’s paradise. The island also houses one remote meteorological station. With conditions permitting, enjoy a Zodiac cruise around the southernmost member of the Svalbard archipelago and revel at the bird cliffs, home to countless thousands of fulmars, kittiwakes and guillemots.

Off Norway’s coast, two of its largest islands offer stunning landscapes, challenging and rewarding hikes and protected fjords to explore. The mountainous island of Sørøya, known for its scenic bays, pristine nature reserves and large populations of skrei, or cod, welcomes you to its shores as you make your way south from Bear Island. After exploring this gateway to Finnmark, Norway’s northernmost county, head south to Senja Island. Capture panoramic landscapes along your certified photo instructor, glide amongst islands in a kayak or explore village streets and shops as you get to know Norway’s second-largest island.

Disembark in Tromsø, also known as ‘the gateway to the Arctic’,  and transfer to the airport for flights home.