Compare Arctic Climate Voyage by Hurtigruten vs Spitsbergen, East Greenland and Iceland - Southbound by Intrepid Travel

Day 1: Reykjavik

Reykjavik and Iceland is the starting point of the Climate Voyage. We sail towards Svalbard in the wake of the Vikings who pioneered this route more than 800 years ago. According to history they sailed for four days and three nights northbound before hitting something with a “cold edge” (the literal meaning of Svalbard). 

Day 2: Ísafjörður

Ísafjörður is the largest town in Iceland's Westfjord peninsula. It is an ancient church site and a trading post since the 16th century. Take a stroll around this cosy town and join one of our wide range of optional excursions.

Day 3: At sea

Crossing the Arctic Ocean we may encounter a variety of large-bodied marine mammals and be followed by the ‘sailors friend’, the Northern Fulmar, a bird of the same family as the graceful albatross. Our Expedition Team offers several lectures about climate change and there will be an on-board auction where the proceeds will go to relevant climate charities.

Day 4: Jan Mayen

The Norwegian island of Jan Mayen is one of the most isolated in the world and home to the northernmost active volcano on earth, Beerenberg. It is located where the North American and the Eurasian tectonic plates meet. Dutch whalers operated from Jan Mayen in the 16th century, but today only a Norwegian weather station accommodates a few brave individuals throughout the year. Visits to Jan Mayen are extremely rare, especially from tourists. MS Fram and her crew will, as one of the very few operating in this water, attempt to make a rare landing on this most exotic Arctic island.

Day 5: At sea

Once again you are welcome to join our lecture programme and observe seabirds and sea mammals from deck.

Day 6: Ny-Ålesund

Situated at 78º 55’ N, Ny-Ålesund is one of the world’s northernmost year-round communities. The settlement i historically rooted in coal mining. In the heroic age of exploration this was the starting point of several historical attempts to reach the North Pole. Names like Amundsen, Ellsworth and Nobile are strongly linked to the place, and you can still see the airship mast that Nobile’s dirigible “Norge” was moored to before its departure on the first trans-polar flight. Today, Ny-Ålesund is an important campus for scientists from leading research institutes such as the Alfred Wegener Institute and the Norwegian Polar Institute. In 2005, a state-of-the-art marine laboratory was opened to facilitate the fieldwork of marine biologists and oceanographers. There is also a small visitor centre in Ny-Ålesund.

Day 7: North West Spitsbergen National Park

We will try crossing the 80th parallel. Until a couple of decades ago, a plan to get this far north would have been inconceivable at this time of the year. If we are lucky we will spot some of the larger species that use these waters as hunting grounds. Keep your eyes open for walrus, whales and polar bears.

Day 8: North West Spitsbergen National Park

The Isfjord is a fraction more hospitable than the savage Arctic Ocean, and is home to several giant bird cliffs. The Alkhorn is nesting place for species like the Brünnich’s Guillemot and the Kittiwake. Seabirds make up an important link between the marine and the terrestrial food chain. We will see evidence of the lush areas below the cliff – fertilised by bird droppings.

Day 9: Longyearbyen/OSLO

When arriving after midnight in Longyearbyen, our Climate Voyage has come to an end. It's time for transfer to the airport and the flight back to Oslo.

Day 1 Helsinki, Finland

Your arctic adventure begins in Helsinki, where you may arrive at any time today. Known for its extraordinary architecture, Helsinki is a great place to spend time in, exploring the many museums, galleries and restaurants. Perhaps relax at a Finnish sauna or wander the vibrant Design District before retiring at your included hotel.

Day 2 Helsinki, Finland – Longyearbyen, Norway – Embarkation Day

After breakfast, the group will transfer to the airport and board our private charter flight to Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen’s largest settlement. As you embark this afternoon, you’ll enjoy great views of the mountainous landscape that serves as a backdrop for this seaside town.

Day 3-6 Exploring Spitsbergen

Exploring Spitsbergen, the largest of the Norwegian-ruled Svalbard islands, rewards you with abundant wildlife and austere beauty. Here, you’ll visit spectacular glacier fronts and steep-walled fjords with walrus, polar bears and Spitsbergen reindeer among your possible wildlife sightings. Birders will be thrilled to see arctic terns, skuas, long-tailed ducks, kittiwakes and ivory gulls. When conditions are right, you could sail within 10 degrees of the North Pole!

Day 7-8 Greenland Sea

While sailing south through the historic Greenland Sea, you’ll learn about the wildlife and history of Greenland, your next stop. On deck, you’ll learn to identify seabirds on the wing. Take in a lecture, share your photos, sip an icy cocktail in the bar or watch a movie—there are many things to do during your time at sea.

Day 9-12 Exploring East Greenland

During your tour of Greenland’s remote eastern coast, you’ll enjoy Zodiac cruises and shore visits to several locations. Explore the remains of ancient Thule settlements and keep an eye out for grazing muskoxen—40 percent of the world’s muskoxen population lives here. Finally, you will sail through spectacular Scoresbysund, the birthplace of many icebergs and, some say, the most beautiful fjord system in the world. If conditions allow, you may also visit Ittoqqortoormiit, the most remote community in East Greenland.

Day 13-14 Crossing the Denmark Strait

As we sail south, the Denmark Strait is your pathway toward Iceland. Your Expedition Team will keep you informed and entertained with presentations about the history of exploration in the Arctic and the seabirds you’ll see soaring above your ship.

Day 15 Disembarkation Day – Reykjavik, Icealnd

You’ll disembark in Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital, at the end of your journey. If you have booked post-expedition accommodation, we provide a transfer to a central downtown location.