Discovering the Arctic Wilderness: Exploring Svalbard with Swan Hellenic

Day 1 - Longyearbyen

Longyearbyen, Svalbard and Jan Mayen: Longyearbyen is the largest settlement in Svalbard, serving as the seat of the Norwegian administration. This well-equipped town in the archipelago boasts the best services and infrastructure. Nestled deep in Adventfjord, a branch of the Icefjord, it features an airport accessible year-round, although its harbour is ice-bound during winter. Most amenities, including shops, hotels, restaurants, and a hospital, are conveniently within walking distance from the port. A must-see is the UNIS centre, a collaborative venture among several Norwegian universities offering the northernmost higher education available to both local and international students. Near UNIS, the Svalbard Museum offers fascinating exhibits on the natural history and historical exploitation of the region, complemented by remnants of old mining activities scattered throughout the town.

Day 2 - Svalbard Archipelago

Svalbard Archipelago, Svalbard and Jan Mayen: Embark on a flexible journey that adapts to favourable ice and weather conditions, allowing exploration of northern Svalbard as once charted by famous explorers like Andrée, Amundsen, and Nobile. This expedition may take you through the narrow straits and dramatic peaks of Krossfjord and Raudfjord or to historic sites such as Ny Alesund, Ny London, or Amsterdamoya. Witness distinctive Arctic wildlife, including the boisterous walrus on secluded shores, reindeer grazing on alpine terrains, elusive ptarmigan, and the majestic polar bear patrolling the coastline in search of sustenance.

Day 3 - Svalbard Archipelago

Svalbard Archipelago, Svalbard and Jan Mayen: Enjoy the freedom of a flexible itinerary, seizing the opportunity to navigate through the northern regions of Svalbard, landscapes once traversed by celebrated explorers like Andrée, Amundsen, and Nobile. Your journey might steer toward the narrow inlets and majestic cliffs of Krossfjord and Raudfjord or historical landmarks such as Ny Alesund, Ny London, or Amsterdamoya. Among the experiences, observe Arctic wildlife from the gregarious walrus colonies to reindeer roaming alpine slopes, well-camouflaged ptarmigan, and awe-inspiring polar bears in search of prey along the shores.

Day 4 - Svalbard Archipelago

Svalbard Archipelago, Svalbard and Jan Mayen: Set sail on a dynamic voyage that flexibly responds to the prevailing ice and weather conditions to explore the northern stretches of Svalbard, following the paths of renowned explorers like Andrée, Amundsen, and Nobile. Possible destinations include the striking fjords and mountainous terrains of Krossfjord and Raudfjord, along with historically significant sites such as Ny Alesund, Ny London, or Amsterdamoya. Experience the thrill of spotting Arctic wildlife from vocal walrus groups on remote beaches to reindeer dotting the alpine landscape, well-concealed ptarmigan, and the magnificent polar bear on its coastal rambles.

Day 5 - Svalbard Archipelago

Svalbard Archipelago, Svalbard and Jan Mayen: Continue your exploration with a flexible schedule that embraces favourable ice and weather patterns, venturing into Svalbard's northern regions, once navigated by the likes of Andrée, Amundsen, and Nobile. Your route may lead you to the slender passages and awe-inspiring summits of Krossfjord and Raudfjord, or to the storied locales of Ny Alesund, Ny London, or Amsterdamoya. Expect encounters with Arctic wildlife, from noisy walrus assemblies along remote shores to reindeer grazing on highland slopes, camouflaged ptarmigan, and the commanding presence of polar bears seeking their next meal.

Day 6 - Svalbard Archipelago

Svalbard Archipelago, Svalbard and Jan Mayen: Relish the adaptability of an itinerary shaped by the ice and weather conditions, allowing exploration of the northern reaches of Svalbard, paths trodden by illustrious explorers such as Andrée, Amundsen, and Nobile. Your adventure might include the narrow channels and imposing mountains of Krossfjord and Raudfjord, with visits to historic locations like Ny Alesund, Ny London, or Amsterdamoya. Amid these explorations, look forward to observing Arctic wildlife—from the sociaible walrus herds on distant beaches to reindeer wandering the alpine, cryptic ptarmigan, and iconic polar bears prowling the shorelines for their next hunt.

Day 7 - Longyearbyen

Longyearbyen, Svalbard and Jan Mayen: As your expedition concludes, return to Longyearbyen, the largest settlement in Svalbard. Serving as the hub for Norwegian administration, it offers exemplary services and infrastructure. Positioned deep within Adventfjord, an arm of the Icefjord, Longyearbyen boasts an airport open year-round, although its harbour freezes over in winter. Numerous amenities, including shops, hotels, restaurants, and healthcare facilities, are conveniently situated near the port. Visit the notable UNIS centre, a collective effort from Norwegian universities to provide the world's northernmost higher education opportunities. Adjacent lies the compelling Svalbard Museum, offering insights into the region's natural history and historical industry, alongside visible reminders of its mining legacy scattered in and around the town.