Arctic Circumnavigation: Svalbard Sailing & Walking Expedition

Your Sailing Area

Svalbard, Norway

High in the Arctic circle between Norway and the North Pole sits the world’s northernmost icy town of Svalbard. One of Europe’s last great wildernesses, where there are more resident Polar bears than humans, Svalbard is a fairy-tale-like but formidable landscape.

Discovering Svalbard under sail with a tall ship is by far the best and most sustainable way to see the very best of this Arctic archipelago. Svalbard has strict tourism policies in place, and travellers are unable to leave the main town of Longyearbyen without a registered guide. Noorderlicht has been given special permission to sail and explore this magical landscape with a registered guide onboard, meaning guests are in safe hands at all times.

Colossal glaciers, ice-covered fjords, dramatic snow-peaks and an abundance of Arctic wildlife are a constant reminder of how fragile this wild and rugged world really is. Often referred to as the “land of the midnight sun”, when from mid-May to late September, the archipelago sits in 24-hour daylight; this epic terrain is certainly not for the faint-hearted!

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The aim of this epic expedition sailing voyage sis to spend 16 days circumnavigating the island of Svalbard. Below is a rough day-to-day guide of what to expect based on previous voyages but please bear in mind that all itineraries are subject to the weather. As you board, the Captain will have a better idea with updated forecasts of what you can expect from your adventure sailing holiday in Svalbard.

Day 1: Embarkation in Longyearbyen

Climb aboard Noorderlicht in the small snowy town of Longyearbyen – the largest inhabited settlement in Spitsbergen. Enjoy a welcome from the crew and captain before a delicious first dinner on board while the ship sets course towards Bellsund, where it will anchor for the night.

Day 2: Glacier Fridtjofbreen and the historic sights in the Bellsund

Explore ashore at Midterhuken in the Bellsund where there are fantastic views of the 65 million year old mountain chain of Spitsbergen. During lunch, Noorerlicht will sail to Kapp Toscane where you can enjoy a short walk to Kvitfiskstranda (‘white whale beach’) before setting the sails again towards the Hornsund or the South Cape of the island of Spitsbergen.

Day 3-4: Around the South Cape towards the east of Spitsbergen

If the weather – and ice conditions are favourable, you will visit the Hornsund, one of the most inhospitable and icy fjords of Svalbard.

This fjord is home to many steep glacier fronts with a high chance of encountering seals and belugas. Visit the Polish research station in Isbjornhamna, where we can get information about their scientific wildlife programs.

Due to the currents that converge here, from the Arctic Ocean and the Barents Sea, it is important to plan this Cape crossing carefully. As soon as we arrive in the Storfjorden, we have a good chance of encountering groups of whales. We then sail in a northerly direction to the island EdgeØya – well known for its large reindeer population as well as for its polar bears.

Due to the flat and accessible island, we have the possibility of a landing at Kapp Lee near Dolerittneset (‘Dolerite point’). The wide tundra is dotted with reindeer antlers and whale bones and you can often find arctic foxes and large colonies of kittiwakes here.

Day 5: Visit the impressive Negribreen, Heleysundet.

After breakfast, we will visit Negribreen, one of the largest and most impressive glaciers in Spitsbergen. The glacier has receded significantly in recent decades, but still has the widest calving front on the main island of Spitsbergen. As we approach the glacier, we will encounter blue icebergs, the blue indicates very old ice!

After taking plenty of time at Negribeen, we will attempt to sail through the Heleysundet, a narrow channel notorious for its strong currents. In the channel, there is a nameless bay where only our red sailing ship is known to have anchored. The crew of Noorderlicht has given this bay a name: the ‘Noorderlichtbukta’. Here we have the possibility of a nice walk under and on top of the cliffs of Straumslandet.

Day 6: The famous bird cliff Alkefjellet

Depending on the tide, we leave the Heleysundet to set sail in the direction of the spectacular bird cliff Alkefjellet. We will take our time at this natural wonder viewing the 60,000 short-billed guillemots breeding here. Noorderlicht is small enough to cruise along the base of the cliff, eliminating the need to view it from the zodiac, so sit back and relax to see the seabirds up close.

We will spend the rest of the day sailing in a northerly direction through the Hinlopenstraat. The Hinlopenstraat is a 150 km long strait that separates Spitsbergen and Nordaustlandet and is often difficult to navigate because of the dense pack ice. Once in the Lomfjorden, we will look for an anchorage for the night.

Day 7: Nordaustlandet – the northeastern limit of our trip

After a morning walk in Faksevagen with impressive views over the glacier Gullfaksebreen, we cross the Hinlopen Strait towards the most northeastern island of this trip: Nordaustlandet. This island is largely covered by the two large ice caps – Austfonna and Vestfonna. Compared to the rest of Spitsbergen there are fewer remains of human activity to be found here, due to the isolated location, although we can find traces of Norwegian and Russian influence on the landscape.

We may take an evening walk at the special landmark Kinnvika, where a Swedish-Finnish research station dating from 1957-58 can be visited. The project was abandoned in 1959 when funding ran out, making the 10 vacant wooden buildings now seem mysterious.

Day 8-9: 80 degrees north towards the ‘de Zeeuwse Uitkijck’

During the next two days, we celebrate passing the most northerly point of our journey at a latitude of 80 degrees north. We sail along the island of Moffen, a walrus and bird sanctuary, where we keep a good lookout to see groups of walruses. In this northern area, the ice determines where to sail and where to go ashore.

Possibly during one of these days, we will find an anchorage close to Ytre NorkskØya where we hopefully can land at the’ Zeeuwsche Uitkijck. Here in 1617, whalers from Zeeland built a blubber cookery and were able to keep a good lookout over the sea for whales from the highest point of the island.

Day 10: Whaling history at Smeerenburg

Sailing further on to the West, we proceed to AmsterdamØya, where we can get a good insight into 17th-century whaling. Here you will find Smeerenburg, a former settlement of Dutch whalers that grew into the centre of Dutch whaling in the period from 1617 – 1646. The settlement consisted of warehouses, homes and a blacksmith shop. Horseshoe-shaped ovens were used to boil the blubber of the whales, extract oil which was used for soap and fuel for lamps. Remains of blubber ovens, tombs and houses can still be found here and there.

Day 11-12: The glaciers of Kongsfjord and Krossfjord

Sailing South, we will aim to find the breathtaking blue-green bay of the Magdalenafjord. With rugged and pointed mountain peaks and impressive glaciers, it’s an Arctic paradise.

We sail onwards to the beautiful Kongsfjord and Krossfjord where we will be greeted by the towering face of the “14th July” glacier. Bearded seals often lie to rest on the broken ice floes, and near the glacier, we may find breeding colonies of black-billed guillemots, kittiwakes and puffins.

These fjords offer numerous sights. For example, we may be able to organize a landing on the Blomstrandhalvoya peninsula, where the remains of a marble mine can be seen at Ny London. From this location, we also have a beautiful view of the Tre Kroner, the three iconic mountain peaks that shine through the ice cap.

Day 13: Walruses and a panoramic view on the Prins Karls Forlandet

Today we will start early, sailing a southerly course towards the St. Johnsfjord. To get there we will navigate the Forlandsundet strait. Historically, the Forlandsundet strait has always been a fear for many whalers, because of the Forlandsrevet sandbank on the north side. Due to its shallow draft, Noorderlicht is one of the few ships that can navigate these waters although the crew will need full concentration.

If we can complete this passage, we will make a landing at Murraypynten and walk the hills with a beautiful panoramic view of the rugged mountains and glacial landscapes of Spitsbergen.

In the afternoon we will continue the journey south, towards the St. Johnsfjord, where we will anchor in the sheltered bay.

Day 14: Ghost Town in Soviet-style: Barentsburg

Depending on the availability of a berth in Barentsburg, we will sail towards the Russian mining settlement where we will arrive towards the end of the afternoon.

From the dock where our ship is moored, we will first have to climb some 140 wooden steps before we enter the main street. Here we will see that the Soviet period has left its mark. There is a life-size bust of Lenin in the middle of the town, billboards with photos of workers and modernist Soviet buildings. Furthermore, you can find the world’s most Northern brewery and find the Pomor Museum. In the evening, you can enjoy locally brewed beers and Russian snacks with part of the crew of Noorderlicht.

Day 15: Sailing towards Longyearbyen

In the morning we hope to make a final landing in Colesbukta, before sailing back to Longyearbyen.

Day 16: Goodbye Noorderlicht

After a hearty breakfast, you can disembark by 09:00.

All voyages for Noorderlicht

Noorderlicht

Guest berths: 12 Rig: Schooner

Originally built in 1910, Noorderlicht has a colourful history and has spent much of her life sailing the Baltic Sea and exploring Svalbard. With various refits, hull extensions and rigging reconfigurations, she now sails as a graceful two-masted schooner, taking guests on sustainable adventure holidays in Svalbard.

With comfortable accommodation for up to 12 guests in private twin cabins, Noorderlicht offers guests whale watching and wildlife expeditions exploring the Arctic waters of Northern Norway & Svalbard. Her size and draft mean she can reach some of the most remote areas of Svalbard so she is a great way to discover the hidden gems that this breathtaking part of the world has to offer.

Low impact and environmental travel go hand-in-hand with Noorderlicht’s ethos. Her ability to explore this part of the world is the best way to enjoy the beautiful, unspoiled nature.

In the early 90s, she was refitted to become a charter vessel, and so her accommodation below decks was given careful consideration. She has ten comfortable twin cabins that all share four bathrooms. The galley and downstairs seating area sit in the middle of the ship, with another seating area and bar in the deckhouse.

Deck plan

Life on board Noorderlicht

Exploring the Arctic Circle and the wilderness of Svalbard with expedition vessel Noorderlicht is an experience of a lifetime. This breathtaking landscape is certainly best explored from the water, from the comfort of your own tall ship. 

Sleeping and Relaxation

The interior of Noorderlicht is authentically decorated, giving it an informal, cosy, and nautical atmosphere. The upper and lower deck saloons have spacious cushioned seating and dining areas, providing enough space for 12 guests to enjoy meals, compare photos, or simply relax and read books. There is a small onboard library filled with informative literature about the wildlife, history, and geology of Svalbard. The upper saloon is also where the bar sits, the coffee pot is also on, and guests are welcome to use the bar as they wish, using an honesty tab. 

The sleeping area is situated at the lower deck in 10 twin cabins. All cabins have bunk berths, plenty of built-in storage, a washbasin, a mirror and charging ports. All bedding and towels are provided so you don’t need to bring your own. There are four communal toilets/showers throughout the ship which are cleaned daily when guests are on shore landings. Each bathroom has shampoo, conditioner and body wash dispensers for guests to use.

A typical day

Wake up to the smell of fresh coffee as you watch the mist rise over dramatic landscapes. Noorderlicht’s summer voyages in Svalbard all take place in the midnight sun, which means 24/7 daylight. Our ship’s cook serves a continental breakfast, followed usually by the first shore landing around 9 a.m. Shore landings are always dependent on the weather – if it’s too misty with poor visibility, the risk of a polar bear sneaking around is too large to ignore! The plans are always flexible and the guides will always update guests throughout the day. 

After the first shore landing (always tailored to the needs and wishes of the group) it’ll be back aboard for a hearty lunch, usually as the boat travels to the next anchorage. The afternoons are normally a relaxed affair, reading, napping, chatting and just observing the magnificence of the elemental beauty surrounding you. 

Noorderlicht aims to do two shore landings a day. They are not mandatory, and if you wish to remain aboard, that’s fine, too! The second landing is normally in the late afternoon, before dinner. There is also the option to climb the bow nets and climb the mast to the crow’s nest!

The food

If we have learned anything from our years of experience on sailing ships, it is the importance of good food on a ship! Although the Arctic area gives rise to limitations on the possibilities and supplies of the food onboard, our professional cook will prepare you excellent meals from the international kitchen three times a day. Breakfast is served at 8 am, a continental breakfast with fresh bread, cooked eggs, meat and vegetables, cheeses, yoghurt, cereals, muesli and fresh fruit.

The cook aims to serve lunch around 1 pm, although this will always be flexible depending on the time spent ashore. Coffee, teas and soft drinks are available from the honesty bar throughout the day and everyone is responsible for keeping the coffee pot topped up and the kettle hot! Fresh fruit and biscuits are available throughout the day. Dinner is usually served at about 7.30 pm. The cook encourages any guests with dietary needs to pop in the galley and have a quick chat with him on the first day.

Your safety 

Noorderlicht sails in Svalbard with a rotation crew: a Captain, first mate, cook, deckhand, and engineer. To meet the strict regulations for operating in Svalbard, she also has two registered guides on every voyage. This ensures the culture, environment, and, most importantly, the safety of our guests and crew are maintained. Our guides are authorised for Svalbard Guide Training (SGO) and many of our guides are educated as Arctic Nature Guides (ANG).

They are an invaluable part of the team and are responsible for your safety ashore at all times. They possess a vast amount of knowledge about the local area, wildlife, and weather conditions. They are all incredibly passionate about what they do and love to share their wonder of the natural world with guests.

The guides lead the way on the day-to-day planning and shore landings. They talk through everything, from getting on and off the boat, in and out of the tender, to how to walk ashore and react to polar bears. They work in tandem to scan every shore landing and “clear the area of bears”, establishing two high points for maximum visibility. Guests need to stay between the guides at all times, although the radius is more generous than you’d expect, so you still feel very much free to roam. The route is discussed together so everyone is always as informed as they can be.

The first evening is spent observing and listening to a series of safety talks and expectations for the week. A few words from the first mate about the operation of the boat, the toilets and most importantly, keeping the coffee pot full. An alarm drill to establish the muster station is a good guest bonding experience as you help each other in and out of life jackets! It’s split over a few hours, with tea and coffee in between.

Kit list

Noorderlicht has limited space for possessions so please be considerate and travel as light as possible. There is no storage for rigid cases so please bring your items in a soft bag or rucksack. We recommend a travelling light principal with lots of lightweight, easy drying layers.

1) Dress in layers. In polar regions it is advised to use the 3-layer principle; a base layer, a warm mid layer, and a water repellent outer layer.

2) Don’t overdress. If it is too warm you start sweating which can cool you down too much.

3) Use natural materials such as wool. Avoid cotton. Synthetic fabrics designed for cold weather are also good.

4) Be careful with down, when it gets wet it loses all its insulation value. Primaloft or polar fleece are good options.

5) Wear loose layers. Insulation is basically pockets of hot air, so if you dress without room for those air pockets to fill with warm air it can be cold.  Only the base layer can be a snug fit, but make sure it is not hindering your blood flow. Avoid super tight shoes and socks.

6) Keep hands and feet dry. You usually lose a lot of heat via your extremities (hand and feet). Mittens are always warmer than gloves. Make sure there is a waterproof outer layer.

7) Wear a hat! A lot of lost body heat can come from your head. By making sure that your head is warm you will also notice a difference for the rest of your body.

Don’t forget the wind! Wind chill can make 0 degrees feel like -20. So make sure your outer layer is both wind and waterproof.

FOOTWEAR

• Rubber boots (VERY IMPORTANT) we request that you bring a pair of knee-high rubber boots. These boots will be used in virtually all shore landings. Pull-on rubber and completely waterproof boots of at least midcalf height with a strong, ridged non-skid sole is ESSENTIAL for landings. We often walk in water and on icy, slippery surfaces, so even standard snow boots, hiking boots, and low rubber boots are not satisfactory. 
• Sturdy hiking boots are optional. Most hike/landings will be done with the rubber boots. Occasionally people switch to hiking boots.
• Comfortable shoes are useful to wear around the ship.  

CLOTHES

• T-shirts to wear inside the vessel, as temperatures are comfortably warm 
• Warm pants or even ski pants, which can be worn over long underwear. Thick ski pants can be too warm for long hikes but are great on deck. 
• Waterproof trousers, such as Gore-Tex, to be worn over regular pants.  
• Thermal underwear of wool, silk or polypropylene 
• Sweaters or polar fleece jacket of medium weight. 
• Turtlenecks work well as extra layer.
• Mittens and gloves (and more than one pair), such as thin wool or polypropylene gloves that can be worn underneath your mittens 
• Woolen hat and scarf to protect your ears and neck 
• Warm socks that are tall and sturdy, layered over a thinner pair of silk, polypropylene, or wool socks. We prefer wool since it does not contain any odour. 
• Waterproof/windproof jacket (waterproof above all) with an attached hood that can be worn over your under layers with reasonable comfort 

ACCESSORIES

• Waterproof (or resistant) backpack with shoulder straps for keeping your hands free and your camera (and other gear) dry 
• Earplugs, in case you share your cabin with a snorer or the engine is on
• Sunglasses of good quality, as the glare from the water and surrounding snow/ice can be severe even when the sky is overcast 
• Binoculars for viewing all the beautiful landscapes and wildlife 
• Camera with plenty of memory cards or film 
• Head lamp for spring or autumn trips aboard Noorderlicht

How cold is it in Svalbard?

Temperatures vary from April through to September. Depending on the time of year you can expect lows of -30 and highs of +10. It is hard to predict but appropriate clothing is paramount.

What’s included

• Full board (breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks and hot drinks)
• All bedding (pillow, sheets & duvet)
• Towels
• Full crew plus tuition
• Marina and fuel fees
• All tender trips to and fro the boat
• Lifejacket

What’s not included

• Alcohol
• Any flights
• Transit hotels
• Travel to and from the boat on the day of joining/leaving
• Travel insurance
• Sailing Insurance (Please read our Sailing Insurance page for more information)
• Crew tips
• Personal expenses

Travel insurance notes

As this is an active adventure holiday, we advise that everyone has the appropriate personal accident travel insurance whilst onboard in addition to standard travel insurance which would cover you in the time between making your booking and departing for your adventure. These policies can sometimes be combined so please check with your travel insurance provider.

Please read more information on our Insurance guidelines page.

This voyage will be not more than 12miles offshore.

FAQ

• Are all meals included?

  Yes, all meals on board are included in the price. (Breakfast, lunch, dinner and hot drinks) Alcohol is not included.

• Can you cater for dietary needs?

  We can cater for vegetarian, dairy-free and gluten-free. We cannot cater for a vegan diet.

• Are there any added extras?

  There is an honesty bar for alcohol and soft drinks. You can pay your honesty tab by card but tips are left in cash.

• What are the sleeping arrangements?

  6 x twin bunk cabins with shared bathrooms.

• Is there a porthole in my cabin?

  Yes, each cabin has a deck hatch for light and ventilation. We recommend bringing an eye mask during the summer months for the midnight sun.

• How many toilet/showers does she have?

  4 shower rooms and an extra single toilet.

• Are bedding and towels provided?

  All bedding and towels are provided.

• Is there a hairdryer on board?

  Please do not bring one. The sea breeze makes a great natural alternative!

• Will I be able to wash my clothes?

  Noorderlicht does not have laundry for guests unless you are taking part in the 16day circumnavigation, where you will be able to wash underwear/small items if needed.

• Is there heating on board?

  Most definitely! The generator runs continuously so the boat is fully heated.

• Do I need to tip the crew?

  Tips are not mandatory but are welcomed by the crew.

• What language is spoken onboard?

  Dutch/English

• Is there Wi-Fi?

  There is no wifi on-board and there will be times when you are out of range when sailing in Svalbard. When you're in range to local towns, you should be able to pick up 4/5G so please make sure you have the appropriate data roaming set up on your mobile phone.

• Can I charge my phone/camera?

  Yes. There are power points in all cabins. Please bring 2-pin European adaptors.

• What is the currency on board?

  Euro's

• Are life jackets provided?

  Yes, life-jackets are provided and there are safety demonstrations once you board.

• How do I get on and off the boat?

  Noorderlicht is always at anchor so you'll need to be comfortable climbing in and out of the tender dinghy and climbing up the boats step ladder over the gunwale - there will always be a crew member to steady.

• Are waterproofs provided?

  Noorderlicht does not have waterproofs for guests so please bring your own.

• Do I need sailing experience?

  Absolutely not! Just a lust for adventure.

• Does the boat have any water toys?

  Noorderlicht does not have any water toys.

• Will I be sea sick?

  Everyone reacts differently but we recommend if you are at all worried to take some medication 24 hours before departure.

• Is there an age limit?

  Yes. No children younger than 11. Above aged 16 is fine, but ages 11-16 we must check directly with the boat on a case by case basis.

Travel Planning

From: Longyearbyen Harbour

To: Longyearbyen Harbour

To see where the ports are, along with your likely sailing area, please view the sail area & highlights.

GETTING THERE

BY AIR

Fly into Oslo or Tromsø to get a connecting flight to Svalbard. There are several flights a day into Longyearbyen Airport from Oslo and Tromsø in Norway. Your easiest route from the UK to Longyearbyen (LYR) Airport for Svalbard is from London Heathrow via Oslo with airline SAS.

Taxis and buses meet each incoming /outgoing flight, even in the middle of the night and will stop at the marina on request, and the airport shuttle service stops at all hotels in the centre.

If you need to drop luggage off at the boat on the day of arrival before your joining time of 4 pm, you are welcome to. Prompt joining at 4 pm is required so the boat can set course to the first anchorage!

STAY IN SVALBARD:

There are plenty of places to stay in Svalbard. Try Gjesthuset 102, Mary-Ann’s Polarrigg or Funken Lodge.

Please note that you need a guide to travel anywhere outside Longyearbyen due to the risk from polar bears.