Arctic Summer Sailing and Walking in Svalbard
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Sail and hike the Arctic wilderness of Svalbard aboard tall ship Noorderlicht – glaciers, polar bears and midnight sun await.
Experience guided sailing and hiking in Svalbard aboard tall ship Noorderlicht, high above Norway in the Arctic Circle. This summer voyage brings long, light-filled days and the best conditions for wildlife spotting from walrus colonies and polar bears to puffins and whales.
This voyage is perfect for adventure travellers who want to experience the Arctic at its most alive. Go ashore by zodiac for glacier walks, explore abandoned Arctic settlements, and brave a polar plunge in Ny-Ålesund. Back on board, the midnight sun keeps the sky bright long into the evening. This unique adventure allows you to witness the beautiful yet fragile environment of Svalbard while minimising the ecological impact of your journey.
- Skippered Arctic tall ship sailing
- Polar bears & Arctic wildlife
- Guided glacier walks ashore
- Midnight sun & remote landscapes
- Sustainable travel
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Talk to the team
Telephone: +44 (0)1872 487288
Email: [email protected]
WhatsApp: +44 7804 472592
Guided Sailing and Hiking in Svalbard with Tall Ship Noorderlicht
Longyearbyen → Sarstangen → Kongsfjord → Mollerhamna → Ny-Ålesund → Prins Karls Forland → Ymerbukta → Longyearbyen
High above mainland Norway, the Arctic archipelago of Svalbard sits halfway between the Norwegian coast and the North Pole. Summer in Svalbard is something quite special as the midnight sun bathes the archipelago in 24 hours of daylight, the wildlife is at its most active, and the fjords are at their most navigable. Explore ashore from the walrus colonies at Sarstangen to the polar research town of Ny-Ålesund, the world’s northernmost settlement. With a registered guide on board and special permission to explore beyond Longyearbyen, Noorderlicht reaches anchorages and landscapes that no other form of travel can. The crew are always watching for whales, polar bears and Arctic wildlife, and will take every opportunity to get the sails up when the wind allows.
Your Day-by-Day Itinerary
All itineraries are subject to the weather. As you board, the Captain will have updated forecasts and a clearer picture of what your adventure holds.
Day 1: Embarkation in Longyearbyen
We recommend arriving the day before joining Noorderlicht, as flights can be delayed by Arctic fog and weather. Explore the town’s history or take a land-based wildlife safari before boarding at the floating pier – a 10-minute taxi ride from the airport and a 15-minute walk from the town centre. Luggage can be dropped during the day. Departure is at 4 pm, with the crew running cabin introductions and safety briefings. Noorderlicht sails through the night, aiming to get as far north as possible before dropping anchor in the early hours.
Days 2–4: Glaciers, Wildlife and Arctic Wilderness
Wake to the distant sound of glaciers creaking and Arctic terns swooping the shoreline. Head ashore to explore the Dalbreen glacier before cruising to Sarstangen to watch the walrus colony at rest. The crew will always take an opportunity to get the sails up and are constantly watching for Arctic wildlife.
Spend time in Kongsfjord, where Arctic mist shrouds the Lilliehookbreen glacier, and the crack of shifting ice echoes across the bay. The surrounding terrain is classic Arctic moraine – soft underfoot and rich in geological detail, coral fossils and small lakes. Climb a gentle ridge for views over Arctic terns and puffins, and for those who want it, an afternoon near the glacier offers the chance to climb the rigging to the crow’s nest.
Continue through the evening to Mollerhamna, a quiet glacier bay ready for a morning walk ashore.
Day 5: Fur Seals, Marble Mines and Ny-Ålesund
Hike ashore to an old hunter’s cabin, with fur seals resting on the beach nearby. In the afternoon, visit an abandoned marble mine before cruising through the midnight sun to the harbour at Ny-Ålesund.
Day 6: Ny-Ålesund and the Search for Whales and Polar Bears
Those brave enough can start the day with a polar plunge on the small harbour beach before walking into Ny-Ålesund to explore its polar expedition history and research facilities. A small museum and shop are worth a visit. Spend the afternoon cruising the fjords with eyes on the water, as this area has a high sighting rate for whales and polar bears.
Day 7: Prins Karls Forland and Forlandet National Park
Cross to the island of Prins Karls Forland and the Forlandet National Park, where seals swim in the bay and reindeer wander the hills. Beach-comb, explore the geology, or simply sit on the shore and take it all in.
Day 8: A Final Glacier Walk
One last opportunity for a glacier hike in Ymerbukta, one of the few glaciers that sits directly against the shoreline, allowing a walk along its edge and up a small ridgeline with sweeping views across the bay. Noorderlicht then heads back to Longyearbyen for a final Captain’s dinner on board and an informal evening to share photos and stories from the week.
Day 9: Disembarkation Breakfast at 8 am, departure from Noorderlicht at 10 am. If you need to leave early for the airport, arrange a taxi in advance as they fill up quickly around flight times.
Aboard Tall Ship Noorderlicht
Noorderlicht is a traditionally rigged tall ship with comfortable accommodation for up to 12 guests in private twin cabins. Her small size and shallow draft allow her to reach some of the most remote anchorages in Svalbard – places larger vessels simply cannot access. The galley and downstairs saloon sit at the heart of the ship, with a further seating area and bar in the deckhouse.
- Sleeping: Private twin cabins with bedding provided
- Food: Full board – hearty, home-cooked meals in the galley
- Atmosphere: Hands-on and sociable — a small group with a shared sense of adventure
- Sustainability: Low-impact travel at her core, treading lightly in one of the world’s most fragile environments
With years of experience sailing in Arctic Svalbard, we’ve compiled a complete guide to everything you need to know before you visit – so if you’ve got any questions about what to pack or how to get there, take a look at our guide here.
Read more about what our team experienced while sailing and hiking in Svalbard with Noorderlicht…
Things to note
Sailing vs Shoretime
Night watches?
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 not be more than 12miles offshore.
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. With a small group of up to 12 guests, the atmosphere is much more intimate than on a small-ship cruise.
Getting Involved
Guests are invited to get involved with all aspects of sailing on Noorderlicht. Although the wind in Svalbard can be unpredictable, when the opportunities arise, it is all hands on deck to hoist the sails manually. Some time is inevitably spent under motor, and if there is a particular location to reach, the crew may decide to continue underway while guests sleep. Guests can also take the helm and help plot the course on charts with the crew.
Climbing the masts while anchored by a three-mile-wide glacier is undoubtedly a highlight, and guests can also climb out onto the bowsprit to help prepare the sails.
Sleeping and Relaxation
The interior of Noorderlicht is authentically decorated, giving it an informal, cosy, and nautical atmosphere. There are spacious cushioned seating and dining areas in the upper and lower deck saloons, 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 always on, and guests are welcome to use the bar as they wish, with an honesty tab.
The sleeping area is located on the lower deck, with 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 dispensers for shampoo, conditioner, and body wash 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 significant to ignore! The plans are always flexible, and the guides will constantly 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 usually a relaxed affair: reading, napping, chatting, and just observing 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 usually in the late afternoon, before dinner.
Dining Aboard
If we have learned anything from our years of experience on sailing ships, it is the importance of good food aboard! Although the Arctic region imposes limitations on the availability and quality of food on board, 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 into 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).
Noorderlicht
Guest berths: 12 Rig: Schooner
High above mainland Norway, the Arctic archipelago of Svalbard sits. An icy wilderness that tall ship Noorderlicht has called home since 1994. Spending her summers exploring Northern Norway & Svalbard, she takes guests on whale watching holidays along the south-west coast and offers longer adventures circumnavigating the whole island. She also offers expedition voyages across the Barents Sea for those seeking a more exhilarating, hands-on adventure with plenty of sailing.
A traditionally rigged tall ship, guests are invited to get involved with all aspects of sailing, although the wind in Svalbard can be unpredictable, so some time is spent under motor. Guests can still take the helm and help plot the course on charts with the crew.
Low-impact, environmentally friendly travel goes 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. From glacier walks, birdwatching, whales, polar bears, and abandoned mining stations, Noorderlicht’s voyages are perfect for those wanting to discover remote locations far from the tourist crowds.
You don’t need any sailing experience to join Noorderlicht’s adventures, but a good level of fitness is recommended so you can hike the hills comfortably for dramatic views and take the opportunity to explore a sleeping village at night in the midnight sun. There is a good balance aboard to rest and relax, read a book or chat with fellow travellers as you travel between landing spots.
With comfortable accommodation for up to 12 guests in private twin cabins, her size and draft allow her to reach some of the most remote areas of Svalbard, making her a great way to discover the hidden gems this breathtaking part of the world has to offer. The galley and downstairs seating area sit in the middle of the ship, with another seating area and bar in the deckhouse.
Deck plan
More about Noorderlicht
More holidays in Norway or Svalbard
Norwegian Sailing: Lofoten and Steigen Islands
Lofoten Islands Sailing Holiday, Norway
Sailing the Barents Sea: Tromsø to Svalbard
Arctic Circumnavigation: Svalbard Sailing & Walking Expedition
More holidays on Noorderlicht
Atlantic Crossing from Cornwall to Cape Verde
Arctic Summer Sailing and Walking in Svalbard
Arctic Summer Sailing and Walking in Svalbard
Arctic Summer Sailing and Walking in Svalbard
Inspiration for your voyage
Be inspired to discover the world under sail! Read our latest journals below. Be inspired to discover the world under sail! Read our latest journals below.
JOURNAL
