Discover the raw and magical beauty of remote Atlantic islands on this journey to the far north.
Mythical Iceland is the land of fire and ice, of classic sagas with long Arctic winters, and summers lit by the midnight sun. This is a haunting landscape of vast expanses of unspoiled nature surrounding small, modern communities.
Unspoiled and Geologically Active
Icelandic nature offers stunning landscapes with waterfalls amongst Europe's most powerful and awe-inspiring. Iceland is located at the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, a position that means the landscape is highly active geologically, with many erupting volcanoes and geysers. Experience a variety of islands, towns, and settlements, along spectacular views and interesting sites, accompanied by our knowledgeable Expedition Team.
Remote Beauty - Cruising to Jan Mayen
Discover the unique settlement of Jan Mayen, with a population of just 14 people. This volcanic island in the middle of the North Atlantic Ocean is rarely visited by ships. We should get a fine view of Beerenburg volcano stretching 7,470 feet above sea level.
Realm of the Polar Bear - Svalbard
Located just 600 miles from the North Pole, Svalbard is an island of deep fjords, mighty glaciers and pure wilderness. In the summer, beautiful colors and contrasts frame dramatic glaciers, mountains, bird cliffs, and endless Arctic tundra with diverse flora and fauna, dominated by the mighty polar bear. Join us as we set sail for South Spitsbergen National Park and Isfjorden on Svalbard's largest island, Spitsbergen.
- Experience true wilderness and amazing birdlife in Iceland
- Discover Jan Mayen, one of the most isolated islands in the world
- Encounter Arctic wildlife, including the elusive polar bear
- Enjoy small-boat cruising along the nooks and crannies of Iceland's magnificent coastline
- Hurtigruten expedition in the cabin grade of your choice on a full board basis
- Transfer from the ship to the airport in Longyearbyen
- Coach-class flight from Longyearbyen to Oslo
- Wind- and water-resistant jacket
- Landings with small boats and activities on board and ashore
- Professional English-speaking expedition team that gives lectures as well as accompanies landings and activities
- Complimentary tea and coffee
- International flights
- Travel protection plan
- Luggage handling
- Optional excursions and gratuities
Price includes:
- Hurtigruten expedition in the cabin grade of your choice on a full board basis
- Transfer from the ship to the airport in Longyearbyen
- Coach-class flight from Longyearbyen to Oslo
- Wind- and water-resistant jacket
- Landings with small boats and activities on board and ashore
- Professional English-speaking expedition team that gives lectures as well as accompanies landings and activities
- Complimentary tea and coffee
Not included:
- International flights
- Travel protection plan
- Luggage handling
- Optional excursions and gratuities
Itinerary
The Land of Fire and Ice - Reykjavik, Iceland
Reykjavik is the world’s northernmost capital city. Norwegian settlers named the place Reykjavik (meaning 'Smoky Bay') after the impressive columns of steam that rose from the local hot springs. The surroundings offer fantastic natural beauty with geysers, mountains, glaciers and geothermal baths that are well worth exploring before embarking on MS Fram.
Glaciers and lava - Stykkishólmur & Flatey
As we reach the west of Iceland, you will come to understand why this area is dubbed the "Sagaland". Take your time to explore Stykkishólmur's beauty, with lava and rock formations, glaciers, volcanic activity, and hot and cold springs. Join in a range of exciting excursions such as kayaking, hiking and more.
Tiny Flatey Island rises only 72 feet above the sea and has no permanent population. In the early summer, colorful puffins return to their burrows on the island for the breeding season. We quietly observe these charming birds as they care for their young.
Stunning Sea Cliffs - Hornbjarg Cliff & Reykjafjörður
Hornbjarg cliff is located in the most remote location in Iceland, the northwest of the Westfjords. Hundreds of thousands of seabirds use the cliff face as their summer nesting location, with species that include razor bills, brünnich and common guillemots, kittiwakes and fulmars. Cruising in the midst of such abundant wildlife, on the cusp of the breeding season, with the rock face towering some 1,300 feet above is a memory that will stay with you for a long time.
Reykjafjörður is a pebbly beach nestled between two rock ridges on the north coast. In calm conditions our tender boats can take us ashore for an expedition landing where we may find shore birds wading along the beach and beautiful spring flowers.
Sailing North through the Denmark Strait - At Sea
Days at sea are an opportunity to wind down and watch the waves, or enjoy a lecture or two from the Expedition Team.
Isolated in the Arctic Ocean - Jan Mayen
The Norwegian island of Jan Mayen is one of the most isolated places in the world. Located where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet, the island is dominated by Beerenberg, the northernmost active volcano on earth. 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. As one of the few vessels operating in this area, MS Fram and her crew will attempt to make a landing on this most exotic Arctic island.
Into the Barents Sea - At Sea
As we sail further north and the air cools, we will be joined by an escort of fulmars flying along at port-hole level! Sea days are a chance to sort out your photos, relax and recharge for adventures ahead.
Summer Fun in the Arctic - Exploring Svalbard South Spitsbergen National Park and Isfjorden
Cruising northbound from Jan Mayen, we will take advantage of the conditions at hand, and let the ice and weather guide us. We will explore several of the fjords on the western side of Svalbard. We might head into Hornsund to see the enormous Brepollen Glacier. If the conditions allow, you can try what the Norwegians call “brevandring” – this means traversing a glacier on foot. Don’t mistake this for ice climbing. Our brevandring is on relatively “even ice” – but on some occasions, we will have to negotiate small crevasses.Further north at St. Jonsfjord we may experience the contrasting colours of lush green tundra, with pink and yellow summer flowers close to blue and white ice. If we are lucky, we may see walrus at Poolepynten on Prins Karls Forland.
Within the Svalbard Archipelago there are about 3,000 polar bears, probably the largest concentration on Earth. Polar bears are solitary animals with no set colony or living area. We are most likely to observe this marine mammal on the drift ice, close to the ocean or even in the water. We often observe polar bears on this itinerary – although not every day and seldom at very close range. Like most things in a true wilderness, there are no absolute guarantees. But the more eyes scouting through binoculars, the better our chances of observing the King of the Arctic.
Longyearbyen and Disembarkation - Longyearbyen/Oslo
In Longyearbyen it is time to say goodbye. The transfer bus takes you early in the morning to the airport for your flight to Oslo.
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