Step aboard the Tall Ship Noorderlicht and experience an unforgettable adventure high in the Arctic Circle, in the enchanting archipelago of Svalbard. This unique sailing journey is a bucket-list experience for adventurous travelers eager to explore the rugged north. From ice-covered mountains and glittering glaciers to spotting polar bears and whales – this is the ultimate Arctic discovery voyage.
Sustainable and Unforgettable Experience
Sailing aboard the Noorderlicht through the remote landscapes of Svalbard not only offers breathtaking views but also provides a sustainable way to experience this fragile environment. High in the Arctic Circle, halfway between Norway and the North Pole, lies the northernmost inhabited town in the world. Svalbard, often called the “Land of the Midnight Sun,” experiences 24 hours of daylight from mid-May to the end of September – a magical phenomenon you won’t find anywhere else in the world.
With more polar bears than people, this terrain is not for the faint-hearted, but perfect for adventurers eager to experience the wilderness. Ice-covered fjords, colossal glaciers, and steep mountains let you truly feel the untamed beauty and fragility of this landscape. Sailing is the best and most sustainable way to explore Svalbard, with special permits allowing the Noorderlicht team to safely navigate the area with a registered guide on board.
Wildlife Adventure
One of the highlights of this journey is encountering Arctic wildlife. From polar bears and walruses to Arctic birds and whales – each day offers unique opportunities to observe these animals in their natural habitat, fully in accordance with AECO safety and sustainability guidelines.
What to Expect: Day-to-Day Guide
Below is a general guide of what to expect based on previous voyages. Please keep in mind that all itineraries are subject to weather conditions. Upon boarding, the captain will have a clearer picture of your adventurous sailing holiday in Svalbard, based on the most up-to-date weather forecasts.
Sailing vs. Going Ashore
The Noorderlicht aims to go ashore at least once, often twice a day, usually for a few hours at a time. The walking pace is slow and steady, allowing guests of all ages to participate. Sailing can be limited by changing wind conditions, so the ship often motors during meals and in the evening. Whenever possible, the sails are set – the crew seizes every opportunity to sail!
Night Watches
There is no night watch system on board the Noorderlicht – the crew handles all operations. Sometimes the ship sails at night, but guests are not required to stay awake. If you do want to experience the midnight sun, we simply ask that you be considerate of other guests and move quietly around the ship.
A Day-to-Day Adventure
Day 1: Boarding in Longyearbyen
Longyearbyen is the largest inhabited settlement on Svalbard and the northernmost town in the world, with over 1,000 residents. We recommend arriving in Longyearbyen the day before your boarding, as flights are often delayed due to Arctic fog and weather conditions. Discover the town’s fascinating history and take a stroll through the town before boarding the Noorderlicht at the “floating pier.” You can drop off your luggage during the day if needed; the floating pier is a 10-minute shuttle or taxi ride from the airport and a 15-minute walk to the town center.
Once everyone is on board, the ship departs promptly at 4:00 PM, as the captain sails out of the bay and the crew shows guests to their cabins, providing a safety and operational briefing.
The goal of the first 24 hours is usually to sail as far north as possible, so the ship often continues overnight and drops anchor in the early morning. There is no watch system on board, so after dinner you are free to do as you wish.
Days 2–4: Glaciers, Fjords, and Wildlife
Wake up to the distant creaking of glaciers in the midnight sun and Arctic terns swooping gracefully but powerfully along the shoreline. You may go ashore to explore the Dalbreen Glacier before sailing toward Sarstangen to watch the walrus colony resting after lunch. Depending on the wind, the crew always takes the opportunity to raise the sails and is constantly on the lookout for chances to spot Arctic wildlife.
Spend some time exploring Kongsfjord and enjoy breakfast amid the Arctic mist, which shrouds the Lilliehookbreen Glacier in mystery. The cracking of the ice adds an extra touch of magic to an afternoon full of adventure ashore.
This area consists of mountainous terrain, also called “moraine.” Moraine is the material left behind by a moving glacier, made up of soil and rock. It is often soft and springy underfoot and full of geological wonders and coral fossils. Explore small lakes and rocky hills, and climb a gentle ridge to observe Arctic terns and puffins in the bay.
An afternoon at the foot of the glacier gives those who wish the opportunity to climb into the rigging and reach the crow’s nest, with stunning views over the icy bay.
In the evening, continue cruising to Mollerhamna, a small glacier bay, ready for a morning walk ashore.
Day 5: Historic Hunter Cabins & Ny Alesund
Today you can go ashore and explore an old hunter’s cabin while watching seals lounging on the beach. In the afternoon, there is also the opportunity to visit an abandoned marble mine before sailing through the midnight sun to the harbor of the research town of Ny Alesund.
Day 6: Polar Plunge & Fjord Cruise
Those brave enough can take a polar plunge on the small beach by the harbor before exploring Ny Alesund to learn about the history of polar expeditions and the scientific research conducted there. There’s a charming museum and a small shop to explore before returning to the ship. Spend the afternoon cruising through the majestic fjords, keeping a keen eye out for whales and polar bears – this area is renowned for its high wildlife-spotting opportunities!
Day 7: Prins Karls Forland & Forlandet National Park
Cross the channel to explore Prins Karls Forland and Forlandet National Park, while observing seals in the bay and reindeer wandering over the hills. The beach offers plenty of opportunities to search for interesting finds, and geological wonders are abundant here. There’s also a chance to simply sit on the beach and enjoy this beautiful part of the world.
Day 8: Last Glacier Adventure & Return
Today is your final opportunity for a glacier hike before the Noorderlicht sails back to Longyearbyen. This glacier at Yemerbukta is special because it is one of the few that sits directly along the coastline. You can walk along the glacier’s edge and climb a small ridge, with breathtaking views over the bay.
Spend the afternoon reflecting on your journey as you dock in Longyearbyen for the final Captain’s Dinner on board. It’s an informal occasion where everyone can share their photos and stories from the week..
Day 9: Farewell
After breakfast at 8:00 AM, you can disembark at 10:00 AM. If you need to leave earlier for your onward journey to the airport, please book a taxi in advance, as it can be busy around flight times.
Why Book This Trip?
- Ervaar Spitsbergen op een duurzame manier, met respect voor de kwetsbare natuur.
- Spot iconic Arctic animals such as polar bears, whales, and walruses.
- Sail with an experienced crew that combines safety and comfort with adventure.
- Enjoy the magical landscapes of glaciers, fjords, and mountains in the midnight sun.
- Discover remote places that tourists normally aren’t allowed to visit.
A journey with the Noorderlicht is more than just a vacation – it’s an Arctic adventure you’ll never forget. Book today and discover the wilderness like you’ve never seen it before.