Experience the breathtaking beauty of the Arctic wilderness on a unique sailing voyage around Svalbard aboard the impressive tall ship Noorderlicht. High above Norway, deep within the Arctic Circle, lies the remote archipelago of Svalbard—one of Europe’s last true wildernesses.
This extraordinary journey takes you past ice-covered mountains, sparkling glaciers, and vast fjords. Along the way, you may spot polar bears, walruses, and whales in their natural habitat. Thanks to the sustainable way of traveling by tall ship, you can experience this fragile environment with minimal impact on nature.
About Svalbard
Svalbard lies halfway between mainland Norway and the North Pole and is known as the “land of the midnight sun.” From mid-May to the end of September, the sun does not set here, creating magical light throughout your journey. This spring voyage has more snow and ice than the Noorderlicht’s summer trips, with the opportunity to go snowshoeing onshore.
With more polar bears than people, this region is rugged and pristine—perfect for adventurous travelers. Ice-covered fjords, colossal glaciers, and towering mountains highlight the wild, rugged, and fragile beauty of this landscape. Exploring Svalbard aboard a tall ship is by far the best and most sustainable way to experience this Arctic archipelago. Svalbard has strict tourism regulations, and travelers may not leave the main town of Longyearbyen without a registered guide. The Noorderlicht has been granted special permission to navigate and explore this enchanting landscape with a certified guide on board, ensuring guests are in safe hands at all times.
What to expect
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!
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.
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.
Day-to-Day Itinerary (Indicative)
Day 1 – Embarkation in Longyearbyen
Your journey begins in Longyearbyen, the northernmost settlement in the world. After arrival and embarkation, the Noorderlicht departs at 4:00 PM. While the crew provides safety briefings and you settle into your cabin, the ship sets course northward.
Day 2 – Alkhornet and Trygghamna
After breakfast, you make your first zodiac landing at Trygghamna. You explore historic whaling stations and hike to the Alkhornet bird cliff, home to thousands of seabirds. Reindeer and Arctic foxes can also be spotted in the area.
Day 3 – St. John Fjord and Forlandsundet
You may spot seals and possibly walruses. At night, if conditions allow, you will sail into a fjord filled with glaciers and ice.
Day 4 – Kongsfjord and Krossfjord
You wake up among impressive glaciers. Visit Blomstrandhalvøya for views of the Tre Kroner peaks or the research village of Ny-Ålesund. Along the way, you may spot puffins, seals, and other Arctic wildlife.
Day 5 – Walruses and Panoramic Views
You explore Murraypynten, a spot where walruses often rest. Enjoy spectacular views of mountains and glaciers. Depending on the weather, you may visit various fjords and historical sites.
Day 6 – Back to Longyearbyen
You make a final landing at Colesbukta, an abandoned mining settlement. Afterwards, you sail back to Longyearbyen, where you have some free time to explore before spending your last evening with the group.
Day 7 – Disembarkation
After breakfast, you say goodbye to the ship and crew. An unforgettable adventure comes to an end.
Why This Journey Is Special
This expedition uniquely combines adventure, nature, and sustainability. You travel far from the inhabited world and experience one of the most stunning ecosystems on Earth—pure, quiet, and overwhelmingly beautiful.
In spring, there is still plenty of snow and ice, with opportunities for snowshoeing, while summer voyages offer a greener landscape and longer daylight hours.
A journey with the Noorderlicht around Svalbard is not just a vacation, but a once-in-a-lifetime experience in the heart of the Arctic.
Book today and discover the wilderness like you’ve never seen it before.
