The extremes of the Arctic
Overview
Highlights
- An exclusive expedition to Greenland, Spitsbergen and Iceland.
- Experience the largest National Park in the World
- Untouched landscape, deep fjords and high mountains
- Chance to see the Northern Lights and polar bears, musk oxen, polar hares, Greenland Falcon and polar wolves
What's this trip about?
Compare to similar trips
Details
Travel Themes
Destinations
Activities
Trip includes
- Cabin grade of your choice on a full board basis
- Longyearbyen – Reykjavik (departure 24 Aug) or Reykjavik – Longyearbyen (departure 8 Sept)
- Economy flight between Oslo and Longyearbyen (departure 24 Aug) or Longyearbyen to Oslo (departure 8 Sept)
- Only departure 24 Aug 2016:
- One hotel night in Longyearbyen before the voyage including breakfast and lunch
- Transfer from hotel to ship in Longyearbyen
View Similar Trips
Itinerary
Norway's capital Oslo is often referred to as "the blue, the green and the city in between". Forest, lakes, hills and a fjord surrounds this city. Downtown you will find a very varied architecture, a strong cafe and bar culture, top-notch restaurants, endless shopping...
The Svalbard Islands are located in the Arctic Ocean, halfway between Norway and the North Pole. In the midst of a mighty and wild nature you find the Norwegian settlement of Longyearbyen. After an overnight stay in one of our hotels you can join a sightseeing tour of Longyearbyen before embarking the MS Fram.
The first national park we visit covers the northwest corner of Spitsbergen. The area is characterised by big inland glaciers and a typical alpine landscape contrasted by green areas and moraines. We continue into Kongsfjord and Magdalenefjord, offering spectacular sc...
Spend a relaxing, but exciting day at sea. We will begin our lecture series and enjoy sights of wildlife from deck.
As we arrive in the largest national park in the world, you will start dwelling upon the thought that we are quite alone in a far corner of the globe. Apart from some abandoned trapping stations, a weather station and the traditional Sirius sled patrol there are absolutely no signs of humans here.
Within the borders of North East Greenland National Park there are only about 30 souls that overwinter. In the very short summer season, when the waters around are not frozen, 500 expedition cruise guests visit the park. Yellowstone has 1 visitor per hour of the year; North East Greenland National Park has 0,002!
Once inside the fjords of North East Greenland your sense of distance, size and shape of landscapes will be challenged. These are the largest fjords in the world and the alpine landscape around, with hanging glaciers and vertical granite faces reaches as far as the eye can see.
As well as terrestrial wildlife like musk oxen, arctic fox, hare and wolf, we may see a variety of sea birds. And remember, where there is ice there might be polar bears!
The very isolated weather and research station, Danmarkshavn is one of the places we visit en route. Sailing into fjords like Kaiser Franz Josef Fjord or Alpefjord will give you an experience of a lifetime. The majority of our landings are performed as pure wilderness expeditions.
We might meet the Sirius Patrol (The Danish Navy) that supervises the park using traditional methods, mushing dogs. Before the Danes acquired sovereignty of this area, the Norwegians claimed it. A natural place to attempt a landing is Myggbukta (Mosquito bay), where the legendary Governor of North East Greenland had his base.
During this expedition you will have ample amount of time to get the feeling of being in one of the most isolated places on earth. Still you will feel totally safe aboard one of the most fitting expedition vessels. Our expert guides and lecturers will safely guide you on hikes and small boat trips in addition to briefings and lectures about the places we go.
In the most isolated town in Greenland, you can visit the museum, church and a photo exhibition, or walk around on your own.
We set course towards the Westfjords of Iceland. The area has a feel of untouched nature with cliffs and valleys, high waterfalls and crystal-clear streams. Grundarfjörður is located at the Snæfellsnes peninsula, often called “Iceland in a nutshell”. Enjoy the sights ...
Flateyri has been a trading post since 1792 and was a base for shark hunting and whaling operations in the 1900s. Today Flateyri is dependent on tourism. There is a nice sandy beach on the other side of the fjord, and although the sea might be colder for bathing than most people prefer, the sand is great for building sand castles. We will offer optional excursions to explore the area.
Ísafjörður is the capital of the Westfjords region. Take a stroll around this cosy town and enjoy its diverse architecture. You'll find the country's oldest dwelling here, along with fine examples of timber houses built by wealthy foreign traders in the 18th century. Our optional excursions offer a variety of experiences from hikes to tastings of local food.
Iceland's capital offers a lot to tempt the curiosity of its visitors. Relatively close to Reykjavik you find glaciers, waterfalls, geysers and mountains. Reykjavik has also a vast selection of restaurants, museums and shops. We will arrive in the morning hours, and here our voyage ends.
Want a tailor-made trip instead?
Your trip, your way, planned by an expert:
- You choose budget, destinations, activities, transport & lodging type
- Expert designs the itinerary for you, and once approved, takes care of logistics
Dates & Availability
Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Hurtigruten.
The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.
Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.
Hurtigruten Reviews & Ratings
Other Hurtigruten Reviews
What a shambles
This company is unbelievable. Firstly I get a cancellation of the Falklands, South Georgia and Antarctica trip. The compensation in comparison to a like for like tri...
Its the best sea voyage we've ever made!
Its the best sea voyage we've ever made! We're looking for...
unfortunately due to covid-19
do not book with this company !!!!! I my husband and 2 other friends (all Italian) had to take the cruise starting March 17th, unfortunately due to covid-19 we were ...
Travelers also viewed
Tour Operator
The coastline between Bergen and Kirkenes is over 1,490 miles long, and in the 19th Century almost all of it was home to rich fishing grounds. The maritime maps were unreliable and there were only a few lighthouses, especially in the north. This important seaway was lined with perilous reefs, small islands and narrow inlets, and it was essential that a safe trade route be established to link the southern and northern regions of Norway.
When the Norwegian government decided to create a connection between the north and the south, Richard With and his friend Anders Holthe took on the challenge of thoroughly mapping the seas along the coastline. In 1893, Captain Richard With’s steamer, DS Vesteraalen, was brought into regular service along the coast of Norway, and Hurtigruten was established. The service offered several weekly departures, first from Trondheim to Hammerfest and later from Bergen to Kirkenes in only seven days. He called this important connection ‘Hurtigruten’ (the fast route).
120 years later, we still carry freight and passengers. Our captains use their extensive maritime expertise to ensure that guests and goods are safely carried from port to port. Today, as then, the Hurtigruten ships are a part of Norwegian coastal life. One of the fleet’s 11 ships departs Bergen daily, sailing to Kirkenes and back in 12 days at an average speed of 15 knots.
Hurtigruten's Ships
Hurtigruten ships have been a staple along the Norwegian coast since 1893. The current fleet consists of classic ships, ships built in the late nineties, and ships built after the millennium.
MS Fram:
Many boast of their “ultimate” expedition ships. But none, save the MS Fram, contains two critical features which deliver adventure in a more safe and comfortable way. MS Fram is a purpose-build expedition ship built especially for comfortable Explorer voyages, with emphasis on relaxation and discovery.
MS Fram was built in 2007 with one mission in mind - to bring her guests closer to nature, wildlife and unforgettable experiences. As well as offering numerous lounges in which to relax, our more active guests can use our well-equipped gym. Meanwhile, on deck, our Jacuzzis guarantee you surreal memories when passing the towering icebergs of Antarctica or Greenland.
Associations
About Travelstride
Find your perfect trip
Save time
Save money
Travel confidently
Logistics
What's excluded
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Luggage handling
- Optional excursions and gratuities
Accommodation
The original Fram was the most famous explorer ship of its time, and the achievements of her expeditions are unparalleled. MS Fram brings on the heritage of the original Fram, using the most advanced technology to make her exceptionally well suited for expedition voyages in Polar Regions. Fram means ‘forward’ – lifting expectations of the voyage at hand. MS Fram was built in 2007 with one mission in mind – to bring her guests closer to nature, wildlife and unforgettable experiences. The spacious outside decks include access to the very front of the ship – a great place to observe marine wildlife. The ship is purpose built as an expedition vessel with a higher ice-class, chart drawing tools,ship depth sounding database, extractable forward sounding sonar, iceberg search lights, autonomous tracking system, oversized oil retention system for self-sufficiency, and a full ‘expedition tools-deck’ equivalent to a car-deck that holds 25 vehicles. We believe that as an explorer you need an ‘expedition base-camp’ that is comfortable – something that combines ‘all oceans capabilities’ with safety, flexibility and environmental friendliness. That’s Fram – simply the best expedition ship imaginable. The observation lounge, with comfortable sitting areas at the top of the ship and large panoramic windows, gives you incredible views of nature. A pair of binoculars is installed for spotting wildlife and details of the ever changing landscape. In the restaurant on deck 5, you can enjoy the finest cuisine. The floor has different levels, so no matter where your table is placed; there are views to the outdoors. The restaurant is located in the aft of the ship, on your way there you walk through an exhibition of original artefacts from the historic expeditions of Amundsen and Nansen. At the far end of the restaurant there is a balcony for taking pictures when wildlife show up during a meal. On deck 7 you will find a well-equipped fitness room, with its panoramic ocean view there is no better place to exercise. On top of the ship you can get warm and cosy in the sauna or bathe in one of the outdoor Jacuzzis. Let the warm water surround you while the icebergs float silently past the side of the ship. With 127 cabins on Fram, you have a choice of comfortable cabins and a number of superior suites to choose from. Our suites are named after Norwegian polar heroes, MS Fram travels in the wake of these great explorers. We are very proud of the art commissioned for MS Fram – local artists from the Arctic have contributed to making her a modern masterpiece. The ‘tender pit’ is where we embark, fully dressed in suitable expedition and excursion gear, on our sturdy Polarcirkel boats to take you safely from ship to shore. The original Fram was a ship for broadening the understanding of the world – let the new MS Fram do the same for you.
Year built 2009 Shipyard Fincantieri, Italy Passenger capacity 318 Beds 276 Car capacity 0 Gross tonnage 11647 Length 114 Beam 20.2 Speed 13
You, or any member of your party, may cancel your travel arrangements at any time. Written notification from the person who made the booking or your travel agent must be received at our offices. We recommend ‘Recorded Delivery’. Cancellation takes effect the day we receive your letter or email. Since we incur costs in relation to your arrangements from the time we confirm your booking you will have to pay the applicable cancellation charges as shown in the table below (which also applies if we cancel because you have failed to make payments on time - see ‘Payment’ section) together with the cost of any air fare for which we have had to pay at the time of the booking and will be payable immediately on cancellation.
When the cancellation letter is received by us before departure
Charges as a % of the total holiday cost (excl. insurance premiums)
60 or more days Retention of deposit
42–59 days is 30%
28–41 days will be 60%
14–27 days is 90%
Less than 14 days is 100%
If you have to cancel for a reason covered by your travel insurance you may be able to reclaim the cancellation charges, less applicable excess. Insurance premiums are not refundable.
- All planned landings are subject to weather – and ice conditions
- All itineraries are subject to change
- Medical questionnaire mandatory
- Free rubber boot rental service on board
Become a member
- Save up to $700 per person
- Access members-only specials
- Personalize trip recommendations