Greenland to Svalbard expedition
Overview
Highlights
- See a number of large fjord systems in Greenland and on Spitsbergen
- Visit Greenland, Jan Mayen, Iceland and Spitsbergen in the same journey
- See the wildlife in the Arctic
- Enjoy an expedition under the midnight sun
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Itinerary
This expedition starts with a flight from Copenhagen. Less than five hours later you reach the settlement of Kangerlussuaq in Greenland. This small airstrip is the main gateway to Greenland, and on arrival your transfer to MS Fram will be waiting for you.
Nuuk is the capital and the oldest town in Greenland. Today, old and new traditions meet here, from picturesque old buildings in "Kolonihaven" to the modern building of the Greenland Home Rule. The town is located on the tip of a large peninsula, at the mouth of one of the largest and most spectacular fjord systems in the world.
The abandoned mining town of Ivittuut is a stronghold for musk oxen. More than a thousand years ago, Vikings settled the area. Ivittuut was built on top of the so-called Norse Middle settlement. In summertime we might meet some of the hunters who return to inhabit the old houses by the sea.
A little over a thousand years ago (985 A.D.), a group of Norsemen left Iceland to settle in Greenland. Their leader Erik the Red named his chieftain’s seat Brattahlíð, meaning "steep hill" in Old Norse. Soon afterwards, the Norsemen established a flourishing communit...
We will spend two days at sea, sailing around the southernmost point of Greenland called Nunap Isua (Cape Farewell) before travelling across the Denmark Strait on our way to Iceland.
Reykjavik is the world’s northernmost capital city. Norwegian settlers named the place Reykjavik (meaning “Smoky Bay”) after the columns of steam that rose from the hot springs in the area and made such a profound impression. The surroundings offer fantastic natural beauty with geysers, mountains, glaciers and geothermal baths.
As we reach the west region of Iceland, you will understand why this area is dubbed “The Sagaland”. Take your time to explore Stykkishólmur’s diversity with lava and rock formations, glaciers, volcanic activity, and hot and cold springs. Participate in a range of exciting excursions such as kayaking, hiking and horse riding.
We will be sailing along the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, a tectonic plate that separates the Eurasian and North American continents. This mid-ocean ridge is a part of the longest underwater mountain range in the world.
Jan Mayen is the most isolated island in the Northern Hemisphere. It is home to the Beerenberg Volcano, the northernmost active volcano on earth. Tourists visiting and actually landing on the shores of Jan Mayen are extremely rare. We will do our best to make it possible to set foot on this exotic outpost. This will be an experience of a lifetime.
Enjoy a day with lectures from the Expedition Team as we sail towards Spitsbergen and Longyearbyen.
The Isfjord is the most prominent fjord system on Svalbard, and we will sail through it on our way to Longyearbyen. We will arrive at this unique and exotic settlement during the night.
As we have reached the end destination for this expedition, you will probably sense that time has passed faster than expected. Lingering is the subtle exhilaration of having spent time on top of the globe, just a few hundred miles from the Geographical North Pole. An early morning transfer takes you to the airport for your flight back to Oslo.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Year built 2007 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.
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