Norwegian Coastline & Spitsbergen

Explore Norway’s dramatic coastline before crossing the Arctic Circle to the realm of the polar bear.

June 25 - July 8
Cost: From $7655 ex Bergen
Who: Aurora
Contact: 1800 637 688

Explore Norway’s dramatic coastline before crossing the Arctic Circle to the realm of the Polar bear – Spitsbergen.  This 14 day expedition aboard Polar Pioneer (54 berths) takes in the highlights of Norway’s stunning west coast which are only accessible by sea; spectacular fjords, fairytale villages & towering birdcliffs. From Bear Island north to Spitsbergen, this small ship allows access to diverse landscapes including polar deserts, pack ice and glaciers in search of Spitsbergen’s plentiful wildlife including polar bear, walrus, arctic fox and bird colonies.  Prices include all meals and shore excursions.

Day 1: Depart Bergen
We board Polar Pioneer in the historic waterfront town of Bergen.

Day 2 - 3
Sailing north towards the Arctic Circle, conditions permitting we aim to zodiac cruise around the island of Runde. Over 350,000 birds nest on these boisterous cliffs. We may visit Sor-Gjaesliingan and soak up the atmosphere of this colourful village, one of the best preserved fishing villages in this part of Norway.

Day 4 - 5
The next two days are spent exploring the superb Norwegian coastline, cruising the intricate maze of seldom -visited inlets and fjords in this area. Watch for passing orca, minke and sperm whales as we explore narrow fjords and zodiac cruise beneath steep bird cliffs alive with razor bills and guillemots.

Day 6: Bear Island
We'll be at sea this morning and then hope to explore remote and mysterious Bear Island. Rarely visited, Bear Island is known for both its stark beauty and unpredictable weather and if conditions allow we hope to zodiac around lofty sea stacks, hike amid tundra wildflowers and encounter Arctic fox.

Day 7 - 9:
We approach Spitsbergen at its most southerly point, South Cape and we sail along the east coast and we enter a different world - a polar desert. On our walks we'll seek eider ducks, Arctic foxes and beautiful ivory gulls. As we pass Barents and Edge Island we cross polar bear migration routes.

Day 10 - 11
We will push into Arctic Ocean pack ice, where we'll search for walrus and seals. Fulmars and kittiwakes plunge into the ocean, chasing prey in the ship's wake. In the coastal mountains, we'll visit trapper huts and stay alert for polar bears. We may enjoy magnificent views of sweeping glaciers from Andoyana or cruise along the snout of Monaco Glacier.

Day 12 - 13
Making our way south along the mountainous west coast where glaciers calve into beautiful Magfjord and adjacent bays. We take long walks on spongy permafrost summer flowers and observe remarkable bird cliffs. As the sunsets we make our way along beautiful Isfjorden.

Day 14: Disembark Longyearbyen
We arrive in Longyearbyen and bid farewell to our fellow expeditioners and ship's crew. We make the most of our time, without rushing.