As autumn arrives in Svalbard, the tundra is painted in warm hues, and the sun sinks lower on the horizon, casting a soft, golden light. The midnight sun has been replaced by magnificent sunsets, and a special atmosphere settles over the archipelago as it and its inhabitants prepare for the long polar night.

Our classic and intimate 12-passenger ship, M/S Stockholm, will be your home for a few unforgettable days. The journey takes you through Svalbard’s fairy-tale landscapes, with shimmering glaciers, stunning fjords, dramatic mountain ranges, and an abundance of wildlife – from large walrus colonies and curious Arctic foxes to the majestic polar bear. Many photography enthusiasts choose to travel at this time of year, as the conditions for capturing this unique wilderness on camera are ideal.

Itinerary

day 1 | Longyearbyen, Svalbard

Arrive in Longyearbyen and transfer to your hotel, where we will spend the night before embarking on our great adventure.

day 2-11 | Expedition cruising

Explore Longyearbyen on your own before meeting your fellow travelers and guides for lunch. In the afternoon, we embark on the expedition ship and sail through the spectacular Isfjorden—our Arctic adventure has begun! We are now in a part of the world where we are entirely dependent on the ice and weather conditions. Our exact itinerary will be shaped by these factors and by the wildlife we encounter. Our goal is to go on Zodiac cruises every day and go ashore whenever possible. Here are some examples of places we may visit:

Northwest Spitsbergen

With its high, pointed mountain peaks (hence the name), Northwestern Spitsbergen offers stunning vistas and exceptional opportunities for landscape photography. Whether capturing the dramatic play of light on the mountains or the serene reflections in the fjords, the region is a paradise for photographers.

The scientific village of Ny-Ålesund is situated in Kongsfjorden. It was from here that Amundsen and Nobile launched their heroic expeditions to the North Pole. Two other daring attempts to reach the North Pole also began on the island of Danskøya. The Swedish explorer Andrée attempted it with a hydrogen balloon, while the American journalist Wellman used an airship. Fascinating remnants of these expeditions can still be seen today .

The magnificent fjords of Svalbard

Svalbard offers countless spectacular fjords, home to an abundance of wildlife. Below are some fjords and glaciers we may explore by ship or Zodiac during our journey:

In Krossfjorden, we find one of the largest glaciers in northwestern Spitsbergen, Lilliehööksbreen, which stretches around 22 km. The beautifully sculpted front of this incredible glacier is best enjoyed during a Zodiac cruise.

Liefdefjorden, meaning “The fjord of love,” is lined with snow-covered mountain peaks, and here we hope to cruise along the face of the stunning Monaco Glacier, which is a popular spot for bearded seals.

Raudfjorden is an area of immense natural beauty, dominated by striking glaciers.

North of Spitsbergen

Depending on the weather and ice conditions, we hope to reach the pack ice north of Spitsbergen. This floating, ever-changing habitat offers a fascinating and powerful experience. Few ships venture here, allowing us to enjoy the tranquillity of this magnificent icy landscape. We remain on the lookout for exciting Arctic wildlife, including polar bears and seals. The pack ice around Svalbard plays a crucial role in the archipelago’s ecosystem and climate, serving as a vital component of life in the Arctic.

Eastern Svalbard

The island of Nordaustlandet is covered by a huge ice cap and has fascinated naturalists and historians alike. Here the giant glacier Bråsvellbreen stretches for 180 kilometres! The 15-20 metre high ice edge is punctuated by hundreds of by hundreds of waterfalls. Barentsøya and Edgeøya offer magnificent scenery and vast tundra. There is a good chance of seeing walrus, arctic fox and Svalbard reindeer.

Isfjorden

At the entrance of Isfjorden stands the scenic cliff of Alkhornet, inviting refreshing hikes across the tundra. Here, we hope to encounter Svalbard reindeer grazing in their natural habitat. Arctic foxes are sometimes seen in the rock crevices around the mountain and with a bit of luck we might see these lovely little animals scurrying around, frantically looking for food.

day 12 | Longyearbyen

In the early morning, we disembark from our expedition ship and begin our journey home.

Ships

MS Stockholm

The M/S Stockholm is a classic vessel, originally built in 1953 for the Swedish National Maritime Administration. In 1998, she underwent a complete refit and embarked on her new journey as a comfortable polar expedition ship. The M/S Stockholm accommodates up to 12 passengers in cozy twin cabins equipped with bunk beds, private facilities, and small windows (portholes).

With her beautiful brass details and wooden decks, M/S Stockholm stands as a stunning piece of maritime history, cherished by many for her charm and elegance. On board, you'll enjoy delicious meals in the company of like-minded travelers who share a fascination for the Arctic's captivating nature, wildlife, and history. The food on board is of high standard and all beverages are included in the price. The intimate setting, akin to a private yacht, ensures a personalized and unforgettable experience.

A classic expedition ship loved by many.

The crew's genuine enthusiasm for the Arctic's unique wildlife and pristine environments is a key to the authentic expedition cruises offered on the M/S Stockholm. Boasting 25 years of navigating Svalbard's challenging waters, the M/S Stockholm has proven her capability to reach remote sites that are inaccessible to larger ships. A journey through these northern waters, with its unparalleled wildlife and untouched landscapes, is an experience of a lifetime! To enhance exploration, the ship is equipped with two Zodiacs and staffed by two knowledgeable guides.

25 years exploring Svalbard
Accommodates only 12 guests
All bevarages included
1 guide for every 6 guests
Brass details and wooden decks
Immersive historical charm

What's included

Included in the price:

1 night in a hotel in Longyearbyen
10 nights on board M/S Stockholm
Lunch day 2
Visit to Svalbard Museum day 2
All meals on board
All beverages on board
1 Expedition Leader and 1 guide
Guiding ashore and talks on board
All excursions and activities
Slideshow from the trip
Full carbon offset

Not included in the price:

Flight to/from Longyearbyen
Travel and cancellation insurance
Gratuity to the ship’s crew

Practical information

The best time to visit Svalbard is between May and September, when the Arctic ice has melted enough to allow ship access. Each part of the season offers something unique:

May – Early Season: Pristine snow-covered landscapes and the chance to see polar bears on sea ice.
June & July – Midnight Sun: 24-hour daylight, active wildlife, and the best time for birdwatching.
August & September – Late Season: Stunning autumn colors, peak whale watching, and increased access to fjords.

Svalbard is one of the best places to see Arctic wildlife, including:

Polar Bears – The king of the Arctic, often spotted hunting on the ice.
Walruses – Large herds resting on ice floes and beaches.
Whales – Beluga, Humpback, Blue, and Minke Whales.
Seals – Bearded, Ringed, and Harp Seals.
Arctic Foxes & Reindeer – Unique to Svalbard’s tundra.
Seabirds – Thousands of Puffins, Arctic Terns, and Guillemots nest on cliffs.

Svalbard is part of Norway, but it has a unique visa policy.

Most travelers do NOT need a visa for Svalbard, but if you transit through Oslo or Tromsø, you may need a Norwegian Schengen visa depending on your nationality.
Schengen residents must carry a valid passport, as other forms of ID (such as national ID cards) are not sufficient for entry into Svalbard.
Polar Quest will provide necessary permits for landing in protected areas.

Svalbard’s Arctic climate is cool but variable, with temperatures ranging from:

May - June: -5°C to 5°C (23°F to 41°F)
July - August: 3°C to 10°C (37°F to 50°F)
September: 0°C to 5°C (32°F to 41°F)

Despite the cold, summer in Svalbard can feel mild, especially with proper clothing.

Packing properly for your Svalbard expedition is key to staying warm, dry, and comfortable in the Arctic environment. Here’s everything you’ll need:

Clothing & Footwear

Layering is essential – opt for wool, silk, or synthetic fabrics rather than cotton.
Waterproof & Windproof Outerwear – a warm winter jacket and wind/water-resistant trousers or ski pants (some cruises require waterproof pants for landings and Zodiac excursions).
Thermal Base Layers – long-sleeved tops and leggings made of wool or synthetic materials.
Warm Mid-Layers – wool jumpers and fleece jackets for insulation.
Gloves & Mittens – a combination of fleece and wool for maximum warmth
Warm Hat or Headband – protects against Arctic winds.
Scarf or Fleece Tube – for extra warmth around the neck.
Warm Socks – wool socks to keep your feet insulated.
Regular Indoor Shoes – for comfort while onboard.
Sturdy Hiking Shoes – for exploring on land.
Sunglasses with UV Protection – essential for the Midnight Sun.
Sleeping Mask – to block out 24-hour daylight and help with sleep.

Expedition Gear & Accessories

Small Waterproof Backpack – useful for landings and carrying essentials.
A Good Pair of Binoculars – great for wildlife viewing (ask the Cruise Norway team if they are included in your cabin).
Camera & Extra Memory Cards – the Arctic landscapes and wildlife are breathtaking.
Extra Batteries & Power Banks – cold temperatures can reduce battery life.
Chargers, Electrical Adapters & Converters – check your travel documents for ship-specific requirements.
Sea Sickness Medication – the Arctic waters can sometimes be rough.

Personal Care & Essentials

Your Passport & a Copy of It
Cash in the Applicable Currency – check your travel documents for information about onboard payments.
Sun Protection – high-SPF sunscreen and UV lip balm to protect against intense Arctic sunlight.
Moisturizer – cold, dry air can be harsh on the skin.
Enough Medication & Essentials – bring extra in case of unforeseen delays.

While Arctic waters are generally calmer than the Drake Passage, conditions can vary. Some areas, like the Barents Sea, can be choppy. Seasickness medication is recommended for those prone to motion sickness.

No, the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) are only visible in Svalbard between October and March, when the region experiences polar night. Cruises operate during the summer (May - September), when the Midnight Sun keeps the skies bright 24/7.

For an Arctic Northern Lights experience, consider visiting Svalbard in winter on a land-based tour.

Svalbard is home to an estimated 3,000 polar bears, and while sightings are not guaranteed, Swan Hellenic’s expert expedition guides maximize your chances of spotting them in their natural habitat.

Polar bears are often seen hunting on sea ice, resting on shorelines, or swimming in Arctic waters. Your guides will ensure safe and responsible viewing from Zodiacs and onboard observation decks.

The Midnight Sun is a natural phenomenon where the sun never sets, providing 24-hour daylight from late April to late August in Svalbard.

This extended daylight allows for longer excursions, wildlife spotting at any hour, and breathtaking Arctic scenery under golden light.

Arctic weather is unpredictable, and landings are always subject to conditions. If a scheduled landing isn’t possible, the expedition team will:

Adjust the itinerary to find an alternative landing site.
Offer an extended Zodiac cruise in sheltered areas
Provide enrichment lectures, photography sessions, or wildlife viewing from the ship.

Polar Quest’s’ small expedition ships allow for maximum flexibility, ensuring a full experience despite changing conditions.