EXPLORE REMOTE SVALBARD,
WHALES AND FJORDS
WHALES AND FJORDS
The trips in the Arctic spring are one of the most beautiful and purest trips that sailing ship Noorderlicht makes. It is the best time to discover the polar region in its most Arctic form. The landscape is still pristine white and because there is often floating ice in the fjords, there is a great chance of spotting polar bears, seals and walruses. Bird populations that have taken shelter in warmer places in winter, the razorbills, kittiwakes, skuas and puffins are slowly making their way back to the Arctic and the first nesting seabirds can be seen.
From the end of April in Svalbard we experience the midnight sun, which means that there are 24 hours of daylight. In the mornings and evenings, the light is phenomenal, making these trips extremely suitable for photography enthusiasts.
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From the end of April in Svalbard we experience the midnight sun, which means that there are 24 hours of daylight. In the mornings and evenings, the light is phenomenal, making these trips extremely suitable for photography enthusiasts.
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THE SCHOONER NOORDERLICHT
Noorderlicht was originally built in 1910 in Flensburg, Germany. In her early days she was rigged as a three-masted schooner and functioned as a lightvessel for ships, to indicate the danger of the shallow, and as a pilot station.
During her long life she underwent several transitions and today she sails the beautiful seas of Norway as a two-masted schooner.
The tall ship Noorderlicht is fitted with all modern technology and safety-equipment. She welcomes 17 guests on board to explore Svalbard, northern and southern Norway.
Technical specifications:
Length – 46 m
Width – 6.5 m
Draught – 3.2 m
Average speed – 6 knots
Ice class – Reinforced bow
During her long life she underwent several transitions and today she sails the beautiful seas of Norway as a two-masted schooner.
The tall ship Noorderlicht is fitted with all modern technology and safety-equipment. She welcomes 17 guests on board to explore Svalbard, northern and southern Norway.
Technical specifications:
Length – 46 m
Width – 6.5 m
Draught – 3.2 m
Average speed – 6 knots
Ice class – Reinforced bow
CREW
We sail the Noorderlicht together with an enthusiastic and committed crew which we found during our years working on sailing ships. The crew of every voyage consists of 3 qualified sailors, a ship's cook, an expedition leader and a sail training instructor. All of the crew have a broad experience at sea and are in possession of all the required diplomas and competences.
ACCOMODATION
The Noorderlicht offers cozy accommodation for 17 travelers, with small but comfortable double cabins (there are 3 types to choose from). All cabins have 2 beds above each other, a built-in wardrobe and a sink with hot and cold water. There are shared showers and toilets. The cabins have frosted glass in the ceiling, allowing daylight to enter the cabins.
The ship is authentically decorated which gives an informal and nautical atmosphere on board. There is spacious seating area in the upper and lower deck salon for the maximum 20 passengers, a small board library and a cozy bar in the upper deck salon.
The ship is authentically decorated which gives an informal and nautical atmosphere on board. There is spacious seating area in the upper and lower deck salon for the maximum 20 passengers, a small board library and a cozy bar in the upper deck salon.
ITINERARY
MAIN STOPS
Longyearbyen — 26 nm —Trygghamna
Trygghamna — 5 nm —Alkhornet cliff
Alkhornet cliff — 42 nm — Forlandsundet
Forlandsundet — 16 nm — St. Johnsfjord
St. Johns Fjord — 61 nm — Kongsfjord
Kongsfjord — 21 nm — 14th July glacier
14th July glacier — 12 nm — Blomstrandhalvoya
«lomstrandhalvoya — 26 nm — Murraypynten
Murraypynten — 68 nm — Barentsburg
Barentsburg — 19 nm — Colesbukta
Colesbukta — 21 nm — Longyearbyen
Duration:
8 days
Overall distance:
317 nautical miles
Trygghamna — 5 nm —Alkhornet cliff
Alkhornet cliff — 42 nm — Forlandsundet
Forlandsundet — 16 nm — St. Johnsfjord
St. Johns Fjord — 61 nm — Kongsfjord
Kongsfjord — 21 nm — 14th July glacier
14th July glacier — 12 nm — Blomstrandhalvoya
«lomstrandhalvoya — 26 nm — Murraypynten
Murraypynten — 68 nm — Barentsburg
Barentsburg — 19 nm — Colesbukta
Colesbukta — 21 nm — Longyearbyen
Duration:
8 days
Overall distance:
317 nautical miles
MAIN STOPS
Longyearbyen — 26 nm —Trygghamna
Trygghamna — 5 nm —Alkhornet cliff
Alkhornet cliff — 42 nm —Forlandsundet
Forlandsundet — 16 nm — St. Johnsfjord
St. Johns Fjord — 61 nm — Kongsfjord
Kongsfjord — 21 nm — 14th July glacier
14th July glacier — 12 nm — Blomstrandhalvoya
Blomstrandhalvoya — 26 nm — Murraypynten
Murraypynten — 68 nm — Barentsburg
Barentsburg — 19 nm — Colesbukta
Colesbukta — 21 nm — Longyearbyen
Duration:
8 days
Overall distance:
317 nautical miles
Note: this is a voyage to a remote, inaccessible region. All activities during the voyage depend on ice and weather conditions and are determined by the expedition leader and the captain. The actual itinerary of the voyage may differ from the declared one. Encounters with declared wildlife species cannot be guaranteed.
Trygghamna — 5 nm —Alkhornet cliff
Alkhornet cliff — 42 nm —Forlandsundet
Forlandsundet — 16 nm — St. Johnsfjord
St. Johns Fjord — 61 nm — Kongsfjord
Kongsfjord — 21 nm — 14th July glacier
14th July glacier — 12 nm — Blomstrandhalvoya
Blomstrandhalvoya — 26 nm — Murraypynten
Murraypynten — 68 nm — Barentsburg
Barentsburg — 19 nm — Colesbukta
Colesbukta — 21 nm — Longyearbyen
Duration:
8 days
Overall distance:
317 nautical miles
Note: this is a voyage to a remote, inaccessible region. All activities during the voyage depend on ice and weather conditions and are determined by the expedition leader and the captain. The actual itinerary of the voyage may differ from the declared one. Encounters with declared wildlife species cannot be guaranteed.
Note: this is a voyage to a remote, inaccessible region. All activities during the voyage depend on ice and weather conditions and are determined by the expedition leader and the captain. The actual itinerary of the voyage may differ from the declared one. Encounters with declared wildlife species cannot be guaranteed.
PROGRAMME
Day 1. Embarkation in Longyearbyen
You will arrive at the small airport of Longyearbyen, located about 15 minutes drive from the centre of the small town. Longyearbyen is the largest inhabited settlement in Spitsbergen and the world's most northerly inhabited town with more than 1000 inhabitants.
If you have the opportunity, it is an absolute must to visit the Svalbard museum. Here you can delve into the history of the island, the coal mining industry, the wealth of unique polar animal species, scientific developments and the many polar expeditions. After your visit, you can take a walk into the former mining town where you will find several shops offering a collection of unique Arctic products and souvenirs. The Svalbard Global Seed Vault, which preserves the global variety of agricultural crops, is also located neaby.
Our sailing ship Noorderlicht will be waiting for you at the so-called "floating pier" where you can embark from 16:00. After a welcome from the captain, the mooring lines will be cast off and you will receive a comprehensive safety briefing from the crew. Afterwards you will enjoy a delicious first dinner on board, while the ship sets course towards Trygghamna bay, where it will anchor for the night. The name Trygghamna comes from the original Dutch name "safe harbor", because of its sheltered and safe anchorage possibilities. In the 17th century the bay was frequently visited by whalers to boil the oil from the blubber of the bowhead whale.
If you have the opportunity, it is an absolute must to visit the Svalbard museum. Here you can delve into the history of the island, the coal mining industry, the wealth of unique polar animal species, scientific developments and the many polar expeditions. After your visit, you can take a walk into the former mining town where you will find several shops offering a collection of unique Arctic products and souvenirs. The Svalbard Global Seed Vault, which preserves the global variety of agricultural crops, is also located neaby.
Our sailing ship Noorderlicht will be waiting for you at the so-called "floating pier" where you can embark from 16:00. After a welcome from the captain, the mooring lines will be cast off and you will receive a comprehensive safety briefing from the crew. Afterwards you will enjoy a delicious first dinner on board, while the ship sets course towards Trygghamna bay, where it will anchor for the night. The name Trygghamna comes from the original Dutch name "safe harbor", because of its sheltered and safe anchorage possibilities. In the 17th century the bay was frequently visited by whalers to boil the oil from the blubber of the bowhead whale.
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Day 2: Visit to seabird cliff Alkhornet
After a healthy breakfast, you will be asked to prepare for the first zodiac landing in Trygghamna, where you can see the remains of a 17th century English whaling station and a 18th century hunting station of the Pomor (Russian hunters). From here we will hike to the 428-meter high Alkhornet cliff, where some 10,000 pairs of different seabirds breed. The cliffs are composed of carbonate rock, which is more than a billion years old. The tundra at the bottom of the cliff receives nutrients from the sea birds and provides meadows for reindeer, nesting sites for geese and shelter for Arctic foxes. Therefore, this location is very suitable for spotting these animals as well as polar bears.
Shortly before lunch all guests will be brought safely back aboard where everyone can warm up whilst enjoying a hot lunch. In the meantime, depending on weather conditions, the crew will set sail and head North.
In the Forlandsundet, as in the Isfjord, a lot of floating sea ice has probably accumulated. If the entrance of the fjord is free of ice, at nightime we will sail into the St. John Fjord. This beautiful and sheltered fjord system contains multiple glaciers and is one of the favorite spots of the captain. If we are lucky, we can enjoy the singing of the bearded seals at night.
Shortly before lunch all guests will be brought safely back aboard where everyone can warm up whilst enjoying a hot lunch. In the meantime, depending on weather conditions, the crew will set sail and head North.
In the Forlandsundet, as in the Isfjord, a lot of floating sea ice has probably accumulated. If the entrance of the fjord is free of ice, at nightime we will sail into the St. John Fjord. This beautiful and sheltered fjord system contains multiple glaciers and is one of the favorite spots of the captain. If we are lucky, we can enjoy the singing of the bearded seals at night.
Day 3: St. Johns towards 14th Julibukta
In the morning, in consultation with the expedition leader, a spot will be selected to go ashore. The time of year means that it can sometimes be difficult for the group to take a long walk.
For lunch everyone is brought back on board. If the wind is favorable to us, we will hoist the sails under the guidance of the crew. The ship will attempt to sail out of the fjord in a northerly direction towards the Forlandsundet, a beautiful strait located between the main island of Spitsbergen and the island of Prins Karls Forland. Because this sailing area may still be in the grip of winter, there is opportunity to spot a lot of wildlife including ringed and bearded seals.
Historically, the Forlandsundet strait has always been a fear for many whalers, because of the Forlandsrevet sandbank on the north side. Due to its shallow draft, the Noorderlicht is one of the few ships that can navigate these waters although the crew will need full concentration. In the meantime, do not forget to keep an eye out for large groups of walruses that can often be found at Sarstangen and Poolepynten! They form a beautiful scene with panoramic mountains in the background that cameras love.
Depending on the ability to accomplish this passage, we will either sail to the Krossfjord or go to Poolepynten to spot the walrus populations.
For lunch everyone is brought back on board. If the wind is favorable to us, we will hoist the sails under the guidance of the crew. The ship will attempt to sail out of the fjord in a northerly direction towards the Forlandsundet, a beautiful strait located between the main island of Spitsbergen and the island of Prins Karls Forland. Because this sailing area may still be in the grip of winter, there is opportunity to spot a lot of wildlife including ringed and bearded seals.
Historically, the Forlandsundet strait has always been a fear for many whalers, because of the Forlandsrevet sandbank on the north side. Due to its shallow draft, the Noorderlicht is one of the few ships that can navigate these waters although the crew will need full concentration. In the meantime, do not forget to keep an eye out for large groups of walruses that can often be found at Sarstangen and Poolepynten! They form a beautiful scene with panoramic mountains in the background that cameras love.
Depending on the ability to accomplish this passage, we will either sail to the Krossfjord or go to Poolepynten to spot the walrus populations.
Day 4: The glaciers of Kongsfjord and Krossfjord
In the morning you will wake up in the beautiful Kongsfjord and Krossfjords where we will be greeted by the towering face of the "14th July" glacier. Bearded seals often lie to rest on the broken ice floes, and near the glacier we may find breeding colonies of black-billed guillemots, kittiwakes and puffins.
These fjords offer numerous sights. For example, we may be able to organize a landing on the Blomstrandhalvoya peninsula, where the remains of a marble mine can be seen at Ny London. From this location we also have a beautiful view of the Tre Kroner, the three iconic mountain peaks that shine through the ice cap.
Alternatively, in bad weather conditions, we can visit the former mining town of Ny Alesund. Ny Alesund is the world's most northerly settlement and today a renowned polar research center. Big names such as Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen and aviation pioneer Umberto Nobile have started their historic polar expeditions here.
These fjords offer numerous sights. For example, we may be able to organize a landing on the Blomstrandhalvoya peninsula, where the remains of a marble mine can be seen at Ny London. From this location we also have a beautiful view of the Tre Kroner, the three iconic mountain peaks that shine through the ice cap.
Alternatively, in bad weather conditions, we can visit the former mining town of Ny Alesund. Ny Alesund is the world's most northerly settlement and today a renowned polar research center. Big names such as Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen and aviation pioneer Umberto Nobile have started their historic polar expeditions here.
Day 5: Walruses and panoramic view at Murray points
Today, early in the morning, we will head South for Grimaldibukta. In Murraypynten, named after a Scottish oceanographer, we hope to make a landing to spot walruses from at close range. Murraypynten is a peninsula north of the Grimaldibukta. From the hills you have a beautiful panoramic view of the rugged mountain and glacial landscape of Spitsbergen and the flat landscape at the foot of the mountain makes it wonderful and easy to walk. On the south side of Murraypynten you can visit a ruin of a hut built by a German expedition in 1963. In the afternoon we will continue the journey south, back to the Isfjord, where we will anchor in the sheltered bay at Ymerbukta in the evening.
Day 6: Russian mining town: Barentsburg
The Esmarkbreen glacier flows into the bay of Ymerbukta, where we will organize a landing in the morning. Depending on the availability of a berth in Barentsburg, we will sail towards the Russian mining settlement where we will arrive towards the end of the afternoon. After an adventurous journey in the unspoilt nature of Spitsbergen, you will have the opportunity to move freely without the supervision of a guide with a rifle, as is necessary in most of Spitsbergen.
The name Barentsburg was given in 1924 by the Dutch Spitsbergen Company to the then Dutch mining settlement. In 1926 the mining town was taken over by the Russians, after which it grew into a town of miners with more than 1000 inhabitants. Today there are still about 400 people of mainly Russian or Ukrainian descent. Since the mine has not been profitable for a long time, the focus has shifted more and more to tourism.
From the dock where our ship is moored, we will first have to climb some 140 wooden steps before we enter the main street. Here we will see that the Soviet period has left its mark. There is a life-size bust of Lenin in the middle of the town, billboards with photos of workers and modernist Soviet buildings. Furthermore you can find the world's most Northerly brewery and the Pomor museum.
The name Barentsburg was given in 1924 by the Dutch Spitsbergen Company to the then Dutch mining settlement. In 1926 the mining town was taken over by the Russians, after which it grew into a town of miners with more than 1000 inhabitants. Today there are still about 400 people of mainly Russian or Ukrainian descent. Since the mine has not been profitable for a long time, the focus has shifted more and more to tourism.
From the dock where our ship is moored, we will first have to climb some 140 wooden steps before we enter the main street. Here we will see that the Soviet period has left its mark. There is a life-size bust of Lenin in the middle of the town, billboards with photos of workers and modernist Soviet buildings. Furthermore you can find the world's most Northerly brewery and the Pomor museum.
Day 7: Sailing towards Longyearbyen
In the morning we hope to make a final landing in Colesbukta, a former port used for transporting coal to the Soviet settlement Grumantbyen. We will see the remains of the once thriving coal industry and will visit the abandoned hut of the Russian geologist Vladimir Rusanov.
Weather permitting, we will spend the rest of the day sailing back to Longyearbyen. Upon arrival in the Arctic town, enjoy some free time buying your last souvenirs or simply take a walk to soak up all the impressions of the week. Around dinner time you are expected back on board where the crew has a last surprise in store for you. The remainder of the evening is yours to share with the crew and your fellow travelers.
Weather permitting, we will spend the rest of the day sailing back to Longyearbyen. Upon arrival in the Arctic town, enjoy some free time buying your last souvenirs or simply take a walk to soak up all the impressions of the week. Around dinner time you are expected back on board where the crew has a last surprise in store for you. The remainder of the evening is yours to share with the crew and your fellow travelers.
Day 8: Goodbye Noorderlicht!
Unfortunately, our adventure through the Arctic landscape of Spitsbergen has come to an end. After a hearty breakfast, you are kindly requested to disembark by 09:00. We hope that we have been able to show you the variety and beauty of Spitsbergen and that you enjoyed an unforgettable experience on board the Noorderlicht.
RULES AND TRADITIONS
- TERMS OF PARTICIPATIONBoth men and women are welcome! Minimum age – 12 years old (with parents), or 18 years old (solely). Previous experience is not required. At the beginning of the trip our instructors will give you an orientation, lectures, practical classes, which are vital to effective communication with the crew.
- VOYAGEIt is designed to be a sail training voyage on board the tall ship Noorderlicht.
- DUTIESTrainees are scheduled for navigation and general service duties on board, they are also involved in shipboard and sail works. Shipboard and sail works are needed when maneuvering or whether changes. Our help is crucial for the best crew operations. All hands on deck are very important when abrupt change of weather.
By the way, all activities on board are voluntary. You can choose and rotate within the range of duties there. We want you to feel comfortable on board our ship.
- DISCIPLINEWe are a team. There is a schedule on board, and we are required to follow directions from the captain, officers and instructors. If we are supportive and we are on the same wavelength, thus our trip seems to be comfortable for everyone.
A dry law is applied on board. According to sea rules, alcohol consumption is allowed at the beginning and the end of our trip (at the port of Longyearbyen) only. You are welcome to visit local bars during landings, but we kindly ask you to be back on board and ready to take up duties. - SAFETY ON BOARDAll participants must provide 1 PCR test (made within 24 hours after departure) and 1 PCR test upon arrival according to the regulations of Norway (as from the 26-th of January 2022). We guarantee 100% vaccinated crew and staff. Your health is the most important for us!
- MEAL, ACCOMODATION, EQUIPMENTWe provide breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily. All the trainees live in two person cabins or private ones.
Before setting out on a trip, participants will be informed about equipment requirements.
PRICE
Cabin Standard – 2450 € / 2750 $
(a bed in a shared two-person small cabin)
Cabin Plus – 2600 € / 2900 $
(a bed in a shared two-person large cabin)
Private cabin – 4200 € / 4700 $
(a bed in your own private cabin)
(a bed in a shared two-person small cabin)
Cabin Plus – 2600 € / 2900 $
(a bed in a shared two-person large cabin)
Private cabin – 4200 € / 4700 $
(a bed in your own private cabin)
Booking and payment
50 % – within 3 days after booking
50 % – 2 month before the start of the voyage
50 % – 2 month before the start of the voyage
Cancel and refund
Cancellation of the trip more than 2 months before the selected trip results in reimbursement or rebooking the trip with required extra payment (depending on the price of the new selected trip). If you cancel the booking less than 2 months before the trip, we will charge you the whole amount of the payment you made. In case you have someone willing to replace you on the trip, we will fully reimburse your payment.
INCLUDED
— Ship accommodation
— Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily
— "Competent Crew" training course
— First aid on board
— Medical insurance
— Visa assistance (an invitation from the ship with itinerary and insurance details included)
— Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily
— "Competent Crew" training course
— First aid on board
— Medical insurance
— Visa assistance (an invitation from the ship with itinerary and insurance details included)
NOT INCLUDED
— The flight to Longyearbyen
— Visa fees
— Visa fees
USEFUL INFORMATION
FLIGHTS
There are no direct flights to Svalbard so you will have to travel to Oslo (Norway) and then take a short flight to Longyearbyen, the capital of Svalbard.
VISA
No visa is required to travel to Svalbard, but you will need a Schengen visa to travel to Norway.
TERMS & CONDITIONS REGARDING COVID-19
As from the 2-nd of March there are no restrictions to travel to Svalbard.
The entry regulations are subject to change, but we are monitoring the situation daily and will inform you of any changes as soon as possible.
This site contains all the necessary information on the travel restrictions in effect for travel to Svalbard due to COVID-19.
The entry regulations are subject to change, but we are monitoring the situation daily and will inform you of any changes as soon as possible.
This site contains all the necessary information on the travel restrictions in effect for travel to Svalbard due to COVID-19.
Apply for the voyage
