Using the ship as a base camp around the summer solstice
MS Ortelius
Max. 108 passengers
8 days (7 nights)
from/to Longyearbyen
Expedition cruise departing from Longyearbyen around northern Spitsbergen, using the ship as a base for kayaking, hiking, and snowshoeing | 8 days | max. 108 passengers | English spoken on board
This 8-day base camp expedition turns every day in North Spitsbergen into a day on land: double kayaks for leisurely tours along the fjord coasts, hikes of three difficulty levels across tundra plateaus, snowshoe trails to lookout points, and photography workshops in the soft light of the midnight sun. Under the polar day of the High Arctic, the sun remains above the horizon for 24 hours—providing daylight for excursions well into the night.
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The basecamp concept reduces travel time between anchorages and shifts the focus to shore excursions. Instead of covering as much ground as possible, the ship spends more time at a few carefully selected locations. The days are devoted to activities in small groups: hard-shell double kayaks for peaceful tours along the fjord coasts, hikes at three different difficulty levels, snowshoe trails across the tundra, and a photography workshop led by professional guides.
The MS Ortelius is certified to the highest international ice class, UL1, and can accommodate 108 passengers. Ten Zodiacs, an expedition leader with an assistant, six lecturer-guides, and a ship’s doctor accompany the voyage. The ship was originally used by the Russian scientific network and now sails under the Dutch flag.
The route connects the sheltered fjords in the west with the whaling sites of the northwest and the glacial landscape of Liefdefjorden. In Kongsfjorden, Ny Ålesund features the remains of the world’s northernmost railway and the anchor mast used by polar explorers Amundsen and Nobile. On Amsterdamøya, traces of a 17th-century whaling station can be found. In Liefdefjorden, the five-kilometer-wide front of the Monaco Glacier juts into one of the polar bears’ favorite hunting grounds.
You can plan to spend a night in Longyearbyen and visit the Svalbard Museum, or extend your stay in Oslo or Tromsø along the flight route. Upon request, we can put together a customized itinerary for you, including flights, transfers, and hotels.
Stephanie Gräf
Travel expert, inventia | Travel beyond the ordinary
Specialist in travel to the Arctic and Antarctic.
I am your contact person for questions and bookings relating to the Arctic and Antarctic, and I am delighted that you are one of the few people who are traveling to the ends of the earth.
You can reach me by phone or email:
+49 (0)201 858 90 960
welcome@inventia.de
Good to know
Arrival and Departure: We offer customized travel packages that include flights from Germany, pre- or post-tour accommodations in Oslo or Longyearbyen, and all transfers. We are also happy to arrange extended stays in Tromsø or Longyearbyen that include a visit to the Svalbard Museum.
Entry requirements: Svalbard is part of Norway but lies outside the Schengen Area. German, Austrian, and Swiss nationals must have a valid passport; Schengen border checks are conducted when entering or exiting via Norway. For the latest information, please consult the U.S. Department of State. Requirements may vary for other nationalities. Please feel free to contact us.
Payment methods accepted on board: Euro, Visa, and MasterCard. Checks are not accepted.
Note for solo travelers: If you do not request a single cabin, you may be accommodated in a shared cabin on board. In this case, you will be accommodated with other travelers of the same gender and possibly of a different nationality. No single cabin surcharge will apply.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Base camp package at no extra charge – kayaking tours, hikes, snowshoe excursions, and a photography workshop are included in the daily activity program.
- Summer Solstice – The sun reaches its highest point of the year above the northern horizon at midnight.
- The Monaco Glacier in Liefdefjorden – a five-kilometer-wide ice front with thousands of kittiwakes in the foreshore and one of the most important hunting grounds for polar bears in the region.
- 17th-century whaling station on Amsterdamøya – wooden huts and ruins at Smeerenburgsleta with panoramic views.
- Amundsen's mooring mast in Ny Ålesund – This is where Amundsen moored the airship Norge in 1926 and Nobile moored the Italia two years later.
- Walrus resting areas in Forlandsundet —Poolepynten and Sarstangen—as well as polar foxes and reindeer near Alkhornet.
- Reserve Day in the North – An extra day of outdoor activities in North Spitsbergen, scheduled based on weather conditions and wildlife sightings.
route
itinerary
From Longyearbyen to the polar pack ice at 80 degrees north
Day 1 | Arrival in Longyearbyen
Your journey begins with a flight to Longyearbyen, the administrative center of Spitsbergen and the largest settlement in the Svalbard archipelago. After landing, a shuttle will take you to the harbor, where you will board the MS Ortelius. Between the safety briefing and departure, you’ll have time to get a first impression of this former mining town, with its parish church and the Svalbard Museum. Despite the barren landscape, more than 100 plant species thrive in the surrounding area.
In the early evening, the MS Ortelius sets sail from Isfjorden and heads north along the west coast. Minke whales can already be seen regularly at the mouth of the fjord.
Day 2 | Kongsfjorden, Blomstrand Peninsula, and Ny Ålesund
The first day of activities begins in Kongsfjorden on the Blomstrandhalvøya peninsula, on the north side of the fjord. The peninsula offers shelter and flexibility in case of changing weather; you’ll start with your first hikes, kayaking tours, and snowshoe excursions in the sheltered fjord area.
In the afternoon, the ship docks in Ny Ålesund, one of the northernmost year-round settlements on Earth. Between 1916 and 1963, Ny Ålesund was a mining village; the tracks of what was once the world’s northernmost railway are still visible. Today, the town is home to around 15 international research stations. In the northern part stands the mooring mast where Roald Amundsen moored the airship Norge in 1926 and Umberto Nobile moored the Italia two years later. The tundra surrounding the town is a breeding ground for barnacle geese, pink-footed geese, and Arctic terns.
In the evening, the MS Ortelius continues north and spends the night in the sheltered waters of Krossfjorden.
Day 3 | Amsterdamøya and Fair Haven on the Summer Solstice
On this day, the sun reaches its highest point of the year above the northern horizon at midnight in Longyearbyen. The summer solstice coincides with the program on Amsterdamøya. You’ll hike to the ruins of a 17th-century whaling station; from the ridge, you’ll overlook Smeerenburgsleta.
In the afternoon, the MS Ortelius heads for the islands around Fair Haven. Depending on the weather, this is followed by kayaking trips, hikes, or Zodiac cruises. The sun remains above the horizon around the clock; the lighting conditions during the late night hours are among the most picturesque moments of the entire voyage.
Day 4 | Raudfjorden
Raudfjorden, on the north coast of Spitsbergen, is a vast fjord fed by several glacier tongues. Ringed seals and bearded seals rest on the ice floes in front of the glacier fronts, seabird colonies nest on the rocky ledges, and arctic foxes roam among the vegetation along the coast.
Raudfjorden is considered one of the most reliable places in Spitsbergen for summer polar bear sightings. The expedition team decides on the day’s activities and plans landings, kayaking trips, and hikes to strike a balance between wildlife viewing and maintaining a safe distance.
Day 5 | Liefdefjorden and the Monaco Glacier
Depending on ice conditions, you’ll navigate through the Liefdefjords right up to the five-kilometer-wide front of the Monaco Glacier. The waters immediately in front of the ice edge are a favorite feeding ground for thousands of black-legged kittiwakes; the ice shelf in front of the glacier is one of the most important hunting grounds for polar bears in the region.
At Texas Bar and Hornbaekpollen, you can choose between short walks and longer hikes into the interior. If ice conditions are unfavorable early in the season, the ship will take a route along the west coast and use alternative landing sites with similar scenery and wildlife.
Day 6 | Flexible expedition day in North Spitsbergen
The sixth day is set aside as an extra day of outdoor activities in northern Spitsbergen. The expedition team will select the location based on current weather, ice, and wildlife conditions and organize a full program of activities, including hikes, kayaking tours, and snowshoe treks.
This flexibility is particularly useful during an expedition cruise: if the wind prevented a landing the day before, or if a polar bear is spotted on the coast, you can use the free time to focus specifically on that destination.
Day 7 | Forlandsundet and Alkhornet
Forlandsundet separates the main island of Spitsbergen from the narrow, elongated island of Prins Karls Forland. Along the Sarstangen and Poolepynten coastlines, groups of walruses regularly rest on the shore; sightings are likely but not guaranteed. Seabirds nest in the cliffs around Fuglehuken.
Alternatively, the MS Ortelius heads for St. Johns Fjord or reaches the mouth of Isfjorden, making a stop at Alkhornet. The cliffs there are home to large seabird colonies; arctic foxes hunt below for chicks and fallen eggs, and reindeer graze on the tundra. Late in the evening, the ship arrives in Longyearbyen.
Day 8 | Disembarkation in Longyearbyen
In the morning, after breakfast, you will disembark from the MS Ortelius in Longyearbyen. Depending on your flight time, you’ll have time for a final stroll through town before heading to the airport.
The daily programs described here are for your guidance. The itinerary may vary considerably due to local ice and weather conditions, last-minute permit procedures, and local authorities, but also to respond to current conditions regarding wildlife viewing.Theexpedition leader on board will determine the final itinerary and daily program. Flexibility is of utmost importance during our expedition-style voyages.
activities
Shore excursions (included)
On each day we go ashore, the itinerary includes hikes across the tundra, up to lookout points, or along the bird cliffs. The expedition team typically divides participants into three groups based on pace: a challenging hiking group for longer distances, a moderate-paced group with photo breaks, and a leisurely group for nature observation.
There is no standard participant limit on Basecamp trips; hiking groups meet daily. Armed polar bear protection provided by the expedition team is mandatory for every landing. You are not permitted to leave the landing zone on your own. Rubber boots with non-slip soles and waterproof Muck Boots are provided on board.
Kayaking (included)
Hard-shell double kayaks allow for tours along the fjord coasts, in sheltered bays, and among icebergs. Basic kayaking experience is helpful but not required; an experienced kayaking guide accompanies every tour. On Basecamp trips, all kayaking excursions are included in the price and can be booked with no limit on the number of participants.
The expedition team handles daily sign-ups directly on board. The only requirements are a reasonable level of physical fitness and a willingness to attend a briefing.
Snowshoeing (included)
Snowshoe trails from the coast to the interior for all skill levels. The MS Ortelius provides snowshoes free of charge; you wear them over your sturdy hiking boots.
In June, extensive snowfields are still expected at higher elevations in Svalbard. The expedition team decides on the route on a day-to-day basis, depending on conditions and wildlife sightings.
Photography workshop (included)
On select itineraries, professional photographers accompany guests and provide instruction on composition, exposure in polar lighting conditions, and workflows for wildlife and landscape photography. Participants use their own camera equipment.
The photography workshop is included in the tour price. Key topics include the soft light of the midnight sun, ice formations at the edges of glaciers, animal portraits taken from a safe distance, and panoramic shots from the open deck.
Zodiac cruising (included)
The ship carries ten Zodiacs equipped with 60-horsepower engines. Every shore excursion begins with a Zodiac transfer from the gangway to the shore; on days without shore excursions, the itinerary includes cruising only.
In Raudfjorden, you’ll glide past calving glacier fronts; in Liefdefjorden, you’ll pass the five-kilometer-wide front of the Monaco Glacier; and in Forlandsundet, you’ll sail past walrus resting areas. Each boat accommodates 10 to 12 passengers. The expedition team leads the way, keeping a constant watch on animal behavior and ice conditions.
All cruises and shore excursions are included in the price. No separate registration is required.
Polar diving (upon request)
Drysuit dives in polar waters, depending on ice and weather conditions. You’ll travel to the dive sites by small boat, enter the water over the side, and explore underwater ice formations, kelp forests, and, if you’re lucky, wildlife encounters.
Requirements: Advanced experience in drysuit and cold-water diving, as well as a minimum of 30 documented drysuit dives. The activity requires a minimum of eight participants. Bookings are made upon request; we will coordinate the details and price with you individually.
DATES & PRICES
Request your trip here!
Submit questions via email Arrange a callback Call now: +49 201 85890960
or please select your preferred date
June 23, 2027 – June 30, 2027
from €4,350 per person
8 days/7 nights
MS Ortelius (Maximum occupancy: 108)
Longyearbyen Longyearbyen
including kayaking, hiking, and a photography workshop
Selected date
June 23, 2027 – June 30, 2027 (8 days/7 nights)
MS Ortelius | Active Base Camp in Northern Spitsbergen
Four-person with porthole
Three-person porthole
Double with porthole, deck 4
Double room with window
Double Deluxe
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Summary
activities
Information
Included services:
- Cruise aboard the MS Ortelius according to the itinerary
- All meals on board, including snacks, coffee, and tea
- All Zodiac shore excursions and trips
- Kayaking tours, hikes, snowshoe excursions, and photography workshops at no extra charge
- Lecture series presented by the eight-member expedition team
- Neoprene expedition boots (Muck Boots) and snowshoes available for rent
- Ship's doctor and infirmary on board
- Access to the open ship's bridge (open-bridge policy)
- Transfers between the airport, hotels, and the ship (for recommended flights to and from Longyearbyen)
- Wi-Fi with 1.5 GB of data per guest per day
- A Dopper water bottle as a travel gift
- AECO fees, as well as port and state taxes
- Comprehensive pre-trip documents
Not included:
- Flights to and from Longyearbyen (usually with a stopover in Oslo; upon request, we can handle all flight planning and booking for you)
- Hotel transfers for guests arriving on their own
- Pre- and post-cruise land arrangements
- Passport and visa fees
- Meals ashore
- Travel Cancellation, Baggage, and International Health Insurance
- Excess baggage and personal expenses (cash, laundry, telecommunications)
- Tips for the crew and expedition team (suggested amount: 10 to 15 euros or U.S. dollars per passenger per day)
- We recommend arriving one to two days before the trip begins to allow for any flight or baggage delays.
- International travel health insurance is strongly recommended; it is not included in the tour price.
- The trip takes you to remote areas without access to advanced medical facilities. People with life-threatening conditions or who require daily medical care cannot participate.
- Language of the expedition: English. No German-speaking guide is provided for this trip.
- This trip is not suitable for people with limited mobility. You must be able to navigate the gangway from the ship to the Zodiac platform on your own.
- We will cancel the trip up to 30 days before departure and notify you by email if the minimum number of 50 participants has not been reached. Such cancellations are extremely rare.
- In Svalbard, there is a legally mandated minimum distance of 300 meters from polar bears; from March 1 to June 30, this distance increases to 500 meters.
- A no-smoking policy is in effect in the interior of the ship; smokers must use designated outdoor areas.
- Polar diving can be booked as an optional add-on upon request (prerequisite: proof of experience in dry-suit and cold-water diving).
Your ship during the voyage
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get to Longyearbyen?
Flights to Longyearbyen on Spitsbergen are operated by SAS via Oslo (flight time approx. 3 hours). Upon request, we can handle all flight planning and booking for you, including an overnight stay in Oslo and coordinating all flight times with your itinerary. We recommend arriving at least one day before embarkation.
What travel documents do I need?
A valid passport is required to enter Svalbard. Although Svalbard is part of Norway, it lies outside the Schengen Area—therefore, border checks are conducted upon arrival in and departure from Longyearbyen, even if your transit through Oslo or Tromsø takes place within the Schengen Area. For the latest information, please visit the U.S. Department of State.
When is the best time to visit North Spitsbergen?
The peak season runs from June to August. In early summer, the midnight sun is at its highest point, and 24 hours of daylight allow for flexible route planning. The tundra plants are in bloom, the breeding season is in full swing, and wildlife sightings are particularly abundant. Daytime temperatures range from 0 to 8 degrees Celsius.
What sets this Basecamp expedition apart from a traditional Spitsbergen cruise?
The ship serves as a base camp for a daily program of activities on land. Included in the tour price are double-kayak tours, hikes at three different difficulty levels, snowshoe trails to scenic overlooks, photography workshops, and Zodiac cruises. Unlike traditional cruises, you’ll spend several hours outdoors every day, with the ship serving as a place to rest and sleep between activities.
What animals can I see on this route?
Walruses are regularly spotted in Forlandsundet and at Poolepynten; ringed and bearded seals in Raudfjorden and Liefdefjorden; Arctic foxes and reindeer around Alkhornet and Ny Ålesund; minke whales in Isfjorden; and seabirds in large colonies (guillemots, kittiwakes, and fulmars). Polar bear sightings are likely in Raudfjorden and at the Monaco Glacier, but not guaranteed.
What clothes and gear do I need?
Warm, waterproof outerwear (hardshell jacket and pants), several layers of fleece or wool, thermal underwear, a hat, warm gloves, sunglasses with UV protection (the glare from ice and water is intense), and sunscreen. The MS Ortelius provides neoprene expedition boots (Muck Boots) and snowshoes free of charge. You will receive a Dopper water bottle as a gift for the trip.
What physical requirements do I need to meet?
You must be able to walk for several hours a day and be able to navigate the gangway between the ship and the Zodiac on your own. Previous experience with kayaking, hiking, or snowshoeing is helpful but not required—the expedition team will form groups daily based on different paces. Individuals with life-threatening medical conditions or who require daily medical treatment cannot participate.
Is this trip suitable for solo travelers?
Solo travelers are very welcome on our trips. Single cabins are also available for those traveling alone. Please feel free to contact us; we’ll find the right solution for you. If you do not wish to have a single cabin, shared cabins are available on board. In this case, you will be accommodated with other travelers of the same gender and possibly of a different nationality. No single cabin surcharges apply. A diverse mix of passengers is typical on board. The expedition atmosphere, with group shore excursions and a lecture program, makes it easy to socialize.
The MS Ortelius reflected in the mirror-smooth water off Eisstrand, North Spitsbergen
The MS Ortelius reflected in the mirror-smooth water off Eisstrand, North Spitsbergen
The MS Ortelius against a backdrop of the Tundra mountain range, with clouds and patches of snow, North Spitsbergen
The MS Ortelius against a backdrop of the Tundra mountain range, with clouds and patches of snow, North Spitsbergen
Taste of Spitsbergen: Polar Bear on Pack Ice by Erwin Vermeulen
Polar bear at the edge of the pack ice north of Spitsbergen | © Erwin Vermeulen
Double kayak in drift ice near walruses on an ice floe, North Spitsbergen
Double kayak in drift ice near walruses on an ice floe, North Spitsbergen
Taste of Spitsbergen: Old Trapper's Cabin on Blomstrandhalvoya_Leica Academy
Old trapper's cabin on Blomstrandhalvoya on the Krossfjord | © Leica Academy
Taste of Spitsbergen: Polar Bear in Raudfjorden by Franco Banfi
Polar bear at Raudfjorden in northern Spitsbergen | © Franco Banfi
Taste of Spitsbergen: Blue Iceberg at the Edge of the Pack Ice with a Zodiac | Leica Academy
A blue iceberg at the edge of the pack ice, with a Zodiac next to it | © Leica Academy
Taste of Spitsbergen: A Group of Walruses at Poolepynten by Erwin Vermeulen
A group of walruses at the haul-out site at Poolepynten in Forlandsundet | © Erwin Vermeulen
Taste of Spitsbergen_Hiking group in front of a glacier wall_Enrico Pescantini
A group of hikers on the beach in front of a glacier face | © Enrico Pescantini
Taste of Spitsbergen: Zodiac Cruise with Walruses on an Ice Floe by Erwin Vermeulen
Zodiac cruise with walrus sighting on an ice floe | © Erwin Vermeulen
Taste of Spitsbergen: Bearded Seal on an Ice Floe by Erwin Vermeulen
Bearded seal on an ice floe | © Erwin Vermeulen
Taste of Spitsbergen_Svalbard Reindeer in the Tundra_Erwin Vermeulen
Svalbard reindeer in the tundra | © Erwin Vermeulen
Taste of Spitsbergen: Arctic Fox in Summer Coat by Erwin Vermeulen
Arctic fox in its summer coat | © Erwin Vermeulen
Taste-of-Spitzbergen_Arctic Tern in Flight_Erwin Vermeulen
Coastal tern in flight | © Erwin Vermeulen
Taste of Spitsbergen: Humpback Whale off the West Coast by Erwin Vermeulen
Humpback whale off the west coast of Spitsbergen | © Erwin Vermeulen
Taste of Spitsbergen: Vogelfels-Fuglesangen by Rinie van Meurs
Vogelfels Fuglesangen with a colony of little grebes | © Rinie van Meurs
Taste-of-Spitzbergen_Purple-Saxifrage-in-the-Tundra_Rinie-van-Meurs
Purple saxifrage in the tundra | © Rinie van Meurs
Taste of Spitsbergen: Returning from the Zodiac Shore Excursion to the Ship_Rinie van Meurs
Returning to the ship from the Zodiac landing | © Rinie van Meurs
The Monaco glacier front reflected in the Liefdefjorden
The Monaco Glacier front reflected in Liefdefjorden | © Geert Kroes
Landing in the Spitsbergen tundra in front of a glacier tongue
Landing in the Spitsbergen tundra in front of a glacier tongue | © Geert Kroes
Ruins of the historic Smeerenburg whaling station on the beach
Ruins of the historic Smeerenburg whaling station on the beach | © Enrico Pescantini
Two hikers by a lake in front of a rugged mountain face in Spitsbergen
Two hikers by a lake in front of a rugged mountain face in Spitsbergen | © Geert Kroes
Clear glass ice is passed from hand to hand at the Zodiac
Clear ice cubes are passed from hand to hand at Zodiac | © Geert Kroes
White-cheeked geese in the tundra of northern Spitsbergen
Barnacle geese in the tundra of northern Spitsbergen | © Frank Maes
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