Ship expedition to the total solar eclipse
From Oslo (Norway) to Reykjavik (Iceland)
15 days (14 nights)
MS Greg Mortimer
15 days (14 nights) on a small ship from Spitsbergen to the total solar eclipse in East Greenland and on to Iceland, including a connecting flight from Oslo to Longyearbyen/Spitsbergen
+++ Total solar eclipse on August 12, 2026 +++
+++ Up to 10% early-bird discount for new bookings made by June 30, 2026 +++
+++ Single occupancy at no extra charge +++ Limited offer +++
First, you will experience the North Atlantic from the air on your flight from Oslo to Longyearbyen. Then you will explore Spitsbergen, where it never really gets dark during the summer months. There is a good chance that sighting polar bears on Spitsbergen will get your pulse racing. Elsewhere, walruses rest on the sea ice and the calls of guillemots echo from steep cliffs.
Continue reading
The greatest natural spectacle of this journey takes place on August 12: in the clear Arctic sky, you will experience a total solar eclipse of exceptional intensity. Especially since your expedition ship will be located directly in the path of totality, which is only 160 kilometers wide.
On board, your team of experts will provide valuable insights into geology and ecology, tips on wildlife viewing, and photography tips to make your trip highly informative. A very special guest on this trip is former NASA astronaut Dr. Sandra Magnus.
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 a variety of customized travel packages including flights, hotels, transfers, and activities. We are also happy to suggest pre- and post-programs to extend your trip.
A heart for solo travelers: If you do not wish to have a single cabin, accommodation on board is possible in shared cabins. In this case, you will be accommodated with other travelers of the same gender.
Entry requirements: German citizens require a valid passport. The current entry requirements for Norway can be found here. The German Foreign Office also provides information on the current entry requirements for Greenland and Iceland.
Insurance: Taking out international health insurance policy with medical repatriation must be provided.
Medical questionnaire:You are required to completea medical questionnaire before departure.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Solar eclipse on August 12, 2026, lasting 2 minutes and 18 seconds in the center of totality
- Through Scoresby Sund Fjord, the deepest fjord landscape in the world, in East Greenland, with impressive icebergs, by Zodiac
- Visit to the remote Inuit settlement Ittoqqortoormiit with personal encounters and authentic insights into everyday life
- Hikes across the flowering tundra during the short Arctic summer in East Greenland
- Search for polar bears and ringed seals in their natural habitat in the pack ice around Spitsbergen
- Possible sightings of whales, walruses, arctic foxes, musk oxen, reindeer, and snow hares, as well as seabirds such as guillemots and puffins.
- Experience the Arctic landscape up close with the sea kayaking program (optional, extra cost)
- Opportunity to take a polar plunge (ice bathing in the North Atlantic, voluntary of course)
- Scientific support for the trip by former NASA astronaut Dr. Sandra Magnus
itinerary
Advance information
Your journey to Oslo and your departure from Reykjavik are not included in your travel price.
Since our customers all have individual wishes for their trip, we are happy to book flights separately. Of course, the flights then become part of a secure package tour. We recommend an overnight stay in Oslo to cushion any irregularities with your flight or lost luggage. We are happy to organize everything for you on request. Please contact us.
Day 1: Start of the trip in Oslo
Today, you will be welcomed by your tour guide and taken to your group hotel. After checking in, you will receive lots of useful information about tomorrow's embarkation.
The rest of the day is yours to spend as you wish—for example, visiting the Munch Museum, taking a stroll through Vigeland Park, or making a detour to Holmenkollen.
Day 2: Flight to Longyearbyen & Embarkation
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before heading to the airport for your charter flight to Longyearbyen (Spitsbergen).
In Longyearbyen, you will take a guided tour of the town.
Following the tour, you will be transferred directly to the pier, where you will board the MS Greg Mortimer in the late afternoon. Settle into your cabin before important safety briefings take place. Then it's time to cast off and set sail.
Please note: The excursion in Longyearbyen depends on the arrival time of your charter flight.
Days 3 to 5: Spitsbergen
Spitsbergen offers truly impressive Arctic wilderness. Your experienced expedition leader, who has made countless trips to this region, uses their expertise to flexibly adapt the itinerary to the current weather conditions, ice conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities—always with the aim of providing you with the most intense experiences possible.
Majestic fjords, impressive mountain ranges, and fossil-rich polar deserts form the spectacular backdrop for heroic stories of early explorers. With a little luck, you may spot walruses resting on ice floes or beaches. On land, you can hike across the tundra, which glows with the bright colors of blooming wildflowers. You will visit towering cliffs where thousands of guillemots and puffins nest. Spitsbergen's largest colonies of crab-eating gulls are at home on scree slopes.
If you have opted for an optional activity such as kayaking, hopefully you will have the opportunity to take part. And for those seeking the thrill of a polar plunge: as soon as the wind, weather, and water conditions allow, an announcement will be made to prepare for the ice-cold dip. An experience that is guaranteed to be unforgettable.
Days 6 to 7: At sea
As you navigate along the coast of East Greenland, with a little luck you will see whales feeding in the nutrient-rich waters of the north. The closer you get to East Greenland, the more frequent the pack ice becomes, and hopefully you will also spot seals and various species of seabirds such as fulmars and thick-billed murres.
Strong icy currents have isolated East Greenland from the polar basin, attracting large numbers of fish, seals, and whales. The climatic conditions and high ice concentration in this region often lead to dense morning fog, which often only clears when the midday sun rises. Even when visibility is limited, our experts on board will inspire and inform you with exciting lectures on plants, animals, ice, and the heroic stories of early polar explorers.
Days 8 to 10: Discoveries in East Greenland
In the coming days, you will have numerous options available to you, and depending on ice and weather conditions, the east coast of Greenland may be within your possible exploration area. Your experienced expedition leaders will flexibly adjust the itinerary on a daily basis to take advantage of optimal conditions for wildlife viewing and experiences on land and at sea. As a rule, up to two landings or Zodiac excursions are planned per day – including trips along spectacular ice cliffs or accompanied by whales hunting just below the water's surface.
East Greenland offers some of the most impressive landscapes in the Arctic: deep fjords and narrow waterways are framed by rugged, ice-covered peaks up to 2,000 meters high. Huge icebergs that have broken off from glaciers drift through the branched fjord system, creating a spectacular backdrop. The tundra glows in the diverse colors of the Arctic summer and is home to musk oxen, snow hares, arctic foxes, and reindeer. Eider ducks, glaucous gulls, kittiwakes, fulmars, and Arctic terns sail elegantly across the sky or dive like arrows into the ice-cold water. Archaeological sites of the Thule culture, historic trapper huts, and dwellings of modern Greenlandic hunters can be found throughout the region.
A special highlight is a visit to the Inuit village of Ittoqqortoormiit – the northernmost and most remote permanent settlement in the region with around 500 inhabitants. Explore the village, the small museum, or visit the beautiful Lutheran church. The friendly locals look forward to meeting you.
Day 11: Experience the total solar eclipse!
A very special highlight of this trip is the total solar eclipse: your ship will move into an ideal observation position in the center of totality. While you enjoy lunch on board, the crew will maneuver the ship precisely into the optimal position for this extraordinary celestial event. As the excitement builds, gather on deck to eagerly await this unique moment together. Slowly, the moon begins to move in front of the sun and the landscape is bathed in a magical twilight. Then comes the big moment: for 2 minutes and 18 seconds, day turns to night before the sunlight breaks through again, creating the breathtaking "diamond ring effect." Celebrate this unique experience with your fellow travelers over a festive dinner.
Note: The visibility of the solar eclipse depends on weather, cloud cover, sea conditions, ice, and other external factors beyond the control of the crew.
Days 12 to 13: More exploring in East Greenland
The exploration of the fjord systems of East Greenland continues. After all, each of these systems comprises several smaller fjords and straits.
The surrounding area also offers excellent hiking opportunities —past flowering tundra vegetation, whale fossils, remnants of centuries-old Inuit hunts, and even fumaroles: at these hot springs, groundwater rises to the surface, bubbles, and reacts with the air, creating fascinating mineral formations.
Geologically, the region impresses with striking sedimentary formations of sandstone, shale, and siltstone. The various rock layers, whose deposition is estimated to have taken around 4,000 years, display a contrasting play of colors and beautiful patterns and are a true work of natural art.
Day 14: Crossing the Denmark Strait
As you cross the Denmark Strait towards Iceland, keep an eye out for the characteristic fountains of whales and watch or photograph the numerous seabirds that follow your ship in the steady Arctic winds.
Day 15: Farewell to the ship in Reykjavik
Your ship will arrive in Reykjavík in the early hours of the morning, allowing you to disembark at around 8 a.m. Say goodbye to your expedition team and fellow travelers before taking the transfer to Keflavik Airport. Or would you like to extend your journey of discovery through the far north individually—for example, with a stay in Reykjavík or a tour of the islands? If you are interested, please contact us—we will be happy to advise you!
Note: We recommend booking return flights no earlier than 12:00 noon due to possible delays.
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
Included activities
- bird watching
- Lectures on wildlife, the environment, history, and travel destinations
- Observation of marine mammals and other wildlife
- Polar Plunge (ice bathing)
- photography
- Panoramic drives along spectacular coastlines
- Zodiac rides
- shore leave
- hikes
Kayaking – Optional activity at extra cost
One of the most exciting ways to experience the Arctic.
Sea kayaking adventures in the stunning wilderness of the Arctic are guaranteed to be an experience that touches your soul. Paddle among drift ice and icebergs of all shapes and sizes and take in the majestic landscape as it unfolds before you.
This kayaking program was developed by kayakers for kayakers!
The program style offers you the opportunity to develop your skills and network with experienced guides and your fellow travelers. Participating in a small group throughout the trip reduces unnecessary time lost to briefings and equipment trials—and maximizes your time on the water.
The professional kayak guides have led tours worldwide, specialize in the polar regions, and were selected for their passion for the sport. Kayaking is one of the best ways to experience the breathtaking coastlines up close and make the most of your time in these remote wilderness regions. You will have the opportunity to discuss your personal preferences for the tour with the guides, such as when you would like to paddle, go ashore, or combine both.
Depending on the weather, the kayaking program is usually available whenever the other expedition participants set off on excursions.
Each trip covers between 5 and 15 kilometers (approx. 2 to 4 hours) – often combining kayaking and shore excursions so that you don't miss a thing.
Each small group of up to 10 people per guide will experience hidden bays and coastal sections that are not accessible by Zodiacs. Of course, there will also be plenty of time for personal shore excursions and wildlife viewing.
Important note: Nature plays a crucial role in the sea kayaking program. Understanding weather-related changes is essential.
Equipment included
Kayak shoes (booties) and dry suits are available.
Please note: Places for the optional sea kayaking program are limited. Participation incurs an additional cost of €890 per person.
Your special guest on this trip: Dr. Sandra Magnus (former NASA astronaut)
Dr. Sandra H. "Sandy" Magnus most recently served as Chief Engineer for the Traffic Coordination System for Space in the Office of Space Commerce at the U.S. Department of Commerce, where she helped establish a civil system for coordinating space traffic. She also serves as a part-time Professor of the Practice at the renowned Georgia Institute of Technology. Dr. Magnus ended her career in public service as Deputy Director of Engineering at the U.S. Department of Defense in the Office of the Under Secretary for Research and Development.
Before joining the Pentagon, she was executive director of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA), the world's largest technical society for aerospace. As an astronaut, Dr. Magnus joined the NASA Astronaut Corps in April 1996. She flew into space in 2002 on the STS-112 mission and was part of the last space shuttle flight, STS-135, in 2011. She had already traveled to the International Space Station (ISS) in 2008 with STS-126, where she served as flight engineer and science officer for Expedition 18, returning after four and a half months in space with STS-119. She has extensive experience in international spaceflight.
DATES & PRICES
Request your trip here!
Submit questions via email Arrange a callback Call now: +49 201 85890960
or please select your preferred date
August 2, 2026 – August 16, 2026
Starting at €24,995 €22,496 per person
15 days/14 nights
MS Greg Mortimer (Maximum occupancy: 140)
Oslo Reykjavik
Up to 10% early-bird discount for new bookings made by June 30, 2026
Single occupancy at no extra charge (limited availability), cannot be combined with the early-bird discount
Selected date
August 2, 2026 – August 16, 2026 (15 days/14 nights)
MS Greg Mortimer | To the far north for the solar eclipse
Aurora triple cabin
Aurora Twin Cabin
Balcony cabin C
Balcony cabin B
Balcony cabin A
Superior balcony cabin
Junior Suite
Captain's Suite
cabin
options
| Sea kayaking program (optional, limited places, extra cost) (price per person) | ||
| Person(s) | 890,00 € | |
| Person(s) | ||
personal data
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Summary
Optional activity: sea kayaking
Information
Included services:
- All transfers from/to the airport mentioned in the itinerary
- One night's accommodation in Oslo on day 1, including breakfast
- Charter flight from Oslo to Longyearbyen on day 2
- Sightseeing tour in Longyearbyen on day 2 before embarkation
- Accommodation on board during the sea voyage, including daily cabin service
- All meals, snacks, tea, coffee, soft drinks, and juices during the sea voyage
- Beer and house wine with dinner
- Farewell reception for the captain with a four-course meal, house cocktails, beer, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages
- All shore excursions and trips with the Zodiac inflatable boats
- Specialist lectures and guided tours by the expedition team
- Free access to the onboard medical station and expedition doctor (initial consultation included)
- A waterproof 3-in-1 polar expedition jacket as a gift
- Rubber boots available for loan for the duration of the trip
- Comprehensive information on travel preparation
- Port fees, permits, and landing fees
- Wi-Fi (Please note that we travel to remote regions and the connection may therefore be unreliable.)
Not included in the price:
- International or domestic flights – unless specified in the itinerary
- Transfers – unless specified in the itinerary
- Taxes for arrival or departure at the airport
- Costs for passport, visas, reciprocity fees, and vaccination fees
- Travel insurance or emergency rescue fees
- Hotel accommodation and meals – unless specified in the itinerary
- Optional excursions and surcharges for optional activities such as the sea kayaking program
- All personal expenses, including alcoholic beverages and soft drinks (outside of dinner service), gratuities, laundry service, personal clothing, medical expenses, or telephone charges
Note: A gratuity of $15 per person per day for the crew will be automatically added to your onboard account. You are free to remove the gratuity (or adjust the amount) when you settle your bill. It is not necessary to tip members of the expedition team. This gratuity amount is included for suites as part of the "Suite Benefits."
Important:
- Language spoken on board: English
- Expedition leaders and lecturers are English-speaking
- Currency on board: US dollar
- A doctor is on board
A heart for solo travelers:
- 10 single cabins available for booking
- Accommodation in a twin cabin with one person of the same sex is possible at the regular price.
- Only 50% surcharge on the regular price when booking a twin cabin for single use (can be combined with other discounts and promotions)
- Small ship with a family atmosphere and activities in small groups
Your ship during the voyage
Your ship: The MS Greg Mortimer
Click here for deck plans, cabin categories, facts & figures
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The MS Greg Mortimer off Spitsbergen | © Adrian Wlodarczyk
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Hansbreen on Spitsbergen | © Adrian Wlodarczyk
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Walruses on Spitsbergen | © Adrian Wlodarczyk
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Zodiac tour off Spitsbergen | © Adrian Wlodarczyk
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A seal basks on the pack ice | © Fiona Wardle
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Your expedition ship MS Greg Mortimer | © Jamie Lafferty
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Hiking in East Greenland | © Tyson Mayr
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Entering a fjord | ® Adrian Wlodarczyk
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Remote Inuit settlement of Ittoqqortoormiit | ® Michael Baynes
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Hiking at Scoresbysund | © Matt Horspool
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A puffin | ® Fiona Wardle
solar eclipse-far north_spitsbergen-reindeer_adrian-wlodarczyk_aurora-expeditions
Grazing reindeer | ® Adrian Wlodarczyk
solar eclipse-far north_spitsbergen-seal_adrian-wlodarczyk_aurora-expeditions
Encounter with a seal | ® Adrian Wlodarczyk
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Prehistoric musk ox | © Tyson Mayr
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Polar Plunge | ® Tyson Mayr
solar eclipse-far north_sandra magnus_aurora expeditions
Your special guest Dr. Sandra Magnus
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