Ice, Walruses, and the History of Whaling
MS Ortelius
Max. 108 passengers
6 days (5 nights)
from/to Longyearbyen
Expedition cruise from Longyearbyen along the west coast of Spitsbergen to the edge of the pack ice and back | 6 days | max. 108 passengers | English spoken on board
This compact expedition takes you from the port of Longyearbyen to the edge of the pack ice in northern Spitsbergen and back again in six days. With five nights on board, the trip fits perfectly into a short getaway yet still takes you to that narrow strip of drifting sea ice where ringed seals, bowhead whales, and ivory gulls are among your most likely companions. With a little luck, a polar bear may be hunting along the ice edge.
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The MS Ortelius is an ice-strengthened expedition ship with an UL1 ice class rating, the highest international classification for first-year sea ice. On board, an expedition leader, eight guides, and a ship’s doctor accompany every shore excursion. Daily route decisions are based on ice conditions, wind, and wildlife sightings, and adjustments to the itinerary are expressly provided for.
Three historical eras converge along the route. At Poolepynten in Forlandsundet, groups of walruses rest right on the beach. In Ny Ålesund stands the mooring mast to which Roald Amundsen tied up the airship Norge in 1926 and Umberto Nobile the Italia two years later. On Ytre Norskøya lie the graves of 17th-century Dutch whalers. Zodiac trips in Raudfjorden take you past calving glaciers and along cliffs with breeding colonies of black-legged kittiwakes and thick-billed guillemots.
We recommend this trip if you want to experience the Arctic in a condensed format—including pack ice, wildlife, and the Arctic summer light—without having to set aside two weeks of your time. It’s particularly well-suited for first-time visitors to the Arctic and for travelers on a tight schedule.
Feel free to combine the expedition with a two- or three-day stopover in Oslo along the flight route, a stop in Tromsø, or an extended overnight stay in Longyearbyen that includes a visit to the Svalbard Museum.
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
- The edge of the pack ice at 80 degrees north – Sail to the edge of the ice north of Spitsbergen, where you can see bowhead whales, ivory gulls, and, if you’re lucky, polar bears hunting seals.
- Poolepynten Walrus Resting Place – In Forlandsundet, groups of walruses can regularly be seen resting on the beach, often right in the water among the drift ice.
- Amundsen's Anchor Mast in Ny Ålesund – In what was once the world's northernmost mining town stands the mast from which the airship Norge set off on its polar flight in 1926 and the Italia in 1928.
- Whale Hunters' Graves on Ytre Norskøya – Above the cliffs where seabird colonies nest lie the graves of Dutch whale hunters from the 17th century.
- Zodiac tours in Raudfjorden – Cruise by rubber boat past calving glaciers and along cliffs where black-legged kittiwakes and thick-billed guillemots nest.
- Mining history in Ny Ålesund – the museum, post office, and tracks of the world’s northernmost railway show how the former coal-mining town became a research settlement.
- Seabirds and reindeer at Alkhornet – At the mouth of Isfjorden, cliffs rise up, home to breeding colonies; below, reindeer graze, and arctic foxes scurry beneath the nests in search of eggs.
route
itinerary
From Longyearbyen to the polar pack ice at 80 degrees north
Day 1 | Longyearbyen and Isfjorden
Your journey begins in Longyearbyen, the administrative center of Spitsbergen and the largest settlement in the Svalbard archipelago. Until boarding in the late afternoon, you’ll have time to visit the parish church and the Svalbard Museum or stroll through the streets of this former mining town. Despite the barren landscape, more than 100 plant species have been documented in the surrounding area.
In the early evening, the MS Ortelius sets sail, leaving Isfjorden and heading for the west coast. Minke whales can already be seen regularly at the mouth of the fjord. The first evening on board begins with a safety briefing and an introduction by the expedition team.
Day 2 | Kongsfjorden and Krossfjord
The second day takes us to Ny Ålesund on Kongsfjord, one of the northernmost year-round settlements on Earth. Once a mining village with its own coal railway, Ny Ålesund is now a research center. A museum chronicles the area’s former working life, and visitors can send postcards from the post office.
In the northern part of the settlement stands the mooring mast to which Roald Amundsen moored the airship Norge in 1926 and Umberto Nobile moored the Italia two years later. The tracks of what was once the world’s northernmost railway run from the harbor to the coal depot. The tundra around Ny Ålesund is a breeding ground for barnacle geese, pink-footed geese, and Arctic terns.
In the afternoon, the route shifts to Krossfjord, whose glacier fronts are home to one of the largest colonies of black-legged kittiwakes in the region. Overnight, the ship continues north along the west coast.
Day 3 | Northwest and Raudfjorden
Ytre Norskøya lies off the northwest coast. In the 17th century, the headland served as a lookout point for Dutch whalers hunting bowhead whales; several graves from that period still remain. The cliffs are home to seabird colonies of guillemots, glaucous gulls, and kittiwakes.
In the afternoon, the MS Ortelius sails into Raudfjorden on the north coast of Spitsbergen. The fjord is heavily glaciated, with several glacier fronts calving directly into the water. Ringed seals and bearded seals rest on the ice floes, groups of birds nest on the rocky ledges, and arctic foxes patrol below. Raudfjorden is considered one of the most reliable places in Spitsbergen for polar bear sightings in the summer.
Day 4 | At the edge of the pack ice
The MS Ortelius heads directly north until it reaches the edge of the pack ice. The position of this ice edge shifts from year to year; in July, it is typically between 80 and 82 degrees north latitude. The ship sails along the edge, searching for open waterways and ice floes inhabited by wildlife.
The edges of the sea ice form a unique habitat. Bowhead whales, the largest baleen whales in the Arctic, swim through these waters; polar bears hunt from the ice; and ivory gulls follow the seals. The day’s schedule is flexible: the expedition team makes hourly decisions based on ice conditions, wind, and visibility.
From the deck, the lighting conditions in this region during the Arctic summer are unusual. The sun never sets, and the light during the night is soft and reflects particularly clearly off the ice.
Day 5 | Forlandsundet and Poolepynten
In the afternoon, the MS Ortelius will reach the southern tip of Prins Karls Forland. We plan to go ashore at Poolepynten, a well-known walrus haul-out site. The animals come ashore here in groups to rest. The group’s location varies daily; a sighting is likely but not guaranteed.
If it is not possible to call at Poolepynten due to wind or rough seas, the ship will head for Alkhornet at the mouth of Isfjorden. The cliffs there are home to seabird colonies, while polar foxes hunt below for chicks and fallen eggs, and reindeer graze on the tundra.
In the evening, the ship enters Isfjorden. The mouth of the fjord is a regular gathering place for minke whales; it’s worth spending some time on the outer deck until the ship enters the harbor.
Day 6 | Longyearbyen and the Return Journey
The MS Ortelius docks in Longyearbyen in the early morning hours. Disembarkation takes place after breakfast. Depending on your flight time, you’ll have time to visit the town one last time or head straight to the airport. Transfers to recommended flights are included in the tour price.
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.
In winter conditions, the MS Ortelius provides snowshoes for rent. 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. Waterproof Muck Boots are available on board; you should wear them over your own pants.
Zodiac excursions (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 Krossfjord, past bird cliffs; and along the edge of the pack ice, among ice floes where seals and walruses rest. The boats each accommodate 10 to 12 passengers. You will be grouped by language or photography interests. Guided by the expedition team, who constantly monitor animal behavior and ice conditions.
All cruises and shore excursions are included in the price. No separate registration is required.
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 30, 2027 – July 5, 2027
Starting at €4,100 per person
6 days/5 nights
MS Ortelius (Maximum occupancy: 108)
Longyearbyen Longyearbyen
July 5, 2027 – July 10, 2027
Starting at €2,950 per person
6 days/5 nights
MS Ortelius (Maximum occupancy: 108)
Longyearbyen Longyearbyen
Selected date
June 30, 2027 – July 5, 2027 (6 days/5 nights)
MS Ortelius | A Taste of North Spitsbergen – A Compact Arctic Adventure
Four-person with porthole
Three-person porthole
Double with porthole, deck 4
Double room with window
Double Deluxe
superior
cabin
options
personal data
By clicking on the "Request now" button, you agree to the Processing of your personal data to complete the reservation.
Summary
activities
Selected date
July 5, 2027 – July 10, 2027 (6 days/5 nights)
MS Ortelius | A Taste of North Spitsbergen – A Compact Arctic Adventure
Four-person with porthole
Three-person porthole
Double with porthole, deck 4
Double room with window
Double Deluxe
superior
cabin
options
personal data
By clicking on the "Request now" button, you agree to the Processing of your personal data to complete the reservation.
Summary
activities
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
- 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 via Oslo or Tromsø (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: 10–15 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.
- Travel health insurance with unlimited coverage is mandatory, and proof of coverage must be provided.
- 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.
- 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.
Your ship during the voyage
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get to Longyearbyen?
What are the visa requirements for Svalbard?
When is the best time to go on this expedition?
What are the chances of seeing polar bears?
What animals can I see on this route?
What kind of clothing do I need on board and when going ashore?
Is this trip suitable for solo travelers?
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
Taste of Spitsbergen_Hiking group in the tundra near Longyearbyen_Enrico Pescantini
Hike in the tundra near Longyearbyen | © Enrico Pescantini
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-Spitzbergen_Zodiac-in-front-of-the-glacier-front-in-Isfjorden_Enrico-Pescantini
Zodiac in front of a calving glacier front in Isfjorden | © Enrico Pescantini
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-Spitzbergen_A-group-of-walruses-on-a-rocky-beach_Erwin-Vermeulen
Resting walruses on a rocky beach | © 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-Spitzbergen_Pair-of-Little-Grebes-on-Rocks_Rinie-van-Meurs
A pair of little grebes in a bird colony | © Rinie van Meurs
Taste-of-Spitzbergen_Ivory Gulls at the Edge of the Pack Ice_Rinie van Meurs
Ivory Gulls at the edge of the pack ice | © Rinie van Meurs
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
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