The island group in the far north is a place of wild untameable beauty and a coastline shrouded in ice: Spitsbergen. In this nautically challenging expedition territory, the HANSEATIC spirit can take full advantage of its small and manoeuvrable design with the highest ice class for passenger ships. No two days are the same here. Adventure awaits around every corner - you won't know which experiences are in store until you get there, as the weather and ice conditions require the captain to constantly adapt the route and decide where the Zodiacs will land next. Excitement and expedition await in the purest sense on this intensive cruise through north-west Spitsbergen with a journey to the edge of the ice.
Expansive tundra and peaked mountains rule the Isfjord and its neighbouring fjords - one of Spitsbergen's largest fjord systems at over 100 km (62 mi.) long. It is home to Arctic foxes and polar bears. Prins Karls Forland is known for its particularly heavyweight residents in the large walrus population. Like so many times on this expedition, you can get closer than ever before to the wonders of the Nordic natural world. Arctic terns attract attention with their aerial manoeuvres in Ny-Alesund, one of the world's most northerly settlements. It was from here that Arctic explorers Roald Amundsen and Umberto Nobile set out in 1926 in the airship Norge and became the first people to reach the North Pole. Today, this place is home to a team of scientists researching how climate change is affecting the Arctic. With its towering, gleaming blue foot, the spectacular 14th July Glacier isn't just a dream destination for glaciologists. Arctic flowers bloom on the green slopes near the glacier, while kittiwakes and thick-billed murres nest on the cliff, creating an almost surreal contrast.
If the conditions allow it, you'll venture forth into the waters of northern Spitsbergen, where a sense of pure expedition prevails. Thrilling days lie ahead in the home of whales, Arctic foxes, walruses and the "king of the Arctic", Ursus maritimus. Will you spot polar bears as you keep a lookout from the ship's deck? Once you land with the Zodiacs, your experts - who will accompany you on hikes and another excursions - will enhance your fantastic natural experiences with their extensive specialist knowledge. Or you can attend fascinating presentations on board to learn more about Arctic species, the extraordinary landscape and the bravery of past explorers.
Nordvest-Spitsbergen National Park is known for its scenic landscape of contrasts between mountains and bays. Enjoy unique views in the Magdalenefjord, for example, and discover the historic graves of whales set against the glacial backdrop. Surrounded by this overwhelming panorama, you will feel the power and sensitivity of nature, which also shape the Liefdefjord and the majestic Monacobreen. Watching the wall of white come to life will take your breath away: huge blocks of ice regularly fall into the fjord from the 5 km (3.1 mi.) front with an almighty roar. The palpable effects of the Gulf Stream pave the way to the Raudfjord, the archipelago's most northerly fjord. In certain lights, the mountains take on shades of reddish brown. Amsterdamoya is home to historic man-made relics: the remains of 400-year-old ovens bear witness to the whalers who once cooked blubber here to make lamp oil.
The artistic drawings by the scientists on board La Recherche show just how much impact the Recherchefjord made on the explorers. Gain your own impressions of this inlet surrounded by tundra, which is home to reindeer and many other creatures. Nature will also provide lasting memories in Hornsund, where you are surrounded by snow-capped mountain ranges and mighty glaciers. The route will be determined by nature: the flexible itinerary will be decided by the weather and ice. If conditions are favourable, the HANSEATIC spirit will forge ahead through fields of drifting ice and brave the circumnavigation of Spitsbergen. Whatever happens, the natural spectacles will ensure your expedition between the Arctic Circle and North Pole will be an unforgettable adventure.