Discover a world of extremes with majestic landscapes, and uncover the secrets of north-east Greenland and Spitsbergen in a small group of like-minded passengers on the HANSEATIC spirit. Journeys through icy worlds, cruising off polished rocky coastlines, Zodiac landings and hikes: breathtaking perspectives bring you closer to the wonders of the Arctic. Iceland will reveal its almost Caribbean side when, depending on the weather, the beach glows turquoise in the vast bay near Patreksfjordur – an unexpected contrast to the lonely, endlessly vast and icy world that awaits you beyond the Arctic Circle.

Continue on a geological journey through the millennia into remote Scoresbysund, where the Ice Age has clearly left its mark. Depending on the weather and ice, the HANSEATIC spirit will explore the world’s largest fjord system.

Your small expedition ship then makes its way safely through King Oskar Fjord to the stunning triangular island of Ella Island with its almost 1,200 m (3,937 ft) high mountainside. And suddenly you’re already in the heart of the Northeast Greenland National Park – the largest of its kind in the world and home to musk oxen, Arctic foxes and Arctic hares. A vast and distant world stretches out before you – untouched by humanity, shrouded in ice for most of the year, with mountains rising up into the sky. In Kaiser Franz Josef Fjord, steep rock faces alternate with glacier snouts. The manoeuvrable HANSEATIC spirit is truly in its element on this flexible course. In addition to bizarre ice formations and majestic glaciers, you will encounter exciting history – such as on Clavering Island, named after the polar explorer Douglas Clavering. Find traces of earlier expeditions on walks with your experts: the team of the Second German North Polar Expedition already explored Wollaston Peninsula from 1869 to 1870.

Your next destination also brings an adventure with it: will the ship be able to circumnavigate Spitsbergen? Ny-Alesund combines the pioneering spirit of the past and present. It was here, in 1926, that Roald Amundsen and Umberto Nobile set out for the North Pole in an airship. As you continue across the water, the spectacular 14th July Glacier inspires both awe and amazement at the sight of icebergs drifting in the sea. The Smeerenburgfjord is equally spectacular with its fantastic glacial backdrop. What impression will the shimmering blue foot of the mighty Monacobreen at the end of Liefdefjord make on you? An almost mystical atmosphere will envelop you as you cruise through the Hinlopen Strait if the brownish and black beaches and rocks are cloaked in fog and ice. You may be able to enjoy particularly weighty observations on Nordaustlandet, in the original territory of the walrus, before marvelling at the brilliant play of colours and lights of the Arctic in Freemansund. At any time of your expedition, the on-board Observation Lounge, spirit Walk and glass balconies become your front-row seats for unique natural spectacles. Perhaps you’ll catch sight of the “king of the Arctic”? Polar bears are best observed at a respectful distance from the deck of the ship – and with a bit of luck, you may be able to spot reindeer and Arctic foxes when you go ashore. Will the Zodiacs be able to land in the sheltered bay of Cape Lee? In any case, this Arctic expedition will add an outstanding feat to your traveller’s CV.