Longyearbyen - Tromso Expedition Svalbard circumnavigation via Kvitoya - Svalbard's secret side

High in northern Europe lies an expedition destination that awakens the yearnings of explorers like no other: Spitsbergen—myth and adventure combined. In this nautically demanding region, the HANSEATIC nature showcases its full advantages: small, agile, and equipped with the highest ice class for passenger ships. When conditions are favourable, it navigates the "outer route" via Kvitøya, attempting a circumnavigation. Colossal glaciers, deep fjords, and pristine wilderness: the habitat of polar bears, arctic foxes, whales, and walruses stirs genuine feelings of exploration within you. The captain and crew continually adjust the route, with weather and ice conditions determining the flexible course.

With some luck, the small island of Prins Karls Forland offers impressive wildlife sightings: herds of imposing walruses often gather here. In Ny Alesund, you reach one of the northernmost settlements on Earth. Once a coal mining site, it is now a hub for international scientists focusing on meteorology, climate change studies, and aurora research. 

When you enjoy the view from the Zodiac of the mighty 11 km (7 mi.) long ridge of Lilliehook Glacier, one of Svalbard’s largest glaciers, you will feel the silent power of the Arctic – because it leaves no one untouched. Pointed peaks frame the Liefdefjord, at the end of which rises the mighty Monaco Glacier. Your chances of observing polar bears from a respectful distance on deck are high here and throughout your Spitsbergen expedition. 

Beverlysundet, in the north of the archipelago, is known for its wildlife and historical sites from previous expeditions. Once the ice clears the way, one thing is certain: you will be part of the history of exploration, just like the Swedish polar explorer Salomon August Andrée in 1897, when you pass the “white island” of Kvitoya. Remoteness in its most beautiful form, covered in ice and with a rocky peninsula to the east – an Arctic dream. People rarely come here, but polar bears do. 

The steel-reinforced hull of the HANSEATIC nature ensures safe passage through the area, enabling further adventures on Spitsbergen's east coast. Landing with Zodiacs on the predominantly ice-capped island of Nordaustlandet, you might spot reindeer and arctic foxes during a walk across the barren tundra, along with Svalbard poppy and purple saxifrage. Our route then takes us to the remote Lomfjord – a place where the Arctic shows its artistic side. The mountain slopes glow in vibrant colours, shaped by fascinating geology that captivates the eye: delicate structures, layered like an open history book of the Earth. The captain and officers will constantly look for impressive scenes such as the cliffs of Alkefjellet: the “bird mountain” is inhabited by thousands of birds from numerous species, including thick-billed murres, kittiwakes, glaucous gulls, Arctic terns and eider ducks.

If weather and ice conditions permit, you proceed through the narrow Freemansund between Barentsøya and Edgeøya. Can reindeer be observed amidst blooming nature on Barentsøya? Surrounded by steep mountains and glaciers, Kvalbagen serves as a sheltered bay east of Forlandsundet, providing refuge for many animals such as walruses, ringed seals and seabirds. All this could only be topped by the appearance of whales, perhaps even the largest and heaviest of them all: the blue whale. To conclude, the view of the glacier edge of Samarinbreen in Hornsund creates another of many lasting memories—framed by imposing mountains. Alongside Barents, Amundsen, and modern-day researchers, you now join the ranks of Spitsbergen's discoverers.