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Spitsbergen Highlights: Journey into the Arctic Wilderness
Arctic From 7 days

Spitsbergen Highlights Journey into the Arctic Wilderness

Starting from

  • Helsinki, Finland
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Expedition Overview

On this extraordinary journey, you will pack all the excitement of an epic Arctic cruise into just seven days, experience incredible Arctic wilderness you never dreamt possible. Though this rocky island is covered in mountains and glaciers, the towering cliffs and fjords play host to a thriving and diverse ecosystem. Exploring as much of the area as possible, you will enjoy opportunities to spot, among other wildlife, the walrus with its long tusks and distinctive whiskers, the resilient and Arctic birds in all their varied majesty, and that most iconic of Arctic creatures, the polar bear.

Highlights

Spot iconic Arctic wildlife, such as polar bears, walrus and reindeer

Enjoy all the adventure of an Arctic expedition in a week

Cruise in a Zodiac to explore glaciers, fords, icebergs and more

Hike the colorful tundra, one of the many features of this Arctic wilderness

Immerse yourself in the icy realm of the Arctic with optional kayaking adventures

Find Your Ideal Itinerary

From Helsinki, Finland, 7 days

Duration
7 days
Departing from
Helsinki, Finland
Download Brochure

Your Arctic adventure begins in Helsinki, renowned for its extraordinary architecture and intriguing mix of eastern and western influences. If you arrive early, explore the many museums, galleries and restaurants, relax at a Finnish sauna or wander the vibrant Design District before retiring at your included hotel.

This morning, the group will transfer to the airport and board our private charter flight to Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen’s largest settlement.
You’ll sail around the shores of this magical island, constantly searching for natural wonders. Covering western Spitsbergen, your expedition will afford ample opportunities to view immense glaciers, deep fjords, soaring mountains and unique flora and fauna. Sailing north into Krossfjorden, have your camera handy, ready to capture some of the best glacier calving in Spitsbergen. Deep in the fjord, the highly active Lilliehöök Glacier awaits. Listen in awe to the growling as big chunks break off into the icy waters below. A Zodiac excursion to nearby Ny-London, an abandoned mining settlement, provides an ideal place for a guided walk. Encounters with wildlife, such as the endemic Svalbard reindeer, might be possible here. After cruising overnight, wake up to the stunning sight of the magnificent Monaco Glacier, another prolific iceberg producing glacier. To make this even more thrilling, help your Expedition Team to scan the shorelines and ice edge for marine mammals. Possible landing sites include Texas Bar, Worsleyneset and Alicehamna. At Smeerenburg you can see the remains of an abandoned settlement that was established by Dutch whalers nearly 400 years ago. Here, at what was once one of Europe’s most northerly outposts, you’ll have time to explore ashore and learn about Spitsbergen’s whaling history. Afterwards, cruising to Magdalenefjorden rewards you with panoramic vistas of snow-capped mountains and massive glaciers reflected in the crystal-clear waters. We hope to round out the day in Alkhornet, taking in the towering cliffs teeming with nesting seabirds, such as fulmars and Brünnich’s guillemots (thick-billed murres). Encounters with reindeer are possible here too. Later, in the evening, swap stories with your shipmates and crew one last time, at the captain’s farewell dinner.

The time to say goodbye has come. Your adventure ends as it began, in the frontier-style settlement of Longyearbyen. From here, we’ll transfer you to the airport for your return group charter flight to Helsinki, included in the transfer package.
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Your Life Onboard

This is polar exploration at its finest. Our ships are intimate, luxurious floating hotels, packed with exciting experiences.
Several guests standing on the deck of a ship, wearing their Quark Expedition Parks, looking out onto a polar landscape
Guests on the deck of a polar expedition ship, wearing Quark Expedition parkas, gathered around an expedition leader while everyone raises a glass of champagne in celebration against a backdrop of ice
A presenter stands in front of a large screen displaying educational content about polar regions, engaging the audience with visual aids and maps
Two people stand on a ship with their backs to the camera, wearing their Quark Expeditions parkas, looking out onto an icy landscape
Two people sit in an on ship library reading, with a backdrop of books on bookshelves
A ready room where Quark Expedition parks hang in their open lockers

Enjoy panoramic views while you mingle in our comfy lounges, or head outside and chat with fellow adventurers on the wraparound deck. Our social spaces foster connections & shared experiences.

Guests on the deck of a polar expedition ship, wearing Quark Expedition parkas, gathered around an expedition leader while everyone raises a glass of champagne in celebration against a backdrop of ice

Engage with world-class experts in our auditorium. Presentations cover wildlife, history, marine biology, ecology, & geology, to enhance your polar knowledge & excitement for exploration.

A presenter stands in front of a large screen displaying educational content about polar regions, engaging the audience with visual aids and maps

Enjoy onboard amenities, attend lectures, or watch for wildlife from our observation decks. Sea days offer a perfect blend of education, relaxation, and anticipation.

Two people stand on a ship with their backs to the camera, wearing their Quark Expeditions parkas, looking out onto an icy landscape

Find tranquility in our well-stocked library, perfect for reading or quiet contemplation. The glass-domed Observation Lounge offers a peaceful retreat to reflect & enjoy awe-inspiring polar views.

Two people sit in an on ship library reading, with a backdrop of books on bookshelves

Prepare for off-ship excursions in our spacious mudroom. Kayak, paddleboard, or take a plunge in polar waters. Stay active onboard with our gym, outdoor track, and pool facilities.

A ready room where Quark Expedition parks hang in their open lockers

What’s Included

Specialist Expedition Leaders

Our team is comprised of the most professional and passionate Expedition Leaders in the world, who bring a wide range of experience and expertise to every adventure.

Immersive Off-ship Activities

Itineraries are packed with adventure options designed to immerses travelers in the polar wilderness, enabling them to connect with the natural wonders of their surroundings.

On-Ship Experiences & Facilities

Designed for comfort and adventure, each ship accommodates no more than 200 guests. Facilities include comfortable cabins, exceptional dining options, wellness treatments, and breathtaking panoramic views of the polar landscape.

Food & Beverages

Premium dining, with a wide selection of options that accommodate a variety of dietary preferences.

Quark Expedition Perks

Complementary Wi-Fi, alcohol on all voyages, and the Official Quark Expeditions parka to take home.

Transfers

Select voyages include essential transportation and accommodation arrangements for guests, ensuring seamless travel to and from the expedition starting point.

International airfare & visa expenses, travel insurance, mandatory expedition gear, on-ship expenses, adventure options and trip extensions are not included.

Included Activities

Passengers Hiking in Svalbard

Hiking in the Arctic

Hiking in the polar regions differs from your typical trail experience. Here, in a tree-less terrain, you are the tallest figure on the landscape as you walk over spongy tundra, crusty snow or sandy beaches in remotes parts of the Arctic and Antarctica. Stepping ashore anywhere in the polar regions means you’re not a distant observer. Our organized hikes range from short jaunts to the top of lookouts or visits to see wildlife or longer walks of several kilometers over ice and rock and snow. Hiking excursions may last from two to three hours with plenty of time for photographs of wildlife, learning moments from your experienced guides, or just time to stand back and admire the incredible polar surroundings. No experience is necessary but participants should be able to get in and out of a Zodiac and walk on uneven terrain. Hiking options are tailored to all interests and abilities, from those who want to contemplate the landscape in silence to photographers who want that perfect image to energetic travelers who want to summit a peak in the hopes of seeing wildlife in their natural habitat. Equipment you’ll be provided with for hiking outings Other recommended gear/clothing
Photography

Photography

Documenting your voyage so you can take the memories home is a rewarding experience. Our photography guides will help you hone your skills to capture the beauty of the polar regions.
Passenger getting ready for a polar plunge in the Arctic

Polar Plunge in the Arctic

The Polar Plunge is scheduled once during each voyage. Throughout the journey, the Expedition Leader and Captain constantly monitor conditions in order to choose the optimal time and location. The Polar Plunge sometimes takes place onshore or, in many cases, from the gangway or Zodiac. All participants wear a tethered harness and plunge into the polar waters from the side of Zodiac or safety of the gangplank cheered on, of course, by fellow passengers and Expedition Team. Safety is paramount—the onboard physician always attends the Polar Plunge. Guides in survival gear circle the area in Zodiacs as guests take their turn jumping or cannon-balling into the polar waters.
Zodiac cruising in the Arctic

Zodiac Cruising in the Arctic

Zodiacs are used for transferring you ashore, transporting your luggage when necessary and for taking you ocean-level cruising among icebergs, whales and seabirds. During the expedition, you will visit remote and isolated sites that are accessible only by Zodiac. These large, heavy-duty inflatable vessels are extremely safe and were specially designed for expedition work. Zodiacs are the workhorses of Polar expeditions. Separate air compartments retain a large reserve of buoyancy even if these sturdy boats are damaged. Their flat bottom design permits the craft to land directly onto the cobble and ice-strewn beaches that you will encounter on your Polar expedition.

Upgrade Your Expedition

Find out what add-on options are available for your expedition.

Adventure Options

These can be booked in advance at an extra cost. Activities vary by itinerary, destination and are weather permitting.
Paddling excursion in the Arctic

Paddling Excursion in the Arctic

Passengers kayaking in Arctic Landscape

Sea Kayaking in the Arctic

Trip Extensions

Helsinki Cathedral (Helsinki, Finland)

Helsinki, Finland

The city of Helsinki is actually an archipelago of 315 islands that contains scores of lush green parks and what seems like an endless string of dark blue lakes. Often called the “Daughter of the Baltic,” Finland’s capital sits on a peninsula in the Gulf of Finland. The architecture of Scandinavia is a startling mix of traditional wooden and stone houses mixed in with tall glass towers and office blocks that reflect contemporary Scandinavian minimalism and art-nouveau modern.

Departure Dates & Cabins

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Polar Expedition Team Leader, dressed in warm outdoor gear, with a friendly expression

Ready For Your Expedition?

Our Polar Travel Advisor will recommend the best expedition itinerary to suit your requirements.

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Know Before You Go

For your personal safety—and to ensure you get the most enjoyment out of your polar adventure—please assess your mobility and medical requirements before booking. It is essential that guests have a high level of mobility to get in and out of Zodiac boats, and for off-ship activities such as hiking on uneven terrain. Our destinations are remote. Apart from our basic ship infirmary, it could take up to 72 hours to reach adequate medical facilities. For more details to help you assess your mobility and medical requirements before booking your voyage, please review Health & Safety.

Some of our expeditions have included transfers and these will be detailed in your Invoice and Trip Brochure.

Please note that if you have an airport transfer included in your trip, it is only available if you arrive on Day 1 of the itinerary. Please ensure your flight information on your Passenger Forms is up to date so our ground crew know when to expect you. There will be someone with a sign in Arrivals waiting for you. Please look for them and they will direct you to our group shuttle.

If you do not have included transfers, or you are arriving before Day 1, you will need to make your own way to the hotel. Most airports we travel in and out of have good taxi ranks in the Arrivals area, or you can often prebook a transfer online.

Packing is an exciting part of the trip for many of us. You will find a handy packing list towards the end of your Trip Brochure. You will have received a copy of this when you first booked. We also have two excellent videos, which you can check out here: What to Pack

Our Protection Promise allows you to make a purchase decision that will leave you worry-free in the event your plans change down the road. Please review details for each term in our Quark Expeditions Protection Promise.

Whether you are thinking of an expedition, or you’ve booked the trip of a lifetime with Quark Expeditions, review all our FAQs for comprehensive tips to help you prepare for the Polar Regions and how to make the most out of your voyage with the most experienced expedition team in the industry. If your specific question isn’t covered below, please reach out to your Polar Travel Advisor or helpful Client Experience Team at guest@quarkexpeditions.com.

Passengers hiking in Antarctic Landscape

Polar Expeditions

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Spitsbergen Highlights: Journey into the Arctic Wilderness

Polar Regions

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arctic regions

Spitsbergen Highlights: Journey into the Arctic Wilderness

Our Expedition Ships

Guests in yellow parkas carefully watch an orca spyhopping as it tries to get better look at a seal resting on an ice flow.

About Us

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Spitsbergen Highlights: Journey into the Arctic Wilderness

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From Helsinki, Finland, 7 days

Duration
7 days
Departing from
Helsinki, Finland
Download Brochure

Your Arctic adventure begins in Helsinki, renowned for its extraordinary architecture and intriguing mix of eastern and western influences. If you arrive early, explore the many museums, galleries and restaurants, relax at a Finnish sauna or wander the vibrant Design District before retiring at your included hotel.

This morning, the group will transfer to the airport and board our private charter flight to Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen’s largest settlement.
You’ll sail around the shores of this magical island, constantly searching for natural wonders. Covering western Spitsbergen, your expedition will afford ample opportunities to view immense glaciers, deep fjords, soaring mountains and unique flora and fauna. Sailing north into Krossfjorden, have your camera handy, ready to capture some of the best glacier calving in Spitsbergen. Deep in the fjord, the highly active Lilliehöök Glacier awaits. Listen in awe to the growling as big chunks break off into the icy waters below. A Zodiac excursion to nearby Ny-London, an abandoned mining settlement, provides an ideal place for a guided walk. Encounters with wildlife, such as the endemic Svalbard reindeer, might be possible here. After cruising overnight, wake up to the stunning sight of the magnificent Monaco Glacier, another prolific iceberg producing glacier. To make this even more thrilling, help your Expedition Team to scan the shorelines and ice edge for marine mammals. Possible landing sites include Texas Bar, Worsleyneset and Alicehamna. At Smeerenburg you can see the remains of an abandoned settlement that was established by Dutch whalers nearly 400 years ago. Here, at what was once one of Europe’s most northerly outposts, you’ll have time to explore ashore and learn about Spitsbergen’s whaling history. Afterwards, cruising to Magdalenefjorden rewards you with panoramic vistas of snow-capped mountains and massive glaciers reflected in the crystal-clear waters. We hope to round out the day in Alkhornet, taking in the towering cliffs teeming with nesting seabirds, such as fulmars and Brünnich’s guillemots (thick-billed murres). Encounters with reindeer are possible here too. Later, in the evening, swap stories with your shipmates and crew one last time, at the captain’s farewell dinner.

The time to say goodbye has come. Your adventure ends as it began, in the frontier-style settlement of Longyearbyen. From here, we’ll transfer you to the airport for your return group charter flight to Helsinki, included in the transfer package.