Spitsbergen
TRAVELLING TO Spitsbergen
Deep inside the Arctic Circle lies the remote and rugged Svalbard archipelago, the final strip of land separating Norway from the North Pole. With its stark but beautiful landscape of glaciers, fjords, jagged snow-capped mountains and frozen tundra, this is the land of the polar bear and the midnight sun. Remote and untouched, the ‘wildlife capital of the Arctic’ is home to Svalbard reindeer, Arctic foxes, colonies of walruses, whales, seals, thousands of migratory seabirds nesting on coastal cliffs and in excess of 3,000 polar bears. If the scenery and wildlife are not draw cards enough, Svalbard also offers a fascinating history, the staging post for many expeditions to the North Pole in the 16th century due to its close proximity.
Spitsbergen, the largest island of the archipelago offers spectacular scenery on an epic scale, a place where polar bears outnumber humans. One of the world’s northernmost inhabited areas, Spitsbergen, meaning ‘pointed mountains’ in Dutch, houses the frontier-like settlement of Longyearbyen. Remote and surrounded by polar bears, the town was founded at the turn of the 20th century as a mining town. Colourful wooden houses line the streets and reindeer wander through the town.
Discover the pristine wilderness and incredible wildlife of this spectacular region aboard one of our expedition cruises that will take you to remarkable corners of the Svalbard archipelago, where the next stop is the North Pole!
Deep inside the Arctic Circle lies the remote and rugged Svalbard archipelago, the final strip of land separating Norway from the North Pole. With its stark but beautiful landscape of glaciers, fjords, jagged snow-capped mountains and frozen tundra, this is the land of the polar bear and the midnight sun. Remote and untouched, the ‘wildlife capital of the Arctic’ is home to Svalbard reindeer, Arctic foxes, colonies of walruses, whales, seals, thousands of migratory seabirds nesting on coastal cliffs and in excess of 3,000 polar bears. If the scenery and wildlife are not draw cards enough, Svalbard also offers a fascinating history, the staging post for many expeditions to the North Pole in the 16th century due to its close proximity.
Spitsbergen, the largest island of the archipelago offers spectacular scenery on an epic scale, a place where polar bears outnumber humans. One of the world’s northernmost inhabited areas, Spitsbergen, meaning ‘pointed mountains’ in Dutch, houses the frontier-like settlement of Longyearbyen. Remote and surrounded by polar bears, the town was founded at the turn of the 20th century as a mining town. Colourful wooden houses line the streets and reindeer wander through the town.
Discover the pristine wilderness and incredible wildlife of this spectacular region aboard one of our expedition cruises that will take you to remarkable corners of the Svalbard archipelago, where the next stop is the North Pole!
[ Read Less ]WHY TRAVEL WITH CHIMU ADVENTURES
-
We are true polar specialists. Almost every Chimu team member has travelled to either Antarctica or the Arctic and has an average of ten years' experience in selling the region.
-
We have inspected and continue to thoroughly research each individual vessel we work with, selecting only small ships with strong environmental, safety, and ethical credentials.
-
We know all things polar by heart and will work with you to determine which ship and itinerary is best suited. Travellers visit the polar regions for different reasons, including wildlife, photography, snowshoeing, and kayaking, so we'll find the perfect expedition for your interests.
-
From your initial enquiry until your trip ends, you'll be assigned a personal Destination Specialist who will offer a full service to your travel needs: we can book flights, insurance, and any additional travel to complete your journey.
FEATURED Spitsbergen TRIPS & DEALS
Intro to Spitsbergen
Spitsbergen, The Arctic
Ship: Ultramarine
START: Helsinki, Finland
FINISH: Helsinki, Finland
- 30/05/2023
- 17/06/2023
- 01/06/2024
- 19/06/2024
Spitsbergen TOURS
Around Spitsbergen - In the realm of the Polar Bear
Arctic, Spitsbergen
SHIP: Plancius
04/07/2024
- 13/07/2024
- 22/07/2024
- 31/07/2024
PRICED FROM
AUD 8,059*
PER PERSON
Spitsbergen, Northeast Greenland & Aurora Borealis
Arctic, Spitsbergen, Greenland & Iceland
SHIP: Plancius
START: Longyearbyen, Svalbard
FINISH: Akureyri, Iceland
20/08/2023
- 18/08/2024
PRICED FROM
AUD 11,150*
PER PERSON
Svalbard: Last Stop Before the North Pole
Svalbard
SHIP: Ocean Albatros
START: Longyearbyen, Svalbard
FINISH: Longyearbyen, Svalbard
26/06/2024
- 03/07/2024
PRICED FROM
AUD 10,790*
PER PERSON
Around Spitsbergen - In the realm of the Polar Bear
Spitsbergen
SHIP: Ortelius
10/07/2024
- 19/07/2024
- 28/07/2024
PRICED FROM
AUD 8,580*
PER PERSON
Intro to Spitsbergen
Spitsbergen, The Arctic
SHIP: Ultramarine
START: Helsinki, Finland
FINISH: Helsinki, Finland
30/05/2023
- 17/06/2023
- 01/06/2024
- 19/06/2024
PRICED FROM Was AUD 14,200
NOW AUD 10,644*
PER PERSON
Four Arctic Islands
Svalbard, Jan Mayen, Greenland and Iceland
SHIP: Ocean Adventurer
START: Helsinki, Finland
FINISH: Reykjavík, Iceland
28/07/2023
- 09/08/2024
PRICED FROM Was AUD 21,550
NOW AUD 14,887*
PER PERSON
BLOGS ON Spitsbergen
Whether you are looking for advice on when to travel to Antarctica or the Arctic, which ship to travel on or which itinerary will suit you best, Chimu blogs are likely to have it covered. The range of topics is vast, with new and fascinating blogs being added regularly. There is ship information, guides about the activities you can do in the Polar regions, what to pack and what not to pack, and even blogs on various Polar explorers!
Best Things To Do in South and Central America – NOVEMBER Guide
As the southern summer season takes hold of a great part of the South America, now is the time to explore the more re...
Visit the Pantanal and Meet Some of the World’s Strangest Creatures
You know you’re approaching an otherworldly place when the street sign tells you to watch out for an animal that se...
Latin America Travel – Best Souvenirs That Won’t End Up in a Drawer
We admit that when travelling, sometimes, it is simply easier to dedicate just a couple of hours of our last day to h...
Last Minute Bookings To Antarctica. Is It Possible?
Antarctica is a beautiful and majestic place and a must do on many people’s bucket list, but what options are there...
Crystal Endeavor- Where Luxury Meets Expedition
Many ships have braved the seas of the Polar regions and many have been specially designed for the distinct condition...
Heads Up! Your Wildlife Guide to the Andes Mountains
Your comprehensive guide to South America’s Andes Mountains – one mesmerizing wildlife treat at a time South Amer...
National Geographic’s World’s Best Eco-lodges – Latin America Cleans Up!
National Geographic has just released its collection of World’s Best Eco-lodges and we certainly weren’t surprise...
Wildlife Watching in Brazil – Amazon VS the Pantanal
One amazing country – two magnificent wildlife powerhouses. Which one is best to visit? Wildlife-enthusiasts lookin...
Why Travelling With a Purpose is the Best Way to Travel
There are more options for meaningful travel, out there, than humans on our planet and that’s because purpose, by i...
The Most Sensational Hiking Trails in Chile (That Aren’t The W-Trek)
You’re an avid hiker and you already know that the W-trek is Chile’s #1 must-do trail. Time to discover what othe...
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Most Arctic cruises that include Spitsbergen combined with other Arctic destinations such as Greenland or the Russian Arctic, typically spend 2 to 4 days exploring Spitsbergen. Those cruises that feature Spitsbergen travel only generally spend between 8 and 13 days in the region.
The official language of Svalbard and Spitsbergen is Norwegian. Russian is used in the Russian settlements.
A high level of fitness is not necessary for Arctic cruises to Spitsbergen, but you need to be in good health as although there is generally a doctor on board the ships, you may be a long way from any other medical assistance. The majority of activities are focused around shore excursions and zodiac cruising and so you need to be agile and able-bodied enough to climb into and out of the inflatable zodiacs from both the ship and the shore. On shore landings you may need to negotiate uneven and slippery ground. Shore excursions generally involve some walking.
All of our tours are 100% tried and tested to ensure that when you travel with us, you’re doing so in a controlled and safe environment with trained experts. We consistently monitor weather conditions and will always provide you with the best possible adventure without risk of injury to you or the vessel. While some activities may need to be rescheduled or cancelled due to weather, every effort is made to have a contingency plan should such conditions become a reality during your expedition. We use our vast experience and knowledge when picking the vessels we sell to provide you with an adventure that’s unforgettable for all the right reasons.
Spitsbergen is a visa-free area. If you are flying into or out of Longyearbyen via mainland Norway, a pre-arranged visa is not required to enter Norway for citizens of the following countries:
- Australia
- United Kingdom
- The United States
- Ireland
- Canada
- New Zealand
- European Union
For other nationalities, please visit the website of the relevant consulate.