Closer to the North Pole than to any inhabited place, the population of Spitsbergen, the largest island in the Svalbard archipelago, lives in the solitude of knowing itself to be the most isolated community on the planet. The island's west coast offers travelers one of the most spectacular polar landscapes in the Arctic and an unforgettable journey through some of the archipelago's most important human settlements. All of this unfolds under the magical light of the Midnight Sun and with the fascinating possibility of seeing whales, seals, walruses, and polar bears.
On the first program, from Monday to Saturday, the journey begins in Longyearbyen, the capital of the Svalbard archipelago. Surrounded by a stunning Arctic landscape and steeped in coal mining history, the second day offers travelers the opportunity to discover this small, modern city of just 1,500 inhabitants through a guided tour that includes a visit to the Svalbard Museum. Passengers will gain extensive knowledge about the region and the voyage aboard the MS Nordstjernen before setting sail north along one of the wildest Arctic coastlines. Barentsburg and its mining history will be the next stop on the journey, which continues north along the Prins Karls Forland.
On the third day, the ship will reach Magdalenefjorden , the renowned fjord in northwest Spitsbergen. Here, passengers will have the opportunity to disembark in smaller boats and visit the old whaling station of Gravneset , founded in the early 16th century by British sailors. On the fourth day, they can follow in the footsteps of Wilhelm Barentz, who sighted the Svalbard archipelago in 1596. Visitors will have the opportunity to observe the Monaco Glacier and the Jotunkjeldane hot springs , documented as the northernmost hot springs on Earth, as well as polar bears, whales, and bearded seals basking on the ice floes.
After reaching Moffen Island , the ship will arrive on the fifth day at Kings Bay , the longest fjord on Spitsbergen's northwest coast. A landscape of vast tundra plains, alpine peaks, and imposing glaciers in the ocean unfolds: Kongsfjorden reveals itself like a scene from an icy fairy tale. At the entrance to the north coast, Mount Mitra stands majestically, while at the end of the journey, the majestic Kongsbreen Glacier awaits before the ship sets sail for Ny-Ålesund , one of the archipelago's major historical settlements and the northernmost permanent community in the world. Passengers will have time to explore the town before the ship departs for Longyearbyen, marking the end of this first "white" itinerary.
Those who opt for the second program, from Thursday to Tuesday, will enjoy virtually the same experiences during the six days of sailing: Longyearbyen, Barentsburg, the beautiful fjords of Woodfjord and Liefdefjord, the impressive Monaco Glacier, and the unique experience of crossing the 80th parallel. Although the visit to Magdalenefjord is not included, the ship will travel around Moffen Island in the north of the archipelago, reaching Krossfjord on the fourth day to enjoy the Arctic landscape and its large bird colonies on land.
The mining town of NY-Ålesund awaits the traveler at the next stop, marking the end of the fifth and final day of sailing. Enjoy the unspoiled beauty of nature in the Isfjorden, located in the heart of Spitsbergen, Svalbard's most important fjord. Finally, in Longeyearbyen, the traveler will be captivated by the immense U-shaped valleys carved by the giant glaciers that covered the archipelago 10,000 years ago.
Prices start from €2,555 in an interior polar cabin, category D. Bookings until August 31st. Subject to availability. Departures: August 19th, 26th, 29th and September 2nd and 5th.
For more information, please check rates and availability at any time at www.hurtigrutenspain.com, by phone at 934 152 719 or by email at: info@hurtigrutenspain.com
