Lofoten, Bear Island & Svalbard

Arrive in Tromsø, located 200 miles north of the Arctic Circle. Beautifully framed by fjords and mountain peaks, the city has been the starting point for many polar expeditions and was referred to as “the Gateway to the Arctic” in the 1800s. The high mountain peaks, offer marvelous scenery together with the small picturesque houses. In Tromsø, board the expedition ship, M/S Quest, and be welcomed by the guides and crew. The ship sets sail toward the dramatic Lofoten Islands.

Enjoy a stop on the island of Senja, Norway’s second-largest island, often referred to as “Norway in miniature” thanks to its dramatic variety of jagged peaks, deep fjords, and small fishing communities clinging to the narrow strip between sea and mountains. Here, mountains rise steeply from the ocean and scenic routes wind through a landscape shaped by wind, water, and ice.

Farther south lies the Vesterålen archipelago, a tranquil Arctic island group defined by wide horizons and abundant wildlife. The region is particularly renowned for its whale-rich waters, where these creatures can be observed for much of the year, as well as for hiking opportunities and coastal scenery offering the same dramatic beauty as Lofoten, but at a gentler pace.

Your journey continues along the southern side of what is colloquially known as the Lofoten Wall, a vast collection of rugged islands that majestically rise from the sea. Go ashore and explore the small fishing village of Reine, which quietly gazes out over Kirkefjorden. With its characteristic wooden houses framed by dramatic mountain peaks, Reine has been voted the most beautiful place in Norway. Here, you also venture out in Zodiacs to explore the surroundings.

Continue along the Lofoten Wall and onward through Trollfjorden, which is as magical as its name suggests. A little later, the ship heads out to sea and sets course for Bear Island, reaching well-known whale-watching areas that extend along the continental shelf. During the journey, stay on deck to look out for whales.

Head out toward higher northern latitudes, and during lectures on board, receive an introduction to Bear Island's intriguing history. Naturally, keep watching for whales!

With Zodiacs, explore this fascinating rocky island in the middle of the Barents Sea. Its remoteness means that only a few ships each year have the opportunity to stop for a visit. On the 1,300-foot vertical cliffs, you'll find one of the North Atlantic's largest seabird colonies. Here, tens of thousands of Brünnich's guillemots nest, along with puffins, razorbills, black guillemots, kittiwakes, and glaucous gulls. If the weather and winds are favorable, we will attempt a landing on this rarely visited island. We then continue the journey into the Arctic waters, sailing overnight, and by the following afternoon, we see the Svalbard archipelago, one of the world's most magnificent wilderness areas.

In May, Svalbard offers visitors a wondrous purity, beautiful pastel colors, and breathtaking views. The midnight sun's rays fall on glistening ice formations, the fjord ice is thick, and the mountain peaks are covered with snow. It is spring in the Arctic, and to be there as Svalbard awakens to life is a powerful experience. In this Arctic archipelago, we naturally keep an eye out for polar bears, walruses, and other iconic wildlife, but above all, enjoy the magical nature that surrounds us. It is early in the season, and our exact itinerary over the coming days will be influenced by weather and ice conditions. With Zodiacs, explore the enchanting winter landscape in some of Svalbard's most beautiful fjords, making landings whenever possible.

Storfjorden
In the vast Storfjorden, between Edgeøya and Spitsbergen, drift ice is often present at this time of year, and only then will we know how far north we can go. On the southern part of Spitsbergen lies Isbukta. In this spectacular bay, enjoy magnificent views of snow-covered mountain peaks and the mighty glacier front of Vasil'evbreen. The bay is also a popular spot for ivory gulls, skuas, and bearded seals.

Hornsund & Bellsund
Majestic Hornsund consists of several magnificent fjords on the southwest coast of Spitsbergen, where glaciers calve magical blue-tinged icebergs. On the mountain slopes at beautiful Vårsolbukta in Bellsund, tens of thousands of little auks nest. Go ashore and hike across the tundra toward the bird cliff, where you can enjoy the charming birds circling around you up close.

Isfjorden
At the entrance to Isfjorden lies the distinctive bird cliff of Alkhornet, a pointed rock several hundred feet high. Here, go ashore to enjoy the snow-covered tundra and birdlife, including barnacle geese, Brünnich's guillemots, glaucous gulls, snow buntings, and tens of thousands of kittiwakes. In the crevices around the bird cliff, several Arctic foxes have their dens, and if you are lucky, you will see these cute, small animals frenetically searching for food.

In the morning, disembark in Longyearbyen, the main settlement of Svalbard, and begin your journey home.