FROM LONGYEARBYEN TO Tromso

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. 

The over 2,000 glaciers are fascinating, with the spectacular 14th of July Glacier being one of them. Nearby slopes bloom with arctic flowers while kittiwakes and thick-billed murres nest on the cliffs. 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. Sjuøyane, or the Seven Islands, represents the northernmost part of Spitsbergen. Here, too, you will experience arctic landscapes with glaciers and fjords, and possibly exciting wildlife sightings. Storøya is your last stop before the remote island of Kvitøya. Should the ice allow passage, you will indeed make discovery history, akin to Swedish polar researcher Salomon August Andrée in 1897, by reaching the "white island." Secluded in its most beautiful form, ice-covered with a rocky peninsula in the east—it is an arctic dream. Humans seldom come here, but polar bears are frequent visitors.

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 hike across the barren tundra, along with Svalbard poppy and purple saxifrage. After visiting the uninhabited island of Wilhelmøya, you proceed through the narrow Freemansund between Barentsøya and Edgeøya, conditions permitting. Can reindeer be observed amidst blooming nature on Barentsøya? 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.