FROM LONGYEARBYEN TO TROMSø

High in the north of Europe lies an expedition destination that awakens the yearnings of explorers like no other: Spitsbergen – legend and adventure in equal measure. In this nautically challenging territory, the HANSEATIC spirit can take full advantage of its small and manoeuvrable design with the highest ice class for passenger ships. If the conditions allow, the ship will forge a path through the fields of drifting ice in the Hinlopen Strait and attempt the circumnavigation. Massive glaciers, deep fjords and untouched wilderness: the habitat of polar bears, Arctic foxes, whales and walruses awakens true feelings of discovery. The captain and crew will constantly adapt the route, as the flexible itinerary will be decided by the weather and ice.

On a walking tour with your experts in Ny Alesund, you will learn exciting facts about climate research – perhaps you’ll also spot Arctic terns putting on a sensational aerial display. The more than 2,000 glaciers are fascinating. The spectacular 14th July Glacier is one such specimen. Arctic flowers bloom on the nearby slopes, while kittiwakes and thick-billed murres nest on the cliff. No less impressive is the Smeerenburgfjord, where glacier panoramas open up once again. Mountain peaks frame the Liefdefjord as the majestic Monacobreen rises at its end. There is a good chance of spotting polar bears from the deck at a respectful distance here as well throughout your Spitsbergen expedition.

If the conditions allow it, you’ll venture forth into the waters of north-east Spitsbergen – at only around 1,000 km (621 mi.) from the North Pole. Will the pack ice grant a passage through the eye of the needle in the Hinlopen Strait? The ability to complete a circumnavigation depends on this passage. Will the venture be successful? If the HANSEATIC spirit can forge its way safely through the area with its steel-reinforced hull, more days of adventure await on the east coast of Spitsbergen, such as at the cliffs of Alkefjellet. The “bird mountain” is inhabited by thousands of birds from numerous species, including thick-billed murres, kittiwakes, glaucous gulls and eider ducks. The Zodiacs will take you ashore in Palanderbukta on the island of Nordaustlandet, which is largely covered in ice caps. With a little luck, you might spot reindeer, Arctic foxes, Svalbard poppies and purple saxifrage on a hike through the sparse tundra. Walrus herds like to lie on the flat ledges of rock in Torellneset. The mighty bulls are a formidable sight from a respectful distance – they can weigh over 1,000 kg (2,205 lb) and grow to 3.5 m (11.5 ft) in length. Weather and ice permitting, you will continue through the narrow Freeman Sound between Barents Island and Edgeoya. Will a landing in Cape Lee be possible? As you go ashore, you can sense the solitude of former trappers or spot some reindeer. However, the sight of surfacing whales beats all of this. If you’re lucky, the world’s largest and heaviest creature – the blue whale – will make an appearance. Last but not least, the sight of the edge of the Samarinbreen in Hornsund will become one of your many lasting memories from this cruise – framed by imposing mountains. You’ll now join Barents, Amundsen and modern-day researchers in the hall of fame of Spitsbergen’s explorers.