Svalbard in Spring – The Return of the Sun

Oslo is the capital of Norway and is also its largest city, situated at the head of Oslo Fjord and surrounded by hills and forests. Home to some 50 museums and full of galleries, cafés, a sculpture park and the Royal Palace, this vibrant city with its handsome 19th-century buildings and wide streets has much to offer. Its history dates back 1,000 years, and includes a rich seafaring heritage that ranges from the Viking era to Thor Heyerdahl’s Kon Tiki expedition. Discover more about this exciting city on our varied selection of excursions.

Longyearbyen is the biggest settlement in Svalbard. Seat of the Norwegian administration, it also has the best services and infrastructure in the archipelago. Located deep in the Adventfjord, a sidearm of the Isfjorden (Icefjord), Longyearbyen’s airport can be used all-year round, but its harbor is blocked by ice in winter. Most shops, hotels, restaurants and a hospital are within easy walking distance of the port. One of the most prominent buildings in town is the UNIS center, where several Norwegian universities have joined forces to operate and offer the northernmost higher education to both Norwegian and international students. Adjacent to UNIS, and well worth a visit, is the Svalbard Museum, covering the natural history and exploitation of Svalbard. Remnants of the former mining activity can be seen all around Longyearbyen and even in town.

Bellsund is a 20km sound in Norway’s Svalbard archipelago. It is distinctly cut into two branches, the fjords Van Mijenfjorden and Van Keulenfjorden which together offer a stunning journey. You’ll be dwarfed by the high mountains which characterise the landscape along with rich wildlife that thrives in such diverse conditions.

Situated off the northwest coast of Spitsbergen, Amsterdam Island is a hauntingly beautiful Arctic outpost steeped in the gritty history of the 17th-century whaling boom. It is home to the archaeological remains of Smeerenburg, or "Blubber Town," where the ruins of Dutch oil ovens and sailors' graves still stand as silent witnesses to a bygone era of exploration. Today, the island offers a stark and magnificent landscape of jagged peaks and icy shores, providing a sanctuary for walruses and a remote destination for travelers seeking the raw, untamed spirit of the Svalbard archipelago.

Ny-Ålesund: The World's Northernmost Research Settlement
Ny-Ålesund is the world's northernmost functional civilian settlement, located at 79 degrees north on the island of Spitsbergen in the Svalbard archipelago, Norway. Situated on the southern shore of Kongsfjorden (King's Fjord), it is a remote community with a dramatic history and a crucial modern purpose.Current Function: International Research CenterToday, Ny-Ålesund operates primarily as an international center for Arctic and climate change research.

• Scientific Hub: It hosts permanent research stations for 19 institutions from 11 countries, focusing on atmospheric physics, biology, glaciology, and oceanography.

• Population: The permanent, year-round population is small (around 30–40 people), but it swells with up to 114 scientists during the summer months.

• Ownership: The town is owned and operated by the Norwegian state-owned company Kings Bay, providing all necessary facilities and infrastructure for the global scientific community.

History and Explorer HeritageThe settlement has a storied past, transitioning from industry to exploration and finally to science:

• Mining Town (1916–1962): Ny-Ålesund was originally founded as a coal mining community by Kings Bay Kull Comp. Mining operations were eventually deemed too dangerous and closed down after a series of fatal accidents, including a major disaster in 1962.

• North Pole Expeditions: It served as the starting point for famous attempts to reach the North Pole. Most notably, Roald Amundsen launched his successful 1926 expedition aboard the airship Norge from here, a historic journey that marked the first undisputed flight over the North Pole. The original mooring mast where the airship was tethered is still visible.

Visitor Information and Unique RulesThough primarily a research station, Ny-Ålesund is a port of call for various expedition cruises. Visitors should be aware of a few unique rules:

• Radio Silence: To prevent interference with the Norwegian Mapping Authority’s delicate geodetic station (which measures the Earth's movements), there is a zone of radio silence within a 20km radius of the settlement. Visitors must turn off Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on all electronic devices, including phones, drones, and cameras.

• Protected Heritage: The town has Svalbard’s largest collection of protected cultural heritage sites, including many remnants of the old mining community.

• Attractions: Key sites include the small Ny-Ålesund Town and Mine Museum and the world's northernmost post office.

• Nature Protection: Visitors are asked to strictly remain on designated roads and wooden pathways to protect the fragile Arctic tundra and wildlife.

A last day on top of the world

Your Arctic adventure ends in Longyearbyen, where you’ll catch your flight back to Oslo.

You'll return home knowing more about Arctic animals, history, polar ice and climate change than you arrived with – and memories of an incredible experience.

If you’re not ready to say goodbye just yet, why not spend some more time in the Arctic and join our optional Post-Program?