The Svalbard Islands are located in the Arctic Ocean, halfway between Norway and the North Pole. In the midst of this mighty wilderness is the Norwegian settlement of Longyearbyen; warm under the light of the Midnight Sun as you arrive at the airport, transfer to the harbor where MS Roald Amundsen awaits.  

As we arrive in the largest national park in the world, the splendid isolation of this journey begins to take hold. Apart from a few abandoned trapping stations, a weather station, and the traditional Sirius sled patrol, there are no traces of human life here.

Within the borders of Northeast Greenland National Park, there are only about 30 souls that overwinter. In the very short summer season, when the waters are free of ice, only 500 guests are able to visit the park. Once inside the fjords of northeast Greenland, your sense of distance, as well as your perceived size and shape of the surrounding scenery, will be challenged. These are the largest fjords in the world and the alpine landscape, with hanging glaciers and vertical granite faces, reaches as far as the eye can see.

Wildlife like musk oxen and Arctic foxes, hares, and wolves abound, as do a wide variety of seabirds. And remember, where there is ice, there might be polar bears!

We will call on the isolated research station of Danmarkshavn. Sailing into fjords like Kaiser Franz Josef Fjord or Alpefjord is an unforgettable experience. The majority of our landings are performed as pure wilderness expeditions. We might meet the Sirius Patrol (The Danish Navy) that supervises the park using traditional methods, like sled dogs.

Entering the fjords of Scoresbysund, a natural place to attempt a landing is Myggbukta (Mosquito Bay), where the legendary governor of northeast Greenland had his base. We have the chance to land on the small, flat islands of Bjørne Øer which are surrounded by sheer, pointed granite mountains. Our expert guides and lecturers will safely lead you on hikes and small boat trips in addition to giving briefings and lectures about the places we explore.

As we leave Greenland, we sail towards the western coast of Iceland. This is an excellent day to attend lectures and prepare for our return to 'civilization.'

Iceland's capital city offers visitors a rich urban life. Relatively close to Reykjavík you will find glaciers, waterfalls, geysers, and mountains, while the city itself hosts fine restaurants, museums, and shops. We will arrive in the morning hours, and this is where our voyage ends.