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Exploring the Arctic: Svalbard Sailing Expedition

Set sail for the edge of the world under the midnight sun! Svalbard isn’t just a dot on the map; it’s where your wildest Arctic dreams come to life. This far-flung Norwegian archipelago is a land of deep fjords and dramatic peaks; of vast ice fields and forbidding icebergs. And it will all be so close as we cruise aboard our deluxe sailboat. One of Europe’s last great wildernesses, it is also the domain of more whales and walruses than people, a terrain echoing with the legendary tales of polar exploration. But there’s more in store—you’ll hike on a glacier and go sightseeing during shore landings. Top it off with gourmet meals from a private chef and voila—you’ve got an Arctic adventure you’ve always dreamed of.

Adventure highlights

  • Arctic wilderness
    Immerse yourself in stunning scenery with snowy mountains, iceberg-dotted fjords, and incredible wildlife
  • Basking in the midnight sun
    With 24 hours of sunlight, you’ll always get the most out of your days
  • Deluxe sailboat
    Enjoy your journey aboard a beautiful sailboat with a spacious deck, inviting bar, and a whole crew, including a chef

Itinerary

Nothing beats an Arctic odyssey exploring Svalbard's majestic landscapes. Begin your adventure in Longyearbyen before setting sail to stunning locations like Isfjorden, Kongsfjorden, Magdalenefjorden, and Ny-Ålesund. Revel in the comfort of double cabins with portholes, equipped with showers. Indulge in all-inclusive meals crafted by a private chef and discover icy wonders with provided glacier hiking gear. Led by seasoned local guides, this expedition promises an immersive journey through the wonders of Svalbard.

  • Arrive at Svalbard Airport, where the Arctic adventure begins. A transfer whisks you to a comfortable hotel in the heart of Longyearbyen, the northernmost settlement with over 1,000 people. Take in the polar ambiance and settle into your accommodation. Later, gather with guides and fellow adventurers for a briefing on the upcoming journey, immersing yourself in the anticipation of what lies ahead. Rest well in your hotel (not included), as tomorrow promises the start of an unforgettable expedition.

    Colorful wooden houses in Longyearbyen, Svalbard, Norway.
  • It’s time to go offshore. You’ll board the ship at around 5pm. Chart a course towards Isfjorden, a majestic fjord in the vastness of Svalbard. Drop anchor in Ymerbukta, and marvel at the breathtaking panorama of the Esmarkbreen glacier. The crisp Arctic air and the serene surroundings set the stage for an immersive experience.

    Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and light dinner
    Accommodation: Ocean Sherpa sailboat

    Isfjorden with snowy coastal mountains in Svalbard, Norway.
  • Today, you’ll navigate the Arctic waters to Kongsfjorden. Wake up to a view of majestic mountains and untamed wilderness. Take the opportunity to disconnect from the hussle of everyday life, immersing yourself in the untamed beauty of Ny-London and Lloyds Hotel in Krossfjorden. Return to the boat for a delightful meal before sailing towards the captivating Magdalenefjorden.

    Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
    Accommodation: Ocean Sherpa sailboat

    Kongsfjorden in Svalbard with its iconic three peaks resembling a crown.
  • A new day dawns in the enchanting Magdalenefjorden, a haven of wildlife and historical intrigue. Delve into the region’s past with a visit to Trinity Harbour, steeped in the whaling history of Smeerenburg. Later, sail to Danksøya, absorbing the scenic wonders that surround you.

    Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
    Accommodation: Ocean Sherpa sailboat

    Ocean sherpa epic view
  • Embark on a journey to the remote corners of Danskøya and Amsterdamøya, where history and wildlife intertwine. Each turn offers a new snapshot, prompting you to capture the Arctic wonders with your camera.

    Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
    Accommodation: Ocean Sherpa sailboat

    Cutest polar bears cubs in Svalbard
  • Set sail for Sally harbor and embark on a hike to the pinnacle viewpoint, showcasing the northernmost reaches of the Svalbard archipelago. The Arctic landscape unfolds once again, inviting you to immerse yourself in the pristine surroundings.

    Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
    Accommodation: Ocean Sherpa sailboat

    Whale’s tail protruding from the ocean surface in Svalbard, Norway.
  • Cruise to Ny-Ålesund, the world’s northernmost settlement nestled in the embrace of Kongsfjorden. Immerse yourself in mining history, modern scientific endeavors, and explore charming souvenir shops and the museum. Spend the evening exchanging tales and discoveries with your fellow adventurers.

    Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
    Accommodation: Ocean Sherpa sailboat

    Ny-Ålesund settlement in Svalbard, Norway, surrounded by characteristic coastal mountains and with Typical Norwegian rural architecture.
  • Embark on the “homeward” journey, sailing through Isfjorden once again. Pass by Prins Karls Forland, home to a renowned walrus colony. Marvel at the rugged beauty of the Foreland, taking in the breathtaking views.

    Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
    Accommodation: Ocean Sherpa sailboat

    Walruses in Svalbard.
  • After a week of sea and mountain adventures with your group, it’s time to bid farewell to the sailboat and disembark in Longyearbyen at 9:30am. Explore the charming town, capturing the essence of Longyearbyen before catching your afternoon flight. Say goodbye to your guides, fellow adventurers and to the Arcitc—or continue touring on your own.

    Meals: Breakfast

    Vedute of the town of Longyearbyen in Svalbard, Norway.
Guided Hikes in Norway
Classic hikes (2) | Hidden gems (4) | All-women hiking tours (4) | Active vacations (5)
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Meet your guides

Christoph Hofer
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Christoph Hofer
Originally from the mountains of Austria, Christoph thrives in winter wonderlands and has a passion for skiing and mountaineering. Apart form being an adrenaline junkie, he’s also a mechatronics and industrial engineering student in Innsbruck. One of his favorite locations is Svalbard, where he guides trips but also studies the Arctic risk and safety management—because nothing says “thrilling career path” like navigating polar bear encounters and frostbite prevention! Christoph is not just a terrific guide to have by your side—he’s also an explorer, scholar, and just an overall great person to have around.
Backyard Svalbard
5.00
Backyard Svalbard
Backyard Svalbard was created in 2019 by a team of passionate skiers enthralled by Arctic landscapes. Their certified guides have extensive experience leading ski expeditions beyond the northernmost sections of Norway, and they’ll do their best to provide you with an authentic Svalbard adventure.

Accommodation

Things to know

  • Included:

      • Experienced, local guides with extensive knowledge of the area
      • 8 days of sailing in Svalbard
      • Accommodation in double cabins with portholes equipped with showers
      • All meals while on board
      • Sailboat crew, including a private chef
      • All activities mentioned in the itinerary (glacier hike, wildlife watching, etc.)
      • Glacier hiking equipment (ice axe, crampons, ropes etc.)

    Not included:

      • Transportation to Longyearbyen
      • Accommodation in Longyearbyen before boarding the sailboat
      • Meals in Longyearbyen
      • Guide gratuities — optional
      • Travel insurance — mandatory
  • To participate in this guided Svalbard sailing trip, you should be a fit and active person who loves the outdoors. No specific technical skills are required for this tour, so don’t worry if you don’t have any sailing experience, or experience of hiking on glaciers. Keep in mind that you will always have an experienced guide by your side during all activities to assess your fitness level and keep everyone safe. Additionally, if you are not up to some activity, you can opt for staying aboard and simply enjoy the spectacular Arctic scenery around you.

  • Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:

      • Day pack large enough to carry all the items listed (around a 20-40L bag)
      • Water bottle (1L capacity)
      • Hiking boots
      • Spare clothes for layering
      • Gloves and mittens
      • Gaiters and hat
      • Wool or synthetic socks and liner socks
      • Long underwear top — synthetic or wool
      • Light fleece or wool sweater
      • Waterproof rain jacket
      • Insulated hiking jacket
      • Warm insulated jacket — down or synthetic
      • Long underwear bottoms — synthetic or wool
      • Multipurpose stretch nylon or ‘Schoeller’ type pants
      • Waterproof breathable pants
      • Sunhat and warm wool hat
      • Swimsuit
      • Goggles (orange lenses)
      • Toiletries (sunscreen, toothbrush, lip balm, etc.)
      • Sunglasses
      • Eye mask (for the midnight sun)
      • Camera — optional (but recommended)

    Bring comfortable clothes appropriate for the season.. ​​In July and August, Svalbard experiences relatively mild temperatures ranging from approximately 4 to 8 °C (39 to 46 °F), with the extraordinary phenomenon of the Midnight Sun providing continuous daylight. Weather conditions can be unpredictable, offering a mix of sunny days, overcast skies, and occasional rainfall, making it an ideal time for wildlife observation and various outdoor activities.

  • Group sizes and pricing:

      • For this adventure, the maximum client-to-guide ratio is 5:1.
      • The maximum group size is set at 10 guests.
      • A minimum of 8 participants is required for the tour to run.

    Min. age requirements:

      • If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
      • Minors above the age of 14 may be permitted to join, but must be in presence of a parent or a legal guardian.
      • Minors under 14 are not allowed to join this tour.

    If your group has travelers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

  • To get to this sailing expedition in Svalbard, most people fly into Svalbard Airport near Longyearbyen, the largest city in the archipelago and the starting point of this tour. There are daily flights to Longyearbyen from Oslo, Norway, but we encourage you to book early. Norwegian Air flies from Oslo, while SAS arrives from Stockholm.

    Flying to remote Svalbard takes a while, so plan your journey ahead. You are expected to arrive one day before boarding the sailboat (and arrange your hotel accommodation in Longyearbyen before the tour). Your guide will organize a minibus to transport you and your gear to your hotel in Longyearbyen.

  • Medical and travel protection is mandatory. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, simply choose Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner!

    Redpoint tailors their protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations. Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.

    Once your booking is confirmed and your trip is paid in full, you will be offered to purchase Redpoint’s protection. If you need any help or require more information, let us know and we will be happy to help!

  • Deposits 

    When booking a trip, you can either pay for it in full or reserve your spot with a 50% deposit. The remaining 50% of the trip price is to be paid 120 days prior to departure, at the latest.

    Cancellations

      • Booking fees are non-refundable. 
      • In case of cancellation within 48 hours after booking, the amount paid is fully refundable.
      • For cancellations 120 or more days before the trip, you are eligible for a 50% refund of the trip price.
      • For cancellations 0-119 days before the trip, there is no refund.

    Early Bird booking

    Want to be the first one to know when we publish new dates or secure your spot well in advance? Select a future month that suits you best and lock in your Early Bird spot in time with just a 10% deposit. 

    As soon as our guides publish new tour dates, you’ll be the first one to know. We’ll hold your spot for 2 weeks until you choose the date that suits you best. 

    More about how Early Bird bookings work below:

      • Only a 10% non-refundable deposit must be paid upon booking, but this deposit can be transferred to any other 57hours adventure in case the dates don’t end up working for you.
      • Once our guides publish new tour dates, we’ll reach out to you so you’ll be the first one to choose from newly released dates.
      • When you pick your date, you’ll confirm your booking by paying another 20% of the total trip amount (amounting to the standard 30% deposit). 
      • Once the trip has been confirmed, the regular cancellation policy (found above) applies.
      • The remaining balance is due 90 days before the trip.
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