Fjords and Glaciers of Spitsbergen

Fly from Paris and arrive at Longyearbyen, the capital of the Norwegian Svalbard archipelago, located on Svalbard's main island, and is the northernmost territorial capital on the planet. With winter temperatures dropping to below -40°C, the extreme nature of this region becomes plain. The glaciers and mountains stretch as far as the eye can see, and the untouched nature make you feel like you’re in completely unexplored territory.

In the afternoon, embark on the L'Austral for your exciting 8-day Arctic cruise.
 

Nestling between millennial glaciers and carved mountains, and considered to be “the crown of Arctic Norway”, Spitsbergen is a place that never sees the night. Your ship will take you closer to this fascinating archipelago and, more particularly, the Hornsund fjord. Considered to be Svalbard’s southernmost fjord, it is especially reputed to be the most stunning: at the end of its vast bay, 8 great glaciers slowly make their way down to the sea before giving way to the many icebergs elegantly drifting along its cold and mysterious waters.

Next sail to the Bellsund fjord to follow in the footsteps of the first explorers who came from the Norwegian coast, or those of the many fur traders seeking game and trophies. Boasting an astonishingly rich wildlife, the arms of the fjord separate to form two lush valleys. Give free rein to your imagination in the heart of this majestic natural environment where time seems to standstill.

Your captain will sail right up to the edge of the ice floe. Weather conditions and state of the ice allowing, you will be able to go out in a Zodiac dinghy for a unique experience in the middle of these floating slabs of ice. This surreal journey through the middle of these floes with their blue-tinged edges is also often an opportunity to see particular kinds of fauna, totally dependent on the ice floe: birds, seals, and polar bears. 

Måkeøyane is a small archipelago in the heart of the Woodfjorden, whose names is a reference to the large quantities of driftwood washing up on the beaches. It is located at the intersection between the Bockfjorden and the Liefdefjorden which leads to the Monaco Glacier, one of the most beautiful in Spitsbergen. As you sail around these little islands, you will be able to observe Arctic terns whose eggs sometimes attract polar bears. 

Located at the North-West of the Svalbard archipelago, the Monaco Glacier is probably one of Spitsbergen’s most beautiful and majestic. Named in honor of Prince Albert I of Monaco, a sailor, it stands as an impenetrable, blue-tinged jagged wall, the last glacier before reaching a latitude of 80° North. Imagine the sound of the ice cracking as it breaks free and crashes into the transparent water. And to make the magical landscape even more perfect, you might be lucky enough to spot bears and whales, as these two animals have a special fondness for this area.  
 

Raudfjorden means “red fjord”, from the color of the sandstone of the surrounding mountains. Along the west coast of this 20 km fjord, bisected by many shallow bays, you will be able to admire some of Spitsbergen’s most spectacular ice formations. At the extremity of the fjord, two offshoots lead to the magnificent glaciers of Chauveaubreen and Raudfjordbreen. To the east, Alicehamna Beach in Bruceneset Bay has seen trappers, fishermen, and explorers arrive for centuries, as evidenced by the “Raudfjordhytta” - the cabin of a Swedish trapper built-in 1927.

Located at the far north-west of the Svalbard archipelago, at the intersection of oceanic and Arctic influences,  on the southern part of Amsterdam Island. In a landscape of hills with steep slopes, plateaus, lakes, and lagoons, you will anchor at a sandy beach. Dotted with driftwood and the remains of ovens that were used to melt whale blubber, this is one of Spitsbergen’s most important archaeological sites. At the height of the whaling activity, 200 men worked here and several are buried here.

During your cruise, discover Ny-Alesund, a former mining town that has been transformed into a scientific base. Founded in 1916, this small town was the departure point for many Arctic expeditions, including those of the famous explorer Roald Amundsen. Don't miss a visit to the museum and its famous post office, considered to be the most northerly in the world!

Very close to the former mining town of Ny-Ålesund, set off to discover Kings Bay. Your ship will sail in one of the most beautiful fjords in Svalbard: Konigsfjorden, a gateway to grandiose landscapes. Here, the snow-capped mountains are reflected in the water where superb icebergs try to outdo each other in their beauty, a delight for photographers.  Bearded seals, reindeer, barnacle geese and black guillemots frequent these places that have a unique atmosphere. Once you arrive at the end of the fjord, admire the Konigsbreen (glacier of the King) and its three characteristic rocky points, which take their names from three Scandinavian countries: Svea (Sweden), Dana (Denmark) and Nora (Norway).
 

Disembark at Longyearbyen after breakfast and transfer to the airport for your flight back to Paris.