Lofoten, Bear Island & Svalbard

Arrive in Tromsø, located 350 kilometers north of the Arctic Circle and beautifully framed by dramatic fjords and soaring mountain peaks. Known as the historical starting point for countless polar explorations, the city earned the title “Gateway to the Arctic” during the 1800s. Take in the marvelous surrounding scenery, where high alpine summits perfectly complement small, picturesque houses. In Tromsø, step aboard the expedition vessel M/S Quest to receive a warm welcome from the expert guides and dedicated crew. After setting sail, the incredible journey continues onward toward the breathtaking Lofoten Islands.

Stop on the island of Senja, Norway’s second-largest island, often celebrated as “Norway in miniature” due to a dramatic variety of jagged peaks, deep fjords, and charming fishing communities clinging to the narrow coastal strip between the sea and the mountains. Here, watch as steep mountain walls rise directly from the ocean, and follow scenic routes winding through a breathtaking landscape powerfully shaped by wind, water, and ice.

Further south lies the Vesterålen archipelago, a tranquil Arctic island group defined by wide horizons and abundant wildlife. This remarkable region is particularly renowned for rich marine waters where majestic whales can be observed throughout much of the year. Discover excellent hiking opportunities and stunning coastal scenery that offers the exact same dramatic beauty as Lofoten, but experienced at a wonderfully gentler pace.

Your journey continues along the southern side of what is colloquially known as the Lofoten Wall, a vast collection of rugged islands that majestically rise from the sea.

Go ashore and explore the small fishing village of Reine, which quietly gazes out over Kirkefjorden. With its characteristic wooden houses framed by dramatic mountain peaks, Reine has been voted the most beautiful place in Norway. Here, you can also venture out in Zodicas to explore the surroundings.

Continue your voyage along the Lofoten Wall and onwards through Trollfjorden, which is as magical as its name suggests. A little later, head out to sea and set course for Bear Island. After just a few hours at sea, you reach well-known whale-watching areas that extend along the continental shelf. During your journey, you have the chance to see whales, and you are constantly on the lookout from the deck.

Continue at sea towards higher northern latitudes. During interesting lectures on board, you receive an introduction to Bear Island's intriguing history. Naturally, you keep watching for whales!
 

With solid Zodiacs, you explore this fascinating rocky island in the middle of the Barents Sea. Its remoteness means that only a few ships each year have the opportunity to stop for a visit. On the 400-meter vertical cliffs, you can find one of the North Atlantic's largest seabird colonies. Here, tens of thousands of Brünnich's guillemots nest, along with puffins, razorbills, black guillemots, kittiwakes, and glaucous gulls. If the weather and winds are favorable, you attempt a landing on this rarely visited island.

Then continue your journey into the Arctic waters. You sail overnight and, by the following afternoon, you sight the Svalbard archipelago – one of the world's most magnificent wilderness areas.

In May, Svalbard offers visitors a wondrous purity, beautiful pastel colors, and breathtaking views. The midnight sun's rays fall on glistening ice formations, the fjord ice is thick, and the mountain peaks are snow-covered. It is spring in the Arctic, and being there as Svalbard awakens to life is a powerful experience. In this Arctic archipelago, you naturally keep an eye out for polar bears, walruses, and other iconic wildlife, but above all, enjoy the magical nature that surrounds you. It is early in the season, and your exact itinerary over the coming days will be influenced by weather and ice conditions. With Zodiacs, explore the enchanting winter landscape in some of Svalbard's most beautiful fjords, making landings whenever possible.

Storfjorden
In the vast Storfjorden, between Edgeøya and Spitsbergen, drift ice is often present at this time of year, and only then you know how far north you can go. On the southern part of Spitsbergen lies Isbukta. In this spectacular bay, enjoy magnificent views of snow-covered mountain peaks and the mighty glacier front of Vasil'evbreen. The bay is also a popular spot for ivory gulls, skuas, and bearded seals.

Hornsund & Bellsund
Majestic Hornsund consists of several magnificent fjords on the southwest coast of Spitsbergen, where glaciers calve magically blue-tinged icebergs. On the mountain slopes at beautiful Vårsolbukta in Bellsund, tens of thousands of little auks nest. Go ashore and hike across the tundra towards the bird cliff, where you can enjoy the charming birds circling around you up close.

Isfjorden
At the entrance to Isfjorden lies the distinctive bird cliff Alkhornet, a pointed rock several hundred meters high. Here, go ashore to enjoy the snow-covered tundra and birdlife, including barnacle geese, Brünnich's guillemots, glaucous gulls, snow buntings, and tens of thousands of kittiwakes. In the crevices around the bird cliff, several Arctic foxes have their dens, and if you are lucky, you can see these cute, small animals frenetically searching for food.

In the morning, disembark in Longyearbyen, the main settlement of Svalbard, and begin your journey home.

Please note: The itinerary is for guidance only. The exact route will depend on ice, weather conditions, wildlife, and government regulations. The places mentioned are just examples of some of the many sites Svalbard has to offer. Every effort goes into maximizing your experience. Please remember that flexibility is the key to a successful expedition!