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Solar Eclipse Expedition: Svalbard to Greenland 2026 – Where Wilderness Meets Wonder

Discover the breathtaking beauty of Northeast Greenland, a region shaped by soaring glaciers, stunning icebergs, and a landscape that remains inaccessible for most of the year. In late summer, when the tundra is shifting in autumn hues, we have a chance to explore this remote natural wonderland. This extraordinary expedition, perfectly timed for the total solar eclipse on August 12, 2026, offers an unparalleled opportunity to witness this celestial event. For over two awe-inspiring minutes, the sky darkens as the moon aligns directly between the Earth and the sun, casting Greenland’s dramatic coastline into an unforgettable twilight.

Our journey begins in Svalbard, where we set sail aboard the 50-passenger expedition ship, M/S Quest. Here, we’ll explore the spectacular fjords of West Spitsbergen, with towering mountains and immense glacier fronts as our backdrop and keep an eye out for Arctic wildlife. We then chart a course across the Greenland Sea, scanning the waters for whales and navigating along the mesmerizing pack ice boarder that marks the gateway to Northeast Greenland.

  • Timed for the total solar eclipse
  • Small group of 50 passengers
  • The impressive fjords Kejser Franz Joseph and Kong Oscar
  • Remote and unexplored
  • Magnificent icebergs
  • Great hiking opportunities with rewarding views
  • Visit Svalbard, Greenland and Iceland in one trip
Accommodation: Cabin on board M/S Quest, 1 hotel night in Longyearbyen. Transport: Expedition ship, Zodiac. Ship: M/S Quest. Passengers: 50 passengers. Languages: English & Swedish. Length: 16 days, 14 nights on ship. Price: From USD 11 490. Departure: 4 August 2026

Itinerary

Join us on this once-in-a-lifetime journey, an expedition where you’ll connect deeply with the unspoiled beauty of Svalbard and Greenland and witness one of nature’s most powerful displays – the solar eclipse.

Day 1: Longyearbyen, Svalbard

We arrive to the charming settlement Longyearbyen where we spend a night in hotel.

Day 2-4: Northwest Spitsbergen

We board M/S Quest in the afternoon venture into some of western Svalbard’s most impressive fjords, where massive glaciers spill into the sea. As we navigate these serene waters, we’ll keep a lookout for Arctic wildlife, such as polar bears, walrus, foxes and seabirds.

Day 5-6: Greenland Sea

Sailing southwest towards Greenland, we’ll scan for whales and enjoy insightful talks from our guides. Encountering the edge of the pack ice is a thrilling experience, offering dramatic views of Greenland’s icy frontier.

Day 7-13: Northeast Greenland

As we reach the wild coastline of Northeast Greenland, we enter a world entirely dependent on ice and weather. We aim to make daily Zodiac trips or landings at some of the region's many remarkable sites:

On Clavering Island is an authentic hunter’s hut, offering insight into the challenging lives of Arctic hunters. The tundra is home to the mighty musk ox, one of the few places in the world where you might encounter these impressive, woolly herbivores weighing up to 400 kilos.

In Kejser Franz Josef Fjord and Kong Oscar Fjord, the solitude is profound, framed by imposing mountains and an otherworldly silence, with only a few scientists and Danish Sirius Patrol personnel nearby in remote Daneborg.

Blomsterbugten, “the Bay of Flowers,” and Ella Ø a paradise for hikers, surrounded by rugged cliffs, ice-choked waters, and striking icebergs, the bay reveals purple- and gold-streaked rock formations unique to the Arctic.

We delve deeper into the stunning Kong Oscar Fjord, seeking the perfect vantage point to witness one of nature’s most extraordinary phenomena—the total solar eclipse. This awe-inspiring event will begin at 3:34 PM and grace the skies for 2 minutes and 17 seconds of totality. Including the partial phases, the entire eclipse experience will span around two unforgettable hours.

This particular eclipse is a rare opportunity, as total solar eclipses in the Polar Regions are uncommon. It’s a thrilling feeling be among the few to experience the surreal combination of the Arctic’s dramatic landscapes and the fleeting magic of totality. 

Scoresbysund, the world’s largest fjord system, showcases Greenland in a spectacular way, with peaks rising 2000 meters from the sea, beutiful scenery, and historical remnants of the Thule culture. In Ittoqqortoormiit, a remote settlement with approximately 350 inhabitants, we gain a glimpse into life 300 miles north of the Arctic Circle.

Day 14-15: Denmark Strait and Isafjordur

After an unforgettable exploration of Northeast Greenland, we cross the Denmark Strait to Iceland.

Day 16: Isafjordur

We disembark in Isafjordur in the morning, concluding our expedition and beginning our journey home or continuing on further adventures.

Please note: The above locations are examples of places we may visit. Our exact route will depend entirely on weather, ice conditions, wildlife and government regulations. The eclipse experience may also be affected by cloud cover and bad weather.

WHAT IS A SOLAR ECLIPSE

A solar eclipse is a breathtaking celestial event where the moon passes directly between the Earth and the sun, temporarily blocking sunlight and casting a shadow over the Earth. Witnessing a solar eclipse is an unforgettable experience, as the sky darkens in the middle of the day, temperatures drop, and on a clear day, stars become visible in a surreal, twilight-like atmosphere. For a moment, you’ll feel the incredible power and wonder of our universe—and for many, it's a once-in-a-lifetime display that leaves a lasting impression.

The ship M/S Quest

  • Helbild.se
  • Double Cabin Superior
    Eirik Grønningsæter
  • Double Cabin Superior
    Eirik Grønningsæter
  • Twin Cabin Plus
    Eirik Grønningsæter
  • Double Cabin
    Eirik Grønningsæter
  • Double Cabin
    Eirik Grønningsæter
  • Owner's Cabin
    Eirik Grønningsæter
  • Twin Cabin
    Eirik Grønningsæter
  • Triple Cabin
    Eirik Grønningsæter
  • Jett Britnell
  • Niklas Nilsson
  • Only 50 passengers
  • 5 Zodiacs & 5 guides
  • Beautiful panorama lounge
  • Spacious outer decks, free from crowds
  • Small ship with a relaxed atmosphere
  • Several cabin categories
Johnny van Vliet
PolarQuest
Jett Britnell

A COMFORTABLE EXPEDITION SHIP WITH A WONDERFUL CREW

The ship was built in Denmark in 1992 to serve as a ferry along the west coast of Greenland. In 2004-2005, it was completely refurbished into a comfortable expedition ship, and in 2018, the passenger areas underwent further renovation. M/S Quest can accommodate 50 passengers, with all 24 cabins being outside cabins equipped with private facilities. The triple cabins feature upper and lower berths, while all other cabins have either two lower berths or a double bed. Each cabin includes a desk with a chair and a cupboard for storage. The superior cabins are spacious, featuring armchairs and a TV. The owner’s cabin offers a double bed, two large picture windows, a separate seating area, and a TV.

In the dining room, you enjoy delicious meals between landings, while the panorama lounge offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. This lounge serves as the venue for entertaining talks about the area's flora, fauna, and history. It also features a bar and a small library. The ship boasts spacious observation decks for you to enjoy the stunning vistas. The bridge welcomes you around the clock, and there is always something to see or search for. You are welcomed by an international crew, and the atmosphere on board is relaxed and very friendly. There are five Zodiacs and five guides on M/S Quest.

It is always possible to share a cabin on board M/S Quest. All cabins have windows and private facilities.

Cabins & prices

Cabin category Price per person
Triple Cabin upper/lower beds USD 11 490
Twin Cabin 2 twin beds USD 14 290
Twin Cabin Plus 2 two beds USD 14 990
Double cabin double bed USD 14 990
Superior cabin large double bed USD 16 590
Owner's cabin large double bed USD 18 490
Twin cabin for single use USD 23 990

Please note: It is always possible to share a cabin on board M/S Quest. All cabins have windows and private facilities.

*The double bed in the Superior cabins is separable.

Price includes

  • 1 hotel night in Longyerabyen
  • 14 nights on board M/S Quest
  • Lunch day 2
  • All meals on board
  • Coffee and tea on board
  • 1 Expedition Leader and 4 guides
  • Guiding ashore and talks on board
  • All excursions and activities
  • All permits, passenger taxes and harbour fees

Not included

  • International flights to Svalbard and from Iceland
  • Travel and cancellation insurance
  • Gratuity to the ship’s crew
  • Personal expenses such as bar charges

Departures & booking

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or wish to make a reservation.

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Departure Return
4 August 2026 19 August 2026