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Expedition Svalbard with Mattias Klum 2025

We are proud to present the world-renowned photographer and filmmaker, Mattias Klum, as an inspirer and special lecturer on this Svalbard trip.

The ice has released its grip on the islands, making it possible to travel further east in the archipelago. On land, we can embark on wonderful hikes surrounded by astonishing views. It is now that Svalbard's fantastic geology comes to the forefront, creating a dramatic contrast against the glaciers. Whales are often seen in the waters, and if you want to meet some of the real giants such as the humpback whale and the impressive blue whale, you have a good chance now. It is also a great time to see walrus colonies.

At the beginning of the trip, we will experience the last days of magical midnight sun. By the end of August, the sun begins to approach the horizon, and we can then enjoy warm photo light and magnificent sunsets.

  • A once-in-a-lifetime adventure
  • Small group - great moments
  • 10 nights on board M/S Quest
  • The photographer and film producer Mattias Klum as special lecturer
  • 5-star nature experiences
  • Great period for whale watching
Accommodation: Cabin on board M/S Quest, hotel. Transport: Expedition ship, Zodiac. Ship: M/S Quest. Passengers: 50 passengers. Languages: English & Swedish. Length: 12 days, 10 nights on ship. Price: From USD 8 790. Departure: 21 August 2025

Itinerary

Day 1: Longyearbyen, Svalbard

We arrive in Longyearbyen and transfer to our hotel.

Day 2 - 11: Expedition cruising

Explore Longyearbyen on your own before meeting up your fellow travellers and guides for lunch. In the afternoon we board the expedition ship and sail out through the spectacular Isfjorden - the Arctic expedition has begun! We are now in a part of the world where we are completely dependent on the ice and weather conditions. Our exact itinerary will depend on these factors and on the wildlife we encounter. Our aim is to head out on Zodiac cruises every day and to go ashore when the opportunity arises. Here are some examples of places we may visit:

Northwest Spitsbergen

The scientific village of Ny-Ålesund is located in Kongsfjorden. It was from here that Amundsen and Nobile started their heroic expeditions to the North Pole. Two other courageous attempts to reach the North Pole started on the island of Danskøya. The Swedish explorer Andrée made an attempt with a hydrogen balloon, and the American journalist Wellman started with an airship. Interesting remnants of these expeditions can still be seen here.

Magnificent fjords

Svalbard offers visitors countless spectacular fjords. During our journey we will explore some of them such as: Liefdefjorden, meaning “The fjord of love”, is lined with snow-capped mountain peaks and here we hope to cruise along the face of the spectacular Monaco Glacier. Many common eiders and pink-footed geese nest in the area. In Krossfjorden we revel in the beautifully sculpted front of the 14th of July Glacier and are greeted by the many kittiwakes and Brünnich’s guillemots that nest on the nearby cliffs. Raudfjorden is an area of immense natural beauty – dominated by magnificent glaciers. It is also a favourite haunt of seals and the bird cliffs are abuzz with activity.

Hinlopen Strait and Alkefjellet

Ice conditions permitting, we enter the Hinlopen Strait. Here we find Alkefjellet, an impressive basalt cliff that is home to an estimated 200 000 Brünnich’s guillemots. We may also continue into the beautiful bay of Palanderbukta on Nordaustlandet.

Eastern Svalbard

The island of Nordaustlandet is covered by a huge ice cap and has fascinated naturalists and historians alike. Here the giant glacier Bråsvellbreen stretches for 180 kilometres! The 15-20 metre high ice edge is punctuated by hundreds of by hundreds of waterfalls. Barentsøya and Edgeøya offer magnificent scenery and vast tundra. Barentsøya and Edgeøya offer magnificent scenery and vast tundra. There is a good chance of seeing walrus, arctic fox and Svalbard reindeer.

Southwest Spitsbergen

The grand fjords of Hornsund offer spectacular glaciers and a breathtaking landscape of towering mountain peaks, often reaching above the clouds. On a clear day you can see the summit of the highest mountain, Hornsundtind, at 1431 meters. Hornsund is a favourite haunt of some of Svalbard’s polar bears and bearded seals can often be seen resting on the fjord ice.

Day 12: Longyearbyen

Early in the morning, we disembark from our expedition ship and begin our journey back home.

Please note: All itineraries are for guidance only. Our exact route will depend on the ice, weather conditions, wildlife and government regulations. The places mentioned are just examples of some of the many sites Svalbard has to offer. We always strive to maximise your experience. Please remember that flexibility is the key to a successful expedition!

Flights
We offer group flights from Oslo to Longyearbyen and return (limited availability). Contact us for more information!


Important: To ensure responsible tourism and protection of the environment, new regulations come into force in Svalbard on 1 January 2025. Read more about the regulations and PolarQuest's comments about these changes.

Special lecturer: Mattias Klum

We are excited to present Mattias Klum, the internationally recognized and rewarded photographer and film producer, as a Special Lecturer on this voyage. On board, he will talk about his worldwide projects and expeditions to some of the most unique, remote, and exciting places on our planet. He will also conduct photo workshops and be available to answer questions and give tips on photography.

The light, the diverse landscapes, the glistering glaciers and the iconic wildlife including whales, walruses and polar bears, makes Svalbard a photographer’s dream.

About Mattias Klum

Mattias Klum was born in Uppsala, Sweden in 1968. He has worked as a professional photographer since 1986, and as a cinematographer and director on numerous film and television projects since 1994. Mattias  Klum is internationally recognized for describing, visualizing and portraying animals, plants, and natural and cultural settings in the form of articles, books, films, lectures and exhibitions. His artistic photographic language has rendered him success not only in the world of documentaries but also in the art scene.

Mattias Klum’s work has been featured in many international publications, such as National Geographic, Wildlife Conservation, Audubon, Geo, BBC Wildlife, Terre Sauvage, Stern, Der Spiegel and The New York Times. In 1997 National Geographic Magazine published Mattias Klum’s photographs for the first time. That story made him one of National Geographic’s youngest contributors at the time. Since 1997, he has produced multiple articles and 13 cover images for the reputable magazine.

His Majesty The King of Sweden has granted Mattias Klum with his medal of the 8th grade with blue ribbon for his important contributions as a nature photographer. He has been named a Young Global Leader of the World Economic Forum. He is an Ambassador for IUCN and WWF and serves as a member of the Board of Trustees at WWF Sweden. In 2013 Klum was awarded an honorary Doctorate in Natural Sciences by Stockholm University. 

Mattias Klum's website
Mattias Klum's Instagram

©Johnny van Vliet

Upcoming webinar: Svalbard – The land of the midnight sun

28 October


Do you dream of experiencing Svalbard, this remote Arctic archipelago where the magical midnight sun reigns during the summer, sparkling glaciers reflect in the fjords, and where you can encounter animals like polar bears, walruses, and whales? Sign up for our webinar where Niklas Nilsson, Svalbard specialist at PolarQuest will take us on an exciting virtual journey into the Arctic wilderness. 

Read more & sign up here!

The ship M/S Quest

  • Helbild.se
  • Helbild.se
  • PolarQuest
  • Jett Britnell
  • Dining room
    Jonas Sundquist
  • PolarQuest
  • Åsa Lindgren
  • Owner's Cabin
    Eirik Grønningsæter
  • Double Cabin Superior
    Eirik Grønningsæter
  • Double Cabin Superior
    Eirik Grønningsæter
  • Double Cabin
    Eirik Grønningsæter
  • Double Cabin
    Eirik Grønningsæter
  • Twin Cabin
    Eirik Grønningsæter
  • Triple Cabin
    Eirik Grønningsæter
  • 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 8 790
Twin cabin 2 twin beds USD 10 690
Twin cabin Plus 2 twin beds USD 11 290
Double cabin double bed USD 11 290
Double cabin Superior large double bed* USD 12 290
Owner’s cabin large double bed USD 13 290
Twin cabin for single use USD 17 090

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 night in a hotel in Longyearbyen
  • 10 nights on board M/S Quest
  • Lunch day 2
  • All meals on board
  • Coffee and tea
  • An experienced Expedition Leader and knowledgeable guides
  • The photographer and film producer Mattias Klum as special lecturer
  • Guiding ashore and talks on board
  • All excursions and activities

Not included

  • Flight to/from Longyearbyen
  • Travel and cancellation insurance
  • Gratuity to the ship’s crew
  • Personal expenses such as bar and shop 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
21 August 2025 1 September 2025

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