Svalbard Autumn Light with Christian Nørgaard
Embark on the ultimate photographic adventure of a lifetime! Are you passionate about capturing the beauty of the wild, eager to elevate your photography skills amidst Earth's most awe-inspiring landscapes? Seize this chance to journey alongside renowned photographer Christian Nørgaard, who will be your Special Lecturer and mentor throughout this Svalbard expedition. The diverse landscapes, shimmering glaciers, and majestic wildlife – from the massive walrus and swift Arctic fox to the mighty polar bear – transform Svalbard into a photographer’s paradise.
As the tundra shifts to warm autumn colors and the sun begins to set once again, we are treated to stunning sunsets and soft light, ideal for photography.
You will stay aboard the small and comfortable 12-passenger ship, M/S Sjøveien, which combines the intimate ambiance of a small vessel with the spirit of adventure.
Please note: This expedition is arranged in collaboration between PolarQuest and the photography travel company Better Moments.
- Photographer Chrisitan Nørgaard as Special Lecturer
- Only 12 passengers
- Small group - great moments
- Photo workshops
- 2 experienced guides
- 10 nights on board M/S Sjøveien
Itinerary
In the middle of September, we set out into the untamed wilderness of Svalbard. With 10 nights on board, you’ll have countless extraordinary photo opportunities. Zodiac excursions in the soft autumn light bring you up close to Svalbard's incredible landscapes, while onshore hikes invite you to capture its essence from every angle.
The Arctic foxes have begun changing into their beautiful white winter coats, and the Svalbard reindeer are photogenic with their full-grown antlers.
The ice has receded, allowing for exploration further east. We also have excellent opportunities to reach Bråsvellbreen, a magnificent glacier front stretching 45 kilometers. By this time of year, the first snow may have fallen, beautifully dusting the mountain peaks and the landscapes.
Day 1: Longyearbyen, Svalbard
Arrive in Longyearbyen and transfer to your hotel, where we will spend the night before embarking on our great adventure.
Day 2 - 11: Expedition cruising
Explore Longyearbyen on your own before meeting your fellow travelers and guides for lunch. In the afternoon, we embark on the expedition ship and sail through the spectacular Isfjorden—our Arctic adventure has begun! We are now in a part of the world where we are entirely dependent on the ice and weather conditions. Our exact itinerary will be shaped by these factors and by the wildlife we encounter. Our goal is to go on Zodiac cruises every day and go ashore whenever possible. Here are some examples of places we may visit:
Northwest Spitsbergen
With its high, pointed mountain peaks (hence the name), Northwestern Spitsbergen offers stunning vistas and exceptional opportunities for landscape photography. Whether capturing the dramatic play of light on the mountains or the serene reflections in the fjords, the region is a paradise for photographers.
The scientific village of Ny-Ålesund is situated in Kongsfjorden. It was from here that Amundsen and Nobile launched their heroic expeditions to the North Pole. Two other daring attempts to reach the North Pole also began on the island of Danskøya. The Swedish explorer Andrée attempted it with a hydrogen balloon, while the American journalist Wellman used an airship. Fascinating remnants of these expeditions can still be seen today .
The magnificent fjords of Svalbard
Svalbard offers countless spectacular fjords, home to an abundance of wildlife. Below are some fjords and glaciers we may explore by ship or Zodiac during our journey:
In Krossfjorden, we find one of the largest glaciers in northwestern Spitsbergen, Lilliehööksbreen, which stretches around 22 km. The beautifully sculpted front of this incredible glacier is best enjoyed during a Zodiac cruise.
Liefdefjorden, meaning “The fjord of love,” is lined with snow-covered mountain peaks, and here we hope to cruise along the face of the stunning Monaco Glacier, which is a popular spot for bearded seals.
Raudfjorden is an area of immense natural beauty, dominated by striking glaciers.
North of Spitsbergen
Depending on the weather and ice conditions, we hope to reach the pack ice north of Spitsbergen. This floating, ever-changing habitat offers a fascinating and powerful experience. Few ships venture here, allowing us to enjoy the tranquillity of this magnificent icy landscape. We remain on the lookout for exciting Arctic wildlife, including polar bears and seals. The pack ice around Svalbard plays a crucial role in the archipelago’s ecosystem and climate, serving as a vital component of life in the Arctic.
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. There is a good chance of seeing walrus, arctic fox and Svalbard reindeer.
Isfjorden
At the entrance of Isfjorden stands the scenic cliff of Alkhornet, inviting refreshing hikes across the tundra. Here, we hope to encounter Svalbard reindeer grazing in their natural habitat. Arctic foxes are sometimes seen in the rock crevices around the mountain and with a bit of luck we might see these lovely little animals scurrying around, frantically looking for food.
Day 12: Longyearbyen
In the early morning, we disembark from our expedition ship and begin our journey home.
All itineraries are for guidance only. Our 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. We always strive to maximise your experience. Please remember that flexibility is the key to a successful expedition!
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: Christian Nørgaard
We are thrilled to present the knowledgeable photographer, Christian Nørgaard, as special guest lecturer. On board M/S Sjøveien, he will share his experience and offer advice on shooting techniques and photo editing as well as pre-trip advice on photography equipment. Please note: This expedition is arranged in collaboration between PolarQuest and the photography travel company Better Moments.
Highlights
- Teaching and training in the best techniques and personal hints and advice
- Composition and focus on lines, golden section, perspective, foreground
- Learning about the lenses that optimize your wildlife photography
- How to handle equipment with care on location
About Christian Nørgaard
Christian Nørgaard is a renowned photographer and the founder of Better Moments, an esteemed photography travel company that offers exclusive workshops and expeditions around the world. With a passion for storytelling and visual exploration, Nørgaard has crafted a career dedicated to both capturing the beauty of distant cultures and sharing that passion with aspiring photographers.
Nørgaard’s work is deeply influenced by his love for travel and his curiosity about the world. Over the years, he has traveled to some of the most remote and visually stunning locations on the planet, from the ice-covered wilderness of Greenland to the deserts of Namibia. His photography is characterized by a blend of technical precision and a deep sensitivity to the people, landscapes, and wildlife he encounters.
A major highlight of Nørgaard’s career came when he was named a finalist in the Hasselblad Masters competition, one of the most prestigious honors in the world of photography. Out of more than 80,000 photographers from across the globe, Nørgaard’s work stood out, earning him a place among the top photographers in this highly competitive field. This recognition from Hasselblad—a brand synonymous with excellence in photography—further solidified Nørgaard’s standing as a world-class photographer.
The ship M/S Sjøveien
- Accommodates only 12 guests
- 1 guide for every 6 guests
- Spacious observation decks
- Wood-fired hot tub
- Modern maritime interior
- The most intimate nature experience
A CLASSIC SHIP WITH A MODERN TOUCH
M/S Sjøveien (meaning the Seaway) was constructed in Bergen in 1964 for the Norwegian government, fulfilling various roles over the years. From 1979 to 1995 she was used as a training ship for mariners. Since transitioning to private ownership in 1995, it has undertaken tasks for the Norwegian Coast Guard and, more recently, functioned as a hotel ship. Following extensive refurbishments, in the summer of 2017, M/S Sjøveien began a new chapter as a classic and exclusive passenger ship in Svalbard. She is a true beauty with wooden decks and classic details. There is plenty of space on the main deck, as well as an excellent area on top of the bridge, from where you have wonderful views of the magnificent Svalbard scenery. Additionally, guests can enjoy a unique experience in the wood-fired hot tub located on deck.
The ship accommodates a maximum of 12 passengers in eight outside cabins, all equipped with en-suite facilities. On the lower deck, there are four twin cabins with portholes. The main deck features two larger twin cabins with windows and one superior cabin with a double bed and windows. Additionally, there is a large superior cabin with windows on the upper deck. Meals including breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served in the dining area located on the main deck. The ship also has a lounge area where you can relax with a cup of tea or coffee and attend talks given by the guides. An international crew welcomes passengers, and the bridge is accessible to visitors.
Cabins & prices
Cabin category | Price per person | ||
---|---|---|---|
Twin Cabin with portholes | twin beds | USD 11 390 | |
Twin Cabin with windows | twin beds | USD 12 090 | |
Double Cabin Superior | double bed & windows | USD 12 690 | |
Twin Cabin for single use | USD 15 490 |
Please note: It is always possible to share a twin cabin with portholes on board M/S Sjøveien. All cabins have windows and private facilities.
Price includes
- 10 nights on board M/S Sjøveien
- 1 night in a hotel in Longyearbyen
- Lunch day 2
- All meals on board
- 1 Expedition Leader and 1 guide
- 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.
Booking requestDeparture | Return |
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9 September 2025 | 20 September 2025 |