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The Norwegian fjords, Bear Island & Svalbard 2026

Embark on an enchanting journey on board the classic 12-passenger ship M/S Stockholm, exploring some of Norway's most captivating and scenic locations. Our voyage along the Norwegian coast includes the majestic Storfjord, the enchanting town of Ålesund, and the idyllic Nusfjord, a UNESCO World Heritage treasure.

We venture onward to the secluded Bear Island, a haven for a myriad of seabirds in the heart of the Barents Sea. The pinnacle of our expedition is one of the world’s most magnificent wildernesses: Svalbard. Early in the season, Svalbard is a realm of serene pastel skies and pristine winter landscapes. Here we keep our eyes peeled for polar bears, walruses, and other iconic wildlife, while immersing ourselves in the breathtaking nature that surrounds us - ice formations and snow-capped mountains, glittering glaciers, and fjord ice.

  • The ultimate Norway adventure
  • The dramatic Lofoten Islands
  • Magnificent fjords
  • Picturesque fishing villages
  • The realm of the polar bear – Svalbard
  • The remote Bear Island
  • Small ship - only 12 passengers
Accommodation: Cabin on board M/S Stockholm, hotel in Bergen. Transport: Expedition ship, Zodiac. Ship: M/S Stockholm. Passengers: 12 passengers. Languages: English & Swedish. Length: 17 days, 15 nights on ship. Price: From USD 10 690. Departure: 18 April 2026

Itinerary

Day 1: Bergen

The great journey begins in the city of Bergen, beautifully surrounded by high mountains and deep fjords. We stay the night at a centrally located hotel.

Day 2-9: Northern Norway

We embark the beautiful M/S Stockholm and head towards the beautiful passage of Alversund. During our adventure along the Norwegian coast we hope to visit some of the following places:

Ålesund

Upon reaching Ålesund we explore this small town, built in a true Art Nouveau style, enjoying its delightfully decorated facades, towers and pinnacles.

Geirangerfjorden

We get to know the majestic Storfjorden and pay a visit to the UNESCO-protected Geirangerfjorden, which is characterised by deep blue water and lush mountain plains with beautiful waterfalls.

Grip

This deserted fishing village is now popular with summer guests. Its original and colourful wooden buildings are well preserved. We visit the beautiful church and we also pass by the small and very dramatically situated lighthouse.

Torghatten

On our way north we sail past famous natural attractions like the mountain peaks known as the Seven Sisters, followed by Torghatten – a rock with a big hole, that the ice sheet once created, or according to the legend; the hole a giant created in despair from a broken heart.

Kerringøy

Kjerringøy is a real gem on the Norwegian coast. Here we encounter a diverse landscape of mountains, white sandy beaches and small farming communities, but the island is most famous for its old trading post. This is a unique heritage consisting of 15 well-preserved houses, which gives the visitor a great insight into what it was like to live in this northern trading town in the 1800s.

Reine

We hope to visit the picturesque fishing village of Reine. This charming village, with characteristic wooden houses overlook Kirkefjord with high mountain tops in the background. It is not difficult to see why it was once voted Norway’s most beautiful place.

Nusfjord

Nusfjord is a well-preserved and authentic fishing community with focus on cod fishing. The village is part of UNESCO’s World Heritage list of unique wooden houses with a charming old fashioned shop well worth a visit. We sail further along what is known as the Lofoten wall. In the evening we enter magical Trollfjorden and later set course towards Tromsø.

Tromsø

In Tromsø we visit the prestigious Polar Museum and learn more about the first polar explorers, who went north to seek fame and fortune. The city is known as Paris of the North, which derives from its vast cultural offerings.

Day 10: At sea

We set sail towards the remote Bear Island, situated in the middle of the Barents Sea. (The exact day of the crossing can change and is depending on the weather.)

Day 11 - 16: Bear Island & Svalbard

On the 400-meter high cliffs of Bear Island, hundreds of thousands of seabirds are nesting – puffins, guillemots, razorbills and kittiwakes among others. If wind and weather allows, we aim to do a spectacular Zodiac cruise along the impressive bird cliffs and set foot on this rarely visited island.

We then continue our journey and sail over night. Our next destination is Svalbard – one of the world’s most magnificent wildernesses. It is spring in the Arctic and it is a powerful experience to witness the archipelago spring to life. We enjoy the stunning nature that surrounds us – sparkling ice formations, snow covered mountains and glistering glaciers. Where we can travel depends on the drift ice that often accumulates here at this time of year. We may explore the majestic Hornsund, which consists of several fjords where glaciers calve out shimmering blue icebergs. In Bellsund, we hope to reach Vårsolbukta, where tens of thousands of little auks nest.

Day 17: Longyearbyen

We disembark in Longyearbyen and begin our journey home.

Please note: The places mentioned are just examples of some of the many sites we have the chance to visit during this unique trip. Our exact route will depend the on ice, weather conditions, wildlife and government regulations. We always strive to maximise your experience. Please remember that flexibility is the key to a successful expedition!

 

The Package Travel Directive – protects the traveller’s rights

When you have booked a trip with PolarQuest, you are protected by the Package Travel Directive. This includes that you have the right to rebook your trip or cancel and receive a full refund, if your Government, or other relevant authorities, have implemented restrictions against travelling. This includes documented quarantine requirements in the country you are travelling to. However, free cancellation is only possible when it is less than 30 days to departure, provided the travel restrictions are still in place and clearly will affect your trip. You are also entitled to a full refund, should PolarQuest cancel the trip for any reason whatsoever.

Be inspired by our webinar about this expedition

Welcome to watch our recorded webinar from 1st December 2021 about a unique expedition cruise to the Norwegian fjords, Bear Island and Svalbard. In this presentation our Expedition Leader, Christian Engelke, will take us on a digital cruise along the dramatic coastline of Northern Norway, passing by picturesque fishing villages and impressive fjords. We continue to the seldom visited Bear Island and the trip's grand finale is the true pearl of the Arctic: Svalbard. We can guarantee a lot of inspiration and wonderful photos.

 

The ship M/S Stockholm

  • Adam Rheborg
  • Lisa Ström
  • Adam Rheborg
  • Adam Rheborg
  • Ulrich Kühn
  • Katharina Miller
  • Ulrich Kühn
  • Cosy cabins with bunkbeds
    Niklas Nilsson
  • Niklas Nilsson
  • 25 years exploring Svalbard
  • Accommodates only 12 guests
  • 1 guide for every 6 guests
  • All bevarages included
  • Brass details and wooden decks
  • Immersive historical charm

A CLASSIC EXPEDITION SHIP LOVED BY MANY

The M/S Stockholm is a classic vessel, originally built in 1953 for the Swedish National Maritime Administration. In 1998, she underwent a complete refit and embarked on her new journey as a comfortable polar expedition ship. The M/S Stockholm accommodates up to 12 passengers in cozy twin cabins equipped with bunk beds, private facilities, and small windows (portholes). With her beautiful brass details and wooden decks, M/S Stockholm stands as a stunning piece of maritime history, cherished by many for her charm and elegance.

Boasting 25 years of navigating Svalbard's challenging waters, the M/S Stockholm has proven her capability to reach remote sites that are inaccessible to larger ships. 

On board, you'll enjoy delicious meals in the company of like-minded travellers who share a fascination for the Arctic's captivating nature, wildlife, and history. The food on board is of high standard and all beverages are included in the price. The intimate setting, akin to a private yacht, ensures a personalised and unforgettable experience.

The crew's genuine enthusiasm for the Arctic's unique wildlife and pristine environments is a key to the authentic expedition cruises offered on the M/S Stockholm. A journey through these northern waters, with its unparalleled wildlife and untouched landscapes, is an experience of a lifetime! To enhance exploration, the ship is equipped with two Zodiacs and staffed by two knowledgeable guides.

Cabins & prices

Cabin category Price per person
Twin cabin (bunk bed, Shower/WC) USD 10 690
Twin cabin for single use (bunk bed, Shower/WC) USD 19 990

Price includes

  • 15 nights on board M/S Stockholm
  • 1 hotel night in Bergen
  • All meals on board
  • All beverages
  • 1 Expedition Leader and 1 guide
  • Guiding ashore and talks on board
  • All excursions and activities

Not included

  • Flights to Bergen and from Longyearbyen
  • Travel and cancellation insurance
  • Gratuity to the ship’s crew

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
18 April 2026 4 May 2026