Arctic Odyssey from Svalbard to Iceland

Longyearbyen→Reykjavik

27.07.26 - 09.08.26

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Ports8

Countries3

Nights13

An expedition from Svalbard to Iceland featuring Arctic wildlife, drifting pack ice, remote high-latitude coastlines, and Iceland’s geysers, hot springs, and cascading waterfalls

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Take a remarkable journey from Svalbard and the rarely visited Jan Mayen Island to Greenland and Iceland on this thrilling Arctic adventure. Explore Svalbard’s pristine landscapes, cross the Norwegian Sea to remote Jan Mayen Island, and navigate East Greenland’s dramatic Kong Oscar Fjord and Scoresby Sund, the world’s largest fjord system. Visit Ittoqqortoormiit, one of Greenland’s most isolated settlements, and experience Greenland’s striking scenery with its towering cliffs, drifting icebergs, and diverse Arctic wildlife. The expedition continues to Iceland, visiting the charming villages of Ísafjörður and Vigur Island, known for its rich birdlife and traditional eiderdown farming, and concludes in Reykjavik

NOTE: This itinerary provides general information about each destination. Also, please be aware that some of the venues and highlights mentioned may not be open or accessible on the day we visit. For the most accurate tour program, we recommend contacting your Swan Hellenic agent or travel agent closer to your departure date.

Overview

Day 1

Longyearbyen

The world's most northerly town, Longyearbyen, on Spitsbergen, Svalbard's largest island, also claims the most northerly high street and pub. It's home to the North Pole Expeditions Museum, chronicling early pole-reaching efforts by air. Arctic waters around are populated by whales, including bowheads and narwhals, while walruses are regularly seen hauling out

Days 2-4

Svalbard

Svalbard is the kingdom of the polar bears, deep in the Arctic Circle, featuring varied polar landscapes and gargantuan glaciers. Beyond magnificent fjords in the north, the remaining sea ice serves as prime hunting grounds for polar bears. Closer to Longyearbyen, tundra and beaches replace snow and ice. Alongside 600 polar bears, this Arctic hotspot is home to walrus, Svalbard reindeer, ringed seals and arctic fox

Activities:

Optional

Kayak With Swan Hellenic Expedition Team (single outing)

2 hours

Kayaking in polar regions offers a profound connection with nature. Immersed at water level, free from artificial sounds, the experience is spiritual. Experience the unspoilt magical beauty. Drink in the breathtaking scenery, magnificent ice formations and incredible wildlife with all of your senses, as you tune in to the relaxing rhythm of your paddles gently splashing in the icy water.

Day 5

Day at sea

Sea days are rarely dull. Take the time to sit back and let the world go by. The ship’s observation decks provide stunning views of the passing ocean. A day at sea gives you the opportunity to mingle with other passengers and share your experiences of this incredible trip or head to our library which is stocked full of reference books. Get an expert’s view in one of our on-board lectures or perhaps perfect your photography skills with invaluable advice from our onboard professional photographers

Day 6

Jan Mayen Island

The snow-covered stratovolcano Beerenberg dominates the ice cap and glaciers at the northeast end of Jan Mayen Island. Halfway between Svalbard and Iceland, this Norwegian island's only residents are the Norwegian Armed Forces or meteorological station staff. Purple saxifrage and endemic dandelions grow next to the black sands, while northern fulmars, Brünnich’s and black guillemots, and little auks make Jan Mayen an important birding area

Days 7-9

Kong Oscar Fjord

Kong Oscar Fjord marks the northern edge of Scoresbysund and leads to Northeast Greenland National Park, the world’s largest national park. Its vast valleys open to the sea, framed by towering mountains, deep waters and shimmering ice. This dramatic, hostile yet beautiful landscape features Berzelius Bjerg, a striking mountain with colourful strata, formed millions of years ago when these peaks lay beneath the ocean

Day 10

Ittoqqortoormiit

One of the world's most remote towns and the most isolated community in Greenland, Ittoqqortoormiit is largely inaccessible by ship for nine months of the year. Founded in 1925 by Danish explorer Ejnar Mikkelsen and Inuit settlers, it is home to 450 residents who mostly rely on hunting and fishing. The community preserves Greenlandic traditions, from harvesting qiviut–the prized muskox underfur–to maintaining sled dogs and wearing national dress

Activities:

Included

Ittoqqortoormiit community visit

3 hours

A visit to Ittoqqortoormiit, Greenland, offers a rare glimpse into one of the world's most remote and unique communities. The town's open layout, surrounded by breathtaking Arctic scenery, invites exploration and discovery. At the heart of the experience is a visit to the local museum, where visitors can immerse themselves in the rich history and culture of East Greenland. The museum provides a window into the traditions and resilience of the people who call this challenging environment home. As you wander through the town, you'll be struck by the harmony between the community and its stunning natural surroundings. The peaceful atmosphere and friendly locals make it a memorable stop on any Arctic adventure. Whether you're admiring the architecture, soaking in the tranquil beauty, or learning about the region's heritage, Ittoqqortoormiit leaves a lasting impression on all who visit.

Days 10-12

Scoresbysund

The world’s largest fjord system, Scoresbysund spans over 350 km into Greenland’s heart. This vast network of fjords, glaciers and icebergs is framed by towering basalt mountains, which shield Greenland’s wildlife from Arctic winds. Muskoxen, Arctic foxes and mountain hares roam the land, while little auks, puffins, fulmars, snowy owls, gyrfalcons and great black-backed gulls soar overhead. Seals and whales are common sightings in the waters

Activities:

Included

Zodiac Cruising and/or Nature Walks With Swan Hellenic Expedition Team

1 hour

Embark on an adventure that will take you deep into the heart of Greenland's breathtaking landscapes, showcasing a mesmerizing display of majestic mountains, pristine ice formations and a wide array of wildlife. Hopefully you’ll spot some muskoxen, Arctic foxes and mountain hares along the frozen shore with the help of your experienced expedition team.

Day 13

Vigur Island

A jewel of the Westfjords, Vigur is the fjord's second-largest island and a thriving seabird sanctuary. Flocks of arctic terns, puffins, guillemots and eider ducks nest atop rocky cliffs. As one of only two inhabited islands, Vigur supports a family farm continuing the centuries-old eiderdown harvest across 3,500 nests. This remote pillar also houses Iceland's sole windmill, its tiniest post office and a 200-year-old, still-seaworthy rowing boat

Activities:

Included

Vigur Island visit by ship zodiacs

1.5 hour

A jewel of the Westfjords, Vigur is the fjord's second-largest island and a thriving seabird sanctuary. Witness arctic terns, puffins and eider ducks nesting on rocky cliffs. Vigur supports a family farm continuing the centuries-old eiderdown harvest across 3,500 nests and includes relics of old farming methods including Iceland's sole windmill and a 200-year-old rowboat. Before leaving, enjoy coffee and cake in an old mid-19th century cow shed.

Day 14

Reykjavik

Iceland’s vibrant capital, Reykjavík, is the world’s northernmost capital city and a lively gateway between Arctic nature and modern Nordic culture. Set between mountains and the North Atlantic, the city is known for its colourful houses, striking architecture, and a strong connection to geothermal energy, which provides heating and hot water across the city and warms outdoor pools year-round. Reykjavík offers a rich cultural scene with museums, music, and design, while dramatic volcanic landscapes, lava fields, and waterfalls lie just beyond the city. The surrounding waters are prime for whale watching, making Reykjavík a fitting and memorable conclusion to an Arctic voyage

Expedition highlights

High-latitude coasts where glaciers, fjords, and shifting light set the pace, and wildlife watching is part of the day from deck and shore.

Eternety Fjord, Greenland

Ice Fjords

Listen to the symphony of nature as towering icebergs and colossal glaciers crack and calve.

Citizen Science Workshops

During your trip, join Swan Hellenics Citizen Science programs and contribute to real-world environmental research.

Longyearbyen

Two Days in the Polar Capital

Time to explore Longyearbyen — the Svalbard Museum, the North Pole Expeditions Museum, dog sledding history, and the world's northernmost town on its own terms.

Expert-led Talks

Learn more about this isolated polar region from our on board team of experts.

Polar Wildlife Watching

Spy on polar bears, walruses, whales and arctic foxes in their natural habitat.

Onboard Experts & Lecturers

Antony Jinman

Antony is a British polar explorer and educator. He brings rare first-hand insight from skiing solo to the South Pole and reaching the Geographic North Pole. Antony enjoys sharing those stories with young people through his not-profit, Education Through Expeditions (ETE) school engagement program. His talks onboard blend adventure, science, and conservation, offering guests profoundly enriching experience