Spitsbergen: Fjords and Islands Cruise with Polar Bear tour

Begin your polar bear tour with an overnight stay at Longyearbyen.

Begin this fantastic polar bear tour as you cruise aboard the MS Fram to Barentsburg, a secluded Russian hamlet. You will have ample time to take a trip to the Svalbard Museum and gallery where you can appreciate how harsh Arctic environments have affected cultural behaviour, the natural world and surrounding landscapes of Spitsbergen and Norway. During the polar bear tour you can enjoy the exciting and vibrant atmosphere of the folklore show where friendly communities celebrate in harmony.

Admire the pure exquisiteness of Magdalenefjord which constitutes part of the northwest Spitsbergen National Park situated on Norway’s archipelago. During the polar bear tour you can witness a wondrous array of spectacular fauna such as reindeer, walruses, Arctic foxes and majestic Svalbard polar bears. You can also discover the beguiling whaling history of these mysterious shores.

As you approach the old mining town of Ny Ålesund on the polar bear tour you can marvel at the mighty peaks of the Three Crowns which proudly govern the landscape. The ship proceeds along Prins Karls Forland which makes up the Forlandet National Park, then heads towards Bjørnøya before later travelling to the Norwegian mainland. Enjoy the endless scenic backdrops of the polar bear tour in the comfort of the MS Fram as you journey across the Barents Sea.

Arrive at Bjørnøya which, more familiarly known as Bear Island due to its Svalbard polar bears, is immersed in myths and legends. Watch out for the many seabirds that dive between immense cliffs and sea stacks scattered among Svalbard islands.

It is from Honningsvåg, the most northerly town in Norway, that the polar bear tour will take you over the azure waters to North Cape which surfaces 300 metres above the Barents Sea.

Today on the polar bear tour we reach the spirited city of Tromsø, also known as the Gateway to the Arctic. This exciting city is bursting with culture and its warm atmosphere makes visitors feel welcome. Its natural beauty is defined by incredible architecture and the dramatic Lyngen Alps which envelop the landscape. Tromsø is also renowned for its frequent sightings of the Northern Lights during the winter months due to its northerly location.

Experience the intimacy of vertical cliff faces and deep waters as your polar bear tour sails through the narrow passage to Trollfjord before arriving at Henningsvær in the picturesque Lofoten Islands.

On the polar bear tour you will sail past charming lighthouses and diverse landscapes as we head towards the district of Alstahaug which spans approximately 917 islands. Although this may at first sound astounding, in comparison to Vega which covers 6,000 islands we begin to realise it is a relatively small community. The Svalbard islands of Vega are UNESCO protected and you will understand why when you witness their sheer splendour.

Take the opportunity during the polar bear tour to visit Austrått Manor which, found in the vicinity of Brekstad, was once the residence of some of Norway’s most significant nobility. The delightful manor is steeped in a rich history dating back to the Viking era. Alternatively, take some time to walk around the imposing German fort which was constructed during World War II.

On a polar bear tour you can admire the pretty coloured houses of Ålesund which is celebrated for its eye-catching Art Nouveau architecture, soaring fjords and the rugged Sunnmore Alps. Journey through one of the world’s greatest fjords known as the legendary Geirangerfjord which is not surprisingly deemed a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

As the polar bear tour arrives in Nordfjord, we can enjoy spectacular views of the humbling Jostedalsbreen Glacier. The MS Fram continues through the Utfjord and Innviksfjord to Olden. Make the most of the many photograph opportunities that arise as you travel through the Svalbard islands. Constant panoramic views of undulating valleys and mighty glaciers make the perfect backcloth when capturing snapshots.

The cultural city of Bergen is one of the highlights of a polar bear tour. Seven towering mountains encircle Bergen and its pretty streets and traditional wooden buildings complement its vivacious ambience. Bryggen, the old wharf, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a delightful area to explore. Your polar bear tour concludes in Bergen.