Embark in Longyearbyen, the main settlement in Svalbard and the starting point for expeditions into the surrounding archipelago. Before boarding, you may have time to explore its compact centre, visit the Svalbard Museum, or discover traces of the coal-mining industry that shaped the town.

The ship leaves Longyearbyen during the early evening and sails through Isfjorden. Watch the mountains, seabirds and broad Arctic coastline from deck, with the possibility of spotting a minke whale as the expedition gets underway.

Ortelius will attempt a clockwise circumnavigation of Spitsbergen over the following eight days. The sequence of destinations is provisional, allowing the expedition team to adapt the voyage around ice, weather, landing conditions and wildlife opportunities.

Krossfjorden and Ny-Ålesund

Sailing north, Ortelius may enter Krossfjorden to explore an impressive landscape of mountain ridges and glacier fronts. Zodiac cruising or a shore landing may provide an introduction to the scale and geology of western Spitsbergen.

The expedition could then visit Ny-Ålesund. Once a coal-mining settlement, it has become one of the world’s most northerly centres for international scientific research. Historic features include the remains of its railway and the mast used during the pioneering airship expeditions of Amundsen and Nobile. Barnacle geese, pink-footed geese and Arctic terns breed on the nearby tundra.

Liefdefjorden and Monaco Glacier

If the route remains open, Ortelius may enter Liefdefjorden and approach the five-kilometre face of Monaco Glacier. Kittiwakes gather around the nutrient-rich water flowing from the glacier, creating a busy feeding area beneath the surrounding mountains.

The glacier and neighbouring coastline are also known polar-bear habitat. Guides will scan the shore, slopes and ice for signs of bears and other wildlife. A landing at Texas Bar may be possible, while Wijdefjorden and Nordbreen provide potential alternatives if conditions dictate a change of plan.

The Seven Islands and 80° North

One of the voyage’s greatest ambitions is to reach the Seven Islands, north of Nordaustlandet. Here Ortelius may cross 80° North, bringing the ship within approximately 870 kilometres of the geographic North Pole.

The ship may spend several hours close to the pack ice, where the expedition team will search for polar bears and other wildlife. The experience of travelling beside the frozen ocean can be a highlight in its own right, even when wildlife remains distant or concealed.

If sea ice prevents further progress, Ortelius may explore Sorgfjord instead. Possible encounters include walruses and Svalbard rock ptarmigans, while graves and other remains recall the European whalers who operated here during the 17th century.

Hinlopen Strait and Alkefjellet

Hinlopen Strait lies between Spitsbergen and Nordaustlandet. Its cold waters and drifting ice provide habitat for bearded seals, ringed seals and polar bears, with occasional possibilities of blue-whale sightings near the entrance.

Conditions permitting, Zodiac cruises may explore the ice floes of Lomfjord before Ortelius visits the immense cliffs of Alkefjellet. Tens of thousands of Brünnich’s guillemots breed on its narrow ledges, creating one of Svalbard’s most dramatic wildlife spectacles.

On the eastern side of the strait, the expedition may attempt a landing at Palanderbukta, where reindeer, geese and walruses can be found. Another possibility is Torrelneset, a polar-desert landscape lying beside the enormous ice cap of Nordaustlandet. Walruses may be seen resting on its raised beaches.

Barentsøya, Edgeøya and Storfjorden

Ortelius may continue south through the waterways surrounding Barentsøya and Edgeøya. The intended route could pass through Heleysundet, with views of nearby glaciers including Negribreen.

Possible landings include Skjolddalen, Kvalhovden and Diskobukta. At Diskobukta, a canyon provides nesting habitat for a substantial kittiwake colony. The surrounding coastline may also reveal reindeer, Arctic foxes and other wildlife adapted to the tundra of eastern Svalbard.

Which sites are visited will depend upon currents, sea ice, weather and the availability of safe landing conditions.

Hornsund and the pointed mountains

In southern Spitsbergen, Ortelius may enter the dramatic fjord system of Hornsund. Fourteen significant glaciers flow through the area, while sharp peaks rise above the water. Hornsundtind reaches 1,431 metres and forms part of the mountainous landscape that inspired the name Spitsbergen, meaning “pointed mountains”.

Possible landings at Samarinvågen or Birgerbukta may provide opportunities for longer walks. The wider fjord system is also home to seals and is visited by beluga whales and polar bears.

The natural and human history of Bellsund

Bellsund is among the largest fjord systems in Svalbard. Relatively warm ocean currents support productive areas of tundra, creating good feeding habitat for reindeer and attracting numerous breeding birds.

At Ahlstrandhalvøya, piles of beluga bones remain from 19th-century commercial whaling. The site offers a powerful reminder of the intensity with which Arctic wildlife was once exploited. Living belugas may still be encountered elsewhere within the fjord.

Alternative activities could include exploring tundra frequented by reindeer or visiting slopes near Vårsolbukta where little auks breed.

Ortelius returns to Longyearbyen, where the expedition concludes. Disembark after breakfast and continue to the airport or extend your time in Svalbard.

A complete circumnavigation of Spitsbergen is dependent upon sea-ice conditions and cannot be guaranteed. Based on Oceanwide Expeditions’ operating experience between 1992 and 2019, the historic likelihood of completing the route is approximately 30% during the first half of July, 70% during the second half of July, 90% during the first half of August and 95% during the second half of August.

If the route around Spitsbergen is obstructed, the expedition team may instead create a programme in western, northeastern or southeastern Spitsbergen. This can still include remote landings, pack-ice exploration and important wildlife areas.

All routes and activities are provisional. Landings are subject to weather, ice, wildlife, site availability, permissions, environmental considerations and AECO regulations. The captain and expedition leader will make the final decisions during the voyage.