Offshore from Svalbard to Harlingen | 16 days of ocean sailing under Arctic skies

Arrival: Fri. 01.10.2027, 16:00
Departure: Sat 16.10.2027, 09:00

Departure: Longyearbyen, Svalbard
Destination: Harlingen, Netherlands

Sailing area: Polar waters / Norwegian Sea / North Sea

Price:

Twin cabin: € 4,300 p.p.
Single cabin: € 6,880 p.p.

— OFFSHORE PASSAGE FROM THE HIGH NORTH TO THE NETHERLANDS —

Sail aboard the tall ship Noorderlicht from the Arctic archipelago of Svalbard to the Dutch harbour of Harlingen. This exceptional offshore sailing voyage is ideal for anyone wanting to build genuine sea miles, sail actively and experience the passage from the high north to Western Europe on a traditional sailing vessel.

From Longyearbyen, Noorderlicht leaves behind the raw silence of the Arctic. Ahead of you lie around two intensive weeks at sea: a weather-dependent route along the Norwegian coast or across open waters, long horizons, watches day and night, and the special atmosphere of a seaworthy tall ship.

This voyage is not a conventional cruise with numerous shore visits. It is a genuine offshore passage: active, weather-driven, focused and all the more impressive for it.

— WHY THIS VOYAGE IS SPECIAL —

• 16-day offshore sailing voyage from Svalbard to Harlingen
• Starting in Longyearbyen, one of the northernmost destinations in Europe
• Active sailing on a traditional tall ship
• Watches in a rhythm of 4 hours on watch and 8 hours off
• Build genuine sea miles on a long Norwegian Sea and North Sea passage
• Chance of clear starlit nights and northern lights over the ocean
• Small ship's company with a maximum of 12 guests
• Private twin cabins, full board and professional cook
• Challenging voyage for active, seaworthy crew

— FROM SVALBARD TOWARDS NORWAY AND THE NORTH SEA —

The voyage begins in Longyearbyen, in the heart of the Arctic archipelago of Svalbard. The starting point alone makes this sailing voyage exceptional: behind you lie glaciers, mountains and the silent vastness of the north; ahead of you the long route southwards towards Norway, the North Sea and the Dutch coast.

The precise course of the voyage will be determined on board according to wind, weather and sea conditions. With favourable winds, Noorderlicht can choose direct courses across open ocean. In northerly conditions the route may follow closer to the Norwegian coast, with possible stops once the vessel has reached the coast.

Both options have their own appeal. The open passage offers wide horizons, genuine blue-water sailing and plenty of time under sail. A route along the Norwegian coast can offer impressive landscapes, fjords and a special proximity to one of Europe's most beautiful coastal regions.

The destination is Harlingen, a historic Dutch harbour on the Wadden Sea. After two intensive weeks at sea, entering the Netherlands is a special moment: you have not simply covered a distance, but experienced a genuine ocean voyage.

— ACTIVE SAILING ABOARD NOORDERLICHT —

Aboard Noorderlicht you are not simply a passenger. This voyage is an active offshore passage in which all guests are integrated into life on board.

You are part of the watch, help set sails, take the helm, observe weather and sea, and learn how a traditional sailing vessel is handled on a long passage.

Sailing follows a watch system with four hours on watch and eight hours off. Together with crew and fellow voyagers, you ensure the vessel is safely underway day and night. During your watch you keep lookout, monitor the course, assist with sail manoeuvres and become part of the quiet but intensive working rhythm on board.

It is precisely this watch-keeping that makes an offshore voyage so special. You experience the vessel not only during daylight in good conditions, but also at night, in changing weather, beneath the stars and with the sound of wind and water all around you.

— SAILING BENEATH ARCTIC SKIES —

Far from large cities and light pollution, the night sky at sea often reveals itself with impressive clarity. Stars reach to the horizon, the light changes slowly, and there is even the chance of seeing the northern lights in the sky.

There is of course no guarantee of seeing the Aurora Borealis. Yet the very possibility of experiencing the Northern Lights over the ocean during an offshore passage makes this voyage particularly appealing.

A night watch under sail, with the wide sky above you and the ocean all around, is one of those moments that remain in your memory long after the voyage ends.

Modern navigation is used on board. At the same time, the Noorderlicht, as a traditionally rigged vessel, is perfectly suited to the old methods of seafaring. When conditions allow, there may be opportunities to learn more about navigation, chart work and perhaps even astronomical navigation.

— WEATHER, WAVES AND REAL OFFSHORE SAILING —

An offshore sailing voyage from Svalbard to the Netherlands passes through challenging sea areas. Wind, current, temperatures and waves can vary greatly. That is precisely what makes this passage so intense and valuable for anyone who wants to truly experience what ocean sailing means.

The crew plans the route carefully using weather information, radar, experience and with an eye on safety. Nevertheless, such a voyage always remains shaped by the conditions at sea.

There may be days with strong winds and heavy swells, perfect sailing days with good pressure in the sails, but also calm stretches with little wind. This variety is part of the voyage. You learn to think alongside the ship and the conditions, to have patience and to embrace the pace of the sea.

For those wanting to build up serious nautical miles, this is an impressive opportunity.

— LIFE ON BOARD A TALL SHIP —

The Noorderlicht is a traditionally rigged, seaworthy tall ship with space for up to twelve guests. This keeps the atmosphere on board personal and manageable. People get to know each other quickly, work together and share the special moments of this long passage.

Guests stay in private twin cabins. Bed linen and towels are provided. At the heart of life on board are the galley and saloon below deck, complemented by another lounge area with bar in the deckhouse.

Catering is full board. Substantial, home-cooked meals are served on board, suited to an active voyage at sea. After a cold watch, a long day on deck or a concentrated night, eating together is more than just sustenance. It is a moment to warm up, share stories and settle into the routine of life on board.

Where conditions allow, as much sailing as possible is done under sail. This not only makes the voyage authentic but also suits the character of the Noorderlicht: travelling with the wind, in the rhythm of ship and sea.

— WHO IS THIS TRIP FOR? —

This offshore sailing voyage is right for you if you:

• want to experience a real ocean passage on a traditional sailing vessel
• want to sail from Svalbard all the way to the Netherlands
• want to take an active part in the watch system
• want to build up serious nautical miles
• have an interest in weather, navigation and traditional seamanship
• can cope with changing conditions, little time ashore and extended periods at sea
• prefer an intense, small ship's community to a comfort-oriented holiday

Some sailing experience is recommended. You need not be a professional, but you should already know what life on a ship feels like and that an offshore passage can be physically and mentally demanding.

Good physical fitness is required. The maximum age is 75 years.

This voyage is less suitable for guests expecting many shore excursions, fixed daily programmes or a traditional cruise. The focus is clearly on sailing, watches, nautical miles and the shared life on board.

— SAFETY, PLANNING AND INSURANCE —

The Noorderlicht is equipped for such offshore passages and has modern navigation and safety equipment. The professional crew makes decisions on route, sail handling and possible stops based on weather, sea state and safety.

As this is an active adventure voyage, you should take out appropriate travel insurance. In addition to standard travel insurance, cover for active sailing trips, accident risks and, where applicable, offshore sailing is advisable.

Check the terms of your insurance carefully before booking and, if in doubt, obtain written confirmation that this specific voyage is covered.

— AN EXTRAORDINARY WAY HOME —

From the Arctic vastness of Svalbard to the Wadden Sea port of Harlingen, this voyage connects contrasts that can only be experienced so intensely at sea. You start in one of Europe's most remote regions, sail through challenging northern waters and draw closer, day by day, to the Dutch coast.

Along the way you gather not only nautical miles, but experiences: night watches, course changes, wind shifts, working together on deck, conversations in the saloon, quiet hours on the horizon and perhaps the Northern Lights over the sea.

This offshore passage with the Noorderlicht is a voyage for people who want not just to see the sea, but to truly experience it.

— INCLUDED IN THE PRICE —

• Full board: breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks and hot drinks
• Bed linen: pillow, sheets and blanket
• Towels
• Nautical crew and professional cook
• Harbour fees and fuel costs
• All dinghy trips

— NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE —

• Alcohol and soft drinks
• Transfer to and from the vessel on arrival and departure days, for example flight tickets
• Travel insurance

— GOOD TO KNOW —

The exact route is determined on board according to wind, weather, sea state and safety. Possible stops may only emerge en route and are not guaranteed.

A detailed trip description and further information about the vessel, the route, suitability and life on board can be found on the Rederij van Linschoten website.

If you have questions about the voyage, physical suitability, travel to Longyearbyen, return travel from Harlingen or appropriate insurance, we are happy to advise you personally.