Sailing voyage Svalbard under the midnight sun | 8 days fjords, walks & Arctic

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Departure: Sun 25.07.2027, 14:00
Return: Sun 01.08.2027, 10:00

Departure: Longyearbyen, Svalbard
Destination: Longyearbyen, Svalbard

Sailing area: Polar waters / Svalbard / Isfjord

Price:

Standard double cabin with shower and WC in the corridor: € 3,980 p.p.
Comfort double cabin with private shower and WC: € 4,280 p.p.

— EXPERIENCE SVALBARD UNDER THE MIDNIGHT SUN —

Come aboard Meander and experience a special sailing voyage through the Arctic archipelago of Svalbard. From Longyearbyen, this voyage takes you into a world of fjords, glaciers, rugged landscapes, quiet bays, landings, hikes and unique lighting conditions.

At the end of July, Svalbard stands in the light of the midnight sun. Throughout the voyage it remains light, allowing the captain and expedition leader to plan the days with particular flexibility. Which route is actually sailed is decided anew each day according to wind, weather, ice, natural conditions and safety.

This voyage is not a traditional cruise and not a comfortable round trip for quickly collecting impressions. It is aimed at people who want to really experience Svalbard: being outdoors, hiking, respecting nature, engaging with the group and getting to know life aboard a small traditional sailing ship.

— WHY THIS VOYAGE IS SPECIAL —

• 8-day sailing voyage from and to Longyearbyen
• Experience Svalbard in the light of the midnight sun
• Small ship with a maximum of 12 passengers
• Landings and hikes with an experienced guide
• Possible route through Isfjord, Kongsfjord, Krossfjord or Forlandsund
• Chance of seeing walruses, reindeer, Arctic foxes, seabirds and polar bears
• No mass tourism, but small-scale Arctic experience
• Full board, bed linen and towels included
• Ideal for active nature and photography enthusiasts

— ROUTE FROM LONGYEARBYEN —

Only the framework of this voyage is fixed: you board in Longyearbyen on 25 July and leave the ship again in Longyearbyen on 1 August. In between, the route develops underway.

Meander operates in areas where many landings, walks and nature experiences are possible at this time of year. The focus is likely to be on the large Isfjord, the west coast of Spitsbergen north of the Isfjord and Kongsfjord. St. Jonsfjord, Forlandsund and Krossfjord may also become part of the voyage depending on conditions.

The Isfjord is Spitsbergen's largest fjord system and offers enormous variety in landscape, nature and possible excursions. St. Jonsfjord is quieter and well suited to walks with beautiful views of the colourful Arctic landscape.

In the shallow Forlandsund, Meander's shallow draught can be an advantage. There is a chance of observing walruses at resting places. Kongsfjord impresses with glaciers, wide panoramas and Ny-Ålesund, a research station in the far north with a special polar history.

However, no single fjord determines the success of this voyage. The nature experience takes precedence over reaching particular destinations. Impressive landscapes, silence, wildlife and special moments are possible in many places.

— LANDINGS, WALKS AND ARCTIC NATURE —

Shore landings are an important part of this sailing voyage. When weather, ice and regulations permit, the group goes ashore to explore the surroundings on foot. Walks typically last two to four hours.

The terrain is undeveloped and often rough. You walk over stones, snow, uneven ground and occasionally over slopes. Good basic fitness, sure-footedness and enjoyment of walking off marked trails are therefore important.

Along the way there is ample time for breaks, observations, photos, explanations and quiet appreciation. It is precisely this slow and immediate way of discovering Spitsbergen that gives the voyage its special character.

Individual shore landings are not possible. As polar bears can appear unexpectedly anywhere on Spitsbergen, the group always stays together and is accompanied by an armed guide during landings. This is part of safe and responsible travel in the Arctic.

— NOT A POLAR BEAR SAFARI, BUT THE REAL ARCTIC —

This voyage is not purely a wildlife safari and expressly not a polar bear safari. The aim is to experience Spitsbergen in as many facets as possible: landscape, light, silence, history, fjords, wildlife and the special feeling of travelling in a remote Arctic region.

The chances of special wildlife observations are good on Spitsbergen. Reindeer are frequently encountered, whilst walruses, Arctic foxes and seabirds are also among the typical Arctic sightings.

Polar bears can also appear at any time in this wilderness. There is of course no guarantee, and all encounters take place at the necessary distance and with great consideration for the animals.

It is precisely the unpredictability that makes this voyage so appealing. The expedition follows nature, not the other way round.

— ARCTIC EXPERIENCE BEFORE SAILING CHALLENGE —

Although you are travelling on a traditional sailing vessel, the Arctic experience takes centre stage on this voyage. When wind and conditions are suitable, sails are set. In unfavourable winds, however, the engine can be used to travel the area safely and sensibly.

Those seeking primarily a sporting sailing challenge will probably not find the right focus on Spitsbergen. This voyage thrives less on long sailing passages than on nature, landings, walks, light, silence and the shared experience of an extraordinary region.

Helping hands are welcome during sailing manoeuvres. Sailing experience is not required. Anyone who wishes can lend a hand and learn more about sailing a traditional vessel. A fixed watch system is not normally planned on this Spitsbergen voyage, as it has a different character from longer ocean passages.

— LIFE ABOARD MEANDER —

Meander is an atmospheric traditional sailing vessel with a maximum of twelve passengers. This allows you to experience Spitsbergen on an intimate and personal scale, far removed from the character of large cruise ships.

On board there is a large sitting and dining area, a cosy saloon in the deckhouse, a separate galley and, in good weather, seating on deck.

Below deck there are six double cabins for guests, each with a washbasin. Two cabins have their own shower and toilet and are offered as comfort cabins. The standard cabins share two showers and two toilets. Bed linen and towels are provided.

The comfort is simple but appropriate to the character of the voyage. There is central heating, but no gym, no panorama lounge and no daily cabin service. Everyone occasionally helps with small tasks on board, such as tidying up or washing up.

This creates not the feeling of a hotel, but of a small shared expedition.

— WHO IS THIS TRIP FOR? —

This sailing voyage to Spitsbergen suits active, curious travellers for whom nature is more important than luxury.

The voyage is particularly suitable for people who:

• Would like to experience Svalbard intensively in a small group
• Appreciate nature, silence, photography and Arctic landscapes
• Enjoy walking off marked paths
• Feel comfortable in a group
• Prefer a traditional ship with character to a large cruise ship
• Are willing to help out on board occasionally
• Can deal flexibly with weather, ice and changing plans

You don't need to be an extreme athlete, but you should be healthy enough for walks of several hours in pathless terrain and be able to move about safely on board even when the ship is moving.

There is no fixed age limit. More important than age are health, fitness, sure-footedness, motivation and a realistic self-assessment.

— IMPORTANT PRACTICAL INFORMATION —

Strict rules apply in Svalbard to protect nature, animals and historic sites. The instructions of the captain, guide and expedition leader must be followed at all times.

You should be able to get on deck independently and quickly, and manage getting in and out of the tender without problems. Heavy seas are not expected daily, but can never be completely ruled out on a sailing voyage. You should therefore be able to move about safely even when the ship is moving.

There is no doctor on board. In an emergency, help can be requested from Longyearbyen. However, due to distance and weather, this may take several hours. Appropriate travel and health insurance, including cover for possible evacuation costs, is therefore necessary.

— INCLUDED IN THE PRICE —

• Accommodation on board in a standard double cabin or comfort double cabin
• Nautical crew and cook
• Shore excursions with guide
• Full board
• Bed linen and towels
• Harbour fees
• Fuel costs
• Final cleaning

— NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE —

• Travel to and from the harbour
• Flight tickets and transfer between airport and ship
• Drinks on board; these are available at fair prices
• Travel and cancellation insurance

— GOOD TO KNOW —

The route is determined daily based on wind, weather, ice, natural conditions and safety. Named destinations such as Isfjord, St. Jonsfjord, Forlandsund, Kongsfjord or Krossfjord are possibilities and cannot be guaranteed.

This voyage is ideal if you want to experience Svalbard intensively and close to nature.

A detailed voyage description and further information about the ship, the cabins, suitability and life on board can be found on the Rederij van Linschoten website.

If you have questions about the voyage, physical suitability, cabin choice, travel to Longyearbyen or other queries, we would be happy to advise you personally.