Jewels of the Arctic – Oslo to Reykjavik

Voyage Overview

Experience two incredible Arctic destinations in one voyage!

Journey between Svalbard and East Greenland at the height of the Arctic summer, when long days invite extended exploration. Search Svalbard’s fjords and tundra for polar bears, walrus, seabirds and reindeer before crossing the wildlife-rich Greenland Sea. In East Greenland, a more open coastline may create opportunities to range between the southern fjords around Tasiilaq, Scoresbysund and the great fjord systems towards Kong Oscar Fjord. Hike colorful tundra, Zodiac-cruise among monumental icebergs and discover a coast where geology, wildlife and Greenlandic Inuit culture give every flexible expedition day a different character.

Trip Details

Duration: 15 Days

Ship: Douglas Mawson, Premium Ship, 130 Guests

Start at: Oslo, Norway

End at: Reykjavik, Iceland

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Oslo, Norway
Upon arrival in Oslo, make your way to your group airport hotel, located just a five-minute walk from the International Terminal. The remainder of your time is at leisure. All meals today are at your own expense.

Day 2: Charter Flight to Longyearbyen & Embarkation
This morning, enjoy breakfast at the hotel before walking to the airport for our charter flight to Longyearbyen for embarkation. In Longyearbyen, explore the town on a guided tour. After the tour, you will be transferred directly to the pier to embark in the late afternoon. Settle into your cabin before attending important safety briefings and enjoy the thrill of departure as we ‘throw the lines’ and set sail. Note: the excursion is contingent on the arrival time of our charter flight to Longyearbyen.

Days 3-5: Svalbard
Svalbard offers arctic wilderness at its best. Our experienced Expedition Team will shape each day around weather, sea ice, wildlife and the latest local information, choosing the most rewarding opportunities rather than following a fixed list of landing sites.

Summer often allows us to explore a wider choice of fjords along western and northern Spitsbergen. Zodiac cruises may trace blue glacier fronts and sheltered bays, while guided walks cross the scenic tundra, raised beaches and fossil-rich polar desert. Historic camps and trappers’ huts reveal the human stories layered into this apparently untouched wilderness.

We remain alert for walrus at coastal haul-outs, whales and seals in productive waters, reindeer grazing on the tundra and arctic foxes patrolling the shore. Seabirds are beginning their seasonal transition, while polar bears remain an unpredictable possibility throughout the archipelago.

If you have selected an optional activity such as kayaking, we will aim to offer it whenever conditions allow. Guided walks, Zodiac excursions and the possibility of a polar plunge make the most of each expedition day.

Days 6-7: Greenland Sea
As we sail towards the coast of East Greenland, we may encounter whales feeding in the rich waters of the north. As we approach East Greenland, be prepared to encounter more pack ice and perhaps spot seals and a variety of seabirds, including the northern fulmar and Brünnich’s guillemot. The strong, icy currents have isolated East Greenland from the Polar Basin, attracting large numbers of fish, seals and whales. Climatic conditions and the concentration of ice in the vicinity often create thick morning fog that only vanishes in presence of the midday sun. Our experts will inform and entertain us with fascinating discussions on plants, animals, ice and heroic tales of exploration.

Days 8-13: East Greenland
In summer, easing sea ice can open a broader range of possibilities along East Greenland’s immense coast. Our Expedition Team will use current ice, weather and wildlife information to shape the route each day, with all landings and Zodiac cruises subject to permits, quotas, local agreements and site availability. Depending on conditions, exploration may range from the fjords around Tasiilaq in the south to Scoresbysund and towards Kong Oscar Fjord farther north. Ittoqqortoormiit may be possible when ice and community arrangements align, but no named destination is guaranteed. The freedom to alter course is what allows us to seek the strongest experience available.

Glacier-fed waterways, striped mountains and drifting icebergs create exceptional opportunities for Zodiac cruising and photography. On suitable shores, we may hike across colorful tundra, climb to panoramic viewpoints or examine geological formations that reveal the deep history of this restless landscape. We remain watchful for humpback and fin whales, seals and seabirds along the coast. On land, musk oxen and arctic hare may appear in the northern fjord country, while every wildlife encounter is approached carefully and on the animals’ terms.

Human stories are inseparable from East Greenland. Archaeological remains and historic sites speak to earlier settlement and exploration, while present-day communities carry forward a living Greenlandic Inuit culture. Any community encounter will take place only where it is welcomed and operationally possible. Long summer light gives the expedition room to breathe. A promising wildlife sighting, a newly accessible fjord or an iceberg-filled bay can reshape the day, creating a voyage defined by responsiveness rather than a checklist.

Day 14: Denmark Strait 
In the Denmark Strait, we cruise towards Iceland. We will be on the lookout for whale blows and the many seabirds that trail our ship, riding in the constant winds. In our lecture theatre, enjoy informative and entertaining presentations from our experts on topics such as seabirds, wildlife and ice, or catch up on some rest after long days of travel.

Day 15: Disembark in Reykjavik, Iceland
During the early morning, we cruise into Reykjavik and disembark at approximately 8.00 am. Farewell your expedition team and fellow passengers as you continue your onward journey. Transfer to Keflavik airport.

Note: We do not recommend booking flights departing prior to 12.00 pm on the day of disembarkation, as we may experience delays at the conclusion of the voyage.

In true expedition style we encourage exploration and adventure, offering flexibility in challenging environments in a way that puts you among the action to see and do as much as possible. This itinerary is only a guide and subject to change due to ice and weather conditions.