Svalbard july 2
Experience Arctic nature & explore on foot.
Price Standard Cabin
Price Comfort Cabin
Day of Embarkation
Time of Embarkation
Port of Embarkation
Day of Disembarkation
Time of Disembarkation
Port of Disembarkation
€6.890,-
€7.390,-
09-07-2026
18:00
Longyearbyen
23-07-2025
12:00
Longyearbyen
The trip
From July 9th to July 23rd, 2026, we want to explore the landscapes and wildlife of Spitsbergen aboard the two-masted motor sailboat Meander. July marks the peak of the Arctic summer. Everywhere, the small flowers are in bloom, reindeer are feeding to their heart’s content, and the short, hectic breeding season of Arctic birds is in full swing, both on the flat tundra and on rugged cliff faces. Tens of thousands of puffins dart in and out of the colonies, and the large guillemot cliffs are as busy as a beehive.
The Arctic-experienced guide, Rolf Stange, will accompany you on land excursions and help you experience the unique features of Arctic nature and wildlife. To make landings in the snowy terrain, typical of the Arctic early summer, easier, we will use snowshoes, which are available for everyone on board the Meander. The last few years have shown that, later in the summer, it becomes increasingly unlikely to find pack ice close to the coast. However, at the beginning of June, we can still expect pack ice within reach of Spitsbergen, and in some fjords, there is still solid ice. This trip in early June will, therefore, partly focus on the ice, and we will see and experience its many different forms. You will witness how the Meander navigates its way between the ice floes and, hopefully, encounter the animals typical of this icy world. In June, the Arctic summer begins, and you will see the first flowers and grazing reindeer. The breeding season for birds also begins, offering a spectacular display on the steep cliffs. Where the birds are, the Arctic fox is often not far behind. We may also encounter a walrus colony at another location.
At this time, the midnight sun is high in the sky, so we will experience no darkness throughout the entire journey and will always have the opportunity for spontaneous wildlife observations or to admire passing ice and mountain formations.
On our journey along the unique coast of Spitsbergen, we will pass glaciers and jagged mountain peaks. Occasionally, and if the weather allows, we will sail/motor through the night to wake up the next day in a beautiful bay and go ashore again. A trip to Spitsbergen is particularly enjoyable when there is enough time to savor it, so you don’t fall victim to “land sickness” from stress. In the evening, anchored in a beautiful bay with a view of the glaciers, you can relax with a glass of wine or a book on deck or in the salon. This is the magic of Spitsbergen and a journey aboard the Meander
Route
During our journey, we aim to explore the coastal regions along the west coast of Spitsbergen and plan to venture toward the pack ice, although its exact position, of course, cannot be predicted in advance. There is no fixed itinerary. Rolf Stange, with his extensive experience of Spitsbergen, will work flexibly with the captain to decide the course of the journey—based on ice, wind, and weather conditions. The focus of this trip is on the nature experience rather than reaching specific destinations. However, we are highly likely to visit the following fjords:
Isfjord: The largest fjord in Spitsbergen, with numerous branches that combine almost all the landscape and biological diversity of the entire archipelago. Longyearbyen, where the ship journey starts and ends, is located here.
- St. Jonsfjord: A quiet and beautiful fjord north of Isfjord. Short hikes offer excellent views of the subtly colorful landscape.
- Forlandsund: The shallow draft of the Meander allows it to pass through the very shallow waters of Forlandsund, one of the few ships able to navigate between Prins Karls Forland and the main island of Spitsbergen. In this area, we hope to observe walruses at our anchorage.
- Kongsfjord: The landscape of Kongsfjord has captivated whalers for centuries. Today, the research settlement of Ny-Ålesund is located here, with the airship mast from which Amundsen and Nobile launched their famous polar expeditions, and the northernmost postbox in the world.
- Krossfjord: This inlet is intricately branched, so one could easily spend days here. The beautiful fjord has witnessed historical events, from whalers to a German weather station from the days of World War II—set against a backdrop of massive glaciers and rugged mountains. Krossfjord also offers fascinating spots for observing Arctic wildlife.
- Raudfjord: The western side of this fjord displays Alpine Arctic landscapes, with steep mountain slopes and glaciers. Steep cliffs are home to seabird colonies, and early June will likely see parts of the fjord still covered in solid ice, often with seals lounging on it.
- Woodfjord: This long inlet runs along Andrée Land, known for its rounded mountain forms and reddish, colorful rock faces. Woodfjord has two branches: Bockfjord and Liefdefjord.
- Wijdefjord: This fjord stands out on the map due to its straight, long shape. On the west side lies Andrée Land, and on the east side, the highly glaciated plateau of Ny-Friesland rises. The mighty Mittag-Leffler Glacier dominates the inner part of Wijdefjord. The fjord was the site of dramatic events during the tragically failed Schröder-Stranz expedition in 1912/13. Wijdefjord is rarely navigated but offers stunning landscapes and landing opportunities.
- The Pack Ice Edge: The location of the pack ice shifts from year to year and across seasons. If it’s within reach, we will get a close look at the ice and hope for interesting encounters with the Arctic wildlife.
- And What Else?: In most of these fjords, we could spend several days. In addition to the well-known hotspots, we will embark on an exploratory journey to visit less-traveled areas. The Arctic cannot be predicted, but one thing is certain: we will have much to see and experience along the way!
We hope to show you as much of the Arctic wildlife as possible: Arctic foxes, walruses, birds, whales, and, of course, polar bears. Our crew will do their best to visit the best spots for wildlife observation, but, of course, we cannot guarantee sightings. We will not be running an “Arctic bear safari.” Exciting encounters are possible at every corner!
Life on board
Onboard the deckhouse, there is a cozy salon and a separate kitchen from the salon. Below deck, there are six double cabins for passengers, each with a washbasin. Two of these cabins are equipped with their own shower and toilet (“Comfort Cabins”). The “Standard Cabins” share two showers and two toilets. The mattress length is between 195 and 200 cm, with a width ranging from 69 to 99 cm. Some mattresses are cut so that the foot end is slightly narrower than the head end. Central heating ensures comfort. The cabins have 230V power outlets.
While at sea, you can chat with your fellow travelers in the warm salon over a cup of tea or coffee. Meals are also served here, prepared by the cook. There are some books and specialized literature available. Occasionally, readings or presentations will be held here by the guide, Rolf Stange. The Meander does not have extra service staff. At a minimum, you should return your used coffee cup, and help with washing dishes after meals is welcome. Bed linens and towels are provided on board.
Sailing on the Meander, in harmony with the natural elements, is what makes this journey unique. We follow the weather, wind, and nature, and as such, our itinerary is often developed while underway. During sailing maneuvers, a helping hand is occasionally needed. However, guests are not part of the watch schedule.
Seasickness will not be a common experience, and we will plan according to the weather forecast. Nevertheless, seasickness cannot be ruled out and is, after all, a part of any sailing journey. You must be able to move safely through the ship even in rough seas. Boarding and disembarking from the dinghies should also not pose problems for you.
The hikes, in the snow-covered early summer, will be rather short but can still be strenuous. You need to be in generally good health and fit enough for several-hour hikes in trackless terrain. Extreme sports or technical climbing, etc., are not part of the program, but you should enjoy hiking, even in trackless, rocky terrain. The constant possibility of encountering sometimes grumpy polar bears on land means we will always stick together as a group.
All guests must be able to reach the deck quickly and independently, in the unlikely event of an emergency such as a fire. Participants who are clearly unable to do so may be excluded from the trip at short notice by the captain or trip leader if their safety cannot be guaranteed in an emergency, for example, in the case of a fire. This does not entitle you to a refund.
There is no doctor aboard the Meander. In case of medical emergencies, the rescue helicopter from Longyearbyen will be requested. In case of bad weather, this may result in several hours of delay or might simply be impossible. Complete medical care is not available in Longyearbyen, and in an emergency, an air ambulance to Tromsø may be required, which will take extra time and incur additional costs. Your personal health/travel insurance must, if applicable, cover the cost of such an operation. Before the trip, you will receive a form to provide any medically relevant information. Allergies and dietary preferences should also be listed here. The captain and trip leader will be able to access this information during the journey, in case they need to provide it to a doctor. We have a comprehensive pharmacy on board, and the nautical crew is medically trained.
And now for the bad news: Participation is not free of charge. The price is 3,950 euros (Standard Cabin) or 4,250 euros (Comfort Cabin with private shower and toilet) from and to Longyearbyen. Flights and other accommodations must be arranged and paid for separately. You can book individually and will then share a cabin with a fellow traveler of the same gender. A single cabin can be booked for an additional charge (subject to availability). The price includes the trip aboard the Meander from embarkation in the afternoon of July 9, 2026, to disembarkation in the morning of July 23, 2026, including all activities and all meals on board with tea, coffee, and water. Other beverages on board are to be paid for separately. Not included in the price are travel to and from Longyearbyen and any additional overnight stays. We recommend arriving in Longyearbyen a day before embarkation. If flights are delayed or luggage arrives late, it must be assumed that the Meander cannot wait. Depending on arrival and departure times, a personal exploration of Longyearbyen may be worthwhile.
Included in the price:
- Accommodation in twin cabins (Standard/Comfort)
- Towels and bed linen
- Full board on board
- Port fees
- Coffee, tea, and water
Not included in the price:
- Transfer costs
- Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages (Bar on board)
- Travel insurance
Important information:
- A passport or ID card must be carried
- Please do not use hard-shell suitcases, as they are difficult to store
- All onboard expenses can be settled at the end of the trip
- Card payments are not possible on board
We look forward to welcoming you on board! If you have any questions, feel free to email us at info@sailing-expeditions.com
See you soon,
Mario Czok