Svalbard june
Under sail to the ice and the animals of the Arctic.
Price Standard Cabin
Price Comfort Cabin
Day of Embarkation
Time of Embarkation
Port of Embarkation
Day of Disembarkation
Time of Disembarkation
Port of Disembarkation
€4.350,-
€4.750,-
04-06-2026
14:00
Longyearbyen
13-06-2026
12:00
Longyearbyen
The journey
From June 4th to June 13th, 2026, we want to explore the snow and ice landscapes and wildlife of Spitsbergen aboard the two-masted motor sailboat Meander. The experience of the nature, landscape, and wildlife of the Arctic, with the unique features of the transition between winter and summer on a traditional sailing ship, will be the main focus.
The Arctic-experienced guide, Rolf Stange, will accompany you on land excursions and introduce you to the special features of the Arctic nature and wildlife. To make excursions in the snow-covered terrain typical of the Arctic early summer easier, we use snowshoes, which are available for everyone aboard the Meander. In recent years, it has become increasingly unlikely to find drifting ice near the coast later in the summer. However, in early June, we can still expect to encounter drifting ice near Spitsbergen, and possibly even directly on land, and in some fjords, solid ice still remains. We want to dedicate part of this trip to the ice in early June and see and experience its many forms. You will experience how the Meander makes its way through the ice floes and, hopefully, also discover the animals typical of this icy world. In June, the Arctic summer begins, and you will see the first flowers and grazing reindeer. The bird breeding season also begins, offering a spectacle on the steep breeding cliffs. Where there are birds, the Arctic fox is often not far behind. We may also encounter a walrus colony elsewhere.
At this time, the midnight sun is high in the sky, so we will experience no darkness throughout the journey and will always have the opportunity for spontaneous wildlife observations or to admire passing ice and mountain formations.
As we sail along the unique coast of Spitsbergen, we pass glaciers and jagged mountain peaks. Occasionally, and if the weather allows, we will also sail/motor through the night, waking up the next day in a beautiful bay to go ashore again. A trip to Spitsbergen is especially beautiful when there is enough time to enjoy it, so you don’t fall victim to the “land sickness” of stress. In the evening, anchored in a picturesque 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 trip aboard the Meander
Route
During our journey, we aim to get to know the coastal areas on the west coast of Spitsbergen and plan an excursion toward the drift ice, the exact position of which, of course, cannot be predicted in the long term. There is no fixed itinerary. Rolf Stange knows Spitsbergen from years of experience and will, together with the captain, decide flexibly on the plan during the journey – depending on the ice, wind, and weather. The nature experience takes precedence over reaching specific destinations during this trip. However, we will very likely go ashore in the following fjords:
- Isfjord: The largest fjord in Spitsbergen unites almost the entire landscape and biological diversity of the entire archipelago in its many branches. Here, you will also find Longyearbyen, where the ship journey begins and ends.
- Forlandsund: Due to its shallow depth, the Meander is one of the few ships that can pass through the very shallow Forlandsund, between Prins Karls Forland and the main island of Spitsbergen. In this area, we hope to observe walruses at our anchorage.
- Kongsfjord: The impressive landscape of Kongsfjord has already inspired ancient whalers; today, Ny-Ålesund, which has been converted into a research station, lies here, with the airship mast from which Amundsen and Nobile launched their famous North Pole expeditions – and the northernmost mailbox in the world.
- Krossfjord: This sea arm branches multiple times, so one could already spend several days here. The picturesque fjord served as the backdrop for historical events – from whalers to a German weather station from World War II – against the backdrop of large glaciers and rugged mountains. The Krossfjord also offers much of interest in terms of Arctic fauna.
- Smeerenburgfjord/Fuglefjord: These fjords are much less known than Magdalenenfjord, but with their mountains reaching up to 1,000 meters and large glaciers, they are no less impressive.
- Raudfjord: The western side shows Arctic landscapes with an alpine character, featuring steep mountain slopes and glaciers. On steep cliffs, there are seabird colonies, and by early June, a part of the fjord is likely still covered with solid ice, on which seals often rest.
- And beyond? In most of these fjords, one could already spend several days. Alongside the well-known classics, we will go on a discovery journey and explore little-visited places. 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 as possible of Arctic wildlife: 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 make any guarantees. We will not hold an “Polar bear safari.” Exciting encounters are possible at every corner!
Leben an Bord
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 June 6, 2026, to disembarkation in the morning of June 13, 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