10 Breathtaking Places in Svalbard You Can Visit on an Expedition Cruise

Svalbard is full of stunning places to visit from remote glaciers and islands to the most northerly settlement on Earth. We asked our expedition team and came up with our favourite 10 places you can visit on an Expedition Micro Cruise to Svalbard.

1. Austfonna

One of the most visited ice caps in the world, Austfonna covers a large part of Nordaustlandet in the North-Eastern part of Svalbard. With a 200km circumference and standing tall at almost 800 metres above sea level, it’s the third-largest glacier in Europe, behind Severny Island in Russia and?Vatnaj?kull?in Iceland and the seventh-largest glacier in the world. The huge ice faces and powerful melting waterfalls are a true sight to behold.

For the best chances in seeing Austfonna, we recommend our?15-day Svalbard Pioneer Expedition Micro Cruise.

2. Lillieh??kbreen Glacier

An impressive complex of glaciers spanning more than 22 kilometres – making it one of the largest glacial spectacles on Svalbard and accessible for zodiacs launching from smaller expedition vessels (and enjoyable at a safe distance of 350 metres due to the risk of falling ice). As the glacier calves, it fills Lilliehook Fjord with icebergs making for a very Arctic scene.

For the best chances in seeing the?Lillieh??kbreen glacier, we recommend our?15-day Svalbard Pioneer Expedition Micro Cruise?or our?9-day Natural Wonders of Svalbard Expedition Micro Cruise.

3. Alkefjellet Bird Cliffs

Alkefjellet translates as Bird Mountain, for very obvious reasons. The domineering 7km long steep cliff in the Hinlopen Strait doubles up as the home for tens of thousands of nesting Brunich Guillemots each summer – making it one of the largest breeding colonies in Svalbard. You might also spot Glaucous Gulls circling overhead and an Arctic fox or two prowling around the lower ledges looking for some lunch.

For the best chances of seeing the Alkefjellet bird cliffs, we recommend our?15-day Svalbard Pioneer Expedition Micro Cruise.

4. The Sea Ice Edge

The sea ice to the north of Svalbard extends all the way to the North Pole, some 800 miles to the north. In calm conditions, it is possible to reach 80 degrees north and cruise along the edge of the pack ice which is an incredible experience. It is also possible to observe polar bears hunting on the pack ice.

Whilst we can never guarantee to reach the ice edge due to the sea, ice and weather conditions,?for the best chances?we recommend our?15-day Svalbard Pioneer Expedition Micro Cruise?or our?9-day Natural Wonders of Svalbard Expedition Micro Cruise.?If you have an interest in photography we recommend one of our?Svalbard Photo Expeditions.

5. Prins Karls Forland

Sometimes translated as Prince Charles Foreland, this long narrow island off the west coast of Spitsbergen is part of Forlandet National Park and is a great place to spot walruses. It sits in shallow waters which larger ships cannot reach, but smaller expedition vessels can. Once in the vicinity, you can see a blend of snow-topped mountains, coastal plains and Arctic glaciers. It’s a haven for wildlife, including seals and a variety of migratory birds.

For the best chances of visiting?Prins Karls foreland, we recommend any of our?Svalbard Cruises.

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