Fram, 13 Night Circumnavigating Svalbard – The Ultimate Expedition ex Oslo, Norway Return

Day 1 – Arrive in Longyearbyen
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From Oslo to the town at the top of the world After a flight from Oslo, your adventure begins with an overnight stay in the world’s northernmost town, Longyearbyen. A colourful frontier settlement where people are outnumbered by snowmobiles, Longyearbyen is a unique place on the edge of the Arctic wilderness. If you have time, head out to explore this special town, before enjoying a relaxing evening at your leisure. If you’d like to spend two extra days exploring Longyearbyen and its surroundings before your voyage, see this voyage option. It includes the same sailing itinerary but with additional Arctic land adventures.

Day 2 – Longyearbyen adventures
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Explore this colourful frontier town After breakfast it’s time to experience Longyearbyen. The former coal mining settlement is small enough to explore on foot. Stroll down the main street lined with boutique shops, an art gallery, and restaurants. You might even see a Svalbard reindeer saunter by. Before boarding your ship in the afternoon and continuing your Arctic discovery, join an included excursion and get a deeper look at this isolated and remote region at the top of the world.

Day 3 – Peaceful Ny-Ålesund
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Experience science, serenity, and epic scenery Today you’ll discover the serenity of Ny-Ålesund and neighbouring fjords such as Krossfjord and Kongsfjord. Disconnect and enjoy a day without distractions as the Norwegian Mapping Authority’s nearby geodetic station means we must switch off Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. One of the northernmost settlements and a former mining town, Ny-Ålesund was the starting point for Roald Amundsen’s expeditions north with the airship ‘Norge’. Now a hub for global science and climate research, you can still see remnants of the town’s history. You’ll be immersed in rugged, glacial scenery as we explore the fjords around Ny-Ålesund. Be ready for adventure; we’ll seize any opportunity to launch our small expedition boats, go ashore to hike or cruise by majestic glaciers.

Day 4-5 – Northwest Spitsbergen National Park
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Experience pristine Arctic wilderness Over the next two days, we’ll explore the natural beauty and rugged tundra of this breathtaking national park where steep mountains, glaciers, and beautiful offshore islands form a unique Arctic landscape. We’ll scout for animals of the Arctic – whales, seals, walruses and reindeer. If we’re really lucky, we might even see the elusive polar bear from the observation deck of the ship. Be ready for adventure; we’ll seize any opportunity to launch our kayaks or use our small expedition boats and go ashore to hike or participate in a beach clean up.

Day 6-7 – Ice edge attempt
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Experience the opportunity of sailing to the edge of the polar ice cap If conditions allow, we’ll sail north and cross the 80th parallel to explore the ever-changing ice edge. The transition zone between the ice cap and the sea is a magical yet ephemeral place where the waters are filled with ice floes and drifting pack ice. From the ship, there are great opportunities for spotting wildlife, such as seals and walruses who lounge on the sparkling ice. And if the conditions are right, we’ll lower our expedition boats into the water and enjoy an unforgettable close-up experience amid the floating ice. The ice edge isn’t a fixed boundary, and it moves depending on the season and conditions, so visiting it will be an attempt rather than a certainty. From May to August, as summer progresses, it retreats further towards the pole, meaning it may be out of reach for us. If so, we’ll explore the no-less-impressive fjords, glaciers and incredible scenery of the Svalbard coast. Wildflowers start blooming in July and into August, blanketing the landscape with a blaze of beauty and colour.

Day 8-11 – Exploring the east
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Scouting for polar bears, seabirds and walruses Be ready for anything as this stage of your voyage continues to be truly adventurous. If sea ice permits, we’ll continue east, exploring the pristine wilderness of northeast Svalbard before heading south in our attempt to fully circumnavigate the archipelago. Perhaps we’ll head to the immense Bråsvellbreen glacier to see waterfalls tumbling into the icy depths, or lower our small boats around Kvitøy. Every day in the east will be a new opportunity to look for polar bears roaming the ice. Continuing south, we may head to Freemansundet and Kapp Lee or take our small expedition boats to Edgeøya or Barentsøya. In true expedition style, exactly where we’ll go will depend on the conditions on the day. Channel your inner explorer on exhilarating landings, hikes and kayak trips, and look out for wildlife. And if the ice doesn’t allow us to pass to the east, you’ll experience just as much adventure: we’ll delve deeper into the wonders of western Svalbard or attempt to circumnavigate Spitsbergen through the Hinlopen Strait. We’ll take a flexible route through deep fjords and by soaring mountains, seeking out remarkable Arctic wildlife.

Day 12-13 – Hornsund and Bellsund
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Majestic glaciers, birds and pioneer history Your expedition cruise continues south towards Hornsund – one of Svalbard’s most beautiful fjords. Colourful vegetation makes way for towering mountains along this picturesque waterway. The cliffs here are home to large colonies of auks, guillemots and Northern Fulmars along with Arctic foxes and Svalbard reindeer below. Head out on deck to spot seals and whales, Mount Hornsundtind, and glaciers reaching into the sea, and learn about Wanny Woldstad, the first female trapper to hunt in Svalbard. Then we head to admire the classic beauty of the snowcapped mountains of Bellsund – a historic area where you can see the evidence of former whaling and mining activity on the shoreline. Our activities today will be determined by the ever-changing weather conditions of Hornsund and Bellsund. Your Expedition Team will decide on the best possibilities for exploring on the day.

Day 14 – Return to Longyearbyen
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A last day at the top of the world Your Arctic adventure ends in Longyearbyen, where you’ll catch your flight back to Oslo. You’ll return home knowing more about Arctic animals, history, polar ice and climate change than you arrived with – and memories of an incredible experience. If you’re not ready to say goodbye just yet, why not spend some more time in the Arctic and join our optional Post-Programme.

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The original Fram was the most famous explorer ship of its time, and the achievements of her expeditions are unparalleled. MS Fram brings on the heritage of the original Fram, using the most advanced technology to make her exceptionally well suited for expedition voyages in Polar Regions.

Fram means ‘forward’ – lifting expectations of the voyage at hand. MS Fram was built in 2007 with one mission in mind – to bring her guests closer to nature, wildlife and unforgettable experiences. The spacious outside decks include access to the very front of the ship – a great place to observe marine wildlife.

After a decade of exploring some of the most spectacular waters on our planet, Hurtigruten’s MS Fram will receive a total makeover – and reemerge as a brand-new expedition ship.

Leading up the 2020 season, MS Fram will be completely upgraded with new suites, new cabins, more environmentally friendly engines and a total makeover of all public areas – including new restaurants and Hurtigruten’s signature, high-tech Science Center.

HX Expeditions is a leading global expedition cruise line offering immersive journeys to the planet’s most remote and extraordinary destinations. From the icy wilderness of Antarctica and the Arctic to the unique ecosystems of the Galápagos and Alaska, HX delivers authentic small-ship experiences designed for curious travelers seeking adventure, discovery, and meaningful connections with nature.

Operating a modern fleet of purpose-built, sustainable vessels, HX puts environmental responsibility at the heart of every expedition. Guests explore fragile ecosystems with expert-led guidance from naturalists, scientists, and local specialists, ensuring journeys are both educational and transformative.

With an emphasis on small groups and personalized service, HX provides access to hidden places unreachable by larger ships, delivering comfort, authenticity, and unforgettable wildlife encounters. Whether witnessing the Northern Lights or exploring pristine shores, HX Expeditions invites travelers to experience the world’s wildest corners in a responsible and impactful way.

Select the Deck to view detail.

Select the Cabin to view detail.

F2 - Arctic Superior

Enjoy these comfortable cabins, situated on middle and upper decks, suitable for up to two people. These cabins have double beds, a seating area, TV and private bathroom/shower. Some have limited view.

I4 - Polar Inside

Relax in these comfortable, standard inside cabins with separate beds where one can be turned into a sofa. This cabin can fit up to four people.

V N2 - Polar Outside

Enjoy these standard outside cabins with separate beds found on middle decks. This cabin can fit two people.

N4 - Polar Outside

Enjoy these standard outside cabins with separate beds found on middle decks, with space for up to four people.

V N4 - Polar Outside

Enjoy these standard outside cabins with separate beds found on middle decks, with space for up to four people.

FJ - Polar Outside

Enjoy these comfortable cabins with double beds situated on upper decks with limited view.

V FJ - Polar Outside

Enjoy these comfortable cabins with double beds situated on upper decks with limited view.

V U2 - Arctic Superior

Enjoy these comfortable outside cabins, situated on top/upper decks. These cabins have separate beds where one doubles as a sofa.

V F2 - Arctic Superior

Enjoy these comfortable cabins, situated on middle and upper decks, suitable for up to two people. These cabins have double beds, a seating area, TV and private bathroom/shower. Some have limited view.

V MG - Expedition Suite

Enjoy these exclusive suites with one room, seating area, TV, kettle, tea/coffee, stereo and mini-bar. Some of them also have bathtub. Most of these suites have a private balcony or bay window.

Q2 - Expedition Suite

These elegant suites are situated on upper deck with seating area, TV and mini-bar. The first minibar setup is included for each item, each replenishment is chargeable.

V Q2 - Expedition Suite

These elegant suites are situated on upper deck with seating area, TV and mini-bar. The first minibar setup is included for each item, each replenishment is chargeable.

F4 - Outside cabin

These upper-deck cabins also feature:? Sofa bedRefrigerator Bathrobes and slippers are available on request

Upper deck cabin
Window (some with limited view)
Refrigerator
Double bed
Sofa bed
Bathrobes and slippers are available on request
Guests: up to 4 | Size: 22-23 m2
Cabin Code: F4

Q4 - Mini Suite

These exclusive suites on the upper decks also feature:? Seating area Sofa bedBathrobes and slippers are available on request

Upper-deck suite
Window
Seating area
Double bed
Sofa bed
Bathrobes and slippers are available on request
Guests: up to 4 | Size: 15-20 m2
Cabin Code: Q4

MG - Expedition Suite

Enjoy these exclusive suites with one room, seating area, TV, kettle, tea/coffee, stereo and mini-bar. Some of them also have bathtub. Most of these suites have a private balcony or bay window.

M2 - Suite

Our Expeditions Suites are the most exquisite cabins on the ship. Situated on upper deck, you can enjoy the most comfortable suites on board. Inside you will find seating areas with TV, bathrooms with shower/wc and most of them have double beds. All of the suites offer cabin kits, which contains bathrobe, slippers and other beauty articles. Some of the suites do have more facilities than others.

Suite
These elegant suites are situated on upper deck with one or two rooms, seating area, TV and mini-bar.

U2 - Arctic Superior

Enjoy these comfortable outside cabins, situated on top/upper decks. These cabins have separate beds where one doubles as a sofa.

N2 - Polar Outside

Enjoy these standard outside cabins with separate beds found on middle decks. This cabin can fit two people.

I2 - Polar Inside

Relax in these comfortable, standard inside cabins on middle or upper deck with separate beds where one can be turned into a sofa.