Western Svalbard - option I: Hinlopen Strait, Austfonna, option II: Hornsund - Barents Sea - Bear Island (Bjornøya)
The route execution depends on meteorological conditions. The most important factor is a 3–5 day weather window that allows safe passage across the Barents Sea.
The planned standard sailing itinerary is as follows:
On Day 2 we depart Longyearbyen and sail westward through the waters of Isfjorden. We plan to visit one of the northern fjords (e.g., Ymerbukta) and approach the glacier front.
After assessing the meteorological situation, we execute one of two route options:
Option I
We head north toward Smeerenburgfjorden and Moffen, then pass through the Hinlopen Strait to explore Nordaustlandet and the Austfonna glacier. From there, we continue toward the southern tip of Svalbard—Sørkapp—and then onward south. We sail past Bear Island before reaching Tromsø.
Option II
We sail south along the western coast of Spitsbergen. Depending on weather, we may visit Bellsund, home to an impactful Arctic beluga whale cemetery. Nearby lies Recherchefjorden and the Recherchebreen glacier, which we aim to reach overland.
As we sail onward, we pass by the Polish Polar Station in Hornsund, located at Isbjørnhamna on the southern shore of Hornsund Fjord in southern Spitsbergen. If weather conditions permit, we pay a visit to the Polish scientists working there.
After this optional stop, we continue southbound, rounding the southern tip of Svalbard—Sørkapp—on our port (left) side, thus bidding farewell to the Arctic archipelago.
We then have approximately 125 nautical miles ahead to Bear Island (Bjørnøya). Due to its status as a bird sanctuary, the island is rarely visited.
Nonetheless, we plan to approach the island in order to explore its western coast, which is characterized by tall, dramatic cliffs and striking rock formations, including the notable Sylen rock.
We face another part of sailing across the Barents Sea, with approximately 240 to 300 nautical miles remaining until we reach the Norwegian coast—depending on which landing point on the continent offers the most favorable weather.
We hope to arrive at Sommarøy, regarded as one of Norway’s most beautiful islands. After the rigors of sailing, it offers a perfect place to relax: unwind, take a sauna at the Sommarøy Arctic Hotel, and enjoy the serene atmosphere of this charming destination.
It has become something of a tradition: Northern lights often greet us when we return from Svalbard. In September Aurora Borealis frequently adorns the night skies in this region. Perhaps this time will be no different.
We sail onward towards Tromsø, where our voyage finishes.
Route options:
For an optimal itinerary, it’s preferable that from the outset we have favorable weather conditions—such that we can sail around Spitsbergen, cross the Barents Sea, and potentially visit Hornsund and Bear Island. Otherwise, a delay in departing from Svalbard could impact the ability to complete later parts of the route.
If early weather conditions are unfavorable, the first part of the voyage will be dedicated to exploring Spitsbergen (Isfjorden). Then, in the second phase, we’ll undertake a swift passage to Tromsø, and some of the originally planned stops along the route may be omitted.
