EXPEDITION TO THREE ARCTIC ISLANDS PDF

Dramatic landscapes, extreme isolation and unique wildlife. Embark on an adventure to the three largest islands in the Arctic - Spitsbergen, Greenland and Iceland. Prepare for a meeting with the elements of the Arctic wilderness, as we take you closer to the raw and untouched nature than anyone else with our expedition ship, MS Fram.

Embark on an exclusive expedition to Greenland, Spitsbergen and Iceland

Discover the largest National Park in the world with opportunities to see polar bears, musk oxen, polar hares, Greenland Falcon and polar wolves

Witness untouched landscape, deep fjords and high mountains

Take the opportunity to see the Northern Lights, a magical winter phenomenom

  • Dates24 Aug 2017
  • Duration14 Days
  • Starting From € 9 302.00
  • Ship NameMS Fram
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VOYAGE HIGHLIGHTS

This expedition takes you to the biggest islands in the Arctic, Spitsbergen, Greenland and Iceland. This is an adventure that cannot be compared to anything else in this hemisphere.

See the Arctic Crown of Norway - Spitsbergen

After a short stop in Longyearbyen, the expedition starts by taking you through the magnificent North West Spitsbergen National Park. The area is characterised by big inland glaciers and a typical alpine landscape, and is filled with spectacular contrasts from lush areas to naked moraines, rocky ridges and glaciers diving into the sea. Kongsfjorden and Magdalenefjorden impress with their dramatic landscapes and interesting history. At 78º 55' N you visit Ny Ålesund, one of the world’s northernmost year-round communities and an advanced High Arctic research station.

Sailing for days without seeing other people or vessels

As we start sailing along the coast of Greenland, you will start to realise that we are quite alone in this remote corner of the world. Once in the fjords of North East Greenland your sense of distance, size and shape of landscapes will be challenged. These are the largest fjords in the world and the surrounding alpine landscape, with hanging glaciers and dramatic vertical granite walls, reaches as far as the eye can see. The chances of meeting a polar wolf or a polar bear are far greater than meeting representatives of our own species.

The mythical Saga Iceland

From the Westfjords of Iceland we spend three days exploring untouched nature with cliffs and valleys, high waterfalls and pure streams. This includes seeing famous places like Grundarfjörður, Flateyri and �safjörður, before ending this extraordinary arctic voyage in Reykjavik.


Departs From
Oslo, Norway

Day 1

The Journey begins

Location: Oslo/Longyearbyen

Norway's capital Oslo is often referred to as "the blue, the green and the city in between". Forest, lakes, hills and a fjord surrounds this city. Downtown you will find a very varied architecture, a strong cafe and bar culture, top-notch restaurants, endless shopping possibilities, and a large and visible immigrant community who add their own colourful touch to the city. You leave Oslo in the evening, heading for the High Arctic - Spitsbergen.

Explore

Location: Longyearbyen

The Svalbard Islands are located in the Arctic Ocean, halfway between Norway and the North Pole. In the midst of a mighty and wild nature you find the Norwegian settlement of Longyearbyen. After an overnight stay in one of our hotels you can join a sightseeing tour of Longyearbyen before embarking the MS Fram.

Day 2

Day 3

Explore

Location: North West Spitsbergen National Park

The first national park we visit covers the northwest corner of Spitsbergen. The area is characterised by big inland glaciers and a typical alpine landscape contrasted by green areas and moraines. We continue into Kongsfjord and Magdalenefjord, offering spectacular scenery and interesting history. At 78º 55’ N we visit Ny-Ålesund, the starting point for numerous expeditions towards the North Pole in the old days. Today it is home to an advanced High Arctic research station.

Explore

Location:Fram Strait

After exploring the Spitsbergen shore our course is set for the isolated coast of North East Greenland. We approach Greenland by crossing the fittingly named Fram Strait that divides Spitsbergen and North East Greenland. The area is aptly named so because this is where the original Fram of Nansen came into open seas after having been beset in the Arctic Ocean from 1893 to 1896. During the crossing, we will begin our lecture series on popular topics and enjoy sights of wildlife from deck.

Day 4

Day 5-11

Explore

Location: North East Greenland National Park

As we arrive in the largest national park in the world, you will start dwelling upon the thought that we are quite alone in a far corner of the globe. Apart from some abandoned trapping stations, a weather station and the traditional Sirius sled patrol there are absolutely no signs of humans here.

Within the borders of North East Greenland National Park there are only about 30 souls that overwinter. In the very short summer season, when the waters around are not frozen, 500 expedition cruise guests visit the park.

Once inside the fjords of North East Greenland your sense of distance, size and shape of landscapes will be challenged. These are the largest fjords in the world and the alpine landscape around, with hanging glaciers and vertical granite faces reaches as far as the eye can see.

As well as terrestrial wildlife like musk oxen, arctic fox, hare and wolf, we may see a variety of sea birds. And remember, where there is ice there might be polar bears!

The very isolated weather and research station, Danmarkshavn is one of the places we visit en route. Sailing into fjords like Kaiser Franz Josef Fjord or Alpefjord will give you an experience of a lifetime. The majority of our landings are performed as pure wilderness expeditions.

We might meet the Sirius Patrol (The Danish Navy) that supervises the park using traditional methods, mushing dogs. Before the Danes acquired sovereignty of this area, the Norwegians claimed it. A natural place to attempt a landing is Myggbukta (Mosquito bay), where the legendary Governor of North East Greenland had his base.

During this expedition you will have ample amount of time to get the feeling of being in one of the most isolated places on earth. Still you will feel totally safe aboard one of the most fitting expedition vessels. Our expert guides and lecturers will safely guide you on hikes and small boat trips in addition to briefings and lectures about the places we go.

Explore

Location: Ittoqqortoormiit (Scoresbysund)

Ittoqqortoormiit or Scoresbysund is our last call in North East Greenland. This is the most isolated town in Greenland. The trappers living in this town are the only ones that are allowed to hunt within the North East Greenland National Park and you will probably observe that outside their houses they are drying animal skins and are storing their dog-sleds.

Spend your time visiting the museum, church, photo exhibition and even a launch of a weather balloon, all with local guides. You are also welcome to walk around on your own, and see the places of interest.

Day 12

Day 13

Explore

Location: The Westfjords of Iceland

We set course towards the Westfjords of Iceland. The area has a feel of untouched nature with cliffs and valleys, high waterfalls and crystal-clear streams. Grundarfjörður is located at the Snæfellsnes peninsula, often called “Iceland in a nutshell�. Enjoy the sights of lava and rock formations, glaciers, volcanic activity, hot and cold springs as well as an abundance of bird life and picturesque landscapes.

Flateyri has been a trading post since 1792 and was a base for shark hunting and whaling operations in the 1900s. Today Flateyri is dependent on tourism. There is a nice sandy beach on the other side of the fjord, and although the sea might be colder for bathing than most people prefer, the sand is great for building sand castles. We will offer optional excursions to explore the area.

�safjörður is the capital of the Westfjords region. Take a stroll around this cosy town and enjoy its diverse architecture. You'll find the country's oldest dwelling here, along with fine examples of timber houses built by wealthy foreign traders in the 18th century. Our optional excursions offer a variety of experiences from hikes to tastings of local food.

Journey Home

Location: Reykjavik

Iceland's capital offers a lot to tempt the curiosity of its visitors. Relatively close to Reykjavik you find glaciers, waterfalls, geysers and mountains. Reykjavik has also a vast selection of restaurants, museums and shops. We will arrive in the morning hours, and here our voyage ends.

Day 14

Location
Reykjavik, Iceland

Pricing Info

Price includes
  • Hurtigruten Expedition voyage in Cabin grade of your choice on Full Board basis
  • Longyearbyen – Reykjavik
  • Economy flight between Oslo and Longyearbyen
  • One hotel night in Longyearbyen before the voyage including breakfast and lunch
  • Transfer from hotel to ship in Longyearbyen
Price does not include
  • International flights
  • Travel insurance
  • Luggage Handling
  • Optional excursions and gratueties
Note
  • Prices are in EUR (€) per person
  • All planned landings are subject to weather and ice conditions
  • All itineraries are subject to change
  • Medical questionnaire mandatory
  • Rubber boots rental service on board

Please note

Hurtigruten has a flexible pricing system and all prices are capacity controlled and subject to availability. Prices may change at any time before departure date. The applicable price will be quoted at the time of booking. Prices are in Euro per person.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

  • Departure date: 24. August 2017
  • Vessel: MS Fram
  • Sailing distance: Appx 2100 nautical miles (3890 kilometres)

USEFUL INFORMATION

Spitsbergen, Greenland and Iceland Explorer voyage day-by-day, 24. August 2017

Day 1: Oslo/Longyearbyen

Day 2: Longyearbyen

Day 3: North West Spitsbergen National Park

Day 4: Fram Strait

Day 5 - 11: North East Greenland National Park

Day 12: Ittoqqortoormiit (Scoresbysund)

Day 13: The Westfjords of Iceland

Day 16: Reykjavik

Expect the unexpected

Planned landings will depend on weather and ice conditions. We reserve the right to change the scheduled program and itinerary.

Some activities and excursion trips will only be sold on board. Rubber boots are available to rent on board. We recommend purchasing travel insurance.

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What to bring

  • Wind and water resistant trousers
  • Shoes with a good grip sole
  • Warm cap or headband
  • Gloves/mittens
  • Scarf
  • Thermal underwear
  • Warm sweaters/jacket
  • Warm socks
  • Swimsuit
  • Sunscreen/sunglasses
  • Small backpack
EXPEDITION TEAM AND LECTURES

This Greenland cruise/explorer voyage is created to introduce you to a variety of what Greenland has to offer; from nature stops via small villages to the larger towns. We can ensure you will have plenty of opportunities to meet the locals and see how they live.

You may hike or walk in the settlements and surroundings, take a coffee at the local café, visit a museum to learn more about the Inuit culture or simply watch the local hunters return with their catch. Simply observe, participate and take in the spirit of what Greenland is all about. As well as seeing fjords, hundreds of large, colourful icebergs and sledge dogs on summer leave, will may also see flocks of seabirds, whales, musk oxen and arctic foxes.

Our lecturers will share their knowledge with you, and possibly your will share your pictures and thoughts with your fellow travellers during the long bright nights up on deck or in the observation lounge.

What language do they speak in Greenland ?

Greenland is bilingual where Greenlandic is the main language and Danish the second.

What is the population in Greenland ?

The population of Greenland is approx 57,000 with almost 15,000 inhabitants living in the capital Nuuk. The second largest city is Sisimiut (approx 5,000) followed by Ilulissat and Qaqortoq, all situated on the west coast. There are 18 towns and 120 villages in which the rest of the population live. Greenlandic settlements have between 50 – 500 inhabitants.

What is appropriate when interacting with locals ?

Please respect the locals by asking them before taking their photographs. Some do not like to have their photo taken. Please do not give candy, gifts or money to the local children unless permission is given by their parents.

How should we treat the environment we're in ?

It is prohibited to pick Arctic flowers as the environment is very vulnerable and the flowering season very short. Please be aware of where you step and remember to follow the paths. It is strictly prohibited to walk into cultural/historical remains. Please follow the instructions of the guide/expedition team. Hurtigruten, as a full member, adheres to the AECO (Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators) guidelines

What currency should I bring?

The currency on shore is Danish kroner (DKK). Foreign currencies may be exchanged into local currency at banks but few banks are to be found during our voyages, so it is advisable to bring cash to Greenland in DKK for use ashore. Credit cards are accepted in some places, but not international bank cards. Please note that there is no money exchange service on board

Can we purchase Souveniers on shore ?

Please do not purchase anything at the small settlement stores unless very urgently needed goods as these remote areas are not stocked up regularly – some only once or twice a year so the local people depend on these goods. The Home Rule Government of Greenland has made an authenticity stamp guaranteeing that a product is made in Greenland and thus original Greenlandic art. The logo is used in shops offering genuine Greenlandic arts and crafts. According to the Washington convention (CITES), which is a global agreement on the registration trade and transportation of endangered species of wild fauna and flora, a CITES export permit may be required. Please ask for the permit when you buy the item as they are not issued on board or obtainable at a later date.

What weather should I expect ?

The average temperature in summer is between 5 to 10 Celsius. It varies between sun, fog and low clouds. There is usually little rain. Time Difference Greenland: GMT - 4 hours / Iceland GMT - 2 hours.

Is this voyage appropriate for wheel chair users ?

In ports where tidal conditions or other circumstances require use of a portable gangway, or during landings with Polarcirkel Boats, there is no possibility to use/take wheelchairs. This means that in order to travel with MS Fram in Greenland, you need to get in and out of the Polarcirkel boat in order to participate in the voyage.

What happens in case of a medical emergency?

In case of a medical emergency in Greenland, the only means of evacuation is by airplane/helicopter to the nearest town with a hospital and if they are not able to handle the situation, the patient is sent to Nuuk. This is very expensive and dependent on favourable weather conditions. Therefore, comprehensive travel/health insurance is strongly recommended. Please note that there is a limited number of hospitals in Greenland – only the larger towns have a hospital and the settlements might only have a nurse. It is not possible to have regular visits to the hospital – only for emergencies, as there is a lack of doctors in Greenland.

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