The Norwegian fjords, Bear Island & Svalbard | M/S Stockholm | IExpedition

The Norwegian fjords, Bear Island & Svalbard 2025

  • Overview

    Embark on an enchanting journey on board the classic 12-passenger ship M/S Stockholm, exploring some of Norway's most captivating and scenic locations. Our voyage along the Norwegian coast includes the majestic Storfjord, the enchanting town of Ålesund, and the idyllic Nusfjord, a UNESCO World Heritage treasure.

    We venture onward to the secluded Bear Island, a haven for a myriad of seabirds in the heart of the Barents Sea. The pinnacle of our expedition is one of the world’s most magnificent wildernesses: Svalbard. Early in the season, Svalbard is a realm of serene pastel skies and pristine winter landscapes. Here we keep our eyes peeled for polar bears, walruses, and other iconic wildlife, while immersing ourselves in the breathtaking nature that surrounds us - ice formations and snow-capped mountains, glittering glaciers, and fjord ice.

    Expedition Highlights

    • The ultimate Norway adventure

    • The dramatic Lofoten Islands

    • Magnificent fjords

    • Picturesque fishing villages

    • The realm of the polar bear – Svalbard

    • The remote Bear Island

    • Small ship - only 12 passengers

    Duration: 17 days
    Passengers: 12 passengers
    Embarkation Point: Bergen
    Disembarkation Point: Longyearbyen
    Physical rating: Soft Adventure
    Fly/Cruise: Cruise only
    Single Supplement: 2.0x twin rate or share options
  • Itinerary
    • Day 1 - Bergen

      The great journey begins in the city of Bergen, beautifully surrounded by high mountains and deep fjords. We stay the night at a centrally located hotel.

    • Day 2/9 - Northern Norway

      We embark the beautiful M/S Stockholm and head towards the beautiful passage of Alversund. During our adventure along the Norwegian coast we hope to visit some of the following places:

      Ålesund
      Upon reaching Ålesund we explore this small town, built in a true Art Nouveau style, enjoying its delightfully decorated facades, towers and pinnacles.

      Geirangerfjorden
      We get to know the majestic Storfjorden and pay a visit to the UNESCO-protected Geirangerfjorden, which is characterised by deep blue water and lush mountain plains with beautiful waterfalls.

      Grip
      This deserted fishing village is now popular with summer guests. Its original and colourful wooden buildings are well preserved. We visit the beautiful church and we also pass by the small and very dramatically situated lighthouse.

      Torghatten
      On our way north we sail past famous natural attractions like the mountain peaks known as the Seven Sisters, followed by Torghatten – a rock with a big hole, that the ice sheet once created, or according to the legend; the hole a giant created in despair from a broken heart.

      Kerringøy
      Kjerringøy is a real gem on the Norwegian coast. Here we encounter a diverse landscape of mountains, white sandy beaches and small farming communities, but the island is most famous for its old trading post. This is a unique heritage consisting of 15 well-preserved houses, which gives the visitor a great insight into what it was like to live in this northern trading town in the 1800s.

      Reine
      We hope to visit the picturesque fishing village of Reine. This charming village, with characteristic wooden houses overlook Kirkefjord with high mountain tops in the background. It is not difficult to see why it was once voted Norway’s most beautiful place.

      Nusfjord
      Nusfjord is a well-preserved and authentic fishing community with focus on cod fishing. The village is part of UNESCO’s World Heritage list of unique wooden houses with a charming old fashioned shop well worth a visit. We sail further along what is known as the Lofoten wall. In the evening we enter magical Trollfjorden and later set course towards Tromsø.

      Tromsø
      In Tromsø we visit the prestigious Polar Museum and learn more about the first polar explorers, who went north to seek fame and fortune. The city is known as Paris of the North, which derives from its vast cultural offerings.

    • Day 10 - At sea

      We set sail towards the remote Bear Island, situated in the middle of the Barents Sea. (The exact day of the crossing can change and is depending on the weather.)

    • Day 11/16 - Bear Island & Svalbard

      On the 400-meter high cliffs of Bear Island, hundreds of thousands of seabirds are nesting – puffins, guillemots, razorbills and kittiwakes among others. If wind and weather allows, we aim to do a spectacular Zodiac cruise along the impressive bird cliffs and set foot on this rarely visited island.

      We then continue our journey and sail over night. Our next destination is Svalbard – one of the world’s most magnificent wildernesses. It is spring in the Arctic and it is a powerfulexperience to witness the archipelago spring to life. We enjoy the stunning nature that surrounds us – sparkling ice formations, snow covered mountains and glistering glaciers. We start by exploring parts of Storfjorden and constantly keeping our eyes peeled for the Arctic wildlife. How far in we reach depends on the drift ice that often accumulates here this time of year. We continue towards majestic Hornsund, consisting of several fjords, which glaciers calve out shimmering blue icebergs. It is also a favourite haunt for polar bears. In Bellsund we hope to reach Vårsolbukta, where the little auks nest in tens of thousands.

    • Day 17 - Longyearbyen

      We disembark in Longyearbyen and begin our journey home.

    Please consider that our voyages are expeditionary in nature. This means, that there are no concrete itineraries, your captain and expedition leader will utilise their vast experience to chart the best course for your expedition depending on the climatic and environmental conditions. Mentioned highlights and wildlife cannot be guaranteed.

  • Adventure Activities
  • Inclusions
    Inclusions / Exclusions

    Included in your Expedition

    - The trip is climate compensated
    - All beverages
    - 1 hotel night in Bergen
    - Comprehensive information material before the expedition
    - All excursions and activities
    - Guiding ashore and talks on board
    - All meals on board

    Not included in your Expedition

    - Flights to Bergen and from Longyearbyen
    - Gratuity to the ship’s crew
    - Travel and cancellation insurance
  • Map
    Screenshot 2024 01 22 at 14.59.19
  • Gallery
  • Vessel

    The M/S Stockholm is a classic ship built in 1953 for the Swedish National Maritime Administration. In 1998 she was totally refitted and started her career as a comfortable polar passenger ship. 

    M/S Stockholm is a marvellous piece of maritime history with beautiful brass details and wooden decks. It is no wonder she is loved by so many! After 20 years of navigating the waters in Svalbard she has the experience and track record of being able to access difficult to reach sites that are inaccessible to other ships.

    On board you will enjoy delicious meals in the company of likeminded travellers, who are all fascinated by the Arctic nature, wildlife and history. With such a small party on board, this is like travelling on a private yacht. 

    A trip on board M/S Stockholm in these northern waters, with its unique wildlife and pristine nature, is an experience of a lifetime! 

    Features & Facilities
    Key Facts
    Luxury star rating:
    Guests #: 12
    Crew #:
    Ice Class:
    Speed: 10
    Refurbished:
    Technical Specs
    Year built:
    Length: 40m
    Width: 8
    Draft:
    Tonnage: 361
    Registry:
    Elec Outlets:
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Ready to book your expedition?

We understand that the trip of a lifetime takes planning, so we make the financial commitments easy to manage.

  • Confirm your booking today with just USD$ 1,000 per passenger.
  • Pay your 25% deposit 5 day later.
  • Final payment due 120 days prior to departure.

Twin cabin

17 Apr 2025 - 03 May 2025
Bunk bed, Shower/WC
USD$ 9,890pp
USD$ 9,890pp

Twin cabin for single use

17 Apr 2025 - 03 May 2025
Bunk bed, Shower/WC
USD$ 18,790pp
USD$ 18,790pp