Sailing Expeditions to the Arctic

These extraordinary sailing voyages allow you to see the Northern Lights, marvel at majestic glaciers and experience the rich diversity of Arctic wildlife, including foxes, birds, seals, reindeer, polar bears and walruses.

During this adventure trip, you will have the unique opportunity to observe the fascinating inhabitants of the North Pole region, including a colourful variety of Arctic birds, such as the graceful crabeater. Immerse yourself in the magic of the Arctic as the midnight sun reaches its highest point on the northern horizon in Spitsbergen, celebrating the summer solstice.

The vast and hilly tundra landscapes serve not only as grazing grounds for majestic reindeer, but also as breeding grounds for various species of birds. At the sparkling lakes you can observe them in their natural habitat. The stunning Monaco Glacier and its impressive break-off edge attract thousands of gulls that forage in the icy waters in front of the edge. This makes it an ideal hunting ground for majestic polar bears.

Discover large colonies of seabirds and tranquil resting places for seals while cross-country skiing, adding to the overall picture of this fascinating expedition to the Arctic. The picturesque tundra invites you to take relaxing walks that reveal the beauty and diversity of the Arctic in all its glory.

The Ski and Sail program aboard the SV Rembrandt van Rijn is tailored for skilled ski mountaineers who have mastered the necessary skiing techniques for both ascending and descending challenging, snow-covered alpine terrain. A typical day entails ascending on skis to mountain peaks with elevations ranging from 700 to 850 meters, followed by exhilarating descents from these high points. It's not uncommon to achieve a cumulative altitude gain of over 1,000 meters in a single day.

The exact route cannot be predetermined due to various variables like ever-changing weather conditions, wildlife encounters, and the risk of avalanches. While potential routes include areas in Kongsfjorden, Isfjord, and Prins-Karls-Forland, these serve as general references, and the ultimate daily route decisions rest with the expedition leader. Adaptability is crucial for this type of adventure, and participants should be prepared to bring their own ski mountaineering equipment.