7th June – Arrive LONGYEARBYEN and ‘Test the Waters’! Arrive late this morning from mainland Norway / Oslo (pre-hotel and flight details available on request) to the high Arctic archipelago of Svalbard and its capital, the former coal mining settlement of Longyearbyen. On arrival, we transfer to our home, Funken Lodge, for the next four nights. Funken Lodge is a boutique hotel that offers that little extra comfort and luxury to your stay. The elegant yet relaxed atmosphere creates the perfect base to unwind in after an eventful day outdoors. This afternoon, we transfer to a nearby beach area. Here we have the opportunity to make some shorter swims from shore to acclimatise and prepare for tomorrow’s main swim events - return to our hotel for dinner and to prepare for tomorrow’s swim. (D.) 8th June – Longyearbyen’s ‘ICE FJORD’ – MAIN SWIM DAY & Awards dinner evening After a hearty breakfast, our guides will pick us up and transfer us to the harbour, where we will embark on our two 12-passenger sightseeing boats for the day. We head out into Isfjorden and across the fjord to a small island in front of the Borebukta glacier or Svea Glacier, which provide both a sheltered area and a majestic backdrop for our swim—it is an incredibly scenic location for photography! The environment around and above the glacier is diverse and beautiful. Delicate flora struggles against the wind on the peninsula next to the glacier. Birds are all around, chirping and feeding. Look out for wildlife such as walruses or seals. Further, if we are lucky, we get to see the glacier calving. The surroundings of the Glacier are the site for our Arctic ICE KM Swims. We will base ourselves on an island close to the glacier. Restricted to experienced Ice-swimmers, our event will test the resolve and endurance of courageous participants - and will certainly be a thrilling spectator event for all! The swim course will be marked and recognised according to International Ice Swimming Association (IISA) ICE KM Swim rules. Each swimmer will be accompanied by a follow boat with expedition and medical staff and filmed and timed by expert IISA officials and doctor. Spectators will be able to observe from the boats or from ashore. On the shoreline, we will have a heated tent and sauna ready, as well as a bonfire, lunch, snacks and hot drinks. Guides will be present for polar bear protection. With spare time we may be able to undertake some light trekking in the area before heading back to our boats for the journey back to Longyearbyen. Tonight, we celebrate our adventures over a special dinner with private room. During the evening, we will host a special Awards Ceremony for our brave swimmers and the opportunity to review the day with images and video. (B.L.D.) 9th June – KAYAKING ADVENTURES ON ADVENT FJORD This morning is at leisure to recover from the big day yesterday. If you have time and energy perhaps visit the local and interesting Svalbard Museum. Adventfjorden is one of Svalbard's most historic fjords, with Longyearbyen on the south side and majestic mountains in all directions. This afternoon we have some special excursions by kayak to give us a completely different nature experience from a water-level perspective! We transfer from the hotel and drive to a kayak storage close to the sea. Here you will get your personal kayak equipment and continue down to the beach, where you will be given kayaking instructions and a safety briefing. We leave the beach and Longyearbyen behind and paddle out into the fjord with the magnificent Hiortfjellet (the "Hiorth Mountain") in front of us. Along the way, we will take several breaks, and you will learn about the history of mining in Longyearbyen and Hiorthamn on the other side of the fjord. Maybe you will spot some birds or seals in the water, as you slowly paddle past them. When sitting in a kayak, you have a wonderful and unique perspective, as you sit so close to the surface of the water. The guide will tell many interesting stories about the various landmarks we see. This evening is at leisure for dinner at one of Longyearbyen’s local restaurants and the opportunity to perhaps enjoy the local floating sauna ‘Svalbad’ in the dock area. (B.) 10th June – HIKING EXCURSION After a hearty breakfast, we commence a guided hike with an ascent to the top of Blomsterdalshøgda, 320 meters above sea level. From here, you can enjoy a fantastic view of Adventfjorden and the surrounding areas. Along the route, we learn more about the rich history of coal mining on Svalbard, and you will see the entrance to the old Coal Mine 3. We keep an eye out for local wildlife, such as the Svalbard reindeer and the Arctic fox. We will of course take frequent short breaks to appreciate our surroundings, enjoy a warm drink, and have some cookies. On the way back, we pass the entrance to the world-renowned Svalbard Global Seed Vault, located in the mountainside. This iconic site is where crates of seeds from across the globe are sent for secure long-term storage. This afternoon and evening are at leisure – we can suggest some alternative optional excursions for those interested, such as dog-sledding, ATV excursions, or wilderness evening. (B.L.) 11th June – DEPART Longyearbyen Departure day, with transfer to the airport for your flight to Oslo (airfares not included). Arrangements end here – or you may optionally extend for 4 days on a cruise to northern Svalbard (see below). We can also advise on flights and additional accommodation in Oslo on request. (B.) OPTIONAL 4 DAY EXTENSION: Northern Svalbard cruise aboard MS Serenissima 11-15 June 11th June – EMBARK in Longyearbyen The morning is at leisure, you may wish to spend time at the Svalbard Museum. This afternoon at 4pm, embark on the MS Serenissima and sail out through Isfjorden, observing Arctic wildlife and historical sites. Step back in time on the MS Serenissima, a timeless vessel that evokes the spirit of a bygone era of Arctic exploration, offering a classic and authentic experience. The cruise will take you on a journey to the top of the world, crossing the 80th parallel to explore the breathtaking wonders of the Arctic. You’ll have excellent opportunities to spot polar wildlife. Depending on weather and ice conditions, the Expedition Team will use Zodiac boats to attempt various landings throughout the sailing. You can enjoy onboard lectures by the Expedition Team, who will tell you more about Svalbard and the areas we are exploring. They will also lead daily recaps and preparation for the next day. As we sail there will be plenty of opportunities for wildlife spotting, with the chance to spot seals, reindeer, walruses and if you are lucky - the king of the Arctic, the iconic polar bear. (B.D.) 12th to 14th June – ON EXPEDITION - Cruise into the Arctic Wilderness! Discover the scenic Kongsfjorden area, hike on the tundra, and visit the research settlement of Ny-Ålesund. Upon arrival in Ny-Ålesund, the ship will dock at the pier, where you can disembark directly from the ship and spend the day ashore. This settlement offers a fascinating glimpse into the past and present: once a mining town, later a base in the race to the Pole, today it is a hub for international Arctic research. Learn about Arctic exploration history and send a postcard from the northernmost post office in the world. During the expedition cruise you will explore the diverse landscapes of Magdalenafjorden, Woodfjorden and Liefdefjorden in the Far North of Svalbard. As we sail past dramatic fjords, towering mountain peaks, and vast glaciers, keep your eyes peeled for polar bears, walruses, whales, and an array of Arctic birdlife. If conditions allow, we sail above 80° North and approach Moffen Island, known for its walrus population. Potential landings each day by Zodiac depend on weather and ice conditions. You are on expedition! (B.L.D) 15th June – DISEMBARK in Longyearbyen – fly to Oslo Today marks the end of your Arctic adventure. You’ll transfer from the ship to Longyearbyen, with time for a final stroll through town or to pick up a few souvenirs before heading to the airport for your flight home. (B.) The day-by-day programme offers a glimpse of what you can expect during your expedition, but please remember that this itinerary is just a guide. As with any adventure, the elements are in charge, and weather conditions may lead to changes along the way.