authentic Arctic sailing
by Stephan Oberteufer
Departure in September 2018
This trip with s/v Noorderlicht was the third and last activity on my extensive stay in Svalbard. The bar naturally was already set high after exploring the northern archipelago on a small motorship and a stay at Nordenskiöld Lodge. My experience on the sailing vessel Noorderlicht was second to none. On this historic vessel one can feel the spirit of the early explorers. On one occasion the winds were in our favour to set up the sails to sail a whole leg without the engine, opening up the ears just for the sounds of winds, waves and birds. The trip was expedition style, making and adjusting plans to prevailing wind and weather conditions. Expedition leader Sarah and Captain Floris did a great job. We always had good sailing conditions and visited stunning places ashore, staying away from unpleasant winds in parts of the region. At this time of the year the lights are spectacular for the sun stays low on the horizon the whole day and the twilights are intense and lengthy. Naturally there is some limitations to space and comfort on a vessel like that. The interior was cosy and the hosting of the Dutch crew was outstanding. With all the fellow travellers we had a very enjoyable week.
Been on one of our voyages?
Leave your own reviewClimb snow covered alpine mountains and ski downhill
RVR02-25 This program is designed for experienced ski mountaineers who have mastered ski techniques both for ascent and descent in challenging snow-covered alpine terrain. A typical day involves ski climbs on mountaintops averaging heights of 700—850 meters (2,300—2,800...
s/v Rembrandt van Rijn
Cruise date:
8 May - 15 May, 2025
Berths start from:
4700 USD
Cross the North Sea to the picturesque and historic Scottish city of Aberdeen, enjoying local wildlife and fascinating lectures
HDS01-25 Search for whales, seals, and seabirds on a scenic voyage from our home port of Vlissingen to culturally rich Aberdeen, the "Granite City" of northeast Scotland. White-beaked dolphins, harbour porpoises, minke whales, orcas, and various species of seabird...
m/v Hondius
Cruise date:
29 May - 31 May, 2025
Berths start from:
300 USD
Can be booked in combination only
Cruise pageHDS01c25 Sailing between our home port of Vlissingen and our most cherished Arctic archipelago, Svalbard, this expedition adventure visits the Scottish port of Aberdeen, the islands of Fair Isle and Jan Mayen, and the amazing Spitsbergen ice edge, giving you...
m/v Hondius
Cruise date:
29 May - 16 Jun, 2025
Berths start from:
6000 USD
HDS01a25 Search for whales, and other Arctic wildlife of the land, sea, and air on an adventurous voyage from our home port of Vlissingen to our favorite Arctic island group.
m/v Hondius
Cruise date:
29 May - 9 Jun, 2025
Berths start from:
3200 USD
Sail from the North Sea into the Arctic Ocean, visiting the distinct islands of Fair Isle and Jan Mayen
HDS01b25 Venture into the Arctic Ocean on your way to Fair Isle and Jan Mayen, the first known for its knitwear and the second for its stark volcanic scenery. Wildlife sightings may include grey seals, various seabirds, and whales such as minke, fin, orca, and...
m/v Hondius
Cruise date:
31 May - 9 Jun, 2025
Berths start from:
2900 USD