The Geographic North Pole

Nestled on the main island of Spitsbergen within the Norwegian Svalbard archipelago, Longyearbyen stands as the northernmost territorial capital on Earth. Enduring winter temperatures that plummet below -40 °C, this mining town unveils landscapes of awe-inspiring beauty. Vast glaciers, mountains extending to the horizon, and pristine nature evoke a sense of stepping into uncharted territory. The untouched expanses of Longyearbyen paint a portrait of raw, untamed beauty, making it a place where the elements weave a captivating tapestry of extremes.

Embarkation from 16:00 to 17:00

Departure at 18:00

As the largest island in the Svalbard archipelago, Spitsbergen earned its name, which translates to "pointed mountains" in German. Positioned as the final frontier before the Arctic ice floe, this icy land promises a breathtaking journey. Aboard your vessel, you'll navigate the extraordinarily dramatic coastline of Spitsbergen. Amidst millennium-old glaciers and rugged peaks, a serrated shoreline carved by majestic fjords unfolds before you. This distinctive setting serves as a sanctuary for a remarkably diverse birdlife, presenting you with the opportunity to capture stunning photographs from the deck of your ship. Embark on exploring Spitsbergen, where the meeting of pointed mountains and frigid waters creates a tableau of unparalleled natural wonders.

Encounter a one-of-a-kind experience as you enter the ice floe —an expansive realm of untouched, pristine sea ice. The landscapes transform from a serene, flat wilderness to a captivating maze of ice and further evolve into open water channels. The ship will gracefully navigate these naturally occurring passageways, traversing regions where the frozen layer is most delicate. Enjoy time on deck searching for wildlife, including polar bears that use the ice to hunt. Enjoy the spectacle of ever-changing beauty and unveil the secrets of habitat dependent on the delicate dance of freezing waters.

Situated precisely at a latitude of 90° North, the Geographic North Pole marks the Earth's rotational axis, where all meridians intersect. Enveloped in darkness for half the year and bathed in sunlight for six months, this mythical locale has intrigued generations of explorers, perpetually veiled in ice and isolated from any land. Only a select few have ventured to this remote point—a feat now within your reach aboard Le Commandant Charcot. Step onto the sea ice in a place where the lines of latitude converge, and the allure of the Earth's axial pivot becomes a tangible and awe-inspiring reality.

Once again, we venture into the heart of the ice floe, immersing ourselves in the vast, unspoiled ice. The ever-changing landscapes offer a spectacle ranging from serene, flat expanses to intricate mazes of ice and open water channels. Watch for the unique Arctic wildlife that calls this ice floe home. Enjoy relaxation in the outdoor hot lagoon immersed in this extraordinary natural world. 

As we sail south, illuminated by the midnight sun, the spiky mountain tops of Spitsbergen, from which its name originates, will appear again on the horizon. Svalbard has over 2000 captivating glaciers, and its mineral-rich waters attract a variety of whale species, including humpbacks and belugas. These final days are perfect for relaxing and enjoying a sauna with spectacular views. 

We return to Longyearbyen in the early morning hours and bathe in its perpetual daylight. After disembarkation, a transfer will take you to the airport for your return flight. After take-off, you will be greeted with a final epic view of the mountains as you fly over this Arctic paradise - a perfect farewell to a once-in-a-lifetime experience. 

Arrival early morning

Disembarkation at 08:00