Combining the awe-inspiring landscapes of Svalbard and Greenland with the opportunity to witness the 2026 solar eclipse from the perfect vantage point, this epic, one-of-a-kind cruise with HX Hurtigruten Expeditions promises to be the adventure of a lifetime. After a couple of days in Oslo, you’ll fly north to Longyearbyen to get a feel for life in the world’s northernmost town. From here, you’ll board MS Spitsbergen, sailing from Svalbard to Northeast Greenland National Park – the world’s largest national park, where the likes of polar bears and muskoxen roam in the pristine Arctic wilderness that’s almost entirely untouched by human civilization. Continuing south along Greenland’s awe-inspiring east coast, you’ll experience the iceberg-dotted beauty of the world’s largest fjord system, Scoresby Sound. Here, you’ll be perfectly positioned to witness the celestial spectacle that is the 2026 solar eclipse, with a professional photographer onboard to capture the moment. Finally, you’ll cross the Denmark Strait, concluding your trip in Iceland’s capital, Reykjavik. Throughout the expedition cruise, you’ll be treated to superb all-inclusive dining and drinks, along with expert-led daily excursions to bring you up close to extraordinary, seldom-visited corners of the Arctic.
Solar Eclipse 2026 with HX Hurtigruten Expeditions: Svalbard & Greenland
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At a glance…
Witness the stunning spectacle of the 2026 solar eclipse from a prime vantage point on this unique Arctic expedition cruise
» 19 day expedition cruise holiday
» Accommodation: Superior A higher standard of accommodation with a better range and quality of facilities, often in a good location (typically 4 stars)
» Price from: £16,680 pp incl. flights
Day by day itinerary
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Day 1 » Depart for Oslo
Your journey begins by flying from the UK to Oslo. On arrival in Norway’s capital, a private transfer will take you to your hotel in the city centre, where you’ll be based for the next two nights.
Stay: Amerikalinjen, Oslo
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Day 2 » Oslo
You have the whole day free to explore Oslo’s diverse array of natural and cultural attractions entirely at your own pace, including world-class museums, beautiful parks, fabulous bars and restaurants and excellent nearby hiking trails. Each neighbourhood has its own distinct character, from the bustling, post-industrial waterfront district of Aker Brygge to the hip, bohemian quarter of Grünerløkka, where you’ll find trendy cafes, vintage stores and vibrant street art aplenty. It also takes very little time to get out into nature, whether by metro, tram, bus or ferry, should you fancy venturing beyond the city itself.
Stay: Amerikalinjen, Oslo
Meals: Breakfast
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Days 3-4 » Longyearbyen
On day three of your trip, you’ll fly from Oslo to Longyearbyen, the main settlement in the Svalbard archipelago and the world’s northernmost town with a population greater than 1,000. It may be an extremely remote outpost at 78°N, but it has everything you would expect to find in a fully-fledged town, including numerous bars, cafes and restaurants, a large supermarket, plenty of outdoor clothing stores, a church, a couple of museums and even a brewery. Its surroundings are gloriously rugged, as it’s nestled in a valley surrounded by steep mountains on the shore of the Adventfjord. You’ll be spending the next couple of nights here before embarking on your cruise, giving you ample time to explore Longyearbyen and get a feel for life in the High Arctic.
You might even see reindeer wandering around the town, while an included electric catamaran tour on your second day here offers further possibilities for wildlife encounters. Bear in mind that walking beyond the town’s limits (which are clearly marked by warning signs) is strictly prohibited without carrying polar bear protection or being accompanied by a qualified guide with polar bear protection.
Stay: Hotel in Longyearbyen
Meals: Breakfast
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Day 5 » Embark on HX Hurtigruten Expeditions cruise
After breakfast and an excursion from Longyearbyen, you’ll board the MS Spitsbergen to begin your HX Hurtigruten Expeditions cruise, gearing up towards the solar eclipse. Settle into your comfortable cabin and familiarise yourself with the superb onboard amenities, which include a sauna, a hot tub, a fitness room, a Science Centre and an observation deck from which you can take in the magnificent scenery and keep an eye out for wildlife. Dinner will be served onboard this evening.
Stay: MS Spitsbergen
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
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Days 6-7 » Relax at sea
Leaving Svalbard behind, you’ll sail southwest across the Greenland Sea. Along the way, the Expedition Team will deliver a series of talks about your upcoming adventures, providing an insight into the unique landscapes, wildlife and indigenous communities that characterise the east coast of Greenland. There will also be presentations about the solar eclipse, the science behind it and what to expect when this spectacular phenomenon occurs later on in the trip. These two days at sea also offer ample opportunity to switch off, relax and enjoy the onboard facilities and cuisine.
Stay: MS Spitsbergen
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Days 8-17 » Northeast Greenland National Park, Scoresby Sound & solar eclipse
Over the next 10 days, you’ll explore the vast, pristine wilderness of East Greenland. This wild and remote coastline, rarely ever visited by humans, receives lots of sea ice from the Arctic Ocean, so the exact route of your cruise will be based around the ice conditions and local weather at the time. The plan is first to sail to Northeast Greenland National Park – the largest and northernmost national park in the world, almost entirely uninhabited besides a small cluster of scientific research stations and military outposts. It’s one of the quietest places on Earth, home to jaw-dropping Arctic landscapes and an abundance of wildlife including polar bears, muskoxen, walruses, wolves and narwhals. The sense of peace and serenity you’ll feel here is virtually unparalleled.
You’ll then sail south to Scoresby Sound, the world’s largest fjord system, where the mesmerising sight of drifting, white and blue icebergs provide a stark contrast to the jagged mountains that tower above the fjord. It’s during your time here that the 2026 solar eclipse will occur on 12 August in the late afternoon. Your exact viewing position won’t be known until closer to the time, but the captain will ensure you are in the perfect spot when this celestial phenomenon takes place, shrouding the landscapes in a blanket of darkness. A professional photographer will be onboard to capture the spectacle and provide tips on taking your own photographs. If conditions permit, you’ll also have the opportunity to visit Ittoqqortoormiit, one of the most isolated towns in the world.
Throughout this section of your journey, the captain and the Expedition Team will guide you to the most favourable spots each day, with a view to packing in as many shore landings, small boat excursions, kayaking adventures, guided hikes and wildlife sightseeing as possible – all, of course, without disturbing the animals that live in this extraordinary corner of the planet.
Stay: MS Spitsbergen
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Day 18 » Denmark Strait
Having experienced the astonishing beauty of East Greenland, the next leg of your expedition cruise sees you cross the Denmark Strait, which separates Greenland from Iceland. This is an ideal opportunity to rest, recharge and reflect on your adventures so far and to enjoy the onboard amenities, all while keeping an eye out for seabirds and whales along the way.
Stay: MS Spitsbergen
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Day 19 » Reykjavik
It’s time to bid farewell to MS Spitsbergen as you arrive in Reykjavik. Head to Keflavik International Airport to catch your flight home. Alternatively, if you’d prefer to extend your stay in Iceland’s capital, please speak to one of our specialists.
Meals: Breakfast
Gallery
To book call us on:
At a glance…
Witness the stunning spectacle of the 2026 solar eclipse from a prime vantage point on this unique Arctic expedition cruise
» 19 day expedition cruise holiday
» Accommodation: Superior A higher standard of accommodation with a better range and quality of facilities, often in a good location (typically 4 stars)
» Price from: £16,680 pp incl. flights
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