Svalbard in Spring – The Return of the Sun (with Overnight in Oslo)

The Return of the Sun

9‑day all‑inclusive Svalbard Expedition Cruise with round-trip flights from Oslo

Spring offers some of the best chances to see polar bears on sea ice along frozen fjords, including young polar bear cubs together with their mother.

HX has explored Svalbard since 1896 and our Expedition Team combines decades of insight with technological innovation to navigate deeper.

Our team is trained through a specialist safeguarding programme recognised by the Princess Royal Training Awards for safe and respectful polar bear encounters.

Journey into the stillness of spring landscapes, with fewer ships, quieter landings, and the thrilling return of sunshine and dramatic sunsets.

Prime for Polar Bears

Spring is a good time to spot polar bears in Svalbard as the sea ice provides the hunting grounds they need. Our Expedition Team monitors real-time ice drift, wildlife movement, and weather patterns to make the most of every opportunity, whether spotting pawprints or scanning the horizon for signs. With stable conditions, we may even venture past 80° North — a rare latitude that few travellers reach.

Wildlife on the Move

As temperatures rise and daylight returns, wildlife begins its seasonal shift. Polar bears track along sea ice margins in search of seals, their primary prey. Arctic foxes emerge from dens to scavenge and hunt, while Svalbard reindeer start grazing on lichen and early growth. Seabirds like fulmars and guillemots begin to reclaim nesting sites, signalling the start of the Arctic breeding cycle.

A Landscape Transformed

Spring in Svalbard offers brilliant snowfields, sculpted icebergs, and the soft glow of low Arctic sun. With us, you'll explore by small boat or land ashore in places few ever reach. Every activity is led by HX’s expert Expedition Team in line with AECO guidelines and regulations from the Norwegian government, ensuring that this beautiful region remains protected for generations to come.