Hurtigruten Expands Svalbard Tours with New Immersive Experiences

Hurtigruten, renowned for its deep expertise in Norwegian coastal travel, is elevating its Svalbard offerings with exciting new developments for 2026 and beyond. The cruise line has unveiled two new Svalbard tours that unite its acclaimed Svalbard Line cruise with immersive excursions and the celebrated ‘Norway in a Nutshell’ rail and fjord experience. This combination allows guests to enjoy what’s often described as the world’s most scenic rail journey alongside the breathtaking coastal voyage that Hurtigruten is famous for.

Adding to this enriched itinerary, Hurtigruten is introducing its innovative Open Village experiences on next summer’s Svalbard Line. This fresh concept collaborates intimately with locals in the remote coastal villages of Træna, Bessaker, and Sæbø, offering guests exclusive access to community-led activities. Visitors can dive into local traditions, savor homemade cuisine, and participate in guided cultural and natural explorations. Remarkably, Hurtigruten’s smaller ships are the only vessels visiting these quaint villages in the summer season, granting access unavailable to larger cruise liners. This commitment highlights Hurtigruten’s longstanding partnership with local communities that dates back to 1893.

The two new tours spotlight the best of Norway’s mainland and the Svalbard archipelago:

• Arctic Norway Frontier – Oslo, Fjords & Svalbard with cruise extension: A 17-day journey starting with an overnight in Oslo, followed by the iconic ‘Norway in a Nutshell’ tour to Bergen. The adventure continues with a seven-night northbound Svalbard Line cruise to Longyearbyen, where guests stay at the world’s northernmost boutique hotel, Funken Lodge. Highlights include wildlife and glacier catamaran cruises, a multi-day expedition through Svalbard’s fjords, potential sailing beyond 80° North, and a rare visit to Ny-Ålesund. This tour has 14 departures in 2026 with prices from $8,181 per person.
• Arctic Norway Frontier – Oslo, Fjords & Svalbard: A 13-day version beginning similarly with Oslo and Norway in a Nutshell, followed by the northbound Svalbard Line cruise. Guests enjoy a wildlife and glacier cruise and culminate their trip with an exquisite 14-course meal at Svalbard’s fine dining restaurant, Huset. This tour offers 15 departures in 2026 starting at $5,432 per person.

Responding to rising interest, especially from North American travellers, Hurtigruten is doubling the capacity on the Svalbard Line, introducing a second ship for the Bergen to Longyearbyen route from summer 2026. These tours are integrated into Hurtigruten’s premium Signature concept, providing an all-inclusive, high-quality voyage experience along Norway’s spectacular coast.

Carly Biggart, Head of Hurtigruten in the Americas, noted that the growing popularity of Svalbard is driven by trends like coolcation and set-jetting. The additional departures and new tours mean guests can immerse themselves even more deeply in the magic of both mainland Norway and the Arctic.

Guests interested in learning more about the expanded Svalbard itineraries can register for a Hurtigruten webinar scheduled for August 27, 2025.

For those seeking an extraordinary Arctic adventure with authentic local connection and sustainable tourism, these new offerings by Hurtigruten present an unmatched opportunity to explore Norway’s most enchanting landscapes and communities.

Hurtigruten continues to set the standard for immersive travel in the Arctic and beyond, blending breathtaking natural beauty with meaningful cultural experiences.