Port information & tips for North East Land
Nordaustlandet is the second largest island in the Svalbard archipelago and a fascinating destination for expedition cruises in the heart of the untouched Arctic. The landscape is characterized by its raw, high-Arctic beauty and offers an impressive backdrop of eternal ice and deep blue fjords, thanks to the massive Austfonna ice cap. Highlights include the gigantic glacier front of Bråsvellbreen with its plunging waterfalls, as well as the historic Kinnvika research station on Murchisonfjorden. As there are no traditional terminals on the uninhabited island, landings are carried out flexibly by Zodiac directly onto the natural shores or in sheltered bays such as Palanderbukta. This nature-oriented form of shore excursion provides travelers with exclusive access to wild nature and creates a direct connection to Arctic wildlife far from any civilization.
Arrival and departure for cruises heading to Nordaustlandet on Spitsbergen do not take place directly in Nordaustlandet itself, as it is an uninhabited nature reserve with no infrastructure. Instead, Longyearbyen on the main island of Spitsbergen serves as the central embarkation port and gateway to the Arctic. The port in Longyearbyen, Bykaia, features a SeaWalk pier with a terminal building installed in 2021 and is located close to the town center.
Airplane
The international Svalbard Airport, Longyear (LYR) is the northernmost airport in the world with scheduled flights and is located approximately 5 kilometers northwest of Longyearbyen. From the DACH region, you can reach Longyearbyen via Norway, usually with stopovers in Oslo (OSL) or Tromsø (TOS). Airlines such as SAS and Norwegian offer regular connections, with flight times from Oslo to Longyearbyen taking about three hours and from Tromsø approximately 80 minutes.
Transfer & Shuttle
From Svalbard Airport (LYR), you can easily reach the center of Longyearbyen and the hotels by airport bus or taxi. The Flybussen operates after every flight arrival and takes travelers to most accommodations in about 10 to 15 minutes. A single journey costs approximately 100 NOK. Alternatively, taxis are available, providing a flexible transport option for around 200 NOK. Many cruise lines also organize transfers as part of their travel packages.
Pre-Cruise Hotel
Due to the long journey and potential flight schedule changes, especially with connecting flights in Oslo or Tromsø, an overnight stay in a pre-cruise hotel in Longyearbyen is strongly recommended. This allows for a relaxed start to your Arctic adventure and also gives you the opportunity to explore the charming northernmost settlement in the world before your embarkation. There are various hotels in Longyearbyen that cater to travelers.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that your travel documents usually include a fixed time slot for check-in, which is mandatory for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port and take into account that the latest embarkation time—depending on the cruise line and destination—is generally scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The same applies during the voyage: for shore excursions, you should be back on board no later than one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and the notices on board, as mooring and departure times can change at short notice.
Arrival and departure for cruises heading to Nordaustlandet on Spitsbergen do not take place directly in Nordaustlandet itself, as it is an uninhabited nature reserve with no infrastructure. Instead, Longyearbyen on the main island of Spitsbergen serves as the central embarkation port and gateway to the Arctic. The port in Longyearbyen, Bykaia, features a SeaWalk pier with a terminal building installed in 2021 and is located close to the town center.
Airplane
The international Svalbard Airport, Longyear (LYR) is the northernmost airport in the world with scheduled flights and is located approximately 5 kilometers northwest of Longyearbyen. From the DACH region, you can reach Longyearbyen via Norway, usually with stopovers in Oslo (OSL) or Tromsø (TOS). Airlines such as SAS and Norwegian offer regular connections, with flight times from Oslo to Longyearbyen taking about three hours and from Tromsø approximately 80 minutes.
Transfer & Shuttle
From Svalbard Airport (LYR), you can easily reach the center of Longyearbyen and the hotels by airport bus or taxi. The Flybussen operates after every flight arrival and takes travelers to most accommodations in about 10 to 15 minutes. A single journey costs approximately 100 NOK. Alternatively, taxis are available, providing a flexible transport option for around 200 NOK. Many cruise lines also organize transfers as part of their travel packages.
Pre-Cruise Hotel
Due to the long journey and potential flight schedule changes, especially with connecting flights in Oslo or Tromsø, an overnight stay in a pre-cruise hotel in Longyearbyen is strongly recommended. This allows for a relaxed start to your Arctic adventure and also gives you the opportunity to explore the charming northernmost settlement in the world before your embarkation. There are various hotels in Longyearbyen that cater to travelers.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that your travel documents usually include a fixed time slot for check-in, which is mandatory for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port and take into account that the latest embarkation time—depending on the cruise line and destination—is generally scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The same applies during the voyage: for shore excursions, you should be back on board no later than one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and the notices on board, as mooring and departure times can change at short notice.
Nordostland is an exclusive destination for expedition cruises and offers direct access to the untouched Arctic wilderness thanks to the ship's own logistics.
Zodiacs (Expedition Inflatable Boats)
These specialized boats take you comfortably from the ship to the various landing sites and also allow for impressive cruises along the massive glacier edges.
Guided Shore Excursions
The exploration of the surroundings takes place in organized groups under expert guidance and guarantees a safe experience in the polar nature thanks to the professional leadership.
On Foot
Directly after landing with the Zodiacs, you will explore the Arctic tundra on foot and enjoy the immediate proximity to the fascinating flora and fauna of Spitsbergen.
To make the most of your stay in pristine Nordaustlandet, it is recommended to use your precious time to explore the monumental glacier landscapes and the unique polar wildlife directly along the coastal sections.
Austfonna & Bråsvellbreen
This gigantic ice cap impresses with its sheer size and the spectacular waterfalls of the Bråsvellbreen glacier front, which, thanks to its direct location on the sea, is perfect for unforgettable panoramic photos from the ship or Zodiac.
Kinnvika
The historic research station in Murchisonfjorden offers a fascinating insight into the scientific history of the Arctic and, thanks to the well-preserved buildings from the 1950s, is also an ideal destination for explorers interested in history.
Torellneset
This striking coastal section is widely known for its impressive walrus colonies and, thanks to the flat beach areas, offers the perfect opportunity for spectacular wildlife viewing in a polar landscape that is both rugged and fascinating.
Kinnvika
The historic research station Kinnvika at Murchisonfjorden is easily accessible by Zodiac during an expedition to Nordaustlandet and offers a fascinating insight into the scientific pioneering work of the International Geophysical Year 1957/58. The ten well-preserved, silvery-grey wooden buildings in the midst of the barren polar stone desert create an almost surreal atmosphere and tell an impressive story of Arctic research history. The site is also perfectly suited for a cultural walking tour to experience the determination of past generations of researchers firsthand. Ideally, take advantage of the very first landing in the morning to enjoy the complete silence of this secluded place and the clear light for unique photographs. Thanks to the expert guidance of your expedition team, you will experience this cultural treasure safely and return to the ship in good time before departure.
In the uninhabited wilderness of Nordostland, the journey back to the ship is exclusively by the ship's own expedition boats and is fully secured by professional staff.
Zodiac Shuttle
The return journey to the ship is carried out by the ship's own Zodiacs and starts directly from the marked landing site on the beach. Thanks to the regular shuttle trips, you will return to the gangway without delay and in comfort, while the team assists with boarding.
On foot to the meeting point
The path from the viewpoints back to the shore is marked by flags and secured by armed polar bear guards and guides. You simply walk within the designated safety zone to the beach and reach the waiting boat safely thanks to the clear route guidance; in addition, the guides keep a constant eye on the surroundings.
Scheduling and safety
The expedition team informs you in advance and on site about the exact times of the last return trip to the ship. Thanks to the constant radio connection between the guides and the bridge, a coordinated return path is guaranteed, so that all guests arrive back on board safely and on time.
