Port information & tips for Beverlysundet
Beverlysundet is a spectacular strait in the far north of Spitsbergen and a fascinating destination for any Arctic expedition. The untouched polar wilderness impresses with its dramatic backdrop of rugged rocks and deep blue water, conveying an atmosphere of boundless vastness and adventure. Special sights include the historic Nordkapp on the island of Chermsideøya as well as the impressive observation of walruses and seabirds in the raw nature. Since there is no fixed pier in this remote region, ships anchor safely in the protected Beverlysundet. Going ashore is made possible by maneuverable Zodiac inflatable boats, which take guests directly to the pristine shores to experience the Arctic silence far from any settlements firsthand.
Spitsbergen, with its main town of Longyearbyen, is the central gateway for unforgettable expedition cruises in the high north. Since Beverlysundet itself is mostly reached by ship from Longyearbyen, the focus of arrival for guests from the DACH region is the journey to Longyearbyen. The port in Longyearbyen features the Bykaia and Gammelkaia quays, with Bykaia, enhanced by a SeaWalk, being the main mooring point for larger cruise ships and easily accessible.
Airplane
Travel to Spitsbergen is exclusively by plane via Norway. From the DACH countries, you can reach Oslo (OSL) or Tromsø (TOS) with direct flights, from where connecting flights to Svalbard Airport, Longyear (LYR) are offered. Airlines such as SAS and Norwegian Air Shuttle connect Oslo in about three hours and Tromsø in around 1 hour 40 minutes with Longyearbyen. There are no direct flights from Central Europe to Longyearbyen, which is why a stopover in Norway is required.
Transfer & Shuttle
Svalbard Airport, Longyear (LYR) is only 4.4 to 7 kilometers from Longyearbyen city center and the piers. After landing, taxis are available to take you to the port or your hotel in about 5 to 10 minutes, with costs ranging from approximately 150 to 250 NOK. In addition, an airport shuttle bus operates, which is coordinated with flight times and stops at all hotels in Longyearbyen for about 110 NOK. Many cruise lines also organize their own transfer services directly from the airport to the ship for their guests.
Pre-Cruise Hotel
Due to the long journey and the remote location of Spitsbergen, most cruise providers recommend arriving at least one day before embarkation. A pre-cruise hotel in Longyearbyen allows for a relaxed start to your expedition cruise and serves as a buffer in case of potential flight delays. Many hotels also offer free shuttle buses to the airport and the port.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will generally receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for the journey to the port accordingly and take into account that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination - is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The same applies during the voyage: for shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the latest announcements and the postings on board, as mooring and departure times can change at short notice.
Spitsbergen, with its main town of Longyearbyen, is the central gateway for unforgettable expedition cruises in the high north. Since Beverlysundet itself is mostly reached by ship from Longyearbyen, the focus of arrival for guests from the DACH region is the journey to Longyearbyen. The port in Longyearbyen features the Bykaia and Gammelkaia quays, with Bykaia, enhanced by a SeaWalk, being the main mooring point for larger cruise ships and easily accessible.
Airplane
Travel to Spitsbergen is exclusively by plane via Norway. From the DACH countries, you can reach Oslo (OSL) or Tromsø (TOS) with direct flights, from where connecting flights to Svalbard Airport, Longyear (LYR) are offered. Airlines such as SAS and Norwegian Air Shuttle connect Oslo in about three hours and Tromsø in around 1 hour 40 minutes with Longyearbyen. There are no direct flights from Central Europe to Longyearbyen, which is why a stopover in Norway is required.
Transfer & Shuttle
Svalbard Airport, Longyear (LYR) is only 4.4 to 7 kilometers from Longyearbyen city center and the piers. After landing, taxis are available to take you to the port or your hotel in about 5 to 10 minutes, with costs ranging from approximately 150 to 250 NOK. In addition, an airport shuttle bus operates, which is coordinated with flight times and stops at all hotels in Longyearbyen for about 110 NOK. Many cruise lines also organize their own transfer services directly from the airport to the ship for their guests.
Pre-Cruise Hotel
Due to the long journey and the remote location of Spitsbergen, most cruise providers recommend arriving at least one day before embarkation. A pre-cruise hotel in Longyearbyen allows for a relaxed start to your expedition cruise and serves as a buffer in case of potential flight delays. Many hotels also offer free shuttle buses to the airport and the port.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will generally receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for the journey to the port accordingly and take into account that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination - is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The same applies during the voyage: for shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the latest announcements and the postings on board, as mooring and departure times can change at short notice.
Pristine Beverlysundet in northern Spitsbergen offers direct access to the spectacular Arctic wilderness thanks to shipboard logistics. Landings in this remote region are professionally organized, enabling an intensive nature experience directly from the anchorage.
Expedition Inflatable Boats (Zodiacs)
Maneuverable inflatable boats serve as the primary means of transport, bringing you safely from the anchored ship to the natural coastline sections. During the crossing, you will also enjoy unique perspectives of the surrounding glaciers and the polar seascape from up close.
On Foot
The exploration of the Arctic tundra takes place directly on foot via guided hikes after landing on the beach. These tours lead through the untouched nature of Nordaustlandet and offer you the opportunity to safely discover the stark beauty of the polar landscape as well as the local flora.
Shipboard Landing Systems
As Beverlysundet is located in a sensitive nature reserve, transfers are conveniently handled via the ship's own systems. This coordinated service replaces conventional taxis or buses and guarantees you smooth and comfortable access to the most remote observation points in the region.
To make the most of your time in the untouched Arctic, we recommend focusing on the impressive natural panoramas and the historical traces of former explorers directly at Beverlysundet.
Naturhafen Beverlysundet
The protected strait serves as a central starting point for expeditions and, thanks to the shallow coastal areas, offers perfect access to the pristine pebble beaches as well as the vast tundra landscapes of the region.
Nordkapp Viewpoint
The northernmost cape of the archipelago is a destination of symbolic importance thanks to its exposed location and also offers expansive views over the Arctic Ocean to the eternal ice of the pack ice limit.
Historical Cairns
The striking stone mounds on the surrounding hills bear witness to the scientific pioneering achievements of past centuries and are also ideal spots for panoramic photographs of the spectacular glacier and fjord landscapes.
Historic Chermsideøya on Beverlysundet
The historic island of Chermsideøya on the northern shore of Beverlysundet is easily accessible via the ship's own Zodiacs and offers visitors a rare opportunity to walk in the footsteps of famous North Pole expeditions. The site is characterized by the historic cairns of the Swedish-Russian Arc of Meridian Expedition and also offers fascinating views of the surrounding High Arctic archipelago. Thanks to the untouched tundra landscape, you can enjoy a unique atmosphere full of the spirit of discovery, which is perfect for nature observation and experiencing the Arctic silence. It is best to use the early morning hours for your shore excursion to take advantage of the clear light for impressive panoramic photos, and plan to return with the provided Zodiacs in good time before departure.
In the untouched nature of Beverlysundet, the return journey to the ship is perfectly coordinated by the expedition team and takes place safely over the water.
Zodiac Shuttle
The return journey to the ship at anchor is carried out with stable Zodiac boats that depart regularly directly from the marked section of the shore. Experienced drivers navigate the boats safely through the sound and bring all guests back to the ship's tender gate comfortably and dry.
On Foot
The path to the departure point on the beach is clearly marked by colored flags and leads easily through the flat terrain of the Arctic tundra. Thanks to the constant presence of polar bear guards, the short walk to the meeting point is safe for all passengers and also offers fantastic views of the surrounding glaciers.
Organization at the landing site
At the central meeting point on the shore, the expedition team coordinates the swift boarding of the boats and provides ongoing information about the remaining time until the last trip. Thanks to the direct radio connection between the beach and the bridge, a punctual arrival on board is guaranteed and the entire return journey runs absolutely smoothly.
