THE LAND OF POLAR BEARS

Embark on the ultimate photographic adventure of a lifetime!

Are you passionate about capturing the beauty of the wild and eager to elevate your photography skills amidst Earth’s most awe-inspiring landscapes? Seize this chance to journey alongside renowned photographer Christian Nørgaard, who will be your Special Lecturer and mentor throughout this Svalbard expedition. The diverse landscapes, shimmering glaciers, and majestic wildlife – from the massive walrus and swift Arctic fox to the mighty polar bear – transform Svalbard into a photographer’s paradise.

As the tundra shifts to warm autumn colors and the sun begins to set once again, we are treated to stunning sunsets and soft light, ideal for photography.

You will stay aboard the small and comfortable 12-passenger ship, M/S Sjøveien, which combines the intimate ambiance of a small vessel with the spirit of adventure.

Please note: This expedition is arranged in collaboration between Better Moments and PolarQuest.

This is not just a journey—it’s an adventure of a lifetime, providing you with the chance to explore one of the world’s last great wildernesses, photograph its unique wildlife, and create unforgettable memories. Whether you are a seasoned professional or an enthusiastic amateur, this expedition will inspire you and elevate your photography to new heights.

Your Vessel for Exploration and Adventure: A Classic Ship with a Modern Touch

M/S Sjøveien (meaning “the Seaway”) was constructed in Bergen in 1964 for the Norwegian government and has fulfilled various roles over the years. From 1979 to 1995, it served as a training ship for mariners. Since transitioning to private ownership in 1995, it has undertaken tasks for the Norwegian Coast Guard and, more recently, functioned as a hotel ship. Following extensive refurbishments, M/S Sjøveien began a new chapter in the summer of 2017 as a classic and exclusive passenger ship in Svalbard.

This beautifully crafted vessel features wooden decks and classic details. The main deck offers ample space, and there is an excellent observation area atop the bridge with stunning views of the magnificent Svalbard scenery. Guests can also enjoy a unique experience in the wood-fired hot tub located on deck.

The ship accommodates up to 12 passengers in eight outside cabins, all with en-suite facilities. On the lower deck, there are four twin cabins with portholes. The main deck features two larger twin cabins with windows and one superior cabin with a double bed and windows. Additionally, there is a spacious superior cabin with windows on the upper deck. Meals, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner, are served in the dining area on the main deck. The ship also boasts a lounge area where you can relax with a cup of tea or coffee and attend talks given by the guides. An international crew welcomes passengers, and the bridge is accessible to visitors.

Highlights

Teaching and training in the best techniques and personal hints and advice
Composition and focus on lines, golden section, perspective, foreground
Learning about the lenses that optimize your wildlife photography
How to handle equipment with care on location

Reserve Your Spot Today

Expert Christian Nørgaard

Discover the World with Christian Nørgaard: Founder of Better Moments and Renowned Photographer
Christian Nørgaard, the visionary founder of Better Moments, is not just a leader; he’s an explorer at heart. With extensive experience as an expedition leader on thrilling journeys through Svalbard and Greenland, Christian brings unparalleled expertise to our private vessel adventures. His passion for wildlife photography has earned him accolades, including recognition in prestigious exhibitions and publications like National Geographic, and he was named a Hasselblad Master finalist. Christian’s journey began as a trainee photographer at Copenhagen’s leading newspaper, Berlingske Tidende. Since then, he has traversed the globe, capturing breathtaking landscapes and captivating wildlife through his unique lens. Join Christian as he navigates deep fjords and ventures into the pack ice, offering you an unforgettable experience filled with awe and inspiration. With Better Moments, every journey becomes a story waiting to be told. Embrace adventure—let Christian guide you into the heart of nature’s wonders!

SVALBARD BEHIND THE SCENES

Meet your workshop leaders Better Moments founder Christian Nørgaard who will take you on an expedition around the fascinating archipelago of Svalbard, Norway. In the video, you will see some of the stunning locations we will visit during the workshop as well as images taken by our guests.

EXPAND WITH PASSION

On Location

You will learn how to approach the unique challenges of wildlife photography at the best place in the world for polar bear and arctic wildlife photography. With private “one to one” workshops and lectures, this expedition will optimize your photographic skills and take them to the next level.
Teaching and training in the best techniques and personal hints and advice.
Composition and focus on lines, golden section, perspective, foreground.
Learning about the lenses that optimize your wildlife photography.
How to handle equipment with care on location.
Private hands-on lessons that can help taking your photography skills to the next level.

In Classroom

Expert review and constructive criticism of shots taken during the day
Private portfolio review
A Better Moments Certified Photo Instructor is available during the entire workshop to offer assistance with camera settings, the basics of composition, guide and help in general

ITINERARY

Day 2 – 11: Expedition Cruising
Explore Longyearbyen on your own before meeting your fellow travelers and guides for lunch. In the afternoon, we board the expedition ship and sail through the spectacular Isfjorden—our Arctic adventure begins! We are now in a part of the world where we are entirely dependent on ice and weather conditions. Our exact itinerary will be shaped by these factors and by the wildlife we encounter. Our goal is to go on daily Zodiac cruises and go ashore whenever possible. Below are some of the places we may visit:

Northwest Spitsbergen
With its sharp, towering mountain peaks, Northwest Spitsbergen offers breathtaking vistas and outstanding opportunities for landscape photography. Whether you’re capturing the dramatic interplay of light on the mountains or the serene reflections in the fjords, the region is a paradise for photographers.

The scientific village of Ny-Ålesund is situated in Kongsfjorden. It was from here that Amundsen and Nobile launched their historic expeditions to the North Pole. Two other daring attempts to reach the North Pole also began on Danskøya island, where Swedish explorer Andrée set out in a hydrogen balloon, and American journalist Wellman in an airship. Remnants of these expeditions can still be seen today.

The Magnificent Fjords of Svalbard
Svalbard is home to countless spectacular fjords, teeming with wildlife. Below are some of the fjords and glaciers we may explore by ship or Zodiac:

In Krossfjorden, we’ll encounter one of the largest glaciers in northwestern Spitsbergen, Lilliehööksbreen, which stretches for around 22 km. The beautifully sculpted front of this glacier is best appreciated during a Zodiac cruise.

Liefdefjorden, meaning “The Fjord of Love,” is surrounded by snow-capped mountain peaks. We hope to cruise along the face of the magnificent Monaco Glacier, a favorite resting spot for bearded seals.

Raudfjorden is an area of immense natural beauty, dominated by striking glaciers.

North of Spitsbergen
Depending on weather and ice conditions, we hope to reach the pack ice north of Spitsbergen. This floating, ever-changing landscape offers a fascinating and powerful experience. Few ships venture here, allowing us to enjoy the tranquility of this magnificent icy world. We will keep a lookout for Arctic wildlife, including polar bears and seals. The pack ice is a crucial part of Svalbard’s ecosystem, serving as a vital component of life in the Arctic.

Eastern Svalbard
The island of Nordaustlandet is covered by a vast ice cap that has fascinated naturalists and historians alike. Here, the enormous glacier Bråsvellbreen stretches for 180 kilometers! The 15-20 meter high ice edge is punctuated by hundreds of waterfalls. Barentsøya and Edgeøya offer spectacular scenery and expansive tundra, with good chances of spotting walrus, Arctic foxes, and Svalbard reindeer.

Isfjorden
At the entrance to Isfjorden stands the scenic cliff of Alkhornet, inviting refreshing hikes across the tundra. Here, we hope to encounter Svalbard reindeer grazing in their natural habitat. Arctic foxes are sometimes seen darting around the rock crevices, and with a bit of luck, we may see these charming little creatures searching for food.

Day 12: Longyearbyen
In the early morning, we disembark from our expedition ship and begin our journey home.

All itineraries are for guidance only. Our exact route will depend on ice, weather conditions, wildlife, and government regulations. The places mentioned are just examples of the many sites Svalbard has to offer. We always strive to maximize your experience. Please remember that flexibility is the key to a successful expedition!

Get Inspiration

Enjoy Your 34-Page Catalog with stunning photos from Svalbard

Read Catalogue Here

Including Workshop intinerary, expert interview, quick tips and equipment list

PASSIONATE TESTIMONIAL

Dr. Lou Newman, a passionate wildlife photographer from the USA, joined one of our first Svalbard Expeditions.

“There is no place like Svalbard. I was here a year ago with Better Moments, and as soon as we docked in Longyearbyen, I signed up immediately for the next year’s workshop.”

Lou Newman

TRAVEL FACTS

Thanks for choosing Better Moments for your workshop.

Facts

September 9th – 20th, 2025
Number of guests: 8-12

Included

1 Night in a hotel in Longyearbyen
Length: 12 days, 10 nights on board M/S Sjøveien
Lunch day 2
All meals on board
Coffee and tea

Not included

Travel to and from the workshop destination
Visa and taxes
Alcoholic beverages
Travel insurance

Ask Us

Do you have any questions about the workshop or would you like to go on a private customized tour? Send us an email.

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Price

- $ 11,390
- Twin Cabin with Portholes: Twin beds, portholes, and private bath and toilet.

- $ 12,090
  Twin Cabin with Windows: Twin beds, windows, and private bath and toilet.

- $ 12,690
  
  Double Cabin Superior: Double bed, windows, and private bath and toilet.
  
  $ 15,490
  
  Twin Cabin for Single Use: Twin beds, single occupancy, and private bath and toilet.

- All prices are per person.

RESERVE YOUR SPOT TODAY

Overview

QUICK GUIDE GETTING THERE

GETTING THERE

Svalbard’s only international airport, Longyear Airport in Longyearbyen, is served by SAS with almost daily flights from Oslo and Tromsø in Norway. Flight times are 4 hours from Oslo and less than 2 hours from Tromsø. The airport is located about 5 km (3 miles) from the town of Longyearbye.

Better Moments will arrange one pickup transfer and one return transfer to the airport on the arrival- and the departure day.

VISA

Norway is a member of the Schengen Agreement. Nationals of EU and EFTA (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland) countries only need a valid national identity card or passport for entry. All other visitors are required to have a passport valid for at least three months beyond the intended stay, and some will need a visa. Please check with the local embassy.

WEATHER

We have chosen August where the light is soft, and Svalbard offers beautiful sunrises and sunsets. Likewise, we are probably the only ship in the area, which is a great advantage for our photography.

Svalbard has an Arctic climate tempered by the warm North Atlantic Current. Due to the convergence of cold air from the north and mild, humid air from the south, weather conditions can change quickly and often, with occasional strong winds and wind chills.

LANGUAGE

The official language is Norwegian, but almost all Norwegians speak English.

CURRENCY

The Norwegian monetary unit is the Krone (NOK)

QUICK GUIDE

The Svalbard Museum in Longyearbyen is an impressive, recently inaugurated exhibition space. Themes include the life on the edge formerly led by whalers, trappers, seal and walrus hunters and, more recently, miners.

At the gallery in Longyearbyen, you can see the Svalbard collection of old maps and books, a slide show from the photographer and composer Thomas Widerberg, and an exhibition of Kåre Tveter’s paintings. From time to time there are also sales exhibitions.

The Longyearbyen Church is open for visitors every day and there is a service nearly every Sunday. Every Tuesday evening, the church sells coffee and Norwegian waffles. Here, you get to know Longyearbyen and the people better.

The cable trestles are cultural monuments over the manual driven coal mining in Longyearbyen. At that time, the coal was transported in “kibs” (carriers) on the cable way to the cleaning plant.

The Svalbard Islands are home to seven Norwegian national parks: Forlandet, Indre Wijdefjorden, Nordenskiöld Land, Nordre Isfjorden, Nordvest-Spitsbergen, Sassen-Bünsow Land, and Sør-Spitsbergen.

Little known but amazing natural attractions of Svalbard are the diverse springs. Fløtspingo and other Reindalen pingos are the highest pingos in Svalbard, and some of the highest open system pingos of the world, up to 42 m high. Hot and thermal springs, for example Jotun Springs, Troll Springs and Tempelfjorden thermal submerged spring.

One day trip by boat to the Esmark glacier and Oscar II Land and the Russian mining settlement looms on the side of the mountain above Grønfjorden. During the cruise, the guide will provide useful information about Svalbard.

Emergency phone number: 112