Svalbard
Autumn Magic
Svalbard Autumn Magic Photo Tours & Expeditions
Svalbard Autumn Magic Photo Expeditions from late August to early October can be truly spectacular. The golden light of the setting sun paints the Arctic landscape in soft colours of red, orange, pink and purple - perfect for photographing Svalbard’s mountains, glaciers, and wildlife.
Wildlife remains in the archipelago, with most of the polar bears in the pack ice in the north. Walruses and seals rest along the shore, or on drifting glacier ice in calm fjords. While migratory birds prepare for their journey south, there are still some species to photograph. The colourful skies offer dramatic contrasts, perfect for photographing the Arctic's landscape and wildlife as the winter soon returns.
Svalbard in autumn is a unique opportunity for photographers keen to capture the magic of the Arctic in this beautiful season.
Autumn Polar Bears on Sea Ice
• Polar bears in amazing autumn light
• Explore the pack ice with high Arctic wildlife
In autumn, polar bears on the pack ice stay active, hunting seals, while most bears on land are resting. However, a few large males have specialised in hunting walruses.
Photographing Walruses & Seals in Autumn Light
• Walrus photography with autumn colors
• Low-level photography of walruses and seals
Itinerary Svalbard Autumn Magic
Svalbard is located at about 80 degrees North, so we schedule our Svalbard Autumn expeditions in accordance with prevailing weather and ice conditions. Based on previous photo expeditions in September and October we plan to use the travel route as illustrated on the map, but this may change due to ice, weather, and other conditions.
Day 1 - Departure from Longyearbyen through Isfjorden.
Day 2-4 - Heading toward the sea ice, searching for polar bears and other animals. Depending on the ice conditions, this will probably be north of Spitsbergen and Nordaustlandet.
Day 5-7 - East toward Storøya, searching for polar bears and walrus. Sailing into Hinlopen with walrus and whales.
Day 8 - Liefdefjorden with the Monaco glacier and the northwestern corner of Spitsbergen with seals and great landscapes.
Day 9 - Sailing south along the coast of Spitsbergen. Return to Longyearbyen late in the evening.
Day 10 - Disembarking the ship after breakfast and preparing for the travel home.
Svalbard Autumn Magic Dates
Below is a list of our Svalbard Autumn Magic expedition dates onboard MS Virgo – with max 12 guests. To inquire or book a spot, simply click the "Available Spots" button, and you will be directed to where you can find more information about which cabins are available and pricing.
Svalbard
Autumn Magic
17 SEP - 26 SEP 2026 10 Days
from USD 12,495 per person
Svalbard
Autumn Magic
08 SEP - 17 SEP 2027 10 Days
from EURO 11,995 per person
Svalbard
Autumn Magic
26 SEP - 05 OCT 2027 10 Days
from EURO 11,995 per person
Svalbard
Autumn Magic
30 AUG - 08 SEP 2028 10 Days
from EURO 12,495 per person
Do you need help to book?
Photographing
Big Whales
in Autumn
• Chances of photographing blue, fin and humpback whales
• Belugas in the fjords or in front of the glaciers
• Amazing autumn light
FAQ - Good to know about Svalbard Autumn
Click on the frequently asked questions below to learn more about our Svalbard Autumn Magic photo expeditions.
Other seasons in Svalbard
Not interested in an Autumn Magic expedition? No problem! We offer other exciting seasonal and specialized options for photographers to Svalbard. Click on any of the images below to explore more about photography expeditions to Svalbard.
Svalbard Winter Extreme
Photo Expeditions to Svalbard in March and early April with amazing light conditions.
Svalbard Winter Glow
Photo Expeditions to Svalbard in April and May, celebrating the return of the Midnight Sun.
Svalbard Spring Awakening
Photo Expeditions to Svalbard in May and June when Arctic birds and wildlife are preparing for the Summer.
Svalbard Summer Dream
Photo Expeditions to Svalbard in July and August enjoying Summertime in the Arctic.
Svalbard Below Surface
Underwater Photography & Snorkeling Expeditions to Svalbard in June.
Do you need more information?
Learn more
Below is a selection of some WildPhoto Expert Tips to help you learn more about Svalbard photography. These tips are ideal for preparing for an upcoming WildPhoto trip, or if you are seeking information and inspiration about Svalbard.
Photography
Polar Bear Photography
Learn more about where, when and how to photograph polar bears in Svalbard, and what is the recommended photo gear to bring on a polar bear photography expedition.
Travel preparation
Wildlife & Nature
Arctic Birds of Svalbard
Learn about bird species, camera gear, and tips for photographing Arctic birds.
Travel preparation
Svalbard Weather
Learn about sea ice, wind, and waves in Svalbard to better understand and forecast Arctic weather conditions.