A raw, roadless Arctic national park where walruses haul out on gravel beaches and polar bears roam the tundra — reachable only by Zodiac, accessible only to small expedition ships.
⚓ Zodiac (wet landing, no pier)🕒 Typical call: 4–6 hrs💵 Norwegian Krone (NOK)🗣️ Norwegian🧊 Expedition ships only (max 200 guests)
Docking
Zodiac wet landing — step into shallow Arctic water to reach shore
Walk to centre
No town; walks are 1–3 km guided hikes on open tundra and gravel beach
There is no pier or infrastructure — all landings are by Zodiac inflatable boat onto open beach.
Going Ashore at Forlandet Island
1
Zodiac boardingYour ship's expedition team will brief passengers before landing. Board the Zodiac from a platform or gangway on the ship's side, wearing your rubber boots and waterproofs.
2
Wet landingThe Zodiac beaches on a gravel shore. Swing your legs over the side and step into ankle-to-shin-deep icy Arctic water. Most expedition lines lend knee-high rubber boots — confirm before packing.
3
Stay within the safety perimeterArmed expedition guides scout for polar bears and establish a designated zone before passengers land. You must remain within this perimeter at all times — no wandering off alone.
4
Return to shipZodiac pick-up is from the same beach. Follow guide instructions for timing; conditions can change rapidly in the Arctic.
💡 Pro move: As of 2025, Norwegian regulations restrict Svalbard national park landings to ships carrying 200 or fewer guests, with a max of 39 people ashore at one time at a 1:12 guide ratio.
Piers & Tendering by Cruise Line
Forlandet Island has no port infrastructure — all cruise visits use Zodiac landings on natural beaches.
All activities are led by your ship's expedition team and included in your cruise — there are no independently bookable shore tours on this uninhabited island.
Wildlife
Poolepynten Walrus Colony
The island's most iconic landing. A resident colony of male Atlantic walruses hauls out on this east-coast gravel spit year-round. Walk in single file, whisper, and keep 30 m distance as guides position the group for close-up views of hundreds of tusked, grunting walruses.
⏱ 1–2 hrs🚶 Easy (flat beach)📷 World-class wildlife photo op
The island's northernmost point is a towering seabird colony with thousands of Brünnich's guillemots, kittiwakes, and glaucous gulls. It was here that Willem Barentsz sighted and named the cape 'Vogelhoek' (Bird Hook) on 28 June 1596 for its vast bird colonies, during the expedition that discovered Svalbard.
When landing conditions are poor, the expedition team runs Zodiac cruises along the island's dramatic coastline — scanning for polar bears on ice, walruses in the water, and harbour seals basking on rocks beneath the Grampianfjella peaks.
A beloved expedition tradition — brave passengers strip to swimwear and plunge into near-freezing Arctic waters under the watch of guides. Bragging rights guaranteed; hypothermia risk minimal with the quick in-and-out format.
The coastline is dotted with 17th-century whaling station ruins and preserved trapper cabins from the era of Norwegian Arctic hunters. Expedition guides provide historical context on this gritty chapter of Svalbard's past.
⏱ Included in most landings📜 400 years of Arctic history🏚 Photogenic ruins
All walking is on open tundra, gravel beach, and shingle — no marked trails, always guided due to polar bear risk.
Poolepynten Beach Walk
~1.5 km | Easy | Flat gravel beach
A slow, guided walk along the gravel spit to observe the walrus colony. The expedition team sets the route based on where the walruses are hauled out that day. Expect loose shingle, large driftwood logs washed in from Siberia, and a strong smell of walrus.
A guided hike across open Arctic tundra to the bird cliffs and historic Barentsz cape at the island's northern tip. Terrain is uneven — boggy in places, rocky near the cliffs. Not suitable for passengers with mobility limitations.
Climate normals for Forlandet Island, Svalbard, Norway (2014–2023 averages). Pack for the month you sail — highs, lows, and how many rainy days to expect.
Month
Avg High
Avg Low
Rainy Days
Sunrise
Sunset
Jan
22°F / -6°C
15°F / -9°C
12
–
–
Feb
21°F / -6°C
14°F / -10°C
13
–
–
Mar
18°F / -8°C
11°F / -12°C
14
6:38 AM
5:54 PM
Apr
23°F / -5°C
16°F / -9°C
11
–
–
May
30°F / -1°C
26°F / -3°C
10
–
–
Jun
38°F / 3°C
35°F / 2°C
6
–
–
Jul
46°F / 8°C
41°F / 5°C
10
–
–
Aug
44°F / 7°C
40°F / 4°C
10
–
–
Sep
38°F / 3°C
34°F / 1°C
14
5:47 AM
8:09 PM
Oct
31°F / -1°C
25°F / -4°C
12
9:37 AM
4:03 PM
Nov
26°F / -3°C
19°F / -7°C
13
–
–
Dec
23°F / -5°C
14°F / -10°C
12
–
–
Source: Open-Meteo ERA5 (10-yr daily averages)
Insider Tips
👢
Rubber boots are essential. Wet landings mean stepping into icy Arctic water. Most expedition lines loan knee-high rubber (muck) boots — confirm with your cruise line before embarkation, or bring your own.
🐻❄️
Never wander from your guide. Polar bears are present on the island. Guides carry rifles and establish a safety perimeter before every landing. Leaving the group is not permitted and is genuinely dangerous.
🧥
Layer up even in summer. Arctic wind off the Grampianfjella peaks cuts through quickly. Thermal base layers + fleece + windproof waterproof outer jacket. Add hat and gloves — the Zodiac ride amplifies the cold.
📷
Protect your camera. Sea spray on the Zodiac is inevitable. Pack your gear in a dry bag or waterproof backpack. A telephoto lens (200mm+) lets you photograph walruses and birds from a respectful distance.
🍽
No food or drink ashore — at all. Norwegian environmental law prohibits bringing food onto Svalbard national park shores to avoid attracting polar bears. Eat on the ship before you go. Only a sealed water bottle is allowed.
🚢
Small ships only since 2025. Norwegian regulations now bar cruise ships carrying more than 200 guests from landing in Svalbard national parks. Only genuine expedition vessels visit Forlandet Island.
Getting Around
Transport options from the pier — taxis, shuttles, transit passes, and whether ride-share apps work here.
🚗 Ride-share: ❌ Not available — use taxisNo roads exist on Forlandet Island. Rideshare services do not operate anywhere in Svalbard outside of Longyearbyen.🚍 Hop-on hop-off: ❌ No HOHO bus
🚤 Zodiac / Tender
Included in cruise
All shore access is via expedition Zodiac or tender. Landings are guided and must be pre-approved under Svalbard National Park regulations.
🦭 Guided Shore Excursion
Included in expedition fare
Expedition staff lead small-group walks to walrus haul-outs, polar bear habitat, and glacial terrain. Independent roaming is not permitted.
🔭 Scenic Cruising / Deck Observation
Included
Wildlife (polar bears, walrus, Arctic foxes, seabirds) is often viewed from the ship deck as it transits Forlandsundet. No landing required.
🚫 Independent Transport
N/A
No taxis, buses, rental vehicles, or rideshare services exist on the island. The entire island is a protected national park with no permanent inhabitants.
Cruises Calling Here
Upcoming cruises that call at Forlandet Island, Svalbard, Norway. Dates, prices, and ports of call change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking.
Hanseatic Nature
Hapag-Lloyd Cruises
Hamburg → flight
⚓ Calls 18 Jun 202715 nights18 portsDeparts 2027 Jun 07
View itinerary · 18 ports
15 days, one-way from Hamburg to Longyearbyen
07 Jun - 18:00Departing from Hamburg, Germany
09 JunNorwegian fjords cruising
09 Jun 10:00 - 18:00Bergen, Norway
10 JunNorwegian fjords cruising
10 Jun 07:00 - 13:00Maloy, Vagsoy Island Norway
11 Jun 07:00 - 14:00Geiranger, Norway
12 JunTorget island Norway, Torghatten
13 Jun 12:00 - 19:00Svolvaer, Austvagoya Island Lofoten Norway
14 Jun 08:00 - 18:00Tromso, Norway
15 JunNordkapp-North Cape, Mageroya Island Norway
15 Jun 12:00 - 19:00Honningsvag, Mageroya Island Norway
17 Juncoastal cruising
17 JunSpitsbergen Island, Svalbard Norway
18 JunForlandet Island, Svalbard Norway
19 JunNy-Alesund, Spitsbergen, Arctic Norway
20 Jun - 21 JunSpitsbergen Island, Svalbard Norway
22 JunArriving in Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen, Svalbard Norway
No upcoming cruises in our current list — check the full list for the latest itineraries.
Itineraries and prices change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking. Some links are affiliate links that may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you.
