Iceland Expedition 2025: Phase 04/04

ICELAND 64°N to NORWAY 60°N 2025

EXPEDITION CONCEPT: PROSPICE EX ANIMO

Prospice ex animo (latin) = To Move Forward, with Courage/from the Heart

OUR GRAND CONCEPT FOR 2025: FOUR INTERCONNECTED EXPEDITIONS FROM THE HEART OF THE ARCTIC TO THE SUB-ARCTIC

Each leg of can be undertaken independently, or together for the ultimate arctic expedition.

With the expeditionary tradition of the past and the trappings of the future, an array of dramatic nature and Arctic wildlife awaits you!


DEPARTS: 22 SEPT (MON) (Reykjavik, Iceland)

TERMINATES: 03 OCT (FRI) (Bergen, Norway)

Duration: (12 days, 11 nights)
Passengers: 12

CURATED & HOSTED BY JOE SHUTTER WITH S/V LINDEN

For PHASE FOUR, the FINAL PHASE, the expedition will sail southeast from Reykjavik and around the Reykjanes peninsula to the southern archipelago of the Westman Islands, which are a part of Iceland. From there, the expedition sails east to the beautiful Faroe Islands to sail in stunning fjordscapes.

Pushing east, we sail to the Shetland Islands, another remote archipelago, this time part of the UK. Finally, the expedition will sail further east still and terminate in the quaint town of Bergen, Norway, steeped in history.

After completing this journey, our two and a half month epic which started in Longyearbyen, Svalbard is complete and the expedition is over.

(Prospice ex animo. Meaning: To Move Forward, with Courage/from the Heart)

EXPEDITION HIGHLIGHTS

  1. Visit FOUR different countries: Iceland, The Faroe Islands, The Shetlands (Scotland) and Norway

  2. Get a taste of the golden age of exploration on a fully traditionally rigged, wooden sailing vessel

  3. Explore the most remote parts of the places that we will visit

  4. Understand how the geology and topography of the sub-Arctic archipelagos differ and evolve

  5. Follow in the footsteps of the vikings as we cross these major hubs of the old norse world

  6. Participate in an active scientific programme which seeks to collect data about the Arctic (entirely voluntary)

  7. Undertake the expedition with a small group of 12 amazing people from all over.

  8. Enjoy stunning vistas and landscapes with the trappings of civilisation

  9. Pursue an intentional, knowledge-oriented expedition with respect to the destinations visited

  10. Travel with an experienced crew and Expedition Leader that are at least as excited to be there as you (!)

  11. Set the sails of destiny, and strive forth upon your highest purpose: to sail and explore the waters of the north

Where are we going on this intrepid expedition? Click/tap to expand.

To join this expedition, you need to apply!

The Great Expedition Company invites those with an expeditionary spirit to join us on a voyage of breath-taking scenery and unforgettable wildlife encounters high into the quiet sanctuary of the Arctic

Read through all of the information on this page.

Find the Zoom call scheduling window at the bottom of the page. Apply and book a call with Joe to discuss your participation in this expedition.

We only want people who have read the whole web page to apply! Why? Because we want people to understand what they’re in for: the adventure of their lives!

Citizen Science: A Call to Action

We have taken the decision to run a scientific programme on board this expedition, owing to the remoteness of the locations we will be travelling in and the general lack of data about the Arctic. The purpose of this programme is to shed light on the continuing influence of the changing climate on the Polar Regions.

In Practice, this means that the crew will be collecting data at regular intervals throughout the expedition relating to water temperature, the presence of microplastics (if any), salinity and acidity levels as well as keeping a rigorous log on sighted wildlife along the way.

At the end of the expedition, all the data will be collated into a report which will be disseminated to Scientific databases which can be used to aid in further research about the Arctic.

All passengers are invited to participate in this ongoing programme on board and involve themselves. It must be said that there is no obligation at all, and participation is entirely voluntary.

The remote archipelagos of the North Atlantic beg the question: how did people even get to live here? Well, that is indeed a valid question, and on this expedition you can find out.

The lands of the North are intimately connected by hundreds of years of human migrations, and bold adventurers with very clear evidence showing that the Norse (vikings) were stopping along the way on islands that they visited unintentionally in the beginning and later intentionally as trade or travel outposts in the growing network. This expedition will take you in the footsteps of the Norse seaman between four of their most significant staging posts: Iceland, The Faroe Islands, the Shetlands and finally the Southwest coast of Norway.

The human exploration of the North is but a brushstroke upon a tremendous and exuberant canvas representing hundreds of years of settlement and history


We propose to seek out the secrets of the Norse, and reveal them with you.

OUR PEOPLE MEAN EVERYTHING TO US. MEMORIES FROM YEARS PAST.

JOINING YOU ON BOARD

The Great Expedition Company has no back-office. Expedition leader Joe Shutter has carefully curated this unique sailing itinerary, along with the expertise of S/V Linden’s Captain, Rasmus Jacobsen, and together they will sail with you through the wonders of the Svalbard seas.

Founder of The Great Exped & Expedition Leader

Welcome, curious explorer! Joe here. British-Brazilian, I made Iceland my home 10 years ago.

I’ve spent many summer seasons sailing in Eastern Greenland and traversing the harsh highlands of Iceland. In recent years, I have had the pleasure of depending my knowledge of the Arctic and Antarctic.

My affinity for the Polar Regions has no limits. Through my lens and many years of exploration, I have honed the artful skill of curating positive and purposeful experiences which I take great joy in sharing with fellow explorers.

I prosecute a gratuitous and exuberant expedition leading style. I believe fervently in enjoying myself and fomenting an atmosphere of merriment and jubilation with my expedition parties. I strive to use my expedition time on the most remote and unique places and experience, but I’m always ready for whatever nature has lined up for me. I am always there for my people.

For me, seducing the spirits of fellow explorers and sharing in the wonders of the Arctic is my eternally-repeatable aim. Bringing people together with a common passion has always been my favourite thing: there’s a special energy in this that I have never found anywhere else.⁣

@joe_shutter

Rasmus Jacobsen

YOUR ARCTIC CAPTAIN

Captain of S/V Linden & Experienced Navigator

Growing up in Denmark and living on a yacht, my family raised me within a maritime lifestyle and eco-friendly culture from childhood. Since then, I’ve enjoyed over 30 years on the ocean thus far: working on galleons, square rigs, research vessels and passenger ships.

My passion lies in seeking out the most untouched arenas of the Arctic, placing a great emphasis on exploring without any signs of human activity. 

My crew and I are committed to embodying an environmentally-friendly approach to sailing, inspired to seek out the abundant beauty of Svalbard in a purposeful manner. Hence, collaborating with The Great Expedition Company is a harmonious eco-expedition match.

@sv__linden

Joe Shutter

YOUR EXPEDITION LEADER

A personal note from Joe:

Captain Rasmus is a gentle soul with kind eyes; I have no doubt that you will feel welcomed and at ease in his presence, and safe in his sailing skills. He is a breathe of fresh air on the seas: intelligent yet humble, he is committed to exploring in an intentional and eco-friendly manner, which was the very basis for which I decided to form a collaboration between The Great Expedition Company and S/V Linden. We have a mutual respect and understanding for the fragile Arctic we intend to sail in, and as such, we can plan to explore with purpose and wonder. I am beaming with excitement just writing these words, knowing what lies ahead of you and I: awe-inspiring natural beauty, thrilling wildlife encounters, and genuine human connection amongst our intimate group as we set sails under the Arctic sun.

EXPEDITION MEMORIES

WE ARRANGE

  • Accommodation on board, incl. bedding & towels

  • All meals, snacks, tea and coffee throughout..

  • Provision of a complimentary “Great Expedition Kit” : a curated collection of Expedition essentials to enhance your expedition.

  • Expedition champagne and port supply.

  • Usage of the ship’s cigar humidor

  • Free use of onboard sauna

  • Extensive Pre-Departure Preparation Material comprising:

    • Equipment and Information Pack

    • Destination-specific Expedition Preparation Guide - everything we think you need to know about your location before you get there.

  • Pre-Expedition Welcome Dinner aboard the ship the night before the start of the expedition (Day 0)

  • All guided hikes ashore

  • All guided zodiac excursions to shore

  • Educational and Informational services from the Expedition Leader and crew

  • Port surcharges, permits and landing fees

  • Photography guidance and tuition in-the-field, as-we shoot

  • Editing session on board in the salon upon request

  • Some other goodies and extras that are not mentioned

YOU ARRANGE

  • Your flights to Iceland

  • Your flight from Norway at the end of the expedition

  • Additional Alcoholic beverages beverages on board (outside of champagne and port from the expedition supply)

  • Personal travel & health insurance

  • Crew gratuities (entirely discrentionary)

  • Personal equipment and gear for the expedition

DETAILS

  • Dates: 22  Sept 09 - 03 Oct  2025

    (12 days, 11 nights)

  • Berths: 12

  • Price: €7,995

    • (with 20% deposit payable to secure a spot)

  • Starts: Reykjavik, Iceland

  • Ends: Bergen, Norway

  • Linden Saloon

  • Linden beside a glacier in Svalbard

  • Linden Cabins made up

  • Linden Saloon: rear.

  • Learning the ropes

  • Northern Fjordscapes

    Northern Fjordscapes

LIFE ON BOARD S/V LINDEN

S/V Linden is undeniably a swoon-worthy vessel.  This elegant 50 meter three-masted tall ship captures everyones attention as she glides on the polar seas. She is very strong, capable, and best suited scouring the ice in the Arctic. Built in 1993, as a modern take on the original Linden from 1923, she has been sailing for more than thirty years around the northerly seas, proving that she is trustworthy and made for arctic adventures.

Linden will host us in her bright and comfortable main saloon, where plenty of windows provide a panoramic view for you to watch the waves roll by. Accommodation is made up of 5 twin bunk-style cabins and 2 single cabins. Home-cooked meals by the on board chef will be enjoyed in her main saloon, amid a well stocked library of polar literature. Day to day life on board is exciting yet easy-going: we will discuss the upcoming route over a hearty breakfast, plan our days activities, share life experiences over warm tea, and keep our binoculars in hand whilst we look out for wildlife.

Having been built in Finland there is, of course, a well-sized sauna on board, which will be the perfect refuge after a polar-plunge!

TECHNICAL DATA:

Length overall: 49.5 meters / 164 ft.
Beam Breath: 8.8 meters
Draft: 3.1 meters
Passengers: 12
Crew: 6-8
Cargo space: 35 Ton
Crane: SWL1,1T4M
Deck space: 80m2
Tenders: 2x ZodiacMk5, 1xZodiac MOB 4,56m
Sail area: 690 square meters
Speed on sails: 8 knots avg.
Speed on Engine: 6 knots
Range: Unlimited

EXPEDITION ITINERARY

Below is our intended sailing route, but please take into consideration that wind and weather conditions may adjust our sails. This is a natural part of the adventure of sailing. Our strength is to abide by the conditions which nature gives us, never against it, still making the best out of our time.

All expedition itineraries are approximate and are designed to give you a rough idea of the sorts of places we will go and the sorts of places we will see. A true expedition must respond to the prevailing conditions such as the weather, ice, and wildlife opportunities. That being said, the backbone of the expedition will head north and then down south again roughly on the following basis.

EXPEDITION OBJECTIVE

With 12 days and 11 nights at our disposal, we will have plenty of time to explore these remote island communities. However, to make this expedition unique and to really harness the resources at our disposal, we will use our vessel to explore more/the most difficult to reach parts of these remote islands. Most tourists visiting the Faroe Islands or the Shetland Islands can see the main sights in a few days, but some areas remain very out of reach without a considerable time investment.

That’s where we come in. Sailing in from the west, we can land at some of the most remote islands in these archipelagos; places that could take at least several days to reach if you were travelling in a more conventional way.

DAY 1

You will arrive at the harbour in Reykjavik and board S/V Linden which will be waiting for you. You can’t miss it and there is no other like her: big, white and with three masts. After an Expedition Briefing by the Expedition Leader and a Safety Briefing by the captain, we will get underway and hopefully leave port in the early afternoon for a few hours sail out and around the Faxafloi Bay and into the North Atlantic to the Westman Islands. We will arrive in the Westman Islands later that evening.

DAY 2-3

We will wake up in the Habour of Heimey Island, the largest and only inhabited  island on the archipelago. We will take a small tour of the island, make a sunrise hike to the top of the volcano that erupted in 1973 (definitely safe) and visit the famous “elephant rock”. After dinner on day 2 , we will get underway for a 36 hour sail to the Faroe Islands. 

DAY 4-5-6

We will arrive in the Faroe Islands on day 4 and make a beautiful sailing route through the steep and sheer fjords. Adhering to the expedition objective, we will seek to land on one or some of the more remote islands of the Faroe and we also want to see some of the iconic landmarks of the Faroes from a new perspective which will be truly exhilarating. We will leave the Faroes at the end of day 6 but not before stopping in to port in Thorshavn, the capital city of the Faroe. It is a quaint little town and is well worth a short visit and a stomp around, especially the old parts.

DAY 7-8

A day and half sailing awaits us to reach the Shetland Islands. With any luck,  we will enjoy some beautiful conditions as we sail east and aim to arrive in the Shetlands in the late afternoon on day 8.

DAY 9-10

Having arrived in the Shetlands, we will attempt to do as we did in the Faroes: see and explore the most remote parts of the islands as well as set foot in Lerwick, the largest town in the Shetlands. At the end of the 10th day, we will begin our sail to Bergen, Norway, which will be our final destination.

DAY 11

A sailing day between The Shetland Islands and Bergen.

DAY 12

We will arrive in Bergen early on the 12th day and cruise into the harbour of our final destination. We will aim to take the rest of the day in Bergen and enjoy our time. There is plenty to see Bergen a the town itself is steeped in history, with quaint little houses dotted around the old town making for some picturesque sightseeing. With a population of 271,949 it will be by far the most populated settlement we will have seen for the last two weeks.

We will officially close out not just the final leg of the expedition but also the whole concept that we conjured on early 2024, brought ot life over the last 12 months and finished with our final day on board with a toast to our incredible journey.

FAQ’s

Below are some answers to a few commonly asked questions, with some additional suggestions. If you have any questions that aren’t answered here, then you can raise it with us via a Zoom call.

  • What level of photography do I require?

    • This is not expressively a photography workshop, but Joe will be happy to assist and guide you as you wish. You can be as photographically creatively active or as inactive as you like, and we welcome many other forms of creativity. We even had a dressmaker join us on expedition once and it was amazing to watch her conjure up her design based on the inspiration she was getting from nature.

    How fit do I need to be?

    • You can engage in as much or as little physical exertion as you like, but you do need to be able to get into and out of the ship and zodiac, and go up and down the stairs.

    What & where will we eat?

    • All meals will be prepared and served by a chef on board Linden, and dietary requirements can be supported.

    Will we see the Northern Lights?

    • No, not during the Arctic summer as the midnight sun reveals itself for longer periods. Although it is rare, it can also rain in Svalbard too.

    What will the weather be like during June in Svalbard?

    • The weather in June will be near 5 °C / 40 °F throughout the day, dropping to 0 °C / 30 °F at night. With this said, windchill may decrease the temperature - please see the ‘Clothing’ FAQ section. Our "Equipment and Information" One of the aspects of our extensive pre-departure material, will make sure you have all the bases covered.

  • Althopugh we provide an exhaustive list of what to pack in our "Equipment and Information Pack", part of our extensive Pre-Departure material, wee do offer the following as a guide for the initially curious.

    There is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes! It’s essential to dress appropriately for arctic conditions. Below are our recommendations:

    • Sturdy hiking boots for getting off the boat and exploring land (if you wish to)

    • Comfy and warm shoes for below deck, such as slippers

    • 1st layer: base layer, like merino wool or bamboo long-sleeve & leggings

    • 2nd layer: mid-layer, like a wool jumper, fleece, or packable puffy jacket

    • Main outer layer: like a down-filled coat. We will be sailing in “summer”, but the Arctic does not follow any usual weather rules, so you must come prepared

    • Waterproof layer: GORE-TEX zip-up coat or similar, and ideally it’s also windproof to tolerate any windchill.

    • If you enjoy reading then definitely bring a book or two. You’ll likely cherish that book in the future, knowing where you read it

    • If you like journaling and writing then bring along a pen & notebook

    • Sunblock! The Arctic sun has no mercy, and reflects strongly off the snow, ice and sea water

    • In the same vein as sunblock, bring lip balm, as the Artic summer is drying

    • A water bottle. It’s much easier to use on board than a regular cup

    • Finally, don’t forget to bring your expeditionary spirit!

    • Bring something from your home country to share with the group!

WHO ARE YOU?

A proper expedition is always comprised of an elaborate mosaic of characters, each with their own story and each with something to offer to the expedition group. Our job is to put together an incredible group of people: similar enough to embrace the spirit of adventure in the Arctic, different enough to introduce healthy diversity and counterpoint in the individual and shared experience of the Arctic.

We need to ensure that everyone who seeks to join us on our expeditions are a positive, forthcoming and interesting individual, hence why The Great Expedition Company follows a curation protocol when selecting guests to join us. This is why our selection process is curated.

Having “what it takes” simply means you’re open to new places, new people and unforgettable sights. We’re all smart in different ways, and it’s up to team leading the expedition to put together a truly excellent group for a truly exceptional experience.

Find the Zoom call scheduling window below, tell us something about yourself and then book a call with us to discuss your participation.