May marks the beginning of the Arctic and Scandinavian sailing season – when the retreat of sea ice and the arrival of long Arctic days open up rarely navigable routes through Greenland, Iceland, Norway, and even the Northwest Passage. It’s a time that beckons modern-day adventurers to follow in the footsteps of the great explorers.

Adventure to these parts not only leaves us humbled by the power of the landscapes, but also encapsulates the emotional resilience and clarity that adventure can offer.

You can’t replicate the feeling of immersing yourself in the wild edges of the world – especially the high latitudes of the north.

In this blog, we explore what makes these ancient wildernesses so captivating, why they’ve inspired centuries of exploration, and how you can experience the magic of Arctic and northern voyages for yourself.

Why explore the far north? 

The far north has drawn adventurers for centuries – from the sagas of Norse seafarers to the heroic, often harrowing expeditions of explorers like Captain Byrd and Roald Amundsen. These regions, shaped by ice, wind, and extreme isolation, have always required extraordinary resilience to reach.

While today’s explorers benefit from technology and mapped routes, the spirit of adventure remains unchanged. Venturing into the Arctic means entering one of the most untamed environments on Earth – where wildlife such as polar bears, narwhals, and Arctic foxes roam, and the landscapes leave you humbled at every turn.

But it’s not just the scenery that transforms you. With limited distractions, minimal phone signal, and hours of untouched silence, time in the Arctic offers a rare opportunity to reset – and in challenging environments, we often find inner strength. In the vast stillness of the Arctic, many adventurers discover a form of peace that stays with them long after the journey ends.

Northern hemisphere wilderness adventures 

If you’re a true adventure seeker, then these Scandinavian and Arctic wilderness adventures are for you. No two trips are ever the same and it guarantees to be an epic experience. 

Sail Svalbard & Greenland Expedition

Part of a four-phase expedition to the Arctic, this sailing expedition takes you 80° North into the Arctic circle. Circumnavigate Svalbard, a polar archipelago in between Norway and the North Pole – home to polar bears and wild reindeer. Along the way, professional crew will guide you through sail training and share insights into the regions you explore. An onboard scientific programme will collect vital data on climate change in polar regions, and you’re welcome to take part. This is more than a sailing trip – it’s a rare opportunity to contribute to protecting one of the planet’s most fragile environments.

Dates available: August 2025 

Sail Iceland to Norway via Shetlands

Join for the final phase of an Arctic tall ship expedition, where you can participate in a citizen science project. This home-leg route invites you to sail from Reykjavík to the Shetland Isles via the remote Faroe Islands aboard an extraordinary traditionally-rigged wooden vessel. This Arctic voyage blends adventure, exploration, and science, offering the chance to spot whales and experience breathtaking fjordic landscapes. Plus, develop understanding on how the geology and topography of the sub-Arctic archipelagos are evolving and changing. 

Dates available: September 2025

Sail Iceland to the Netherlands via Faroes

Follow the ancient Viking sea routes from Iceland’s rugged shores to the peaceful coast of the Netherlands. Over 25 days, discover the untamed beauty of the North Atlantic – immersing yourself in Icelandic culture and volcanic landscapes before sailing to the Faroe Islands, home to the tallest cliffs in Europe. You’ll also stop at remote Scottish archipelagos rich in wildlife and history. Throughout the voyage, you’ll refine your sailing skills, learning about navigation, watches, and ocean currents, all while experiencing the rhythm of life at sea aboard a traditional vessel.

Dates available: October 2025 

Finnish Wilderness Week

Spend a week in the Finnish wilderness at the heart of the Arctic winter. Expect deep snow, cozy accommodation in a self-sustained complex of wooden buildings, and plenty of chances to see the Northern Lights. Oulanka National Park offers a remote snowy retreat with nothing around for miles. You’ll enjoy snowmobile safaris, dog sledding, downhill skiing, Arctic fire-making training, and the chance to explore nearby towns. After a day of adventure, unwind by the fire and experience a traditional Finnish sauna, or soak in an outdoor hot tub underneath the stars.

Dates available: December 2025 to April 2026  

North West Passage Yacht Expedition 2026

Not for the faint-hearted, this Northwest Passage yacht expedition represents the pinnacle of adventure. There is no greater sailing challenge you can undertake, and it is a rare privilege to experience it. Over 49 days, you’ll embark on a daring odyssey, fully supported by an expert skipper. Fewer than 200 vessels have completed this route in the past century. Along the way, you’ll navigate narrow ice passages and witness untouched beauty deep within the Arctic Circle – all aboard the world’s lowest environmental impact yacht, built with 100% recyclable materials and operating with zero fossil fuel consumption.

Dates available: August 2026 

Sail Scotland to the Faroe Islands

Set off from Scotland’s west coast on a 12-day sailing voyage to the wild and remote Faroe Islands. Pack your hiking boots – there’ll be plenty of chances to explore on foot, from dramatic cliffs and windswept beaches to hidden island communities. This autonomous nation offers rich culture and breathtaking landscapes unlike anywhere else. The journey includes a 48-hour open-sea passage, giving you a taste of real ocean adventure while honing your offshore sailing skills along the way.

Dates available: Get in touch 

Sail Greenland to Iceland

Experience both blue water and coastal sailing during this 17 day voyage from Greenland to Iceland. Immerse yourself in unbeatable landscapes with plenty of opportunity to spot the spectacular Northern Lights away from land and light pollution. After exploring the west and south coast of Greenland, you’ll see plenty of seabirds and marine life en route to your final destination, feasting in the plankton rich waters – and if the winds are favourable there’s the possibility to explore the Icelandic fjordlands. You don’t need experience to join the voyage, as the ship is fully crewed. However, if you wish to learn the ropes there is plenty of opportunity to develop your skills as a sailor.   

Dates available: September 2025 

Plan your trip 

If the north calls, get in touch to book your expedition. Larissa, Another World Adventures Founder and Director spent 3.5 years living in Norway with her sailboat and loves to help others to visit and experience the magic of this incredible region.

Or, browse our range of Scandinavian and Arctic adventures to discover more opportunities to explore this remote wilderness.