#21
Freya | The expedition ship that sails with heart, soul, and spirit

In a world dominated by giant floating hotels, one ship cuts a different wake. Meet Freya, the Swedish expedition vessel with steel bones, a poet's soul and a owner who looks like he just wandered off the set of Netflix’s latest Viking drama.

More than a means of transport, Freya is a character. She’s sturdy, soulful, and smart. A ship with presence, purpose, and the kind of charm that lingers in the memory. She’s not here to conquer the polar regions with bravado, but to explore them with respect.

Built for the grind, reborn for adventure

Freya was forged in the Baltic, originally designed for fairway renovation and lighthouse service. She was no sleek cruise liner; she was a workhorse. Her reinforced hull could nose onto rocky outcrops. Ice didn’t scare her—it was part of the job description.

Her second life began when she was purchased by a visionary and then passed into the hands of a young officer who would change her course entirely: Edvin Vidarsson.

Family-run

Step aboard Freya and you’ll feel it instantly—this is something deeply personal. Run by Edvin and the team, Freya reflects a bond that goes beyond business. Their shared history, passion, and attention to detail are woven into every part of the experience, creating an environment that feels like family.

The many facets of Freya: a dependable, deep-thinking ship

Freya is tough, and trust us when we say she’s got character. Edvin describes her as the reliable neighbourhood handyman: “A bit of a belly, but solid as a rock and always ready for the next adventure.” Those who have visited Freya beg to differ. She has newly refitted interiors with a maritime elegance, with a palette of deep blue, brass and wood, making her feel cosy and inviting. Perfect for polar travel and a welcome respite from the chill and thrill of watching for wildlife deckside.

She carries no more than 12 guests, creating space for deep connections rather than surface-level spectacle. It’s not about chandeliers and floor shows. It’s about shared glances with a walrus and the crunch of sea ice under the hull. You'll be swapping stories with others just like you who have come to the edge of the earth to experience the true wild.

Freya offers intimacy over indulgence, and authenticity over opulence. But her cooking is legendary, with freshly baked goods daily and a crew that returns with affection for more work and exciting expeditions often.  Her Arctic voyages change people, not by dazzling them, but by grounding them. Somehow, on a ship like Freya with a crew full of heart, you find your place in the universe. You'll experience unusual friendships forged while gazing at waterfalls pouring off glaciers and marvelling at thousands of seabirds diving into the ocean for their first flights.

A crew that thrives, not just survives

Edvin know that a ship runs only as well as its crew. That’s why that on Freya the crew is given plenty of rest time, which creates a workplace where people feel refreshed and are able to continue offering an excellent service.

Edvin often says: “These are long seasons. You can’t just squeeze people like lemons and expect them to smile.” The result? A tight-knit, passionate crew that runs like clockwork, and wants to come back.

The Secret Atlas partnership: aligned on values, not just voyages

Freya found her match in Secret Atlas. We are a small but well thought out expedition company that believes in low-impact travel with meaning. Since our exclusive partnership with Freya has undergone upgrades to improve fuel efficiency, waste management, and onboard comfort. But more importantly, she’s part of a vision: to explore the polar regions in ways that are both bold and responsible.

“I just can't take people to the Arctic and then leave the responsibility to them to understand climate change and the challenges we have as tour operators.” Edvin candidly reflects. “I have to say it's a big conflict within me, being in the Arctic with my ship.  But I do hope that conflict always stays with me, because this drives me to do my part, continue to develop my values and take responsibility where I stand. If experiencing the Arctic and our work to safely bring guests there inspires those who come onboard… it's a big plus and truly fantastic. But it doesn't take away the responsibility to always do my part.” — Edvin Vidarsson

Looking ahead: whales, fjords, and winter light

Like the early explorers, she respects the places she visits. With successful seasons in Svalbard and Greenland under her belt, Freya’s future expands into the fjords of Norway, where whales gather and the colourful aurora paints the night sky. 

And so, Freya sails on—unpolished, uncompromising, and unforgettable. Not the biggest ship. Not the flashiest. But perhaps one of the most honest.

She’s the voice inviting you aboard! 

Join Secret Atlas aboard Freya for a new kind of expedition

Photo credit: ©Lana Tannir 2025