Norway: Land-based Summer In Svalbard
Tailor Made Itinerary
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6 Days From $4,381
Overview
A chance to experience life in the remote Arctic landscapes in the summer when much of the wildlife comes out. This adventure takes you deep into the heart of the beautiful Spitsbergen. Most people explore the archipelago via cruise boat, but this Wild Frontiers itinerary provides an alternative experience that still provides the chance of seeing walruses, belugas or even a polar bear!
Beginning in the old mining settlement of Longyearbyen, your journey by polarcircle boat takes you on ...
A chance to experience life in the remote Arctic landscapes in the summer when much of the wildlife comes out. This adventure takes you deep into the heart of the beautiful Spitsbergen. Most people explore the archipelago via cruise boat, but this Wild Frontiers itinerary provides an alternative experience that still provides the chance of seeing walruses, belugas or even a polar bear!
Beginning in the old mining settlement of Longyearbyen, your journey by polarcircle boat takes you on through the vast Arctic Seas to Nordenskiöld. Here at your base for the next four nights, you will hike the summit of a mountain for fantastic views, kayak along the edge of a glacier and learn the skill needed to hike on a glacier. You will then travel in the footsteps of the explorers of old as you visit the ghost town of Pyramiden on your way back to Longyearbyen.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
- Hike on the pristine Nordenskiöld Glacier
- Search for Arctic wildlife in some of the most remote locations on earth
- Stay in one of the most unique hotels in the Arctic
- Enjoy an exhilarating kayak trip through the Arctic waters
- Revel in the chance to see polar bears, the Kings of the Arctic, in their natural habitat
ITINERARY
This is a suggested itinerary. Our experts have all travelled widely in the region and will be happy to tailor any of our itineraries to suit your tastes, or build a trip from scratch.
DAY 1: LONGBEARBYEN
DAY 1: LONGBEARBYEN
Located on Isfjorden Bay, your adventure begins in the small Arctic town of Longyearbyen, the world's northernmost permanently inhabited settlement. On arrival you will catch the shuttle bus to the Basecamp Hotel where the rest of the day will then be free to explore at your leisure.
DAY 2: LONGYEARBYEN - BILLEFJORDEN
DAY 2: LONGYEARBYEN - BILLEFJORDEN
After breakfast this morning you will briefed on the adventure ahead by your guide before heading out to Billefjorden in an open polarcircle boat. During summer, the fjords will be teeming with wildlife, and you will most likely encounter northern fulmars, walruses, belugas or even a polar bear! Once at Nordenskiöld cabin, nestled in the glacier moraine, enjoy an outdoor lunch. Then, head out into the arctic nature and explore the beauty of the isolated outpost. There will be a chance for a warming sauna before dinner.
DAY 3: BILLEFJORDEN
DAY 3: BILLEFJORDEN
Following breakfast, zip up your drysuit and slide into the calm water with your partner in a double kayak. The best way to explore the Arctic is by kayak as the wildlife has little disturbance. You will be able to paddle past a calving glacier front and the arctic shorelines. After a long day paddling the cold, arctic sea, the comforts of a warm sauna and a proper meal is much deserved.
DAY 4: BILLEFJORDEN
DAY 4: BILLEFJORDEN
Today you will be hiking the majestic Nordenskiöld Glacier. After breakfast and a safety briefing, set out to explore the heavily crevassed glacier only 300 metres from the cabin. You will hike up and down the glacier, staring down cracks and enjoying the shiny glacier surface before eating an expedition lunch on the glacier.
DAY 5: BILLEFJORDEN
DAY 5: BILLEFJORDEN
Today will be spent hiking the surrounding mountain and beautiful Arctic landscape. Passing moraines and arctic flowers you will aim to summit one of the nearby mountain peaks. Once back at the cabin later on, you are free to use the sauna and enjoy a delicious meal.
DAY 6: BILLEFJORDEN - PYRAMIDEN - LONGYEARBYEN
DAY 6: BILLEFJORDEN - PYRAMIDEN - LONGYEARBYEN
This morning allows time for one more hike before having lunch and departing for Longyearbyen. Stop at the deserted Russian mining town of Pyramiden, home to the world's most northern grand piano. Deserted in 1998, the miners left behind a ghost town filled with rusting playgrounds, schools and a monument to Vladimir Lenin that, due to the frozen climate, will probably survive another 500 years. Continue to Longyearbyen by boat and arrive in the afternoon.
SUGGESTED ACCOMMODATION
Basecamp Hotel, Longyearbyen
Built using reclaimed driftwood, the rustic and charming Basecamp Hotel (also known as Trappers Lodge) is furnished throughout with Arctic bric-a-brac and traditional furnishings. A warm and welcoming retreat, all of its 16 rooms come with private bathrooms and an eclectic array of sealskins, slates and driftwood interiors. In keeping with its rustic charm, there are no TVs in the lodge, but an extensive library provides a wealth of reading material, whilst the panoramic windows of the Cognac Lounge present the perfect setting in which to enjoy the splendid displays of the Northern Lights. Complimentary tea, coffee and snacks are also available throughout the day.
Nordenskiöld Lodge, Billefjorden
Nordenskiöld Lodge is the furthest North commerically-operating lodge, situated amongst the glaciers and fjords, and is the ideal place for those who want to enjoy the arctic region in peace. The cabins are equipped with modern comforts but with a truly adventurous feel, as there is no running water and they have to burn wood to heat up the cabin and to melt the glacial water. There are only 5 bedrooms, all with great views of the arctic landscape, including the Nordenskiöld glacier, and the large variety of wildlife nearby. Hearty meals are also available onsite. The incredible nearby area can be explored by boat, snowmobile, husky sled or on foot.
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Accommodation listed here is intended as a guide only, to give you a taste of what we can do. Our experts can tailor any aspect of this itinerary and accommodation to suit your budget and tastes.
GUIDELINE PRICE & WHAT’S INCLUDED
NORWAY: LAND-BASED SUMMER IN SVALBARD (6 DAYS) $4,381
MEALS
As specified in the itinerary, sampling some of the country's finest cuisine.
TRANSPORT
Private air-conditioned vehicles with experienced, dedicated drivers.
ENTRANCE FEES
Tours and admission fees, including tickets specified in the itinerary.
EXPERT TEAM
Licensed English-speaking guides and a support team available 24/7.
ACCOMMODATION
As specified in the itinerary, using some of our favourite local properties.
ACCOMMODATION
CARBON CONTRIBUTIONS
If you book international flights through Wild Frontiers.
This itinerary is aimed to give you an idea of what we can offer. The price shown above is based on two people travelling outside of peak periods. As this itinerary is only a suggestion and can be tailor-made to suit your interests and budget, your final price may differ.
START PLANNING YOUR TRIP
Our team of experts have a wealth of knowledge and experience to help you plan your adventure of a lifetime.
WHY WILD FRONTIERS?
Expert travel consultants
Up-to-date knowledge and advice from our experienced consultants on the best places to stay, things to do and regions to visit to make your holiday the trip of a lifetime.
EXPERIENCED LOCAL GUIDES
We use experienced local guides to help bring the sights to life, introduce you to local characters and ensure you get under the skin of your destination.
HAND-PICKED ACCOMMODATION
Whether you are looking for a boutique hotel, homestay, local guesthouse, luxury spa, tented camp or heritage hotel, our experts can select the perfect property for you.
24-HOUR SUPPORT
Our local agents are there to help you on the ground should you need any assistance, and in addition you will be given a 24-hour UK emergency phone number.Meet the expert, Jamie
Jamie is our Scandinavia and Arctic expert, who has travelled extensively in the region.
Speak to Jamie by calling
+44 (0)20 3944 6258