6 DAYS - SUMMER - FROM €2,580

Polar Adventure Express


A 6-Day Summer Expedition in Svalbard!

OVERVIEW


ABOUT THE TRIP

  • DAY 1 - Arriving in Svalbard

    You arrive in Svalbard! Ready for a once-in-a-lifetime experience?

    After landing, you can take your time exploring the special town of Longyearbyen, taste the delicious food the town's restaurants offer, don't miss it!

    After a good meal, take a stroll down the snowy lanes and enjoy Longyearbyen's fascinating mountains and the beautiful ocean near town.

  • DAY 2 - Wildlife and Glacier Boat Trip and a Kayaking Trip

    Wildlife and Glacier Boat Trip


    The conditions on Svalbard change a lot throughout the year, and a trip under the midnight sun in May will be different from when the polar night approaches in October. Regardless of the season, you can expect unique experiences in beautiful Svalbard nature. Early in the season, parts of the Billefjord may still be covered in ice. By the use of only the electric motor, we will then silently follow the ice edge where the opportunity to see wildlife is great! Here we will also enjoy the mesmerising glacier front of Nordenskiöldbreen. In addition, we will see the ghost town Pyramiden from a distance, and drive by the bay Skansbukta.


    The catamaran's hybrid-electric engine and specially designed propellers minimize the noise and vibration. This not only takes you closer to nature; More importantly, the surrounding wildlife is less disturbed by our presence.


    MS Bard is a new and groundbreaking catamaran for day cruises, specially built to leave the smallest footprint possible in the vulnerable Arctic nature. When we approach glaciers, wildlife or settlements, it will run silently on electric propulsion. At higher speeds we use a hybrid solution, where we run both an electric motor and diesel engine at the same time. In that way, we get the speed up whilst reducing the diesel consumption.


    The boat has a contemporary, Norwegian design that contributes to the serene experience on board. You are free to move on several outdoor decks or enjoy the views from inside, through massive panoramic windows. Comfortable lounges are available outside as well as indoors. On board you will find a café and bar with a diverse selection of snacks and drinks.


    Included:

    Transfer to/from the harbor in Longyearbyen

    Boat trip with guides on board

    A light dish: Vegetarian lentil soup

    All necessary safety equipment




    Half-day Kayak on Adventfjorden


    Your guide will meet you at your hotel and drive you to the kayak base by the sea, where you'll receive your kayaking gear for the day. After gearing up, we’ll head to the shore for a quick paddling tutorial and a comprehensive safety briefing before launching off.


    Leaving Longyearbyen’s coastline behind, we glide into the fjord, with the impressive Hiortfjellet (or “Hiorth Mountain”) directly ahead. We'll pause along the way for short breaks, during which you’ll learn about the mining history of Longyearbyen and the historic site of Hiorthamn across the fjord. Keep an eye out for seabirds floating nearby as you paddle by; from a kayak, you get a remarkably close view of the wildlife and water’s surface. Your guide will share fascinating stories about the landscapes we pass, making each pause a memorable one.


    After an incredible journey through the fjord, we paddle back toward town, where your guide will bring you safely back to your hotel, rounding off a true Arctic adventure.

  • DAY 3 - Foxfonna Hike and Midnight Sun Dinner in front of a Glacier

    Hike Across Foxfonna with a Dog


    As we set out on our hike, the panoramic views unfold before us, showcasing the rugged beauty of Svalbard's landscape from an elevation of about 400 meters above sea level. Our route leads us across the base of the majestic Foxfonna glacier, stretching approximately 6 kilometers in length and adorned with towering peaks such as Foxtoppen and Gilsonryggen. Named after the Arctic fox, this glacier is a testament to the region's pristine wilderness.

    Continuing our trek towards Foxdalen (the "Fox Valley"), we'll pause to rest and recharge at an old trapper's cabin, where a hearty expedition lunch awaits. Fuelled by delicious fare and warm beverages, we'll soak in the tranquility of our surroundings before descending towards Adventdalen, culminating our journey at Camp Barentz.


    Midnight Sun Dinner in front of a Glacier


    This is your chance to experience a midnight sun dinner up in the high Arctic - in front of a glacier!


    Join our comfortable warm, closed and fast RIB boat, with maximum 12 people, that will bring us across the massive Isfjord towards one of Svalbard's stunning glaciers.


    Embark on our boat for an evening full of scouting for wildlife, being astonished by an immense glacier and savor a warm dinner in Arctic surroundings. We will start our journey by crossing the Isfjord, one of the largest fjords which is also known to be a feeding area for many whales. So keep your binoculars ready to scout the area for possible wildlife such as belugas, whales, seals and maybe even a Polar bear! We will bring you towards one of the breathtaking glaciers for an unforgettable view. Whilst enjoying your warm dinner, we will be gazing out at the Arctic nature around us.  If the conditions and weather allow us, we will go on land. During our Polar Summer we enjoy 24/7 sun above our heads. This is a special phenomenon that can only be found so high North. We aim for the best views this evening to let you enjoy the Arctic scenery. Often Walruses can be found in front of the glacier and our team have been on the water during the day, so we know where to be on the lookout for wildlife.


    Our boat is comfortable, equipped with toilet and is able to get close to the glaciers.


    This evening trip is a great adventure to explore Svalbard in her best way!


    Included:


    Our professional and dedicated skipper and guide, warm expedition food, hot drinks and sweets, Search & Rescue insurance, emergency and safety equipment, transfer to and from your accommodation.


    What we recommend you to bring:

    Please make sure to dress properly for Arctic weather conditions.

    Our recommendations for this trip would be to wear: Sturdy waterproof boots/shoes (above the ankle), (soft shell) pants, shell jacket (wind and waterproof), base layers, warm socks, insulating mid-layer, warm hat (like a beanie), warm mittens/ gloves and a filled water bottle. If you can, choose woolen materials closest to your body.

  • DAY 4 - Trip to the Bird Cliffs and a Walrus Watching Experience

    Boat Trip to the Bird Cliffs


    Our journey commences by charting a course westward on Isfjorden, leading us to the iconic Fuglefjella, or the 'Bird Mountain'. Nestled between Longyearbyen and Barentsburg, this majestic bird cliff towers above a narrow stone beach, soaring 500 meters high and serving as a seasonal home to thousands of migratory birds. Among the most prolific inhabitants are the Brünnich’s Guillemots, with colonies exceeding 100,000 pairs scattered across the archipelago.

    Our next destination unveils the enigmatic ruins of the abandoned Russian mining town, Grumant, frozen in time since 1961. It's a surreal experience to envision the remnants of what was once the largest settlement on Svalbard, nestled amidst the rugged mountainside. Following a brief interlude at Grumant, we journey onward to Hiorthhamn, situated across the fjord from Longyearbyen.

    Hiorthhamn, another abandoned mining town, harbors echoes of its bustling past with remnants of barracks, a blacksmith, stores, and other mining infrastructure. With a touch of imagination, you can conjure the vibrant community that once thrived here. Depending on timing and weather conditions, we may disembark here before commencing our return voyage to Longyearbyen



    Walrus Safari to Borebukta onboard Kvitbjørn


    Our adventure begins with a crossing of the majestic Isfjorden (the ‘Ice Fjord’). After approximately one hour, we'll reach the tranquil bay of Borebukta. Known for its serenity and calm waters, Borebukta is a favored spot for walrus colonies. In this bay, we'll utilize the electric motor for silent propulsion, providing us with a unique opportunity to observe wildlife without disturbance.

    Walruses can be spotted year-round in Svalbard. While they often rest on ice floes, during the summer and autumn, they also frequent beaches and small islets in colonies. These colonies typically gather in specific locations where access to food and resting spots are conveniently situated. Walruses are highly social animals, often appearing in groups. After foraging in the sea, they haul themselves onto land or ice floes to rest alongside their herd, often lying close together or even atop one another.

    Throughout the tour, we'll remain on the boat but spend ample time outside on the aft deck, providing you with an up-close encounter with nature. After indulging in hot beverages and freshly baked buns, we'll set our course back to Longyearbyen

  • DAY 5 - Seed Vault Hike and Dog Sledding on Wheels

    Global Seed Vault Hike in Blomsterdalen


    Our adventure begins with a pickup from your accommodation, setting the stage for an immersive experience ahead. As we set out on foot, our path leads us towards the summit of Blomsterdalshøgda, offering panoramic views of Adventfjorden and the surrounding landscape. Along the way, we encounter remnants of Svalbard's mining legacy, including the iconic cable car trestles and the historic Mine 3


    At the pinnacle of our journey stands the Svalbard Global Seed Vault, nestled deep within the mountain. While we won't venture inside on this tour, our guide will illuminate the significance of this extraordinary facility, which serves as a vital safeguard for the world's agricultural biodiversity


    Dog Sledding on Wheels


    You will be collected from your hotel and taken out to the Bolter Valley where the dog yard is situated, and where the dogs are eagerly waiting for your arrival. You'll help the guide to harness the dogs who'll be pulling your sledge-on wheel. The barking and howling may seem somewhat chaotic, but suddenly everything changes. In an instant, as the dogs start to run, they become completely silent. Fully focused on the task at hand, the dogs pull the sledge-on-wheels ahead, so that you can focus on enjoying the fantastic landscape around the Advent Valley.


    Keep your eyes open - wildlife is often seen in this area! On this trip you may spot Svalbard reindeer, polar foxes and Svalbard grouse. Birdlife is also very common, including little auks, Arctic terns and Arctic skuas. We will travel a good distance from the town, and the beauty of the Advent Valley is mesmerizing. You gain an understanding of how small we really are in the mighty Svalbard landscape. After about one and a half hours of dog sledding, we will head back to the kennel. Here we can relax with a hot drink in the cozy log cabin at the yards and enjoy some cuddles with the newest litter of puppies.


    Included

    Transfer to and from accommodation in Longyearbyen

    Hot drinks and biscuits

    Warm exposure suit


  • DAY 6 - Departure from Svalbard

    You leave Svalbard after an unforgettable trip :) 


    After seeing the beautiful scenery of Svalbard, the unique wildlife and animals home to the archipelago (and hopefully a polar bear), you had back to the airport, with a smile full of experiences and a satisfied mind.

Start Your Journey Here!

What's Included

  • Transfer from/to accommodation in Longyearbyen
  • A simple expedition lunch
  • Hot drinks and biscuits
  • Guide with all necessary safety equipment
  • Search and rescue insurance
  • Loan of flotation suit, life jacket and goggles (if needed)
  • A 3-course dinner (Dinner Cruise Under the Midnight Sun)


Not Included


  • International and domestic flight
  • Travel Insurance
  • Luggage handling

unique Experiences

Arctic Signature
Expeditions

You haven’t truly experienced true adventure until you experience Svalbard.