Polar Adventure Express - 6 days Summer
ABOUT THE TRIP
A 6-Day Summer Expedition in Svalbard!
All aboard for the ultimate Polar Adventure Express! This 6-day journey is designed for those ready to embrace Svalbard’s vibrant Arctic summer with a mix of thrilling outdoor activities and unforgettable scenery. From serene fjords to towering glaciers, Svalbard is a realm of raw beauty just waiting to be explored—and this trip will take you to its best spots.
Highlights of Your Adventure:
- Boat Trips Through the Arctic Fjords: Experience the breathtaking beauty of Svalbard’s coastal wonders as we navigate through crystal-clear fjords, passing by towering glaciers and icebergs that glisten in the Arctic sun. Each boat trip is a new adventure, with stops at picturesque locations and opportunities to spot marine wildlife like seals, whales, and seabirds.
- Kayaking in Pristine Arctic Waters: Paddle through serene Arctic waters on a kayaking expedition that brings you up close to Svalbard’s dramatic landscapes. Glide between icebergs, spot wildlife along the shores, and take in views of rugged coastlines under the midnight sun—it’s a one-of-a-kind perspective on the Arctic that lets you fully immerse yourself in nature.
- Guided Hikes Across Stunning Tundra and Valleys: Lace up your boots for exhilarating hikes across the Arctic tundra, where vast, open landscapes stretch as far as the eye can see. Hike through rocky valleys, climb gentle slopes, and discover vibrant patches of summer flora that thrive in Svalbard’s short but stunning growing season. Each trail offers unique panoramic views and a deeper connection with this untouched wilderness.
Why Choose the Polar Adventure Express?
The Polar Adventure Express is all about diving into the heart of Svalbard’s summer with energy and adventure! From peaceful paddling through icy waters to awe-inspiring hikes, every day offers something new. It’s a balanced mix of action and relaxation, surrounded by the Arctic’s raw, natural beauty. Ideal for those who want to see Svalbard’s highlights in just under a week, this trip combines high-energy exploration with serene moments that bring you close to the spirit of the polar north.
Are you ready for six days of endless summer vibes in the Arctic? Join the Polar Adventure Express and let Svalbard’s unforgettable landscapes and thrilling adventures sweep you away!
Start Your Journey Here!
Reserve online
Schedule
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DAY 1 - Arriving in SvalbardList Item 1
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.
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DAY 2 - Glacier Safari and a Kayaking TripList Item 2
Glacier Safari to Tempelfjorden and Tunabreen onboard Kvitbjørn
Our voyage commences by rounding Revneset, the headland north of Longyearbyen, before heading eastward. Along our route, we'll make a stop at the stunning bird cliff Diabas, providing an up-close encounter with the bustling birdlife that inhabits the area. As we continue, we'll pass by Villa Fredheim, offering a glimpse into the life of the legendary trapper Hilmar Nøis. In the distance, the imposing glacier front of Tunabreen awaits, drawing closer as we journey onward. After approximately one hour, we'll find ourselves in Tempelfjorden (the ‘Temple Fjord’), where we'll utilize the boat's electric motor for silent propulsion, allowing us to experience nature and wildlife without disturbance.
Tunabreen boasts a breathtaking glacier front, its light blue hue contrasting beautifully with the surrounding brownish mountain landscape. As one of Svalbard's surging glaciers, Tunabreen may offer the chance to witness large masses of ice detaching and cascading into the sea—a truly awe-inspiring spectacle accompanied by a resounding bang and gentle waves. Additionally, if the glacier has calved significantly in the last 24 hours, we may encounter numerous ice chunks floating in the water, emitting the sound of bursting thousand-year-old air bubbles.
Throughout the tour, we'll remain on the boat but spend ample time outside on the aft deck, providing you with an intimate connection to nature. Following some hot drinks and freshly baked buns, we'll set our course back to Longyearbyen
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.
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DAY 3 - Foxfonna Hike and a Dinner CruiseList Item 3
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.
Dinner Cruise Under the Midnight Sun
From April to August, Svalbard experiences 24-hour sunlight. The sun shines brightly both day and night, creating an unusual and captivating experience. On this evening tour, we'll sail out on Isfjorden, cruising past endless mountain vistas. Alongside a delicious dinner in these stunning surroundings, there's a good chance you'll spot some wildlife. The fjords are typically teeming with seabirds, and if we're lucky, we might even see a whale or two.
You'll travel on the hybrid electric catamaran MS Bard. Its specially designed engine and propellers minimize noise and vibrations, allowing us to get closer to nature and ensuring minimal disturbance to the surrounding wildlife.
During the cruise, you'll be served a three-course dinner. The meal is enjoyed indoors, where you can take in the breathtaking views through large panoramic windows. You’re also welcome to explore several outdoor decks, which offer comfortable seating areas.
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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
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DAY 5 - Seed Vault Hike and a Coastal Boat Trip
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
Captains Favourite Coastal Boat Trip
Every month in Svalbard brings its own charm. A journey under the midnight sun in May differs from one as the polar night descends in October. Early in the season, snow blankets the mountains, and fjords may still be adorned with sea ice. From June onward, the landscape transforms, bursting with vibrant hues of green and yellow. Wildlife sightings are a possibility, from reindeer and seals to whales, and if we're exceptionally lucky, polar bears may grace us with their presence. Along the way, we'll pass cultural landmarks and historical sites, ensuring an unforgettable sensory experience guided by our knowledgeable staff.
You'll embark on this voyage aboard the hybrid electric catamaran MS Bard. Engineered to minimize noise and vibration, this vessel brings you closer to nature while minimizing disturbance to the surrounding wildlife
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DAY 6 - Departure from SvalbardList Item 4
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.
What's Included?
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)
Not Included
- International and domestic flights
- Travel Insurance
- Luggage handling
