Far Out in Svalbard; Where the Wild Still Rules
Part of Norway and yet apart from it, this remote Arctic adventure is an escape from the escape.
Duration
7 days
Season
June - September
Best suited for
Travellers with a sustainable mindset who are not scared of the cold.
If Norway is an escape from the daily grind, Svalbard – 1300 km (810 miles) from the North Pole – is an escape from the escape. One of Earth's last great wildernesses, Svalbard takes the Norwegian experience to a whole new level. Remote enough to house the world's biggest seed bank, yet refined enough to boast one of the world's most extensive wine cellars, the island is an exotic place of polar bears and snowmobiles, invigorating cold and no trees.
Our summer Svalbard adventure takes in the best of its wonders: landscapes and wildlife; surprisingly diverse dishes to eat (and the northernmost beer brewed); insights into the Arctic permaculture and food-growing in sub-zero conditions. Take a boat into its stunning fjords and conquer glaciers with your new ice-climbing skills. Who knows, you might just spot a polar bear...
Impact Statement
The ecosystem on Svalbard is supremely delicate; all travelers are encouraged to spend at least four nights and to ‘leave without a footprint’, which is, to be honest, nearly impossible. There is considerable speculation about how climate change is affecting the population, health and migration of polar bears. Together with our partners we want to raise awareness around UN's SDG 15.5 - how we can 'Take urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats, halt the loss of biodiversity and, by 2020, protect and prevent the extinction of threatened species'.
Your itinerary
Our travel curators craft each itinerary in close collaboration with trusted local partners to ensure your journey is as rewarding and seamless as possible.
1/7
A Feel of the Arctic in the World's Northernmost Town
Once you've made it to Longyearbyen, settle into a warm, rustic base styled like a traditional trapper’s cabin — with sealskin, driftwood, and vintage Arctic maps bringing history to life.
To ground you in Svalbard's spirit, head out for a guided visit to the North Pole Expedition Museum — the perfect introduction to Svalbard’s rich legacy of polar exploration. Through captivating stories and original artefacts, your guide will bring to life daring expeditions by airship, sled, and boat from across the world.
Tonight's food experience takes place in Gruvelageret. The restaurant is epic, right beneath a glacier, and conveys Svalbard's history as a mining community. You will be served a seasonal menu by the dedicated team. We recommend a nightcap with the locals at Karlsberger Pub before walking back to the hotel.
2/7
Introduction to Svalbard Beyond Longyearbyen
Today your guide will collect you from your hotel before heading into Longyearbyen and the Adventvalley on an electric bike. On two wheels you will experience the incredible diversity of the Arctic. Make your way through the historic sites of the town at your own pace, with electrical assistance helping you up the hills, and tires perfect for uneven and loose terrain. A perfect merger of comfort and control in the Arctic terrain. Your guide will also bring binoculars for you to examine the incredible birdlife, and teach you more about the rich coal mining history.
If e-biking isn’t your thing, opt for a hike to Blomsterdalshøgda — a 321-metre summit with sweeping views over Adventfjord. In summer, its slopes burst with many of Svalbard’s native plants and flowers. On the return, pass the iconic Seed Vault, carved deep into the permafrost to safeguard the world’s plant diversity.
Returning from your ride or hike you will be welcomed onboard the Isfjord Express. Cruising westwards Isfjorden you will hold a steady course towards Kapp Linné, where your hosts will warmly welcome you to Isfjord Radio, situated 90 km from Longyearbyen. The 1933 built radio station looks rough from the outside, but as you enter you will be stunned by a comfortable and warm inside; a perfect setting to experience 'kos'.
Tonight, you are free to spend a relaxing hour in the sauna situated on a sea cliff or learn more about the fascinating local history on a walk with your hosts. And who knows what wildlife you might encounter?
3/7
Scouting the Arctic
Step into a David Attenborough documentary - in Real Life
The best summer adventures can be found in the true wilderness, far off the beaten tracks. The area around Isfjord Radio will introduce you to the true Svalbard and the wonders of the high Arctic.
Explore Isfjord Radio with a full day hike along the old radio poles of Svalbard. Use Griegfjellet (Grieg Mountain) as a significant orientation point as you pass through the Arctic tundra, and if you are lucky, spot the walruses thriving in the icy waters or the arctic fox looking for treats.
As a golden rule, you should never disturb the wildlife on Svalbard, but wildlife is easy to observe from a safe distance. You will enjoy lunch at an old hunting lodge while learning more about the flora and fauna in the north, while the curious Svalbard reindeer grass beside you.
Your guide will decide your route depending on the weather and experience level. They have extensive knowledge of the Arctic wilderness and will always consider the best route option. No matter where the day takes you, the active day outside will be good for your body and mind - and you will be left with knowledge and impressions to remember.
Isfjord Radio is known for its adventurous kitchen. After adventurous exploring the Arctic playground, you will return to yet a playful and tasty menu based on local ingredients from Svalbard’s brave trappers.
4/7
Floating among icebergs
Wildlife Spotting in Spectacular Nature
After a delicious breakfast the next morning, step on board for an exciting RIB cruise on the west coast of Spitsbergen. Isfjorden is a gigantic fjord complex with cultural monuments from all of Svalbard’s historical periods. Today’s destinations are Trygghamna and Ymerbukta.
On our way to Trygghamna you will meet the eye-catching landmark Alkhornet, a large bird mountain surrounded by a lush and beautiful landscape. As you gently float between small icebergs in the green glacial water you can hear the ice crackle. If you are lucky, you might catch sight of whales, seals or even polar bears.
Back at Isfjord Radio, Isfjord Ekspressen is waiting to shuttle you safely back to Longyearbyen where you will check into Funken Lodge, a hillside retreat where modern comforts meet rich Arctic history. With panoramic views over Longyearbyen and a warm, inviting atmosphere, it’s the perfect place to unwind after your expedition. In the evening, enjoy their specialty: a King Crab dinner at Funktionærmessen, the historic dining room once reserved for the town’s top officials.
5/7
Choose Your Own Arctic Adventure
Throughout history, walruses have been heavily hunted, and there were only a few hundred left in 1952 when they became a protected species. Since then we are lucky to see the population recover and thrive. On a walrus safari, cross the majestic Ice Fjord in a hybrid boat to Borebukta bay and visit the odd long teeth animals. In Borebukta, your captain will use an electric motor to get completely silent propulsion, making the opportunity to visit the local wildlife without any disturbance. We can never guarantee a sight, however, the chances in Borebukta bay are great!
Thoughts swell in the encounter with Svalbard’s exciting wildlife, history and fascinating cultural monuments located across the archipelago. Another way to take in more of the magnificent experience is on an Arctic mountain top.
Hike across the arctic tundra to the panoramic summit of Sarkofagen where you might find fossils more than 60 million years old on your way! Alternatively, explore blue ice caves on a guided glacier hike to Foxfonna, a glacier named after the polar fox. This is an incredible opportunity to see the Adventvalley from a birds-eye view.
The evening ends in style with a seasonal tasting menu and expertly paired wines at the renowned Huset. This is one of Longyearbyen’s most legendary buildings and has been serving fine liquors, beers and wines to its people since the '50s. Enjoy a meal characterised by Nordic techniques and tasting combinations, with ingredients from the Svalbard and Arctic region.
6/7
Your Last Day in the Arctic
On your final day in Svalbard, embrace the Arctic one last time with a dog sledding adventure on wheels — a heart-pumping journey where eager huskies lead you across the raw, silent tundra. The afternoon is yours to stroll through Longyearbyen’s colourful streets, visit local art galleries or pick up a few last polar mementos.
As evening falls, choose your farewell: gather around the crackling fire at Camp Barentz for an Arctic wilderness evening with storytelling and traditional stew, or step aboard the silent MS Bard and savour a locally-inspired dinner as the midnight sun paints the landscape in golden hues.
Personalize and book the Far Out in Svalbard journey
Personalized itinerary
This journey has been curated to offer a remote Arctic adventure - an escape from the escape. It can be booked as proposed or further personalized to you.
Worry-free booking
With our flexible terms, we hope to provide you with all the certainty and adaptability you need when booking your well-deserved escape.
Pricing
Read more about our pricing here.
Want a journey fully tailored to you?
This Svalbard experience can be customised to match your wishes — whether you’d like to extend or shorten your stay (minimum four nights applies to all Svalbard journeys), or include it as part of a longer adventure through Norway or Scandinavia. We’re also happy to assist with flights to and from Longyearbyen via Oslo or Tromsø. Just answer five simple questions so we'll know where to start.
Torunn Tronsvang
Founder
