Into the Arctic Wilderness: Summer in Svalbard

Make sure your cameras are charged, as you’re in for an adventure today. Step aboard a hybrid boat for a four-hour group tour around the second-largest fjord in the Svalbard archipelago, Isfjorden. Svalbard is the only place on earth with such a diversity of geological eras preserved in stone, so take in all you can of the 360-degree views of dramatic mountains and awe-inspiring glaciers. With any luck, you’ll encounter some wildlife while on board too, and the boat’s silent electric motor will ensure that no animal is frightened by your approach.

Once you’re back on dry land, make the most of the amenities in your hotel as you prepare for a group wilderness evening in a camp outside of town. Here, you’ll be greeted by your host for an evening spent in a cosy wood cabin. We hope you’ve worked up an appetite, as you’ll be treated to an authentic meal of reindeer bidos (local stew), along with campfire coffee and dessert. After dinner, your host will give you the low-down on Svalbard’s most famous residents: polar bears. Full of new facts and delicious food, it’s time to return to your hotel for the night.

Today, you’ll embark on your second adventure into the Arctic wilderness. Make sure you’ve got your hiking boots at the ready, as you’ll be walking from sea to summit, through the valley of Louisedalen towards Carolinedalen. Led by an experienced guide, this is a reasonably demanding seven-hour hike which covers six miles and 1,300ft of elevation. The terrain is relatively easy, however, so don’t panic if you’re not an experienced hiker. Along the way, you’ll be surrounded by dramatic green valley slopes (which provide Svalbard reindeer with their meals). Once you’ve made it up onto Forkastningsfjellet (it’s worth it, we promise), you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views over the whole Isfjord, dotted with bays and glaciers. There’ll be no growling stomachs during your hike, as your trusty guide will bring along lunch and hot drinks. At the end of your hike, you'll be transferred back to your hotel to enjoy some well-earned rest and relaxation before your evening meal.

Tonight, you’re in for a gastronomic treat: a six-course Nordic tasting menu showcasing the best flavours from the Svalbard and Arctic region. This will certainly be a meal to remember, with local delicacies such as reindeer, ptarmigan and bearded seal. The restaurant is just a 20-minute walk away from where you’re staying, but your hotel will happily arrange a taxi if the hike has left your limbs aching – no judgement here.

Included in your itinerary today is a full-day group cruise aboard a sustainable hybrid-electric catamaran. You’ll pass magnificent landscapes en route to Billefjorden and the glacier front of Nordenskiöldbreen and will have the chance to get up close and personal with Svalbard’s abundant wildlife thanks to the boat’s silent electric motor. While onboard, you’ll be in expert hands with knowledgeable guides to help you spot local species such as the elusive arctic fox as well as reindeer, walrus and various whale and bird species. From a distance, you’ll see the abandoned mining town of Pyramiden and cruise past the imposing Skansbukta bay. On board the catamaran, make yourself comfortable in one of the contemporary lounges or brave the elements on one of the viewing decks for the best views of the polar panorama. Once you’re back in Longyearbyen, you’re free to spend the evening how you like. It’s your final night in Svalbard, so we recommend exploring the town and sampling more traditional Nordic fare (the restaurant in your hotel is also fantastic).