Svalbard Winter Safari
Fascinating journey through the winterly Arctic
 |
 |
7 day Expedition ( 7 days /6 nights)
|
|
With snowscooters across glaciers and icy fjords
|
|
Discover a spectacular crystal world
|
|
Longyearbyen, Barentsburg, East Coast, Pyramiden
|
|
Good chance to see Polar Bears
|
Svalbard is one and a half times the size of Denmark - and has no roads. The region is so large that the only reasonable way of getting around in the winter, is by snowmobile, which is generally accepted as the mean transport on Svalbard. It is a marvellous experience to set out on long trips through Svalbard’s magnificent scenery. And it is daylight around the clock in April and May. What a sense of freedom you will have when you drive across one gigantic, white glacier after another!. With a bit of luck, you might spot a polar bear lurking behind an iceberg!
This trip gives an insight to Svalbard in winter: in only 7 days, you travel across the island and visit all stunning highlights of Spitzbergen nature, you learn about the famous explorers of the Arctic whose names are linked to Svalbard forever, and meet the locals, people of different nationalities who chose to live here because they love the Arctic. Brief and intense trip, rich in impressions, accessible to any person in good physical shape.
This trip gives an insight to Svalbard in winter: in only 7 days, you travel across the island and visit all stunning highlights of Spitzbergen nature, you learn about the famous explorers of the Arctic whose names are linked to Svalbard forever, and meet the locals, people of different nationalities who chose to live here because they love the Arctic. Brief and intense trip, rich in impressions, accessible to any person in good physical shape.
Text
2. day:
Start off for a day of wilderness exploration across various landscapes: you leave Barentsburg and follow the coast of Grønfjord. The snowmobile allows us to run great distances in the immensity of the Arctic, staying all the day out in the wilderness and reaching otherwise inaccessible places.
Our itinerary lies to the spectacular lakes of Linné and Congress. With the landscape in the background experienced by Willem Barentsz, nearly 500 years ago, we continue to Starostin Cape. A delicious lunch will be served at Isfjord radio, a mythic coast radio and weather station founded in the beginning of the 20th century at Kapp Linné.
In the afternoon, we drive back along Nordenskjøld coast, then across wide canyons further to Orustdalen valley. Getting up the Grønfjord glacier we catch an absolutely fabulous view on Barentsburg.
Return to Barentsburg appr. 16 pm. OPTIONALLY you can be offered a snowshoe tour to the Olaf Mountain. The tour doesn’t require special skills and could be suitable to everyone. The view downwards is spectacular!
In the evening - tasting local beer and dinner of Russian cuisine. Night in Barentsburg.
Start off for a day of wilderness exploration across various landscapes: you leave Barentsburg and follow the coast of Grønfjord. The snowmobile allows us to run great distances in the immensity of the Arctic, staying all the day out in the wilderness and reaching otherwise inaccessible places.
Our itinerary lies to the spectacular lakes of Linné and Congress. With the landscape in the background experienced by Willem Barentsz, nearly 500 years ago, we continue to Starostin Cape. A delicious lunch will be served at Isfjord radio, a mythic coast radio and weather station founded in the beginning of the 20th century at Kapp Linné.
In the afternoon, we drive back along Nordenskjøld coast, then across wide canyons further to Orustdalen valley. Getting up the Grønfjord glacier we catch an absolutely fabulous view on Barentsburg.
Return to Barentsburg appr. 16 pm. OPTIONALLY you can be offered a snowshoe tour to the Olaf Mountain. The tour doesn’t require special skills and could be suitable to everyone. The view downwards is spectacular!
In the evening - tasting local beer and dinner of Russian cuisine. Night in Barentsburg.
 |
3. day:
Breakfast at the hotel. Depending on the ice and snow conditions today’s itinerary runs to one of the glaciers - Paulabreen or Fridtjovbreen. Both are shining bright in their beauty and worth to watch. A route to Paulabreen runs through an impressive site: Sveagruve mine. A short stop to listen to the guide and on along the ice of Reid Bay to the enormous Paulabreen glacier, 15 km front long, considered as the most picturesque and romantic in the world. It is named after Paula, wife of the shipmaster Richard Ritter von Barry. This region is famous for frequent encounters with polar bears. Watch out the King of the Arctic! We pass on our way the Reindalen, one of the biggest and most impressive valleys on Svalbard (45 km long). The round route is approx. 200 km and takes 8-10 hrs. It is a good option when a fine windless weather and good visibility. Otherwise it could be rather tiresome.
Breakfast at the hotel. Depending on the ice and snow conditions today’s itinerary runs to one of the glaciers - Paulabreen or Fridtjovbreen. Both are shining bright in their beauty and worth to watch. A route to Paulabreen runs through an impressive site: Sveagruve mine. A short stop to listen to the guide and on along the ice of Reid Bay to the enormous Paulabreen glacier, 15 km front long, considered as the most picturesque and romantic in the world. It is named after Paula, wife of the shipmaster Richard Ritter von Barry. This region is famous for frequent encounters with polar bears. Watch out the King of the Arctic! We pass on our way the Reindalen, one of the biggest and most impressive valleys on Svalbard (45 km long). The round route is approx. 200 km and takes 8-10 hrs. It is a good option when a fine windless weather and good visibility. Otherwise it could be rather tiresome.
4. day:
This is a kind of relaxed day free of snowmobiling to catch our breath before tomorrow when we have a challenging route to the ghost town Pyramiden. Otherwise we can use it as an emergency option any other day when the planned originally itinerary is not possible due to unfavorable weather conditions.
We can recommend a whole range of variable optional activities this day:
- Early in the morning we offer you a tour 'Meet a Miner' on a unique journey to the mine which is still fully operational nowadays. This is one and the only tour to the operational mine in the world!
- Guided visit to the husky farm with all breeds of sledge dogs used in the Russian Arctic. You can also have a ride in komatik, an Eskimo sledge with wooden runners and crossbars at extra cost.
- Visit our classes in traditional Pomor handicrafts and make a unique souvenir of your own.
- Book an extra snowmobiling trip in picturesque surrounding s of Barentsburg.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served in Barentsburg restaurant.
This is a kind of relaxed day free of snowmobiling to catch our breath before tomorrow when we have a challenging route to the ghost town Pyramiden. Otherwise we can use it as an emergency option any other day when the planned originally itinerary is not possible due to unfavorable weather conditions.
We can recommend a whole range of variable optional activities this day:
- Early in the morning we offer you a tour 'Meet a Miner' on a unique journey to the mine which is still fully operational nowadays. This is one and the only tour to the operational mine in the world!
- Guided visit to the husky farm with all breeds of sledge dogs used in the Russian Arctic. You can also have a ride in komatik, an Eskimo sledge with wooden runners and crossbars at extra cost.
- Visit our classes in traditional Pomor handicrafts and make a unique souvenir of your own.
- Book an extra snowmobiling trip in picturesque surrounding s of Barentsburg.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served in Barentsburg restaurant.
5. day:
Check-out and depart for a long itinerary, striking in its beauty and diversity of the landscapes. Сheck-out and transfer to the Expedition Centre Russki Dom to take the snowscoters and start driving to the area considered as the most picturesque and romantic on the iceland.
Enjoy the speed along Tempelfjord coast and make a stop to take in a splendid view of 3 magnificent sites: Tempelfjord, Sassenfjord and Tunabreen. Snacks and warm drinks on the way. Across valleys and canyons, we come closer to the glacier Nordenskiøldbreen, a jewel of Svalbard, the most stunning and largest glacier.
On our way, we encounter the magnificent glaciers of Tunabreen and Nordenskjøld through a landscape of crevasses and blue ice towers. For a while we experience a wonderland of glacial ice sculptures, meander through ice ridges, and peer into crevasses. Meanwhile the destinations of the day is the Petunia bay with its other-worldly abandoned settlement Pyramiden and dramatic mountains behind. Upon arrival in Pyramiden, check in at the small hotel, dinner and night in Pyramiden.
Check-out and depart for a long itinerary, striking in its beauty and diversity of the landscapes. Сheck-out and transfer to the Expedition Centre Russki Dom to take the snowscoters and start driving to the area considered as the most picturesque and romantic on the iceland.
Enjoy the speed along Tempelfjord coast and make a stop to take in a splendid view of 3 magnificent sites: Tempelfjord, Sassenfjord and Tunabreen. Snacks and warm drinks on the way. Across valleys and canyons, we come closer to the glacier Nordenskiøldbreen, a jewel of Svalbard, the most stunning and largest glacier.
On our way, we encounter the magnificent glaciers of Tunabreen and Nordenskjøld through a landscape of crevasses and blue ice towers. For a while we experience a wonderland of glacial ice sculptures, meander through ice ridges, and peer into crevasses. Meanwhile the destinations of the day is the Petunia bay with its other-worldly abandoned settlement Pyramiden and dramatic mountains behind. Upon arrival in Pyramiden, check in at the small hotel, dinner and night in Pyramiden.
 |
6. day:
After breakfast, walk around Pyramiden. The ambiance of this ghost settlement makes an unusual and strong impression on any experienced traveler. This community was founded by Sweden in the beginning of the 20th century and sold to the Soviet Union in 1927. In the end of the nineties, Pyramiden was closed and has since then remained abandoned with all its infrastructure in place, ‘’conserved’’. All the buildings are in a good state and the settlement seem inhabited, but the silence reigns over Pyramiden, there is no living soul around.
Pyramiden is located right in the heart of Arctic wilderness. While looking over its surroundings we can easily come across polar foxes, reindeers as well as the mammals: seals, walruses at the glacier Nordenskiøldbreen.
After breakfast, walk around Pyramiden. The ambiance of this ghost settlement makes an unusual and strong impression on any experienced traveler. This community was founded by Sweden in the beginning of the 20th century and sold to the Soviet Union in 1927. In the end of the nineties, Pyramiden was closed and has since then remained abandoned with all its infrastructure in place, ‘’conserved’’. All the buildings are in a good state and the settlement seem inhabited, but the silence reigns over Pyramiden, there is no living soul around.
Pyramiden is located right in the heart of Arctic wilderness. While looking over its surroundings we can easily come across polar foxes, reindeers as well as the mammals: seals, walruses at the glacier Nordenskiøldbreen.
We can also encounter polar bears! We don't have permission to track them down, but if we use our binoculars we might have an opportunity to view this majestic creature from a distance.
Depending on the weather and snow conditions we decide upon the most suitable and appealing itinerary: to picturesque Skanskabukta; frozen like in the fairy-tale and magnificent Ebbadalen waterfall or one of the mighty mountains. Expedition lunch is on the way.
Depending on the weather and snow conditions we decide upon the most suitable and appealing itinerary: to picturesque Skanskabukta; frozen like in the fairy-tale and magnificent Ebbadalen waterfall or one of the mighty mountains. Expedition lunch is on the way..
Return to Pyramiden. Dinner and overnight in Pyramiden.
Depending on the weather and snow conditions we decide upon the most suitable and appealing itinerary: to picturesque Skanskabukta; frozen like in the fairy-tale and magnificent Ebbadalen waterfall or one of the mighty mountains. Expedition lunch is on the way.
Depending on the weather and snow conditions we decide upon the most suitable and appealing itinerary: to picturesque Skanskabukta; frozen like in the fairy-tale and magnificent Ebbadalen waterfall or one of the mighty mountains. Expedition lunch is on the way..
Return to Pyramiden. Dinner and overnight in Pyramiden.
7. day:
After breakfast, we return to the city of Longyearbyen, You can visit Svalbard Museum covering the cultural history of the area, as well as the wildlife and plants of the area, with exhibits showing the 400 year long history of Svalbard. Galleri Svalbard is also a good option. Among the other works it includes more than 40 original pieces by the artist Kåre Tveter, known as the painter of the light. In the evening, transfer to the airport of Longyearbyen and your flight back home.
If you wish, you may stay one day longer at extra cost
After breakfast, we return to the city of Longyearbyen, You can visit Svalbard Museum covering the cultural history of the area, as well as the wildlife and plants of the area, with exhibits showing the 400 year long history of Svalbard. Galleri Svalbard is also a good option. Among the other works it includes more than 40 original pieces by the artist Kåre Tveter, known as the painter of the light. In the evening, transfer to the airport of Longyearbyen and your flight back home.
If you wish, you may stay one day longer at extra cost
The routing above is only an example. Plans for each particular tour are based on the prevailing ice-, weather- and snow-conditions, and are made at the start of the tour.
Changes in accommodation in the field do happen, due to different availability from one season to the other!
Changes in accommodation in the field do happen, due to different availability from one season to the other!
 |
How demanding is the tour?
This tour is usually not particularly demanding, but you must be prepared to spend long days on the snowmobile. It is therefore important that all participants have good physical health (no bad back, neck, arms or wrists). This is not a tour for apprehensive people, but an expedition for the adventurous minds. The weather can change quickly, and at times the wind and the cold can be quite severe.
Before setting out, the tour leader will give you a basic introduction to the driving techniques. We start at a moderate speed so that everybody can get used to snowmobile driving.Even though all our snowmobiles can carry two persons, we strongly recommend that all members of the party drive their own snowmobile (driving licence required). After a while it can be very strenuous to be a passenger, and also to drive with a passenger behind you. The snowmobiles are very comfortable to drive, and the handlebar grips are heated. The snowmobile clothing will keep you warm, even in extreme weather conditions.
This tour is usually not particularly demanding, but you must be prepared to spend long days on the snowmobile. It is therefore important that all participants have good physical health (no bad back, neck, arms or wrists). This is not a tour for apprehensive people, but an expedition for the adventurous minds. The weather can change quickly, and at times the wind and the cold can be quite severe.
Before setting out, the tour leader will give you a basic introduction to the driving techniques. We start at a moderate speed so that everybody can get used to snowmobile driving.Even though all our snowmobiles can carry two persons, we strongly recommend that all members of the party drive their own snowmobile (driving licence required). After a while it can be very strenuous to be a passenger, and also to drive with a passenger behind you. The snowmobiles are very comfortable to drive, and the handlebar grips are heated. The snowmobile clothing will keep you warm, even in extreme weather conditions.
 |
 |
Dates:
07.04 - 13.04.23
17.04 - 23.04.23
07.04 - 13.04.23
17.04 - 23.04.23
What is included:
— Accommodation and meals;
— Full board;
— Transfers in Longyearbyen;
— Activities according to the itinerary;
— Snowmobile rental (Ski-doo Expedition 600/ Yamaha Ventura/ Yamaha Viking), fuel;
— Rental of winter overalls, boots, gloves and a helmet;
— English-speaking guide;
— Insurance covering research and rescue, evacuation costs in case of emergency.
Not included:
— Flight to/from Longyearbyen
— Overnight the day before the programme (in case of arrival before the program starts)
— Alcohol drinks and dishes/drinks beyond menu
— Tips to the guide
-- personal clothing and equipment
-- Entrance Fees
-- personal insurances
-- Airline surcharges.
— Accommodation and meals;
— Full board;
— Transfers in Longyearbyen;
— Activities according to the itinerary;
— Snowmobile rental (Ski-doo Expedition 600/ Yamaha Ventura/ Yamaha Viking), fuel;
— Rental of winter overalls, boots, gloves and a helmet;
— English-speaking guide;
— Insurance covering research and rescue, evacuation costs in case of emergency.
Not included:
— Flight to/from Longyearbyen
— Overnight the day before the programme (in case of arrival before the program starts)
— Alcohol drinks and dishes/drinks beyond menu
— Tips to the guide
-- personal clothing and equipment
-- Entrance Fees
-- personal insurances
-- Airline surcharges.
Number of participants:
Minimum is 2, maximum is 10 persons
Prices:
Dbl. room/dbl. Snowmobile as pilot 3.540,- Euro
passenger per person 2.750,- Euro
Suppplement for Single room 396,- Euro
Minimum is 2, maximum is 10 persons
Prices:
Dbl. room/dbl. Snowmobile as pilot 3.540,- Euro
passenger per person 2.750,- Euro
Suppplement for Single room 396,- Euro
If interested in this expedition, kindly