We are now on an island located in-between the mainland of Norway and the North Pole. We are in the kingdom of the polar bear, the Arctic. From the airport we drive into Longyearbyen, where we have a hearty lunch. Off we go to get an introduction to snowmobiling, as well as getting suited up in appropriate clothes and equipment for the journey.

As soon as we are ready, we drive into Advent Valley direction Todalen and further through Gangdalen onto Svalbard’s largest valley, Reindalen. We drive across gralciers and after passing the pass at 700 meters the journey continues down the mighty Høganæs glacier.

We will pass the entrance to the former coalmine Svea-Nord before we enter the valley and continue the last mile into the Norwegian mining town Svea. It is currently having its fate decided by the government but it has been under operational rest the last couple of years. We have arrived in Svea and we are going to spend the night here just as the miners did when the mine was fully operational. The rooms are simple and the décor nonexistent but the beds are comfortable and there is a hot shower waiting in every room. Svea has double rooms (120cm bed) and single rooms. The rooms have a private bedroom, a small living room and a private bathroom with shower. All rooms are equipped with wifi.

Before bed we enjoy a warm and filling meal at “Messan” the same place the workers who are left in Svea eat.
Svea is surrounded by magical arctic nature in the form of mountains, sea and glaciers, a perfect place to find the Arctic serenity. Svea is 45 km as the crow flies (about 60 km by snowmobile) south of Longyearbyen.

 Lunch & Dinner Included
Accommodation – Svea Svalbard lodge

After a good night’s sleep and a robust breakfast, we head to Barentsburg by crossing the mighty Rein valley. The trip continues through magical landscape and takes us app. 2 – 3 hours before we reach towards Barentsburg.

We will stop at an old cabin to get a feel of what the trappers experienced when they lived isolated during the winter months.

Upon arrival in Barentsburg we are accommodated in the traditional Russian hotel where we will taste Russian cuisine and those who wish can try the locally brewed beer. Barentsburg Hotel is located on the outskirts of the vilage and has a great view of the fjord. All rooms have their own bathroom and on Fridays and Saturdays there is often “live” music playing in the hotel bar.

Lenin overlooks the Grønfjord in front of the apartment block in the middle of Barentsburg. Even though he has been torn down from most places here he is allowed to stay, which may not be so bizarre since Barentsburg had its days of grandeur during the Soviet era. There is a slight ghost town feeling looming over the town.

 All Meals Included
Accommodation – Barentsburg Hotel

After breakfast there will be a tour of Barentsburg before we return to Longyearbyen.
We will cross mighty glaciers and great valleys and see what the wilderness has to offer. It is at this time of the year that you really can experience the Arctic light and the mountains appear to be from a fairy tale.

We drive up Fardalen and make a last stop on the top of Longyear glacier, here we get to enjoy the panoramic view of Longyearbyen and the majestic Hiortfjellet on the other side of the fjord. On arrival Longyearbyen we will take off the snowmobiles and return the clothing and equipment that we have borrowed for the trip.

The last night we will be staying at Svalbard Hotel in Longyearbyen, which is a brand new hotel in the village center. Take the opportunity to visit one of the towns restaurants and get a feeling for the atmosphere in the world’s northernmost town. The evening is yours so enjoy at your own leisure.

 Breakfast & Lunch Included
Accommodation – Svalbard Hotel Evlesletta

After breakfast, we are ready for our return journey. We go for a walk through the shops in the city before the bus picks us up and takes us to the airport. With many great arctic experiences, we wave good bye to Svalbard for this time.

 Breakfast Included