Billefjorden Kayak Expedition - Nordenskiold

Difficulty level (out of 5): 

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*Minimum 4 participants above 18 years old:

👤👤👤👤 // 👤👤+

• 30.07.2024 - 03.08.2024​  (1 space left!)
• 1+4 days
• 16 years*

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Participants should have some experience with kayakpaddling. Inexperienced must have good physical shape and favour a challenge. Paddling for several days puts a lot of strain on the arms and shoulders.

We use double kayaks and stay as close to the coastline as possible. The trip is moderately demanding with distances of 15-20 km each day.

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Max. size for dry suit: XXL

Max. height: 195 cm

Max. circumference (kayak cockpit): 130 cm

Price includes:

• Transport round trip
• 2-person kayak
• Personal kayak clothing such as a drysuit and life jacket
• Food
• Tent
• Sleeping mat
• Guide with necessary safety equipment

Recommend to bring:

• Warm socks
• Warm clothes
• Cold drink
• Camera in waterproof bag
• Backpack
• Sleeping bag*

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*NOK 600 sleeping bag rental

After booking confirmation, you will receive our complete recommended equipment list for this expedition.

We serve warm meals. Bring your own packed lunches if needed.

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Larger luggage can be stored in our warehouse or in your accommodation's luggage room.

Extra clothing and equipment: Arctica

Embark on a multi-day kayak expedition through the breathtaking landscapes of Svalbard, where the Arctic summer transforms long fjords into lifelines for nature. In Billefjorden, located at the heart of Isfjorden, you'll get a chance to see seabirds nesting on towering cliffs, Arctic foxes hunting for eggs along the shore, and more local wildlife.

This four-day adventure offers more than just vibrant wildlife. Paddle past the ghost town of Pyramiden and marvel at the towering front of a massive glacier. Each night, we'll set up camp in a different location, ensuring you experience the nature of the fjord from multiple perspectives.

Safety is our top priority as we navigate through the habitat of the polar bear. Just like the Arctic explorers before us, we'll immerse ourselves in the raw landscape of Billefjorden, surrounded by mountains, glaciers, and cultural monuments from Svalbard's past. This expedition promises an unforgettable Svalbard experience.

Day 1 - arrival & packing day*

*Transport round trip. Note! No lunch included.

We’ll pick you up from your accommodation at 2 PM. 

Good planning and careful preparation are essential for a smooth expedition, so this day will serve as a training session. We will spend as much time as necessary at our storage facility to check all the equipment, learn how to pack the kayaks, and understand how to set up the tents and use the camp stoves. This is also a great opportunity to get to know the other participants and the guides, and for you to ask any last-minute questions. 

Together, we will review the plan and weather conditions for the upcoming days, and you'll have some time to familiarise yourself with your kayak. If anyone is missing any pieces of equipment, we will make time to visit a local outdoor store.

Day 2:

*Remember to ask for an early breakfast if you're staying at hotel or guesthouse.

We set sail from Longyearbyen, embarking on a scenic two-hour boat journey to Skansbukta (Skans Bay), a haven of plant and bird life, and home to remnants of Svalbard’s trapping history. Here, we'll go ashore to explore before launching our kayaks and paddling north into the fjord. After a day out paddling, we’ll set up camp south of the ghost town of Pyramiden.

Day 3:

After breakfast, we’ll break camp and begin paddling towards the abandoned Russian mining town of Pyramiden, a relic of the coal mining era, now a silent witness to history since its abandonment in 1998. Our journey continues to Petuniabukta (Petunia Bay), where we’ll spend time exploring the surroundings. We’ll find the perfect spot to set up camp for the night, surrounded by stunning Arctic nature.

Day 4:

Our adventure takes us from Petuniabukta to Nordenskiöldbreen (Nordenskiöld Glacier). Named after explorer Gustav Adolf Nordenskiöld, this glacier is a spectacular sight teeming with birdlife. We may even encounter the magnificent bearded seal, Svalbard’s largest seal, weighing up to 350 kg. Witnessing these creatures from the water is an incredible experience, and ice calving from the glacier creates a dynamic backdrop. After soaking in the majesty of the glacier, we’ll paddle to Brucebyen (Bruce Town), established by Scottish settlers in 1919, where we’ll camp for the night.

Day 5:

On our final morning, we’ll paddle south towards the mouth of Billefjorden. The landscape transitions to expansive tundra plains, offering a serene and picturesque end to our journey. In the afternoon, our boat will meet us along the shoreline, ready to transport us back to Longyearbyen. As we sail home, we’ll reflect on the adventure we've shared, carrying with us memories that will last a lifetime.

The schedule for this tour may be altereddue to weather and size of the group. On Svalbard, the weather shapes every decision. Polar bear in the camp will also lead to changes as we are bound to protect its existence.

If the group makes good time, we will change the pick-up place, thus enabling a longer trip. There might be time for the group, together with the guide, to plan some hikes. The area where we will kayak is filled with exciting and interesting history, and offers some really great wildlife experiences. We will meet birds and animals up close and hopefully get some good photo opportunities.

All equipment and food will be brought with us in the kayaks, and we will change location of our camp every day.