Hike & Sail Svalbard

In July, Svalbard comes alive. Under the glow of the midnight sun, you spend eight unforgettable days exploring Isfjorden, the largest and by far the most diverse fjord system on Spitsbergen’s west coast — a spectacular world where glaciers are calving down into the sea, mountains rise in layered stories of ancient rock, and wildlife thrives during the short Arctic summer. This rugged landscape is best explored on foot, and unlike many tours, we aim for real hikes whenever the weather allows. If you enjoy long, active days outdoors and appreciate earning those extra rewards, you’re in the right place. In collaboration with Eira Expeditions, we invite you to join a truly unique expedition.

The Wild and Iconic Hikes of the Icefjord

The Isfjorden area is vast, and one week won’t be enough to explore it all. The hikes we offer are hand-picked and reveal hidden gems, remote valleys, and summits that demand your effort — but reward you with jaw-dropping views over mountains, fjords, and sweeping glacier fronts. Hiking on Svalbard is different from anywhere else: there are no trails, no signposts, and no human noise. You sense the raw ground beneath your boots and feel the cold katabatic winds rolling down from the glaciers. One day you may scramble across moraines or ford meltwater streams; another day you might wander along driftwood-strewn beaches or, if your group is keen, slip into kayaks and paddle through a bay dotted with ice.

A Week of Real Exploration

Each morning you head ashore by Zodiac for a full day outdoors. Some days you hike from sea to summit; other days you strap on crampons to explore one of many glaciers, meandering meltwater channels, or shimmering ice formations. When conditions allow, you may push towards panoramic viewpoints where the entire fjord system unfurls below you and Ylva waits far below.

July brings an abundance of wildlife: whales are feeding in the fjord, seals are lounging on ice flows that are drifting by, the reindeer are grazing quietly on the slopes, and the busy bird cliffs are filling the air with life. No two days are the same, and we believe that the experience of a place depends on how we choose to explore it.

Svalbard is a place you maybe only visit once in your life — which is why experiencing it properly matters. It isn’t only blue skies and sunshine; it’s wild, dramatic, and sometimes harsh. That is part of its magic. Spending a week onboard the sailing yacht Ylva allows you to experience this incredible place as it truly is, with time to go deep into the landscape, learn from guides who live here, and immerse yourself in the raw beauty of the high Arctic.

Your Floating Home: Ylva

After long days outside, you return each evening to Ylva, your warm and comfortable basecamp. With room for only eight guests, this trip is exclusive, intimate, and far from the crowds. You quickly bond with your fellow travellers — it feels more like joining a small expedition than joining a conventional tour. On board you’ll enjoy wholesome meals (featuring local ingredients whenever possible), cabins ready for rest, and a crew who make you feel genuinely at home. On calm evenings you may sink into the wood-fired hot tub on deck, watching mountains drift past in the golden midnight sun. There is always a plan for tomorrow, yet flexibility is key: wind, weather, and the interest of the group shape the route.

Small Group – Smaller Footprint, Better Experience

Traveling with just eight guests makes the whole experience personal and more adaptable. Your local guide can tailor the pace, choose routes that match the group’s abilities, and steer the experience towards your interests — whether that’s summits, glaciers, wildlife, photography, or simply being as far from the crowds as possible. A small team also means a smaller footprint and deeper immersion in the wilderness.

After eight days, we return to Longyearbyen. Isfjorden holds more than one can explore in a single journey — but the moments you’ve lived here will stay with you for a very long after you leave.

Practical Information

• Departures 2026: July 18, July 25
• Direct booking for July 18 - click here, for July 25 please contact info@wildlife.no
• Price: 69,900 NOK per person (1 week, full board)
• Duration: 8 days / 7 nights 
• Cabins: 4 comfortable cabins (most with private bathroom)
• Group: Maximum 8 guests
• Additional experiences in Longyearbyen can be arranged
• Travel to/ from Svalbard is not included

This trip’s highlights

• Experience the best hikes in Isfjorden’s untouched wilderness – peaks, glaciers, and hidden valleys
• Travel aboard the small expedition sailboat YLVA, with access to remote spots larger ships cannot reach
• Join in life on board: sailing, fishing, and scouting for wildlife
• A perfect balance of adventure and comfort – active days followed by relaxing evenings under the midnight sun

Who is this trip for?

This trip is for you if you love active outdoor adventures and are in good physical shape – no prior glacier hiking experience is needed. It’s for you if you want to experience Svalbard in an exclusive and unique way, close to nature and far from the crowds.

© Pictures: Eira Expeditions and Tommy Simonsen