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.

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.

Good to know

• Two departures in 2026: July 18, July 25
• Price: 69,900 NOK per person for one week, full board
• Duration: 8 days, 7 nights on board
• Cabins: Four comfortable cabins, most with private bathroom and toilet
• Group size: Small, exclusive groups – only 8 guests
• Extras: Additional experiences in Longyearbyen can be arranged, such as overnight stays, local culinary experiences, and other activities
• Travel to and from Svalbard is not included

This trip’s highlights

• The best and most iconic hikes in Isfjorden: long, real hikes in rugged terrain: summits, glaciers, mountain ridges, valleys, and hidden gems most travellers never reach
• Your home is a small expedition sailboat: YLVA gives you freedom, comfort, and access to remote landing spots larger ships can’t reach
• Enjoy life on board: Join in the sailing, try your luck fishing from deck, and help keep an eye out for wildlife – it’s always a good idea to bring your own binoculars!
• An exclusive small-group experience: only 8 guests, handpicked guides, and a friendly crew mean flexibility, safety, and a personal, non-crowded atmosphere
• A seamless blend of adventure and comfort: challenging hikes by day, hearty home-cooked meals in the evening, a cozy cabin to unwind, and a wood-fired hot tub for complete relaxation.

Who is this trip for?

• You are adventurous, enjoy being active, and are in good physical shape (no other prior glacier experience is required)
• You seek something unique — a different way to experience Svalbard, away from the crowds, with a personal touch

© Pictures: Eira Expeditions and Tommy Simonsen