Hiorthhamn - Hike to the Frozen Fjord

Step into the stillness of the polar night on this 5-hour hike across flat and gentle terrain, leading you through a frozen Arctic landscape. This tour is ideal for anyone wanting to experience the magic of Svalbard in winter — no steep climbs, just the crunch of snow beneath your boots and the soft glow of your headlamp lighting the way.

We walk in a small group, leaving the lights of Longyearbyen behind to embrace the calm and quiet of the Arctic wilderness. As we make our way across the snowy ground and frozen river, the wide-open landscape reveals views of the fjord, and in the distance, the soft glow of Longyearbyen nestled between the mountains. Along the way, we take in the beauty of the frozen world around us: snow-covered tundra, silence, and seawater frozen into intricate patterns along the shoreline.

This tour is first and foremost about experiencing the tranquility, the nature, and the Arctic stillness. But if both the weather and solar activity are on our side, the northern lights might appear as a beautiful bonus to an already magical experience. Far from the city lights, the conditions are good — and who knows, maybe we'll see the Aurora dancing across the polar night sky.

Our destination is Hiorthhamn, a former mining outpost tucked beneath the majestic Hiorthfjellet. Here, we explore the remnants of Svalbard’s Arctic past — old buildings, forgotten stories, and traces of the island’s coal mining history.

© Martin Fiala, Håkon Daae Brensholm, Nanna Borgen

Difficulty level 2 out of 5

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Minimum 2, normally maksimum 8 participants in the group

oNovember to March

o10:00am

oApprox. 5 hours

oApprox. 10-12 km in total

oNo elevation - flat terrain.

o12 years

This is an easy walk suitable for everyone as the landscape is flat. At the same time, you will experience ice, snow and high mountains in a majestic landscape. A great trip where nature meets culture.

Price includes:

oTransport round trip

oHeadlamp in the dark

oHot drink and biscuits

oGuide with necessary safety equipment

oSnowshoes/hiking poles if necessary

Recommend to bring:

oGood, warm and worn-in hiking boots*

oWarm and windproof clothes

oCold drink (preferably in a thermos as liquid can freeze to ice)

oCamera

oWarm jumper/ down jacket for breaks

oBackpack

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*If you do not have warm hiking boots, these can be rented for NOK 100,-

Extra clothing and equipment: Arctica