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.

• Difficulty: 2 / 5 (see details below)
• Participants: 2–8
• Distance round-trip: 10-12 km
• Elevation gain: flat terrain
• Duration: 5 hours
• Minimum age: 12 (discount for children age 12 – 14)

Physical Requirements

Suitable for most people, no hiking experience needed. Flat terrain, off trail.

Included

• Pick up from your hotel at 10:00 am | Return by 3:00 pm
• Guide with safety equipment
• Warm lunch, coffee and tea
• Necessary gear (snowshoes, hiking poles, headlamp etc. if needed)

Bring

• Warm, waterproof hiking boots (over the ankle) *
• Wool base layers, windproof jacket and outdoor pants
• Extra layer of clothing (warm sweater / puffy jacket)
• Hat, buff and windproof mittens / gloves
• Backpack (20 – 35 liters)
• Water Bottle

* Muck Boots can be rented for 100 NOK

Important

• You must be able to communicate in English to join our excursions
• To ensure your safety we may refuse participation if you are not properly dressed for hiking in the conditions