4-day Hiking Expedition Nordenskiold Land

Difficulty 5 of 5

August 8 - August 11 2025 confirmed

CONTACT US FOR OTHER DATES

A journey through time and wilderness

Do you dream of truly experiencing all Svalbard has to offer – vast wilderness, silence, wildlife, and the feeling of being small in a mighty landscape? This a trip for those who want to really explore and feel a sense of achievement. Four days - around 50 kilometres. We’ll hike with our gear on our backs, through valleys and across high plateaus, past fjords and glaciers. The landscape shifts slowly around us as we move deeper into the Arctic wild.

Day 1 Endalen to Fardalen

The adventure begins! Your guide picks you up at 08:00, we check the gear, go through the plan and weather, then drive to Endalen where we begin the hike. After an easy 7 km we reach Fardalen where we set up camp and prepare dinner together. After a day of hiking and a hot meal, slipping into your sleeping bag feels just right. Maybe you’re a little excited for your first bear watch shift? Keeping watch while the others sleep is a moment of stillness and you might find yourself wondering why you don’t sleep outside more often.

Day 2: Fardalen – Coles Bay

After breakfast, we break camp and prepare for a day of hiking—about 15 kilometres lie ahead. Our route leads us through the wide, open landscape of Colesdalen Valley, following the Coleselva River westward. The river weaves its way through the valley floor in a network of braided channels, nourishing pockets of tundra where Svalbard reindeer are often seen grazing. The valley, once shaped by ancient ice, is a place where nature reigns – but traces of human activity are still visible. Once a travel route between Barentsburg and the mining settlements in Grumant, remnants from that time still dot the terrain.

As we get closer to the sea, the landscape opens up toward the horizon, and majestic mountain ranges appear in the distance. We arrive at the abandoned Russian mining town of Coles Bay where we set up camp nearby. In the evening, there’s time to explore the area.

Day 3 Along the Coast to Grumant and Up into the Highlands

We follow the old coal tramline that once connected Coles Bay to Grumant, tracing the shoreline with sweeping views of the fjord. Grumant is a ghost town nowadays, dramatically tucked between steep cliffs - a surreal mix of industrial ruins and wild nature. From there, we leave the coast behind and head inland, ascending into Grumantdalen. The landscape shifts as we climb towards the high plateau, where we set up camp beneath a small glacier. Today’s route covers around 14 kilometers with about 600 meters of elevation gain - a rewarding leg with rich contrasts between sea and summit.

Day 4  “The Bird Mountains” and Return to Longyearbyen

On our final day, we cross the mountain plateau of Fuglefjella - “the bird mountains”. On a clear day, panoramic views over Isfjorden and the surrounding peaks will open up around us. Along the cliffs, we might spot nesting seabirds like fulmars, kittiwakes, and little auks riding the thermals. As we begin our descent into Bjørndalen - literally “Bear Valley” - the landscape shifts once more. If we’re lucky, we might catch a glimpse of an Arctic fox, or perhaps just hear one calling in the distance. There’s a strange feeling as we approach the edge of civilization again. One last stream to cross, one last moment to take in the silence - before we meet our transport back to Longyearbyen. Tired but content, we carry with us memories of wild valleys, remote coastlines, and the stillness of the Arctic.

Practical Information

• Dates: August 8–11, 2025
  Contact us for alternative departures
• Duration:  4 days / 3 nights
• Distance: Approx. 50 km total
• Group size: 4 – 12 participants
• Terrain: There are no trails or bridges  - we hike across tundra, slopes, and rivers.
  All participants must be able to carry their own backpack (15–20 kg)

Included in the Price

• Transport to/from your accommodation in Longyearbyen
• All meals, snacks, and hot drinks
• Tent accommodation
• Sleeping pad
• Experienced guide with necessary safety equipment

Recommended to Bring

• Sturdy, worn-in hiking boots
• Warm clothing packed in a dry bag
• Camera
• Binoculars
• Sleeping bag*

*can also be rented for NOK 600

A detailed recommended packing list will be sent to you after booking

Luggage

Larger luggage can be stored with us or at your accommodation during the trip.

Disclaimer: 

This route is our planned starting point, but adjustments may be made if necessary to carry out the tour safely and responsibly. The length of each day, the route, and planned activities may change due to weather conditions, polar bear activity, or the dynamics of the group. If needed, the tour may be shortened. On the other hand, if time, conditions, and group energy allow, we may take scenic detours to nearby viewpoints or small peaks.