4-day Wilderness Trek: Hike the Nordenskiöld Circuit

Svalbard Wilderness Trek – open valleys, deserted coastlines and deep silence

Do you dream of experiencing the real Svalbard – endless wilderness, Arctic wildlife, deep silence, and the humbling feeling of being small in a vast and powerful landscape? This is the trek for those who want to go beyond the ordinary. Over four days and roughly 50 kilometers, you’ll find a sense of achievement, presence, and unforgettable encounters with nature that leave a lasting mark.

Carrying everything we need on our backs, we journey through valleys, across high plateaus, past fjords, and alongside glaciers clinging to the mountainsides. With every step, the landscape slowly transforms as we venture deeper into the Arctic wilderness.

Day 1 – Expedition Start

The adventure begins! At 08:00 your guide picks you up, and together we pack our backpacks and review the plan. A short drive takes us to Endalen – from here, it’s just us and nature. The first stage covers about 7 km before we set camp near Fardalen. After a warm meal, we crawl into our sleeping bags, while the night offers a truly unique experience: polar bear watch. Taking turns keeping watch in the stillness of the Arctic night is something many describe as a highlight of the journey.

Day 2 – From Fardalen to Colesdalen

After a hearty breakfast and a warm cup of coffee, we lace up our boots and set off. Today’s hike covers about 15 km, leading us further into the wilderness. The route follows a broad valley carved by ancient ice, with the trail winding above the river plain, offering both easier footing and wide, open views across the landscape.

Colesdalen still carries traces of its coal-mining past. We follow the historic path that once linked Barentsburg and Grumant, and with a bit of luck, we may encounter Svalbard reindeer grazing quietly along the way.

Day 3 – Around Lindstrømfjellet

Our route continues along the old coal transport trail, gradually leading us towards the coast. In the distance, the mountain ranges across Isfjorden rise on the horizon. We pass Lindstrømfjellet, cross small streams, and pause often to take in the ever-changing views. There is some uphill along the way, but we keep a steady pace and allow time to rest. By late afternoon we reach Grumantdalen, where we set up camp for our final night in the wilderness.

Day 4 – Fuglefjella and Bjørndalen
Far below lies the ghost town of Grumant, a silent reminder of Svalbard’s coal-mining days. From the viewpoint at Grønberget, we glimpse the abandoned buildings while the guide shares stories from a bygone era. The cultural remains scattered across the plateau make this a place where history feels close.

We continue across Fuglefjella, where thousands of seabirds nest during the summer months. Fulmars, kittiwakes, guillemots, and little auks fill the cliffs with life before they head south for the winter.

At last, we begin our descent into Bjørndalen. A final river to cross, perhaps the distant call of an Arctic fox — and then the wilderness gives way as we return to Longyearbyen. Tired but fulfilled, we bring home memories of wild valleys, deserted coastlines, and the majestic calm of the Arctic.

• 3 departures in August 2026
• Duration:  4 days / 3 nights
• Distance: Approx. 50 km total
• Group size: 4 – 12 participants

Who is this trek for?
This trek is for those in good physical condition who enjoy hiking up to 15 km per day. You must be able to carry a 15–20 kg backpack and feel comfortable with varied and uneven terrain – from marshes and tundra to slopes, rocky ground, and river crossings. Some sections follow old coal transport routes, but there are no established trails, and the ground can be challenging.

In camp, everyone takes part in shared tasks, and you’ll receive training to do the night-time polar bear watch. In short: this is the trek for anyone seeking a genuine wilderness experience – four days in a row, in any kind of weather.

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

Disclaimer: 

The planned route may be adjusted if required for safety. Distances, route choices, and activities may change due to weather, polar bear activity, or the group itself. The trek may be shortened, or extended with small detours, if conditions allow.