Hike & Sail Svalbard in 8 days

On Svalbard there are no trails. Only wilderness. And hiking through a landscape so untamed feels truly extraordinary.

 

The untouched nature plays a big part. You get close here – whales, seals and bustling birdlife at sea, reindeer and perhaps an Arctic fox on land. Ridges and plateaus rise above rushing streams and chaotic moraines, while glaciers and traces of the Ice Age shape the landscape wherever you look.

 

To truly experience Svalbard, however, you need to spend more than a few hours away from civilisation. On this expedition, we sail into Isfjorden – Spitsbergen's largest fjord – with Ylva as our floating base. Each day, we aim to spend most of our time outdoors, whether that means hiking to a mountain summit, exploring a glacier or walking along rugged ridgelines. With no more than eight guests, we travel as a small team and can make the most of the conditions we encounter.

 

Isfjorden reaches more than 100 kilometres into western Spitsbergen, with smaller fjords surrounded by mountains and glaciers branching off along the way. With little vegetation, the geology is laid bare, and the landscape can change remarkably over short distances. July and August are the liveliest months of the Arctic summer, with abundant birdlife, blooming tundra and the chance of memorable encounters along the way.

 

Together with an experienced guide, we explore responsibly while respecting the wildlife and the fragile Arctic environment.

 

Travelling by sailing boat gives us the freedom to reach remote mountains, valleys and glaciers all along the coast, drop anchor and head ashore by dinghy. After a full day outside, we return to the comforts of Ylva, for dinner and a good night’s rest.

 

The itinerary below offers a glimpse of the hikes and places we may explore. Our plans will be shaped by the weather and the conditions, allowing us to choose the best adventure for each day.

 

Are you ready to explore?

 

Day One

You are picked up from your hotel in time for embarkation at 16:00. After a warm welcome on board, we now leave Longyearbyen behind. Depending on conditions on our first evening, we can choose a destination for a short evening stroll. Luckily, the midnight sun gives us endless daylight, allowing us to hike at almost any hour. We may head towards the basalt cliffs of Diabasodden, a nesting site for hundreds of puffins. Back on board, dinner and a relaxing evening await before you fall asleep to the sound of the waves.

 

Day Two

Weather shapes every day on Svalbard, and with Ylva as our base, we can choose the best location for a longer mountain hike.

 

Glaciers have carved this dramatic landscape, leaving steep scree slopes rising above fjords and valleys. We cross meltwater streams and climb through rocky, muddy terrain, taking time along the way for photographs and stories.

 

One possible route leads deeper into Sassenfjorden and Tempelfjorden, where we go ashore beside the historic trapper’s hut Villa Fredheim. From here, we climb to the 334-metre summit behind the hut, with views stretching towards the glaciers Tunabreen and Von Postbreen, before descending on the other side to meet the dinghy.

 

We return tired but fulfilled, wondering how a single day can feel so much longer beneath the midnight sun.

 

Day Three

We sail deeper into Isfjorden towards the mighty Nordenskiöldbreen, passing through Billefjorden, where colourful layers of rock form striking patterns across the mountainsides.

 

We put on crampons and equip ourselves with ice axes and the necessary safety gear before stepping onto the glacier. The aim is to explore rather than rush, discovering sculpted ice formations and experiencing this constantly changing world up close. Prepare for a day surrounded by ice - and perhaps bring a small piece back to be enjoyed on board.

 

Day Four 

The possibilities in Billefjorden are endless, so we may choose to linger a little longer and make time for another hike. Picture colourful layers of sandstone and limestone, with waterfalls carving their way through the rock. Skansbukta and Petuniabukta both offer exciting routes, ranging from scenic walks at lower elevations to summits such as the 729-metre Tarantellen. How high we climb may depend on the conditions—and how our legs feel after the previous days.

 

Day Five

Halfway through the expedition, we give our legs a well-earned rest as Ylva carries us towards the next fjord. Entering Ekmanfjorden or Dicksonfjorden, boat traffic begins to fade and the landscape shifts into vivid shades of red and orange, with layered sedimentary rock, rolling moraines, scattered ponds and small rocky islands. Get cosy on deck and watch the colourful landscape unfold around us.

 

Later, we find a suitable place to go ashore for a gentler hike through the moraine landscape, keeping our eyes open for marine fossils hidden among the rocks.

 

Day Six

After a morning at sea, we draw closer to the west coast again and we lace up our hiking boots once more. Perhaps conditions are right for another mountain hike or glacier walk. Ymerbukta is one of those bays that has it all - mountains overlooking the vast glacier systems to the North and the possibility to get up close. We can take another walk on the blue ice and look down the crevasses that are higher up on the glacier. On the way back to Ylva keep your eyes open for one of the harbour seals hauling out on the rocks in this area.

 

Day Seven

By now, we have covered many kilometres and experienced more than we could have possibly imagined. After a week among vast mountains, changing glaciers and endless stories from the North, everyday life can begin to feel very far away.

 

If time and conditions allow, we may set out on one final hike in neighbouring Trygghamna. Here, thousands of seabirds nest on impressive bird cliffs and if we are lucky, we may even spot an Arctic fox searching for food beneath the colonies.

 

Whatever the day brings, we return to Ylva in time for our final dinner together, looking back on the places we have explored and sharing our favourite moments from the expedition.

 

Day Eight

After breakfast, we have time to pack and enjoy our final hours on board. We arrive in Longyearbyen at around 11:00, where it is time to say goodbye before your guide drives you back to your accommodation.

• Next departures: 11.07. – 18.07.2027; 07.08. – 14.08.2027
• Participants: 4 - 8 guests

• Difficulty level: 5 out of 5
• Duration: 8 days / 7 nights onboard

• Age limit: 18 years
• Travel to/ from Svalbard is not included

 

Who is the trip for?
This trip is for active travellers who enjoy long days outdoors and are in good physical shape. You don't need previous glacier hiking or sailing experience, but you should be comfortable spending full days outside in changing Arctic conditions.

 

Included in the trip

• Transport between your hotel and the boat on your arrival and departure day
• Shared cabin on Ylva. Single occupancy can be bought for an additional fee of 25,000 NOK
• Full Board (breakfast, lunch and dinners)
• Experienced Svalbard guide
• Equipment needed for the trip such as glacier equipment or hiking poles
• Search and rescue insurance

 

Where you will sleep

Ylva has four guest cabins. The two rear cabins (nos. 3 and 4) have double beds and generous storage space – and waking up in the morning to views of the sea is something quite special.

 

Each cabin has access to a shower and toilet. Most cabins have private facilities, while one of the forward cabins (no. 2) shares these with the guide. Your bed comes with comfortable linen and a warm down duvet, and towels and toiletries are provided.

 

Are you a solo traveller? You will be paired with another solo traveller (of the same gender as far as possible) and be allocated one of the forward cabins (bunk bed).

 

Life on board Ylva

On board Ylva, we have a beautiful, spacious saloon where you can enjoy your meals, read, relax and spend time with the rest of the group.

 

Out on deck, we have a wood-fired hot tub that we fill with seawater and heat using a wood-burning stove. Our goal is to fire it up at least a couple of times during each trip. The hot tub comfortably fits six people – or a couple more if you're good friends. After adventures on shore, coming back to Ylva will feel like coming home.

 

Be part of the crew

Our experienced captain and mate take care of safety and comfort on board, while giving you the opportunity to get involved and learn more about sailing in Arctic waters.

 

Ylva has an indoor wheelhouse, so most of the time you can enjoy the sailing from the comfort of the boat. During manoeuvres and sail changes, however, you are welcome to head out on deck and help the crew. Taking part is entirely voluntary.

 

The food on this trip

Food is an important part of life on board, and after a full day outside, there is nothing better than returning to Ylva for a proper meal.

 

Full board is included, with breakfast, lunch and dinner each day. Lunch is usually enjoyed outdoors during our adventures, and together with your guide you can pack what you need from the boat before heading ashore.

Snacks and fruit are always available when you need some extra energy, and coffee, tea, juice and milk are included. Beer and wine are available for purchase on board.

 

We are proud of Norwegian food culture and the ingredients the sea around us provides. And if we're lucky enough to catch our own dinner along the way, you might even get the chance to learn how to prepare it the Norwegian way.

 

Who will be your hosts?

This expedition is a collaboration between two companies that share the same values: small groups, meaningful experiences and responsible travel.

 

Eira Expeditions provides Ylva and brings extensive experience of sailing in Arctic waters, with a captain/chef and mate on board. From Svalbard Wildlife Expeditions, one of our most experienced guides joins the journey. We have been guiding on Svalbard since 1993, and our guides bring the local knowledge, storytelling and technical skills needed to travel safely through this Arctic environment.

 

What do you need to bring?

Sailing in the Arctic can be cold and windy. Ylva is a large boat, however, and only rarely will there be much sea spray over the deck. Your normal hiking gear – waterproof trousers and jacket, good wool base layers and warm mid-layers – will usually be sufficient on board as well.

 

We strongly recommend packing in a soft bag that can be rolled up and stored away. Space in the cabins is limited, and hard-shell suitcases can be difficult to store.

 

You will receive a detailed packing list after your booking is confirmed.

 

Important Information

This expedition requires a minimum number of participants to operate.

The day-by-day itinerary above is an example of how the expedition may unfold. The exact route, landing sites and activities will be adapted to weather, sea and ice conditions, as well as the abilities and interests of the group. Safety will always be the deciding factor.

 

© Bilder: Eira Expeditions og Tommy Simonsen