Nordenskiöld glacier is located deep in the heart of the Arctic, completely off the beaten track in the remote wilderness of Spitsbergen. Far away from civilisation, this mighty glacier is the base for an exciting 5 day Arctic Summer Adventure.
The experience starts in the northernmost city in the world (Longyearbyen) and takes you 100 miles north east into the spectacular scenery of the Svalbard mountains. In Longyearbyen you stay in a hotel designed in the form of an old trapper’s lodge. You will have a chance to see something of the town and become atuned to a quite different way of life from most peoples' temperate home.
Your expedition target is a remote wilderness lodge, perched at the edge of this magnificent glacier. This is one of the northernmost wilderness cabins in the world. To reach the glacier, you will adorn warm survival suits and board an open Polarcirkel boat - an exhilarating experience in itself, during which you can hope to observe a variety of wildlife and birds.
The midnight sun allows for long action-packed days, where you will embark on several adventurous activities in the area surrounding the cabin. Possibly the ultimate ways in which to explore the glacier front is from a kayak. Paddling in pairs you will navigate amidst floating glacier ice, whilst keeping an eye out for curious wildlife. You will also get the opportunity to strap on your crampons and explore the heavily crevassed glacier on a magical day of glacier hiking. Finally, you will grab your hiking boots and ascend a nearby mountain peak summit through the varying Arctic landscape of glacier moraines and Arctic flowers which astonishingly manage to survive in this harsh environment.
The modern yet basic wilderness cabin which provides your base for four nights, is a scene reminiscent of legendary polar explorers. Here you will be able to absorb your surroundings and bask in complete solitude in a land of complete silence, far from the trappings of modern daily life. The only sounds will be those of the glacier as it cracks and roars as pieces of ice calve from the glacier front. At the end of each day the cabin will indeed be a welcome sight, with promise of a hot dinner, bonfire and warming sauna.
This is an authentic Arctic wilderness adventure, ideal for a standalone trip or an add on to one of our Spitsbergen Voyages.
Itinerary
7 Day Sample Itinerary
Please Note: For 2024, the 7 Day Itinerary will become a 6 Day Itinerary. The exact itinerary will be dependent on weather as well as the fitness of guests and their interests.
Day 1: Arrive in Longyearbyen
You will arrive into Longyearbyen today, whether by plane or disembarking your expedition ship. You will stay in this unique hotel in the centre of town, close to restaurants, pubs, shops and the bank. The hotel is furnished with reclaimed driftwood and boards from the Russian settlement of Barentsburg. Upon entering the lodge, you will get the feeling of stepping into a traditional hunter's cottage. You will be staying in a standard twin/double ensuite room on a B&B basis.
Depending on the time of your flight, you will have today free to spend as you wish exploring the town. Longyearbyen is the largest settlement and the administrative capital of the Svalbard archipelago. This small, former mining town is now home to approx. 2000 inhabitants, a university campus, various shops, cafés and restaurants, library and museums. The town centre is relatively small and can easily be explored on foot.
We can add a range of optional activities in Longyearbyen as your schedule allows including dog sledding on wheels, fjord cruises, hikes, fossil hunting, visiting a coal mine, Wilderness Evening with dinner or a Svalbard Brewery tour. Please ask us for more information and availability.
Day 2: Your Spitsbergen Adventure Commences (B, L, D)
You will enjoy an early breakfast at your hotel before meeting your guide at 08:00. After a short safety briefing you will make your way down to the harbour to meet your small boat which will take you to Billefjorden and Adolfbukta on your way to your remote wilderness lodge.
The boat is enclosed for your comfort, but be sure to keep a sharp eye out for northern fulmars, puffins, walrus, belugas and maybe even a polar bear as you head deep into Isfjorden.
Once at Nordenskiöld cabin you will enjoy an outdoor lunch and get familiar with your cabin and the surrounding area. After lunch it is time to head out into the arctic nature and explore the beauty of this isolated outpost. You will return to the cabin in the evening, where you will be served a delicious dinner and get to enjoy a pre-heated sauna.
You will be staying here for 3 nights on a Full Board basis (breakfast, lunch and dinner) in a twin/double room.
Day 3: A day for Kayaking (B, L, D)
Your day begins with a solid breakfast, before leaving the comforts of the Nordenskiöld Lodge. After zipping up your dry suits and sliding into the calm water in steady and reliable double kayaks, you will paddle in pairs to explore your beautiful surroundings. Kayaking is the perfect way to get around in the Arctic and is probably the ultimate way to explore a calving glacier front and the arctic shorelines.
Today’s destination will be determined by the weather and sea conditions, as well as your paddling skill level. You will paddle next to the magnificent glacier front among floating pieces of glacier ice, whilst likely being observed by the curious wildlife. After a long day of paddling in a cold, arctic sea, the comforts of a warm sauna and a proper meal will seem very tempting.
Day 4: Glacier Day (B, L, D)
Today you will head out to the majestic Nordenskiöld Glacier. After breakfast, your guide will brief you on the basic guidelines and safety precautions associated with glacier hiking. You will set out to explore the heavily crevassed glacier that is situated only 1.5km from the cabin. You will spend the day hiking up and down the glacier, staring down cracks and enjoying the shiny glacier surface. You will be able to enjoy your expedition lunch on the glacier. Weather depending, you will make a bonfire once back at the cabin, and simply cherish the view of the fjord.
Day 5: Hiking Day (B, L, D)
Today you will strap on your hiking boots and begin hiking around the surrounding mountain/moraine peaks. You will explore the beautiful Arctic landscape, glacier moraines and arctic flowers that have adapted to the harsh environment. You will summit one of the nearby mountain peaks and enjoy an expedition lunch on the way. Once back at the cabin you will enjoy a delicious meal and the pre-heated sauna.
Day 6: Return to Longyearbyen (B)
After a relaxing breakfast enjoying your final views over the glacier, you will leave the lodge at approx. 10:00 for your boat ride back to Longyearbyen town arriving in the early afternoon. You will have the afternoon free to spend as you wish and will stay in the same Longyearbyen hotel tonight.
Day 7: Depart Longyearbyen (B)
After breakfast and checking out of your hotel you will depart from Longyearbyen either by plane or by embarking your expedition ship.
5 Day Sample Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Longyearbyen
You will arrive into Longyearbyen today, whether by plane or disembarking your expedition ship. You will stay in this unique hotel in the centre of town, close to restaurants, pubs, shops and the bank. The hotel is furnished with reclaimed driftwood and boards from the Russian settlement of Barentsburg. Upon entering the lodge, you will get the feeling of stepping into a traditional hunter's cottage. You will be staying in a standard twin/double ensuite room on a B&B basis.
Depending on the time of your flight, you will have today free to spend as you wish exploring the town. Longyearbyen is the largest settlement and the administrative capital of the Svalbard archipelago. This small, former mining town is now home to approx. 2000 inhabitants, a university campus, various shops, cafés and restaurants, library and museums. The town centre is relatively small and can easily be explored on foot.
We can add a range of optional activities in Longyearbyen as your schedule allows including dog sledding on wheels, fjord cruises, hikes, fossil hunting, visiting a coal mine, Wilderness Evening with dinner or a Svalbard Brewery tour. Please ask us for more information and availability.
Day 2: Your Spitsbergen Adventure Commences (B, L, D)
You will enjoy an early breakfast at your hotel before meeting your guide at 08:00. After a short safety briefing you will make your way down to the harbour to meet your small boat which will take you to Billefjorden and Adolfbukta on your way to your remote wilderness lodge.
The boat is enclosed for your comfort, but be sure to keep a sharp eye out for northern fulmars, puffins, walrus, belugas and maybe even a polar bear as you head deep into Isfjorden.
Once at Nordenskiöld cabin you will enjoy an outdoor lunch and get familiar with your cabin and the surrounding area. After lunch it is time to head out into the arctic nature and explore the beauty of this isolated outpost. You will return to the cabin in the evening, where you will be served a delicious dinner and get to enjoy a pre-heated sauna.
You will be staying here for 2 nights on a Full Board basis (breakfast, lunch and dinner) in a twin/double room.
Day 3: Glacier Day (B, L, D)
Today you will head out to the majestic Nordenskiöld Glacier. After breakfast, your guide will brief you on the basic guidelines and safety precautions associated with glacier hiking. You will set out to explore the heavily crevassed glacier that is situated only 300 meters from the cabin. You will spend the day hiking up and down the glacier, staring down cracks and enjoying the shiny glacier surface. You will be able to enjoy your expedition lunch on the glacier.
Weather and time depending, there should be time for an afternoon kayaking trip to the glacier front, before returning to the cabin for a well deserved dinner.
Day 4: Return to Longyearbyen (B)
After a relaxing breakfast enjoying your final views over the glacier, you will leave the lodge at approx. 10:00 for your boat ride back to Longyearbyen town arriving in the early afternoon. You will have the afternoon free to spend as you wish and will stay in the same Longyearbyen hotel tonight.
Day 5: Depart Longyearbyen (B)
After breakfast and checking out of your hotel you will depart from Longyearbyen either by plane or by embarking your expedition ship.
Dates
6 Days
Single Supplement: £225 per person*
*Single Supplement is based on a single room in Longyearbyen on Day 1 & Day 5. Accommodation Day 2 - 4 is in shared accommodation within a 4 bedroom wilderness lodge.
5 Days
Single Supplement: £230 per person*
*Single Supplement is based on a single room in Longyearbyen on Day 1 & Day 4. Accommodation Day 2 - 3 is in shared accommodation within a 4 bedroom wilderness lodge.
6 Days
Single Supplement: £230 per person*
*Single Supplement is based on a single room in Longyearbyen on Day 1 & Day 5. Accommodation Day 2 - 4 is in shared accommodation within a 4 bedroom wilderness lodge.
5 Days
Single Supplement: £230 per person*
*Single Supplement is based on a single room in Longyearbyen on Day 1 & Day 4. Accommodation Day 2 - 3 is in shared accommodation within a 4 bedroom wilderness lodge.
6 Days
Single Supplement: £230 per person*
*Single Supplement is based on a single room in Longyearbyen on Day 1 & Day 5. Accommodation Day 2 - 4 is in shared accommodation within a 4 bedroom wilderness lodge.
5 Days
Single Supplement: £230 per person*
*Single Supplement is based on a single room in Longyearbyen on Day 1 & Day 4. Accommodation Day 2 - 3 is in shared accommodation within a 4 bedroom wilderness lodge.
6 Days
Single Supplement: £230 per person*
*Single Supplement is based on a single room in Longyearbyen on Day 1 & Day 5. Accommodation Day 2 - 4 is in shared accommodation within a 4 bedroom wilderness lodge.
5 Days
Single Supplement: £230 per person*
*Single Supplement is based on a single room in Longyearbyen on Day 1 & Day 4. Accommodation Day 2 - 3 is in shared accommodation within a 4 bedroom wilderness lodge.
6 Days
Single Supplement: £230 per person*
*Single Supplement is based on a single room in Longyearbyen on Day 1 & Day 5. Accommodation Day 2 - 4 is in shared accommodation within a 4 bedroom wilderness lodge.
5 Days
Single Supplement: £230 per person*
*Single Supplement is based on a single room in Longyearbyen on Day 1 & Day 4. Accommodation Day 2 - 3 is in shared accommodation within a 4 bedroom wilderness lodge.
6 Days
Single Supplement: £230 per person*
*Single Supplement is based on a single room in Longyearbyen on Day 1 & Day 5. Accommodation Day 2 - 4 is in shared accommodation within a 4 bedroom wilderness lodge.
5 Days
Single Supplement: £230 per person*
*Single Supplement is based on a single room in Longyearbyen on Day 1 & Day 4. Accommodation Day 2 - 3 is in shared accommodation within a 4 bedroom wilderness lodge.
6 Days
Single Supplement: £230 per person*
*Single Supplement is based on a single room in Longyearbyen on Day 1 & Day 5. Accommodation Day 2 - 4 is in shared accommodation within a 4 bedroom wilderness lodge.
5 Days
Single Supplement: £230 per person*
*Single Supplement is based on a single room in Longyearbyen on Day 1 & Day 4. Accommodation Day 2 - 3 is in shared accommodation within a 4 bedroom wilderness lodge.
6 Days
Single Supplement: £230 per person*
*Single Supplement is based on a single room in Longyearbyen on Day 1 & Day 5. Accommodation Day 2 - 4 is in shared accommodation within a 4 bedroom wilderness lodge.
5 Days
Single Supplement: £230 per person*
*Single Supplement is based on a single room in Longyearbyen on Day 1 & Day 4. Accommodation Day 2 - 3 is in shared accommodation within a 4 bedroom wilderness lodge.
6 Days
Single Supplement: £230 per person*
*Single Supplement is based on a single room in Longyearbyen on Day 1 & Day 5. Accommodation Day 2 - 4 is in shared accommodation within a 4 bedroom wilderness lodge.
5 Days
Single Supplement: £225 per person*
*Single Supplement is based on a single room in Longyearbyen on Day 1 & Day 4. Accommodation Day 2 - 3 is in shared accommodation within a 4 bedroom wilderness lodge.
6 Days
Single Supplement: £225 per person*
*Single Supplement is based on a single room in Longyearbyen on Day 1 & Day 5. Accommodation Day 2 - 4 is in shared accommodation within a 4 bedroom wilderness lodge.
5 Days
Single Supplement: £164 per person*
*Single Supplement is based on a single room in Longyearbyen on Day 1 & Day 4. Accommodation Day 2 - 3 is in shared accommodation within a 4 bedroom wilderness lodge.
6 Days
Single Supplement: £164 per person*
*Single Supplement is based on a single room in Longyearbyen on Day 1 & Day 5. Accommodation Day 2 - 4 is in shared accommodation within a 4 bedroom wilderness lodge.
5 Days
Single Supplement: £164 per person*
*Single Supplement is based on a single room in Longyearbyen on Day 1 & Day 4. Accommodation Day 2 - 3 is in shared accommodation within a 4 bedroom wilderness lodge.
6 Days
Single Supplement: £164 per person*
*Single Supplement is based on a single room in Longyearbyen on Day 1 & Day 5. Accommodation Day 2 - 4 is in shared accommodation within a 4 bedroom wilderness lodge.
5 Days
Single Supplement: £164 per person*
*Single Supplement is based on a single room in Longyearbyen on Day 1 & Day 4. Accommodation Day 2 - 3 is in shared accommodation within a 4 bedroom wilderness lodge.
6 Days
Single Supplement: £164 per person*
*Single Supplement is based on a single room in Longyearbyen on Day 1 & Day 5. Accommodation Day 2 - 4 is in shared accommodation within a 4 bedroom wilderness lodge.
5 Days
Single Supplement: £164 per person*
*Single Supplement is based on a single room in Longyearbyen on Day 1 & Day 4. Accommodation Day 2 - 3 is in shared accommodation within a 4 bedroom wilderness lodge.
Price Includes
- All accommodation and meals as per itinerary
(B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner)
- Activities and transfers as per your itinerary
- Search and rescue insurance
- CO2 and environmental investment (NOK 250 per person)
- Kayaking and glacier hiking equipment
Price excludes
- International flights (but we can arrange these from UK if you wish)
- Airport transfers in Longyearbyen
- Other meals
- Drinks
- Travel Insurance
- Tips
Minimum group size: 4
Minimum age: 15 years
Equipment needed
- Thermal Base Layers
- Warm wool or fleece trousers and jumper as mid-layer
- Winderproof and waterproof outer layer
- Down jacket
- Walking shoes
- Warm and windproof mittens and warm gloves
- Windproof hat
- Sunglasses and sunhat
- Indoor shoes for the lodge
- Binoculars
- Toiletries
- Camera (and waterproof case)
- Backpack (around 35 litres) for water food and extra clothing during the day
- Water bottle
- Swimwear (for a Polar Plunge or the Sauna)
Notes:
Please inform us as early as possible if you have any dietary requirements. Nordenskiöld Lodge is a wilderness cabin in a spot frequented by polar bears. Your guides will be armed with rifles as a precaution, you are not permitted to venture off by yourselves.
