3 DAY HIKE:

LONGYEARBYEN TO BARENTSBURG

There are no roads for vehicles connecting Longyeearbyen to Barentsburg in the summer.

So if youre up for some adventure, some oxygen, and alot of excercise, then join us for a hike from one town to the other!

This is a fantastic opportunity to experience Spitsbergen hands on and get up and close with both the fauna and the flora.

On the hike you have our guarantee that you will see many animals including reindeer, birds, polar foxes and potentially some marine life as well.

It is not possible to venture on this hike without a guide.

DURATION: 3 days & 2 nights
AGE: Suitable for all ages above 6 years old

PRICE: 955 NOK per person
DIFFICULTY: Intermediate

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DAY 1
LONGYEARBYEN - RUSANOV CABIN

Distance: 18 - 20 km

Elevation gain/loss: 550 meters

Overnight: Vladimir Rusanov cabin

The route begins with a transfer to the Bjørndalen Valley.

We travel along the southern shore of Adventfjorden, then follow the eastern side of the river, looking for a suitable crossing point.

About 5 km from the sea, we reach a canyon and ascend the Fuglefjellet and Pilarberget mountains (425 meters). There is a well trodden trail along the stream, making the ascent comfortable and safe.

At the rocky cliff, we can observe a seabird colony of puffins and guillemots (depending on the season, best in July), with thousands of birds in a single natural habitat—the mountain's name translates to "Bird Mountain." The route then continues across the plateau, with a stunning view of the entire Isfjorden from the steep cliff.

Depending on the participants' preferences and tides, we have two options for the rest of the route:

A. Descend to the abandoned mining settlement of Grumant and walk 1 km along the shoreline to the narrow-gauge railway during low tide.

B. Descend to the narrow-gauge railway via the Russedalen stream.

Soon we will reach our first night’s accommodation at the Russian polar explorer Vladimir Rusanov's cabin. The house, built in 1913, has been renovated and is perfect for resting travelers.

DAY 2
RUSANOV CABIN - LAILA CABIN

Distance: 12 km

Elevation gain/loss: none

Overnight: Laila Cabin

Despite the short distance, we need to cross the Colesbay River Valley.

This can be done either by;

A. wading through a shallow bog (30 cm)

B. Along the shoreline during low tide.

The second option is preferable.

On this day, we will visit the abandoned settlement of Colesbay.

DAY 3
LAILA CABIN - BARENTSBURG

Distance: 17 km

Elevation gain/loss: 300 meters

Final destination: Barentsburg

Most of the route follows the Isfjorden coastline.

We will cross several streams and ravines. Although there are no major fords, the Arctic climate can be damp—best to undertake this route in dry weather, preferably in the fall.

We can reach Barentsburg by two routes:

A. Continue along the coast via Heer Point.

B. Climb slightly into the mountains through the Hollendarelva Valley, bypass the Olaf Mountain from the north (elevation gain of 300 meters), and approach Barentsburg from above.