Spitsbergen Expedition: Trekking Around Pyramiden
Our agency offers various ways to explore the Arctic. The "Walks around Pyramiden following Polish scientists" tour is designed to maximize time in wild tundra, away from civilization. However, there's no need to carry heavy backpacks with full loads as in week-long trekking expeditions.
We offer a program between classical sightseeing tour and active mountain expedition. This allows you to see places rarely included in typical touring routes. The northern part of Isfjord is an exceptionally interesting region surrounded by glaciers.
We'll also meet scientists who have been conducting Arctic research in Spitsbergen for years.
Our journey begins landing on Petuniabukta shore, reaching research stations and the abandoned mining town of Pyramiden. We'll visit a house built from bottles and former Soviet culture palace. Time truly stands still here. We'll climb Pyramiden - the highest peak in the area, and trek with overnight stay in tundra above the abandoned town.
The tour ends in Spitsbergen's capital, Longyearbyen.
| Numer | Obtížnost | Termin | Ilość dni | Cena | Uwagi | Booking |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EN-1038-25 | 3 | do | 10 | Coming soon! | - |
BOOK NOW! |
DETAILED ITINERARY:
DAY 1
The day is booked for a flight to Spitsbergen
DAY 2 Flight to Longyearbyen, the Arctic archipelago's capital. Shopping for supplies and expedition preparation. Dinner at restaurant with Arctic beer brewed in Longyearbyen. Overnight at guesthouses in Longyearbyen.
DAY 3
Depart by boat from Longyearbyen. Land on eastern shore of Petuniabukta. Part of luggage continues to Pyramiden, which we'll reach after 2 days' walking. Trek to Nordenskiöld glacier, with 20-30 meter walls. Head north, passing 2 abandoned cabins - one entirely transported on runners by Russians from Pyramiden. Trek toward Skottehytta, entering Ebba Valley for tent camping in tundra.
Distance and elevation: 20 km, +400m/-350m
DAY 4
Continue around bay, passing under Sven glacier front, reaching research stations on Petuniabukta's western shore. Visit Czech polar station, old drilling platforms and UAM Poznań scientific station. Tent camping near research station.
Distance and elevation: 22 km, +350m/-350m
DAY 5
Afternoon arrival in Pyramiden. Hotel check-in and access to remaining luggage. Explore former Soviet mining town, abandoned for 15 years. October Revolution Boulevard with artificial grass, 1980s architecture. Overnight in renovated former Soviet "Tulip" hotel.
Distance and elevation: 8 km, +150m/-150m
DAY 6
Weather and group fitness permitting, attempt to summit nearby Pyramida mountain (937m) offering stunning views of Petunia Bay, Nordenskiöld glacier and Billefjord. Overnight in Pyramiden hotel.
Distance and elevation: 10 km, +950m/-950m
DAY 7
Return to wilderness, exploring Pyramiden surroundings. Trek in "Table Mountain" area and Jotunfonna glacier region. Tent camping.
Distance and elevation: 21 km, +650m/-300m
DAY 8
Morning descent to Pyramiden port and expedition ship return to Longyearbyen. Optional free time or additional excursions - trek to region's highest peak Nordenskiöldfjellet (1051m) or walk to beautiful green Bjørndalen valley. Guesthouse overnight.
Distance and elevation: 12 km, +1000m/-1000m
DAY 9
Return flight from Longyearbyen.
INCLUDED IN THE TOUR PRICE
• English-speaking guide
• 5 nights in guesthouses/hotels (Oslo, Longyearbyen, Pyramiden), 3 nights tundra tent camping
• 5x breakfast (Oslo, Longyearbyen, Pyramiden), 2x dinner (Pyramiden)
• Guided tour of abandoned Pyramiden town
• 1x motorboat cruise (conditions permitting), 1x expedition ship journey
• Airport transfers
• Mandatory weapon rental for group safety in tundra
• Information packages
• Mandatory travel agency insurance
• Mandatory personal insurance: accident insurance, insurance against the costs of treatment, travel luggage
• Mandatory Tourist Guarantee Fund fee
• Mandatory Tourist Assistance Fund fee
• COVID-19 infection insurance during foreign stay
PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE:
• Flight to Spitsbergen -we can help you select and buy a ticket
• Meals (except those mentioned)
• Camping equipment
• Covid-19 test (if applicable)
OPTIONAL EXPENSES:
• Entrance fees (if applicable)
• Optional excursions
• Double room supplement
ACCOMMODATION:
5x nights in guesthouses/hotels in 4-person rooms, 3x nights in tents in wilderness. During wilderness camping, group maintains night watches (depending on group size, approximately 1-2 hours per night). This isn't difficult; from participants' experience, it's actually a very enjoyable part of the expedition. Adventure spirit guaranteed :-)
MEALS:
Hotel breakfasts included plus 2x dinner in Pyramiden. Other meals in Oslo and Longyearbyen at own expense. Trekking meals individually arranged based on purchased supplies. Well-stocked shop in town, though prices higher than in Poland. Gas stove needed for minimum 2 people. Guide has 1 stove available for group use.
DIFFICULTY LEVEL:
Polar day allows program adaptation to current weather regardless of time. First expedition part involves 2-day tundra traverse (2 nights in wilderness). However, motorboat transports some belongings to destination, eliminating need for heavy backpacks (pack contains basic equipment and 2-day food supply). Most route crosses pathless terrain, rocky ground, tundra, and permafrost. Water crossing possible. Average daily distance in wilderness 15-20 km. Second part includes Pyramiden exploration, optional highest peak attempt (hotel-based), and 1.5-day wilderness return with essential equipment. We'll advise interested participants on choosing best Spitsbergen tour variant for optimal Arctic experience.
WEATHER::
Harsh northern climate, temperature 5-10°C throughout day, frequent cold winds and heavy cloud cover. Minimal snow and rain precipitation (Spitsbergen known as Arctic desert).
GROUP SIZE:
We operate small groups. Minimum 8 participants.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
• Program may change depending on departure date, weather, and other factors
• Arctic's king is the polar bear. Encounter very unlikely. Summer season presence limited to ice-covered distant areas necessary for hunting (definitely not near Longyearbyen). Nevertheless, for unexpected polar bear encounters, guide carries mandatory weapon during all walks
• Learn more about general conditions of participation and find out how to sign up for a trip.
• Attention! In case of the introduction of restrictions that prevent the implementation of the tour, we will refund 100% of the money paid up to 7 days from the date of cancellation of the tour.
• The organizer of the trip is Active Travel Agency Barents.pl.
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