UNDISCOVERED SVALBARD Snowmobile Safari - 8 Days
Journey to the Svalbard Archipelago in the Arctic, in a
spring expedition of spectacular Spitsbergen island
by snowmobile. Svalbard’s pristine Arctic landscape
and its stunning wildlife is a photographer’s dream
and during the day the polar spring light is like a
constant sunset . Guests will experience a true arctic
adventure on a snowmobile safari passing through
Spitsbergen’s epic valleys and canyons. In spring, the
archipelago is an emerging wildlife wonderland with
reindeer grazing in spectacular valleys, seals and
walruses basking on the ice oes and the iconic polar
bear reigning over this pristine wilderness.
This expedition is designed for true explorers. Over 8
days, guests will journey by snowmobile around the
island and through the stunning bays and fjords of
Spitsbergen. Following the paths of Arctic explorers,
we take a fascinating journey through Svalbard’s
Soviet ghost towns and abandoned settlements with
comfortable hotel-style accommodation and
delicious full board catering.
Program duration: 8 days / 7 nights Total distance on snowmobile: around 1000 kms Requirements: good level of fitness and valid Full driving license (Learners and Provisional licences not accepted) Age Limit: 18 Years of age Day 1 All the highlights of Svalbard in a breath-taking snowmobile Longyearbyen – Todalen – Colesdalen – adventure Grøndalen - Barentsburg Majestic glaciers of Nordenskjøld, Fridtjovbreen and Paulabreen Arrive in Longyearbyen. Transfer from the Spectacular fjords and mountains of Svalbard: Grønfjord, Van airport to Longyearbyen for a tour Mijenfjord, Olafberget. brieng on our itinerary, equipment, The Isfjord radio weather station and the ghost town safety and all-weather clothing. After Pyramiden lunch, we change to winter overalls and Abundant wildlife on the wild East coast – Polar bears, seals, start the Arctic adventure by Arctic foxes and Svalbard reindeer snowmobiling from Longyearbyen to Colesdalen through magnicent mountain landscapes, passing by abandoned hunting cabins to Grøndalen before arriving in Barentsburg. Guests will have time to explore the small Russian community of Barentsburg including the scientic research center, the meteorological observatory and the cosmic rays research station. Your guide will take you through the local explorers museum, with its exhibitions of 17th century hunting, arctic ora and fauna. In the evening guests will enjoy Dinner and stay overnight in the Hotel Barentsburg.
Snowmobiling distance approx. 70 km, (3 - 4 hours)
Please Note: This journey may be uncomfortable for guests suffering from back pain. Day 2 Isfjord Radio Station and Pomor trapper’s hut: Barentsburg – Grønfjord – Isfjord Radio – Starostin Cape – Barentsburg
After breakfast, guests head off for a day of exploration in the wilderness of Svalbard. Leaving Barentsburg we follow the coastline of Grønfjord. The snowmobile allows us to travel long distances in the immensity of the Arctic wilderness and reach otherwise inaccessible places. We drive up to the Grønfjord glacier and across wide canyons further to Orustdalen valley, amidst high cliffs. Continuing along the Nordenskjøld coast to the Greenland sea, we will stop for a delicious lunch at Isfjord radio, a mythic coast radio and weather station founded in the beginning of the 20th century at Kapp Linné. In the afternoon we make a short stop at Cape Starostin and have a look around a restoration of Starostin’s hut where Ivan Starostin, a Pomor trapper, managed to spend 39 Svalbard winters, including 15 in a row. Returning to Barentsburg in the evening, there’s time for a visit to the Arctic Art Gallery and see its displays about Svalbard’s history of Arctic discovery and its collections of 16th and 17th century hunters. Dinner will be a traditional Russian feast featuring local fish. Night in Barentsburg.
Snowmobiling distance 95-120 kms, (8 - 10 hours) Day 3 Glaciers and Fjords: Barentsburg – Grøndalen – Reindalen – Sveagruve – Van Mijenfjord - Paulabreen Glacier – Barentsburg
Breakfast at the hotel. Depending on the ice and snow conditions, today’s itinerary runs past Paulabreen glacier and Fridtjovbreen glacier. Afterwards we travel to the Sveagruve mine and then along the ice of Reid Bay to the enormous Paulabreen glacier, 15 km wide, considered as the most picturesque and romantic in the world. This is the region of Svalbard famous for frequent encounters with polar bears. We pass through the Reindalen valley, one of the biggest and most impressive valleys in Svalbard. It is a good option when there is no wind and good visibility. Otherwise we offer another option – a route to Fridtjovbreen. This itinerary runs closer to Barentsburg and is noted for dramatic and variable landscapes and frequent wild animals. The Fridtjovbreen glacier has a length of about 14 kilometers and its name stems from a hunting vessel used during the Torell expedition to Spitsbergen. The route is approx. 100-140 km and takes up to 6-8 hrs. An expedition lunch will be served to guests along the way. Returning to Barentsburg guests will enjoy a delicious Russian dinner at the hotel.
Snowmobiling distance approx. 200 km (8 - 10 hours) Day 4 Barentsburg & local tour options
Today guests will explore the local surroundings with a range of optional activities available: A morning underground tour of Barentburg’s working coal mine to experience the daily life of an Arctic miner. You will be provided with miner’s clothing and a safety helmet and sign yourself in, like all miners starting their shift. As you approach the entrance of the mine and light from the outside fades away, you will embark on a fascinating underground journey into the depths of Spitsbergen. Visit our classes in traditional Pomor handicrafts and make a unique souvenir of your own. Take a photographic trip on snowmobiles to a nearby glacier to capture the picturesque surroundings and experience local wildlife encounters.
Guests will be served Breakfast, lunch and dinner in the Barentsburg hotel restaurant.
Snowmobiling distance approx. 200 km (8 - 10 hours) Day 5 Glaciers and the ghost settlement: Barentsburg – Colesdalen – Fardalen - Longyearbyen – Sassendalen - Nordenskiøld Glacier – Petuniabukta - Pyramiden
After an early breakfast, we check-out and depart on a long journey that takes in the beauty and diversity of Svalbard’s epic landscapes and wildlife. We pass Cape Heer and Colesdalen on the way to Longyearbyen where we stop for lunch in our Expedition Centre ‘Russki Dom’. After lunch we continue over shiny glaciers and sharp mountains into the valley of Sassendalen . Along the way we are likely to encounter walrus. About 100 miles northeast of Longyearbyen we will reach the mighty glacier Nordenskiöld and the nearby ghost town of Pyramiden, our destination. Virtually abandoned except for a small Soviet- style hotel, guests will check-in to their rooms and later enjoy a hearty dinner.
Snowmobiling distance approx. 200 km, (9 - 10 hours) Day 6 The ghost settlement Pyramiden and wildlife observations
After breakfast, we enjoy a guided introduction tour around the settlement which retains its Soviet ambience. The town was a showcase to the West exhibiting to the world the excellence of the communist system. In the late nineties, Pyramiden was closed and remained virtually abandoned with all its infrastructure preserved intact. All of the buildings are in excellent condition and although the hotel is inhabited, silence reigns over Pyramiden since the settlement remains virtually empty and abandoned. Pyramiden is located in the heart of the Arctic wilderness. Exploring the surroundings we will encounter polar foxes, reindeer as well as seals and walruses at the nearby glacier Nordenskiøldbreen which is just a few hundred metres away from the abandoned settlement.
Polar bear encounters are also likely and if we use our binoculars and lenses we might have an opportunity to view and film this majestic creature from a safe distance.
Depending on the weather and snow conditions we will consult with our guests about the most suitable and appealing itinerary: Perhaps a short trip to picturesque Skanskabukta with the magnSinowcmoebilning tdis tfanrceo appzroex. 8n0 km ws, (4 a- 6 thoeursr) fall Ebbadalen, or a wildlife photo expedition into the nearby mountains. Guests will be served an expedition lunch along the way.
Return to Pyramiden in the evening. Dinner and overnight stay at the Soviet-style Pyramiden hotel.
Snowmobiling distance approx. 80 kms, (approx 4-6 (hours) Day 7 Pyramiden – Nordenskiøld Glacier – Lomonosov plain - Eastern Coast – Sassendalen – Longyearbyen
After a delicious breakfast, guests will check-out and embark on a final wildlife snowmobile safari – this time we will explore the east coast of Spitzbergen. Our journey takes us through valleys to the great Nordenskjøld glacier and past the pink shade mountains to the middle of the massive Lomonosov plain where the full beauty of this Arctic kingdom is on display. We continue our journey passing majestic glaciers and breathtaking scenery. Unaffected by the warm Gulf Stream, Spitsbergen’s eastern coast boasts lower temperatures and more austere conditions, as well as abundant ice. Polar bears live on the ice hunting the seals, and it is here that we can have the best opportunity to spot this mighty animal and observe from a safe distance. Guests will be served with an expedition lunch along the way. Depending on the weather and snow conditions, the tour guide may change the exact route of the journey. In the evening we arrive in Longyearbyen, where guests will check-in to the Arctic Travel Centre Guest House. Dinner will be served in the local restaurant Kroa ‘On the edge of the world’. Overnight in Longyearbyen.
Snowmobiling distance approx. 180 kms, (approx 8-9 hours)
Longyearbyen and Departure Day 8 After breakfast, guests will join a guided walk around the city of Longyearbyen. We will visit the Svalbard Museum to learn about the history of the archipelago as well as the local flora and fauna. We may also stop by Svalbard Gallery which exhibits original pieces by local artists. A tour to the nearby so-called ‘doomsday seed vault’ is also possible and makes a great location for a selfie. Afternoon transfer to the airport of Longyearbyen. The Pyramiden Hotel is located near the impressive Nordenskiöld glacier. Featuring 23 Twin/Double rooms, in both European and ‘Soviet’ style rooms. European style rooms are each equipped with toilet and shower. Soviet style rooms have a toilet and a sink with shared shower facilities on each oor. The The Barentsburg Hotel is a hotel has a Restaurant and newly built 4-level hotel a souvenir shop. facing the Olaf mountain. Has 43 European style rooms,from single and twin rooms to luxury suites.The Hotel features a restaurant with spectacular views of Grønfjord Bay. Each oor has its own drying room for guests outdoor clothing and boots.
Barentsburg’s Pomor Hostel is modern 2-level budget hotel style accommodation with views to Mount Olaf and beautiful Grønfjord Bay. Has 30 refurbished rooms, incl. double rooms and triple rooms with shared facilities on each floor. Each floor has Grumant Hostel in a fully equipped kitchen and Longyearbyen is a new and there is Wi-Fi access modern 2-level Chalet style throughout the building. building located on the shore of the Adventfjorden. 12 people can be accommodated in 3 basic rooms with partly shared facilities that offer terric value for money. There is a large breakfast room with a good kitchen and Wi-Fi throughout. Inclusions All Accommodation and Meals; Full board; Transfer airport-Longyearbyen-airport; Activities according to the itinerary; Snowmobile rental (Model: Ski-doo Expedition 600 or Yamaha Ventura or Yamaha Viking), fuel; Rental of winter overalls, boots, gloves and a helmet; English-speaking guide; Insurance covering research and rescue (Svalbard only), evacuation costs in case of emergency.
TOUR PRICE
From $4,400 AUD / 2 persons sharing snowmobile. $6,000 AUD / For solo only use of snowmobile. Single room supplement 450 AUD
(We will match solo travellers or offer free single u se of snowmobile) Pyramiden
. Guaranteed Departures.
Longyearbern
Ba.rentsburg
Barentsøya The Price does not include
Flight to/from Longyearbyen Optional day in Longyearbyen Optional activities in Barentsburg Alcohol drinks and dishes/ drinks beyond menu Tips for the guide
Extra nights in Longyearbyen Guest House AUD 190 per night Please note all prices are subject to currency fluctuations DATES 2019
MARCH APRIL
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