During six days we visit a wide range of exciting destinations in the Isfjorden area. We decide the length of our paddle ourselves, and each day will be like a new expedition.

Isfjorden is the largest fjord in Spitsbergen, and the fjord expands 107 km into the land. Isfjorden has a vast number of smaller fjord arms, starting out in the west with Trygghamna ending Tempelfjorden in the east and Ekmanfjorden up north.

On this kayak expedition we focus on the northern parts of Isfjorden. Here there are fewer boats, and here we’ll also paddle past huge glacial faces, with Sveabreen as the largest and most spectacular. The area is rich on birdlife, and also has an exciting flora and a fascinating history. Several places we can study cultural remains from both mining and exploration, as well as from hunting and trappers life.

We will start our kayak expedition on the northern side, in Yoldiabukta. Transport across the fjord will be by open and sturdy Polar circle boats.

Our aim for the expedition is to reach Dicksonfjorden and Kapp Smith. From here we will be brought back to the civilization and Longyearbyen by Polarcirkle boat on Saturday afternoon.

Please note that the route and program may change due to weather and wind conditions. However, our Polarcirkle boats will pick us up wherever we decide to stop, and we have a free hand planning our legs and route.

On this map you will see where our expeditions at summertime will be situated. The exact route is depending on weather and snow conditions.

Dotted line indicates transport by boat.

DOWNLOAD THE EXPEDITION ROUTE MAP HERE (PDF)

Day 1 - Monday
09:00 Pick up at your hotel.
Briefing, preparations and packing of equipment, before the tour starts.
Transport to Yoldiabukta with Polarcirkel boats.

Yoldiabukta is sheltered from weather and wind, and is the perfect location for going through safety procedures and doing basic training. Our first night will be spent here, where we can enjoy the fantastic view towards the Wahlenberg Glacier.

Day 2 - Tuesday
Today we start the expedition in earnest. We plan to pass Wahlenberg and Svea glaciers. We will meet the biggest icebergs on the trip, and pass the highest glacier front. We cross the fjord in secure distance to the mighty glacier front, before we set up our next camp on the north side of Svea glacier. When we are lucky we can listen to the glacier calving in the midnight sun. 

Day 3 to 4 - Wednesday to Thursday
From magnificent glacier landscapes to the green and lush Ekmanfjord. Here, in the inner part of Isfjorden, we find an interesting area for paddling as well as a wide range of beautiful places to stretch our legs on land.

Day 5 - Friday
From the inner part of Ekmanfjorden we round Kapp Wærn and head on towards Kapp Smith. Across the fjord we can see one of the few remaining active trapper stations left on Spitsbergen today.

Day 6 - Saturday
The day is spent in the Kapp Smith area, investigating the beautiful surroundings. Here we will be collected for our return to Longyearbyen, where will arrive after lunch.

The route will be reversed on second and fourth departure.

• All times are subject to change.
• The travel schedule will be altered should the weather conditions deem it necessary.
• The tempo of the expedition will be adapted to the conditions and the participant’s physical strength.

This trip requires the participants to be physically fit (no back, neck, arm or wrist problems), and previous paddling experience is an advantage. You must be aware that the weather can change quickly, and that the sea might be relative rough due to the wind and waves. Temperature in the water is around 2-4 °C.

We use both single kayaks and steady double kayaks on this expedition. There are a set number of kayaks, so participants must be prepared to alternate between paddling single and double. Our guides are experienced kayak paddlers and will at all times ensure the groups safety.  If the weather is difficult we will go trekking in the beautiful area surrounding the camps.

Participants will be asked to assist with the polar bear watch during the night.

Single tent is not available.

The prices include
Kayaks and equipment for paddling, meals during the trip and beverages at the campsite, shared equipment, tent, sleeping mats, and experienced guide with all necessary safety equipment, as well as search and rescue insurance. Transport to/from the start point of the trip.

The prices do not include
Airfare, accommodation, meals and beverages in Longyearbyen, sleeping bag, personal travel insurance, clothing and equipment.

There is a lot of exciting excursions and activities you can join from Longyearbyen before or after the trip. You can book additional nights at one of our places of accomadation in connection with your expedition.

Price room in connection to the expedition:

Equipment that every participant should have

• Backpack or bag for personal equipment
• Small backpack for day tours (if the weather is bad, we do trekking on land instead)
• Sleeping bag tolerating temperatures down to -5ºC/-10ºC
• 1 pair of well broken in hiking boots
• Mountain jacket (waterproof, windproof and breathing)
• Mountain trousers (waterproof, windproof and breathing)
• 2 warm hats (one for paddling)
• 1 set of long underwear (long johns and sweater, we recommend wool e.g. Devold of Norway)
• Warm woollen sweater or fleece sweater/jacket
• 2-3 pairs of warm socks (wool or similar quality)
• Thermos bottle
• Bottle for cold water
• Sunglasses
• Toilet articles
  

In addition we recommend

• Thermal- rest sleeping-mat (if you prefer thicker mat)
• Down jacket for late evenings by the campfire
• Binoculars
• Camera with waterproof bag, extra memory cards and battery charger
  

Spitsbergen Travel provides

• Tent 
• Sleeping mats
• Shared equipment for the camps
• Cooking equipment
• Provisions
• Kayak
• Kayak paddles
• Spray skirts
• Life vests
• Dry suit
• Water shoes for paddling
• Mittens for paddling
• Waterproof bags for gear needed in the kayaks
  

Note:
Pack in plastic bags and bring extra plastic bags, as the equipment may become wet during the tour.

• B8 St.Jonsfjorden
• B7 Tre Kronor
• C8 Billefjorden

• Average temperature approx. 5ºC
• Temperature in the sea approx. 2-4ºC
• Daylight around the clock
• Normally very little rain, but fog and low clouds are usual – especially early in the period
• Cold wind is usual