Arctic Challenge: Hike & kayak

This tour combines a kayak crossing of Adventfjorden with a mountain hike to the summit of Hiortfjellet, on the far side of the fjord from Longyearbyen.

The day begins with pickup from the hotel. Guests are fitted with dry suits and get a briefing on paddling technique, then set out from Longyearbyen in double kayaks. The paddle over the fjord is 3 km. On the other shore the group changes into hiking gear and climbs a steep slope. At the top there is a break with a view over the fjord, Longyearbyen and the surrounding mountains. After the descent the group paddles back to Longyearbyen. The total duration is 11 hours, with two hours in the kayak. The distance is about 6 km of kayaking and 8 km of hiking as a round trip, with 950 metres of elevation gain. Groups have two to six guests. Pickup from accommodation is at 08:00 and the return is at 19:00.

Included are a guide with safety equipment, a hot lunch, coffee, tea and biscuits, a double kayak with paddle, and a dry suit, neoprene shoes, life vest and paddle mitts. Guests are asked to bring wool base layers, a windproof jacket, hiking pants, extra layers, hiking boots that cover the ankle, a hat, a neck warmer, mittens or gloves, a water bottle, a daypack of 20 to 35 L and a waterproof bag for phone or camera.

The minimum age is 16 years. The difficulty is rated 5 out of 5, and guests need very good physical condition. Everyone must be able to swim and communicate in English, but no kayaking experience is needed. Limits are dry suit size XXL, height 195 cm and kayak cockpit circumference 130 cm.