Bjørndalen Wilderness Walk

This guided hike goes into Bjørndalen, a valley on the coast near Longyearbyen in Svalbard. The group is picked up in Longyearbyen and driven along the coast to the valley. From there the hike crosses open tundra at an easy pace, with frequent stops for photos, silence and the guide's stories about extreme seasons, fragile ecosystems and the isolated history of Svalbard. Arctic Footsteps' page describes the area as reindeer territory and says sightings are common but not guaranteed. Arctic foxes and seabirds can also be seen. On the drive back along the coast, guests look out for beluga whales offshore or a walrus resting on the rocks. Halfway through, the group stops for hot drinks and snacks.

The route covers about 3 km and takes about three hours. The difficulty is rated easy, and the operator's page says most fitness levels can take part. Snacks and hot drinks are included. The operator's page does not state a group size, an age limit or what the transport is. Guests are asked to dress in layers: waterproof hiking boots that reach above the ankle, thermal base layers (wool preferred) with a warm mid-layer, a wind and waterproof jacket, hiking pants, a warm hat, gloves or mittens, thick socks, and a water bottle. The tour runs all year.