Footsteps in the silent North, 3 days Svalbard Hiking & Boat Expedition, Snowfox Travel

This is a three-day boat and hiking expedition in Svalbard. It starts with an evening at basecamp, where guests meet the guide and the group and go over the plan and gear. On day one a RIB boat crosses Isfjorden to the Wahlenberg Glacier, where the group stops to look at the ice and scan for wildlife such as whales, seals, walrus or seabirds. The boat then continues north into Ekmanfjord, where the hiking begins, and the day ends at a camp with a glacier view.

Day two is a slower hike through the terrain, possibly to a waterfall, with the guide telling stories about polar explorers, old hunting traditions and life in Svalbard. On day three there is one more hike, camp is packed up, and the boat goes to Svenskhuset, where the guide explains its history before the return to town. There are no restaurants or toilets on the route. Guests sleep in tents, and everyone shares the night polar bear watch.

The trip needs at least four participants. The operator provides a guide, breakfast, lunches, dinner, hot drinks, snacks, rescue insurance, safety gear, transfers from and to the accommodation, and camping gear: tents, sleeping bags, liners and sleeping pads. Guests bring waterproof, sturdy hiking boots that cover the ankle, soft shell hiking pants, shell jacket and pants, base layers, warm socks, a mid-layer, a hat, mittens or gloves, a backpack and a filled water bottle. The trip is not suitable for anyone under 16, and anyone under 18 must come with an adult. The season is between June and September.