Foxfonna: Wilderness Hike from Mine 7

This guided hike begins with a 12 km drive into Advent Valley, ending at a parking spot by the old site of the last working coal mine near Longyearbyen. From there the group walks. The first section climbs about 350 vertical meters, then the route reaches a wide plateau. Foxfonna glacier, an inland glacier that no longer moves, lies in the distance. Whether the group reaches it or only looks from afar depends on how far they choose to walk. Lunch is eaten on top of Breinosa mountain. Guests watch for Arctic foxes, Svalbard ptarmigans and other animals. If time allows, the drive home includes brief halts in the valley.

The round trip on foot is 8 to 12 km with 350 m of elevation gain, and the whole tour lasts 6.5 hours. Groups have 2 to 8 participants. The operator rates difficulty 3 out of 5, in uneven terrain.

Included are a guide with safety equipment, a warm lunch with coffee and tea, and hiking poles if needed. Guests bring sturdy waterproof hiking boots that cover the ankle, wool base layers, a windproof jacket, outdoor pants, an extra warm layer such as a sweater or puffy jacket, a hat, a buff, windproof mittens or gloves, a backpack of 20 to 35 litres and a water bottle. Boots can be rented. The operator may refuse anyone who is not properly dressed for the conditions.

The minimum age is 12. Average physical fitness is enough, and everyone must be able to communicate in English. Pick-up is from the guest's hotel at 10:00, with return by 16:30.