Ice Cave Hike, Into the Frozen World

The Ice Cave Hike is a guided winter walk on Svalbard to a glacier ice cave. The cave is shaped by summer meltwater rivers that freeze solid in the cold season. The route starts over moraine terrain and climbs about 400 metres to the glacier, with snowshoes or on firm snow depending on conditions. Near the entrance, guests put on helmets, spikes and lights and go down inside, where the temperature is around 0 °C. The guide tells stories about glacier life and the geology of Svalbard. After exploring, the group eats lunch and has a hot drink underground, then hikes back. During the Polar Night the hike is in darkness with headlamps, and from February daylight returns.

The round trip is 6 to 8 km with 400 m of elevation gain and lasts 5.5 hours. Groups have 2 to 8 participants. The tour includes hotel pick-up at 09:30 and return by 15:00, a guide with safety equipment, a warm lunch, coffee and tea, and a helmet, headlamp and spikes. Snowshoes and hiking poles are supplied if needed.

Guests bring warm waterproof hiking boots that cover the ankle, wool base layers, a windproof jacket and outdoor pants, an extra warm layer, a hat, a buff, windproof mittens or gloves, a backpack of 20 to 35 litres and a water bottle. The minimum age is 12. Good physical fitness is required. The walk crosses snow and rough ground, has steep parts, and involves some crawling. It does not suit people with back problems or claustrophobia. Guests must speak English, and the operator may refuse people who are not dressed properly for the conditions.