Seed Vault Hike - From Seed to Summit

This half-day tour pairs a hike on the mountainside above Blomsterdalen with a stop at the Global Seed Vault near Longyearbyen. The trail has some steeper sections and pauses a few times at viewpoints over Adventfjorden. On clear days the view reaches Isfjorden and its glaciers. The group may go on along the ridge, where the upper part may feel exposed to some guests. The guide talks about coal mining history on Svalbard, and the route passes old Coal Mine 3. Afterwards the group drives to the base of the mountain. The Vault is closed to the public, so the visit is to its entrance building, which has a light installation in winter. It sits beyond the safety zone of Longyearbyen, so guests go with a guide.

The round trip is 3 km and the tour lasts four hours. Svalbard Wildlife Expeditions' page lists an elevation gain of 250 m, and also mentions around 300 metres and up to 350 metres, depending on how far the group goes. Groups have 2 to 8 participants. Hotel pick-up is at 09:00 and the return is by 13:00. Included are a guide carrying safety gear, biscuits, coffee and tea, and hiking poles, spikes and a headlamp 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 20 to 35 litre backpack and a water bottle. Muck Boots can be rented. The difficulty is 3 out of 5, for people of average fitness, on uneven terrain. The minimum age is 12. Guests must communicate in English, and the guide may decline to take anyone not properly dressed.