Svalbard glacier hike - Arctic Adventure from Longyearbyen

This full-day tour combines a RIB boat ride across Isfjorden from Longyearbyen harbour with a technical hike on Nansenbreen glacier. Guests wear crampons and a harness and helmet, and carry an ice axe. A field lunch is eaten on the glacier. The guide gives a full introduction, so no previous experience is needed.

The day runs 10.5 hours from hotel pick-up to drop-off. Pick-up is at 08:00, followed by a briefing and suiting up at 08:15 and departure from the harbour at 08:45. The boat lands guests in front of the glacier at 10:00, the hike starts at 11:00, and the group is collected from the glacier at 17:00. Return to the hotel is at 18:30. Backyard Svalbard's page rates difficulty 4/5. The group is 4 to 6 guests with each guide, and larger parties are asked to get in touch.

The tour runs on Thursday and Saturday from 3 July to 25 September. Guests must be 18 or older, in good physical condition, able to walk on uneven terrain for several hours, steady enough to step in and out of the boat, and able to follow instructions in English. Summer temperatures are given as +3 °C to +8 °C, and the operator's page says to pack warm clothing. Guests need travel insurance covering medical emergencies, accidents and cancellations. Pick-up is from the guest's hotel in Longyearbyen, and guests should be outside the entrance five minutes before the pick-up time.