Van Mijenfjorden Snowmobile Safari

The Van Mijenfjorden Snowmobile Safari is a day trip by snowmobile from Longyearbyen into Nordenskiöld Land. The guide picks the route for the day from weather and terrain conditions, but every option heads for Reindalen. From there the group rides on to Kaldbukta and Van Mijenfjorden and stops at the fjord. If the fjord has ice, seals may be resting on it. If it is open water, waves hit the icy shoreline.

The ride then continues through valleys to Passfjellbreen in Istjørndalen, where the group may see blue glacier ice and its formations, depending on how the glacier looks that year. Svalbard reindeer are often seen along the way. The guide keeps a safe distance from animals. The page also describes how the light changes: a blue hour in February, the return of the sun in March, and sunshine over snow later in the season.

The tour lasts eight hours. The page rates the difficulty 4 out of 5 and describes rugged terrain. Earlier snowmobile, ATV or motorbike experience is an advantage. The minimum age is 14 years. The tour runs from February to May. Every driver must show a valid physical car or motorcycle licence at check-in, and digital copies, photos and photocopies are not accepted. Guests must understand English or a Scandinavian language. The tour leader does not drive with a passenger.

For clothing, the operator suggests wool underwear, over-trousers and a heavy wool sweater beneath the snowmobile suit, plus a backpack with an extra jacket, hat and mittens. Guests stay outdoors until the return to Longyearbyen. A camera is suggested for the reindeer.