Svea Glacier Basecamp
Wave goodbye to
the stresses of modern day life and immerse yourself in a stunning artic
universe where the silence is disturbed only by seals, birds and reindeer...
Svea glacier is perhaps the most impressive and active glacier in
Spitsbergen, renowned for its suprisingly rich variety of
flora and fauna, it is an ideal place for a remote
wilderness basecamp. From this camp we will go sea-kayaking and/or hiking
everyday exploring the strange and fascinating artic world around us, from
icebergs, tundra and glaciers to reindeer, arctic birds and walruses, every day
holds a new adventure.
Itinerary
-
Day 1 Flight to Longyearbyen
Welcome to Longyearbyen, we will greet you at the airport and escort you to your accommodation in the city under the light of the midnight sun.
Transport: Private vehicle and aeroplane
Accommodation: Guesthouse or private apartment -
Day 2 Explore Longyearbyen & Boat trip to Svea Glacier
Today is a chance to meet everyone and prepare for our adventure, together we will explore the northernmost city on the planet, Longyearbyen, before taking the boat to Svea glacier and our home for the next few days.
Activities: Free walking tour of Longyearbyen
Transport: 3-4 hour boat trip
Accommodation: Camping -
Days 3 to 8 Into the wilderness
Now we find ourselves in a unique and magical situation, immersed in this beautiful arctic world, each day holds a new adventure as we explore our surroundings by sea-kayak and foot.
We can paddle through iceberg filled waters where seals and arctic birds sunbathe. We can kayak along the edge of the glacier and go hiking through the tundra where reindeer roam. Let's explore ridges with stunning views and majestic ocher cliffs, let's discover true quietness and the marvel at the charms of our back to basics, adventurous life style.Activities: 3-6 hours of sea-kayaking / hiking each day
Accommodation: Camping -
Day 9 Boat to Longyearbyen
Today is our last day at Svea Glacier, this afternoon we take the boat back to Longyearbyen, arrival time 2am. Today is a final chance to enjoy this remote wilderness environment as well as to pack up, perhaps a final walk across the moraines and a final glimpse of the elegant reindeer...
Activities: Pack down camp
Transport: 3-4 hour boat trip
Accommodation: Guesthouse or private apartment -
Day 10 Farewell Spitsbergen
Morning transfer to the airport and flight home
Please note that this itinerary, including walking distances and times, is indicative. Our guides aim to provide the adventure that is best suited to the weather, your interests and the demands of the group. Please be aware that in order to achieve this, changes to the programme may be made.
Other trips you may like
Dates & prices
International departures:
No departure for now
Departures for French-speaking groups:
No departure for now
Trip code: ENSPSVEAA
Included
- Airport transfers
- Return boat trip Longyearbyen to Svea Glacier (3-4 hours each way)
- Free walking tour of Longyearbyen
- 2 nights in guesthouse or private apartment accommodation in Longyearbyen
- All technical camping gear
- All sea-kayaking equipment plus extras (see equipment section for more details)
- Full supervision by an experienced professional guide
- Full board except for one evening meal in Longyearbyen (day 9)
Not included
- Registration fee: €18 per person (free for under 12s)
- Flights
- Evening meal on day 9 in Longyearbyen (kitchen facilities/restaurant options available)
Additional Options
Please let us know if you would like to reserve any of the following optional activities:
- Meal in a local restaurant: from €30
- Day cruise to Nordenskjöll Glacier via the abandoned Russian settlement of Pyramiden: from 200€
- Summer dog-sledding: 110€ for a half day excursion
- Day walking the heights of Longyearbyen and the glacier: from 70€
Notes
Comfort 1/5 - Camping
This trip includes 2 nights in guesthouse accommodation with shared facilities and the remaining nights camping.
Normally we provide a 3 man dome tent per 2 people for maximum space and comfort. For our basecamps we usually set up a fully equipped mess tent for meal times, including a table and stools. We are proud of our high quality camping equipment and take care to monitor and store everything correctly.
Level 2/5 - Moderate
No previous experience sea-kayaking experience in necessary but you should be in good physical shape and prepared to participate in 4-6 hours of activity per day. You should have a sense of adventure and a positive attitude. Please note that our difficulty ratings may vary depending on the weather.
Terms and conditions
Booking conditions
Booking a trip with Altai Svalbard implies acceptance of the terms and conditions of sale. Each customer is required to complete a registration form and, subject to availability at the time of registration, travellers are expected to pay a deposit of 30% of the total price to complete their booking. Payments can be made online or by bank transfer. You will receive an e-mail with your booking confirmation.
Invoice procedure
Once your booking is confirmed you will receive an invoice by e-mail. The full balance of the trip must be received at least 30 days before your departure date. We reserve the right to cancel your booking, free of charge, if this deadline is not respected.
Cancellation policy
If for any reason you have to cancel your trip, Altai Svalbard requires written confirmation of your decision. The money you have paid will then be refunded according to the following deductions:
- Cancellation received more than 30 days prior to the departure date: a sum of €50 per person will be retained
- Cancellation received 30 to 21 days before the departure date: your deposit, 30% of the total trip price will be retained
- Cancellation received 20 to 14 days before the departure date: 50% of the total trip price will be retained
- Cancellation received 13 to 7 days before the departure date: 75% of the total trip price will be retained
- Cancellation received less than 7 days before the departure date: 100% of the total trip price will be retained
Special cases:
Please note that, regardless of the date of cancellation or modification if you have agreed to pay for services such as hotel reservations, flights or additional activities, these services are usually non-refundable so additional fees may apply.
Fixed airfares: if your airline ticket was issued in advance, often done to avoid significant surcharges, you will be charged 100% of any non-refundable fees if you wish to change or cancel your flight plan.
Fixed in-country costs: early charges for firm bookings will be charged if you cancel or modify your trip.Insurance costs: if you have taken out comprehensive or cancellation insurance, the cost of insurance is due and cannot be refunded.
Please note that fees apply according to the date we receive your cancellation or modification request in writing.
If we have to cancel a departure due to an insufficient number of participants, you will be informed no later than 21 days before departure and a full refund will be issued, you will not be entitled to further compensation. We reserve the rights to cancel departures due to exceptional circumstances which may impact the safety of participants. Such circumstances include those amounting to 'force majeure' in which case participants will receive a full refund but they will not be entitled to any compensation.
Changes to travel contract
If you wish to make a change to your booking please contact Altai Svalbard in writing; you will be expected to pay any fee which might arise from this change. In the event of unforeseen external events, Altaï Svalbard may change some aspects of the travel contract. If any changes are necessary you will be informed as quickly as possible.
Pricing
The prices on our website are updated regularly and all of the prices we advertise are accurate when published. We reserve the rights to make changes to any of these prices. Before you make a booking we will give you the up-to-date price of your chosen holiday including any supplements, upgrades or additional activities you may have requested. If the number of travellers is fewer than the indicated number of participants on the website, a small group surcharge may be applied. For all of our trips we include details of services, prices and what is/is not included but please be aware that changes to the prices may be necessary in accordance with exchange rates or price changes of various components of the journey.
Contract transfer
If you are unable to travel for any reason, you can transfer your booking to another person in which case our modification conditions apply. Both the transferor and transferee will be jointly and severally liable for payment of the total holiday price and other associated expenses. Some airline carriers treat name changes as cancellations and you may be required to pay for the cost of a new ticket.
Practical info
Staff
You will be welcomed at the airport by a representative from our friendly team and accompanied for the duration of your holiday. Armed with an abundance of experience and a wealth of knowledge our professional Svalbard team are experts in polar environments. All activities are lead by our qualified guides who are all English speaking outdoor practitioners with a passion for everything arctic. Please note that this adventure takes place in an isolated, polar environment where around 2500 Polar Bears live - your guide will explain safety rules which must be followed.
Food
Besides one evening meal in Longyearbyen this trip includes full board, for your evening meal on day 9 there are shops and kitchen
facilities available or local restaurants for you to sample - we have lots of
recommendations!
Despite the lack of fresh fruits and vegetables in the artic regions we are
proud of the varied, fresh and frankly delicious food we provide even when
camping. Meals are based on a selection of local products and you will have the
opportunity to try several local delicacies. Each day will start with a cold breakfast accompanied by plenty of tea and coffee or hot chocolate. Then you will prepare your own picnic lunch for the day from a buffet style array of options. Evening meals will include three courses, soup, a hot dish and a dessert- we try to offer fresh fruit and vegetables everyday but please be aware that this is not always possible in an isolated arctic environment.
Your help in the kitchen is expected and much appreciated, particularly in the evenings. We like when the whole group work as a team to cook dinner, it creates a pleasant atmosphere as we reflect on the days adventures together.
Please let us know about any dietary requirements when you book the trip and we will work with you to cater for your needs.
Accommodation
Longyearbyen: 2
nights guesthouse or private apartment accommodation ,
double rooms, shared kitchen and bathroom facilities.
Camping
adventure: normally we provide a 3 man dome tent per 2 people, we use equipment
appropriate for Svalbards sometimes changeable conditions. We will also provide a
spacious mess tent for meal times, fully equipped with kitchen equipment including a table and
stools.
Transportation
This trip includes transportation by local boat between Longyearbyen and the Svea Glacier area
Budget & exchange
The currency in Svalbard (and Oslo) is the Norweigian Krone, NOK
Please budget for:
- Any additional activities
- Drinks and personal expenses
- One evening meal in Longyearbyen, kitchen facilities, shops and restaurants available.
We recommend a budget starting from €30 / 290NOK for a traditional meal in a local restaurant
Tips
Tap water is always safe to drink in Norway.
Supplied equipment
We will provide you with all of the technical equipment you will need for this adventure - all you need to bring are your hiking boots.
Group Equipment
We will provide the group with...
- A 'Tepee' style mess tent with table, stools and cooking equipment
- 'Ortlieb' water belts
- A Sarsat beason
- A VHF radio
- A heavy caliber rifle
- An alarm gun
- Mini-flares and penjectors for each group member
- A copy of Spitsbergens animal records
- A first aid kit
- Books about local flora and fauna
Individual Equipment
We will supply you with...
- A tent per two people (a 3 man dome tent for maximum space and comfort)
- A self-inflating sleeping mat
- A suitable synthetic sleeping bag ( -6°C)
- An aluminium thermos flask per 2 people
- Helly Hansen fleece lined salopettes for kayaking and when ashore
Sea-kayaking equipment
- A tandem sea kayak with directional rudder (1 per 2 people)
- A Gore-tex dry suit with integrated warm fleece liner
- A pair of kayak pogies
- A spray deck
- A life jacket with two pockets
- A neoprene balaclava
- 1 pair of 'croc' style shoes/sandals
Our sea kayaks were chosen for their stability and comfortable, they are suitable for first time kayakers. Average speed 2-3 miles per hour, up to 6 miles per hour. Suitable for all sea conditions and in the unlikely event of capsize they are surprisingly easy to right, even at sea you would be back on board and paddling in no time.
Vital equipment
For Longyearbyen
- Your swimming stuff (for the pool or sauna options)
- Clothes for travelling in (these can stay here when you are on the expedition part of this adventure)
- A small towel and your personal toiletries
For the expedition
- A sleeping bag liner
- Your walking boots
- Waterproof, windproof jacket (with a hood)
- Waterproof trousers (breathable)
- Warm gloves and hat
- Thermals - top & long johns
- A fleece/jumper
- Suitable underwear, t-shirts and walking trousers
- Thin socks and thick socks (we recommend bringing 3-4 pairs of thick socks)
- Sunhat and sun cream
- Sunglasses (UV 400)
- Toiletries and toilet roll
- Any personal medication
- A water bottle/flask
- A small rucksack to use as a day bag
- Head torch & spare batteries (although it is nearly always light in the summer months)
Material
We prefer that you do not wear cotton clothing, including underwear, when participating in activities. When cotton gets wet from water or sweat it ceases to insulate and it does not dry fast. The best materials for outdoor activities are fast drying materials like polyester or materials which are warm when wet like wool.
The most powerful materials against the wind and rain are 'breathable' materials like Gore-Tex or Nikwax.
Our advice for keeping warm
It can be humid and cold in Spitsbergen, please think carefully about what clothes you pack especially for our winter trips. We will provide warm outer layers but the layers you wear next to your skin can make the biggest difference. We recommend:
- No cotton
- Bring dry spares of everything, including underwear and gloves
- Wear multiple layers including:
- A warm breathable base layer
- A second thermal layer
- Wind and waterproof protective out layers
Helpful equipment
You may also consider packing
- Your camera (with protective case)
- Binoculars
- A comfortable evening outfit
- A comfortable pair of shoes for the evenings
- Walking poles
- Inflatable pillow
- Insect repellant
- A knife
- A notepad and pencil
- Plastic bags for wet/dirty clothing
Luggage
You may bring a hold bag (up to 20kg) as well as a cabin bag.
For you hold luggage please bring a soft bag like a ruckack rather than a hard cased suitcase because it is more practical when loading local buses and trailers. We also recommend that you pack your clothes in plastic bags inside your rucksack so that they stay dry in the event of bad weather.
Don't forget to bring a small rucksack to use as a day bag. You can bring this as hand luggage on the plane. You will carry your lunch, water, spare layers and any personal medication with you each day in this bag.
Medicine
Your guide is a trained first-aider and will carry a full first aid kit at all times during the trip. Please bring with you any personal medication that you may need such as inhalers, plasters and painkillers.
Healthcare in Norway can be extremely expensive, we strongly advice all of our clients to invest in insurance before travelling.
Passport
You will need a passport that is valid for at least three months after your return date.
Visa
The Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard is a visa-free zone
Mandatory vaccines
There are no specific health risks
Health information & recommendations
Please be aware that your guide will be carrying a gun along with other safety equipment to alarm/repel any Polar Bears.
Healthcare in Norway can be extremely expensive, we strongly advice all of our clients to invest in insurance before travelling.
Weather
The weather in
the Svalbard archipelago is very changeable.
The average
annual rainfall in Longyearbyen is only 200mm (7.87
inches), in London, England, the annual average is 594mm (23.4 inches)! Spitsbergen is a cold desert, showers are very rare in summer.
In summer temperatures can range from 1 - 14°C (34 - 57°F),
the average temperature is 6 - 8°C (43 - 46°F). The temperature of the sea in
summer is around 2°C (35°F) on the West coast and -2°C (28°F) on the East. It
is always colder nearer the glaciers.
Strong
katabatic winds can occur here, particularly near to high
glaciers but the winds are normally calm in June and July. Summer
winds can generally be described as moderate and localised, the
winds tend to pick up towards the end of August as winter nears.
Dark polar nights occur from 14th November to 29th
January, the full moon shines across the snow creating a beautiful gliterring
winter landscape. Then, from 19th April to 23rd August, the sun shines constantly, uninterrupted, high in the sky.
Electricity
In Spitsbergen the standard Europlug socket with two round prongs is used, 230V with a frequency of 50hz
Local time
Svalbard uses Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) +1 hour and Daylight Saving Time (DST) is observed here.
Topography
- The Norweigian Svalbard archipelago is the closest territory to the North Pole; Spitsbergen is the name of the largest island.
- Svalbard covers an area of around 39146 square miles (63000km2) and two thirds of this polar world are constantly covered by ice.
- The archipelago was deserted by human civilisation for a very long time but today has over 2600 inhabitants.
- The archipelago has 3 National Parks, 3 Nature Reserves, 15 Ornithological Reserves (bird reserves) and 3 Botanical Reserves.
Sustainable tourism
As adventure and wilderness travel experts who run trips to some of the most remote parts of the world, we take responsible tourism very seriously. We respect the ‘Leave No Trace’ outdoor ethical code and try to explore this beautiful location whilst causing minimal environmental damage.
In the Polar
Regions the ecological balance is delicate so we ask that you are particularly careful regarding the conservation of the
sites we explore. We aim to leave our camping spots even cleaner than when we
arrived and, as a company, we participate in the Clean Up Svalbard programme. We support the
laws, advice and recommendations which aid the conservation and protection of
this unique arctic paradise. This is reflected in our trips, for example, we do not visit Ornithological
Reserves during nesting season and never remove historical remains or whales
bones from the beaches. We hope that all of our clients will respect our philosophies and embrace these attitudes.
The Leave No Trace policy can be summarized in 7 simple steps which we hope you will follow during ourtrip...
1. Be prepared
2. Stick to trails and camp overnight right
3. Stash your trash and pick up waste
4. Leave it as you find it
5. Be careful with fire
6. Respect wildlife
7. Be considerate of other visitors
Over the years we have built up good relations with our local suppliers and we are keen to support local businesses as much as possible. We are a small company and we pay our local partners and suppliers directly insuring fair rates.
Our small group sizes not only provide a more intimate adventure but also cause less impact on the environment and local communities.
We expect all who travel with us to support and uphold our Sustainable Tourism philosophies.
My local agent
Nicolas
- A guide in the Far North
- A beautiful bearded man with the blue eyes
- Keeps parks and guides kayaking in Quebec
- Region
- Spitsbergen
- Activity
- Hiking Kayaking Svalbard in the Summer
- Duration
- 10 days
- Group
- 6 to 12 people
- Code
- ENSPSVEAA
- Price
- From €1,595
- Level
- 2/5
- Comfort
- 1/5
- Language(s)
- English / French
Strengths
- Complete and total remote wilderness immersion in one of the most isolated and exciting environments on earth, near Svea Glacier
- Hiking and Kayaking with a professional guide in this beautiful artic world
- A professional and passionate on-site team who will ensure you have an unforgettable stay in complete safety