Hiking Spitsbergen

Home to many of the Arctic’s most iconic animals and landscapes, Spitsbergen is one of the best places to explore on foot

Region: Arctic

Destinations: Svalbard

Spitsbergen’s ideal Arctic environment

Snow-covered mountains, berg-studded bays, and rugged tracts of rolling tundra make Spitsbergen the ideal Arctic spot to employ humanity’s oldest method of transportation. This island, the largest in the Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard, is also among the best places to view Arctic wildlife, including Arctic foxes, reindeer, a multitude of seabirds, and the beloved polar bear.

Special Spitsbergen warning: polar bears

Naturally, Svalbard’s much-lauded abundance of polar bears demands appropriate caution. None of our hikes in the area occur without the supervision of rifle-wielding expedition guides. There is also no turning back once the hike has started, so please be aware of your abilities before signing up.

Related cruises

Arctic Ocean - Fair Isle, Jan Mayen, Ice edge, Spitsbergen, Birding

Sail from the North Sea into the Arctic Ocean, visiting the distinct islands of Fair Isle and Jan Mayen

HDS01b25 Venture into the Arctic Ocean on your way to Fair Isle and Jan Mayen, the first known for its knitwear and the second for its stark volcanic scenery.

m/v Hondius

Cruise date:

31 May - 9 Jun, 2025

Price:

2900 USD

North Spitsbergen Explorer - Versatile landscapes, sea ice & wildlife

The best opportunity to get active while spotting exotic Arctic wildlife!

PLA02-25 This expedition focuses on the versatility of north Spitsbergen’s visually stunning landscapes, vast spans of sea ice, and many opportunities to spot

m/v Plancius

Cruise date:

3 Jun - 10 Jun, 2025

Price:

5950 USD

North Spitsbergen, Arctic Summer

Watch for wildlife in iconic Arctic terrain

RVR06-25 The North Spitsbergen cruise sails to some of the remotest locations of northern Europe. The expedition gives you the opportunity to spot historic wha

s/v Rembrandt van Rijn

Cruise date:

8 Jun - 18 Jun, 2025

Price:

5350 USD

North Spitsbergen Explorer - Versatile landscapes, sea ice & wildlife

The best opportunity to get active while spotting exotic Arctic wildlife!

HDS02-25 This expedition focuses on the versatility of north Spitsbergen’s visually stunning landscapes, vast spans of sea ice, and many opportunities to spot

m/v Hondius

Cruise date:

9 Jun - 16 Jun, 2025

Price:

6450 USD

North Spitsbergen Explorer - Into the pack ice - Polar Bear Special

The best opportunity to experience deep field pack ice and exotic wildlife

OTL03-25 This expedition focuses on the pack ice of north Spitsbergen and many opportunities to spot whales, polar bears, seabirds, walruses, and other such w

m/v Ortelius

Cruise date:

12 Jun - 19 Jun, 2025

Price:

4300 USD