Hiking tour with private guide: Svalbard Secrets and stunning views - Backyard Svalbard

About

Discover valleys and beautiful views only locals know. Our private hiking tours are designed to show you the best of Svalbard with nature, history and the arctic wilderness.

For this tour you will get your own private guide that will tailor every step to your curiosity (and not a group schedule as a tourist in line).

You will experience Svalbard’s wilderness as if it was yours alone so you can set your own pace – pause for photos, breathe, silence or stories whenever you want to do so. 

Along the way, we might be lucky enough to encounter some wildlife such as Svalbard ptarmigan, reindeer, the Arctic birds, or the Arctic fox. Our local certified guides will take care of your safety and comfort and will be available to answer any question you might have about the nature and history around us.

5 highlights for a private tour 

1. Explore with your family or friends in a private and small group 

2. You have time to take a break when you need it, enjoy the views and take photos 

3. Choose a half day or full day hiking adventure

4. Experience the most stunning views and Svalbard secrets with a private guide 

5. Experience Svalbard outside touristic routes 

Frequently asked questions

• The private hiking tour is for everyone regarding age
  This can be a family adventure with kids ending up with a bonfire and food, or maybe you are a skilled hiker who wants to hike as much a possible to get the best views. Whether you want to slow down or speed up, explore quietly or climb – your guide will design the best possible hike for you. 

• Program for the day 
  We'll meet you at your hotel, where you get to know the guide. Here we plan the day together and decide which hike may be best for you if we haven't already done so together beforehand. Our guides know the areas well, and can also modify the plan along the way according to the weather conditions or your preferences.

• Language and Clothes 
  You need to be able to speak and communicate in English due to safety reasons.
  We can deny participation on the tour if you are not properly dressed for hiking and/or requirement above have not been fulfilled.

• Difficulty level: 
  The tours difficulty level and program can vary depending on what you choose. We recommend that you choose beforehand for a half day or full day hike. You can choose from the examples of the different hiking tours below, but you can also have a talk with the guide before the tour to tailor your preferences more:  

Choose your mountain:

Half day hiking tours (approx. 3-4 hours):
Perfect for those who want a taste of Svalbard’s backyard. Experience wilderness without spending the entire day outdoors. Several tours are suitable for all ages. For younger children it is possible to borrow a carrier (up to 3 years old).

1. Lindholmhøgda
   Family friendly easy hike
   Ideal for families of all ages and those who prefer shorter, gentler walk in the arctic landscape.

2. Bjørndalen (Bear valley)
   Family friendly easy/moderate hike
   A scenic valley rich in wildlife – often home to Svalbard reindeer, arctic foxes and seabirds.

3. The Global Seed Vault and Blomsterdalshøgda
   Easy/moderate hike
   We will have a look at the outside of the Seed Vault. We will not enter. We continue to hike the rocky terrain with spectacular views of the fjord. Perfect for beginner hikers.

4. The “non-touristic” route: A walk in Longyearbyen
   Family friendly and easy
   Easy paced walk for those wanting to explore the toen in a more personal and intimate way.

5. Platåfjellet (The plateau Mountain)
   Moderate hike
   A classic Longyearbyen hike with sweeping views of the town, Adventfjorden and the surrounding peaks.

6. Sukkertoppen (The sugar top)
   Challenging hike
   A steep (during summer rocky) but rewarding climb with fantastic photo opportunities.

7. Gruvefjellet (The mine mountain)
   Moderate hike
   Combine hiking with local history as you pass the remains of old mining structures. 

Full day hiking tours (approx. 6-8 hours depending on chosen hike)       
For those who wish to go deeper into the arctic wilderness and who have a good physical fitness level for a full day hiking tour in the mountains. 

1. Sarkofagen
   Moderate hike
   A stunning hike through glacier moraine offering spectacular views of Longyearbyen and the valley below.

2. Trollsteinen (The troll stone)
   Challenging
   A full-day adventure to one of the area’s most iconic summits. Expect breathtaking views and a sense of true wilderness.

3. Lars Hierta Mountain
   Challenging
   A remote and rewarding route with panoramic views of glaciers and fjords.

4. Nordensiöldfjellet
   Challenging
   A demanding hike to the highest peak near town but also one of the most impressive mountains. The views from here are breathtaking. 

Practical information
- Age limit: No age requirements
- Minimum: 2 persons
- Maximum:  persons
- Difficulty level: 2 out of 5 (depending on hike you choose)
- Available period: 1st of January to 31st of December
- Start time: 09.00
- Ending time: Depends on the hike you choose

The hiking tours includes:
- Transportation to and from the hotel.
- A certified Svalbard guide with safety equipment.
- Headlamps (if it is in wintertime)
- Crampons (if it is in wintertime)
- Walking sticks
- Half day hikes: Include hot drinks and snacks. 
- Full day hikes: include a lunch. 
- Baby Carrier: It is possible to borrow a baby carrier (children up to age 3)

Packing list
- Hiking boots (most important)
- Hiking pants
- Shell jacket (water- and windproof)
- Warm socks (thin merino wool)
- Hiking underwear (long-johns and t-shirt)
- Down jacket or wool jumper
- Beanie and thin neck-gaiter
- Sunglasses (in summer time)
- Gloves
- Medium backpack (25L to 40L)
- Water bottle
- Camera

Prices

Half day private hiking tour: 
Group price NOK 5400,- (1-4 persons)
Private group price is for 1 to 4 persons. 
If you are for instance only 2 persons you will have to pay for all 4 spots.

Full day private hiking tour: 
Group price NOK 7500,- (1-4 persons)
Private group price is for 1 to 4 persons. 
If you are for instance only 2 persons you will have to pay for all 4 spots. 

Add on price for more than 4 pax:
Added price per person above 4 pax on half-day trips: Kr. 500,-
Added price per person above 4 pax on full day trips: Kr. 1000,-