Local favourite - hike to Plateau Mountain

Get the best view of town!
Popular hike that locals do all the time. Remember to be safe and go organized.

400 meters about Longyearbyen is the Plateau Mountain «Platåfjellet». The route starts at the Cableway Central at Skjæringa. After the first 300 meters of climbing up a rocky path, you’ll find a cairn and a notebook you can sign to show others that you were here. Already at this point you’ll have a wonderful view of Longyearbyen.

After the cairn you continue up 100 meters more, to the Plateau Mountain. Here you might see some of Longyearbyen’s colourful flora, Svalbard reindeer and migratory birds. At the top of the climb you will be rewarded with fantastic views over Longyearbyen and the Isfjord, from 424 metres (1390 feet) over sea level. In the soft evening light you’ll enjoy the view of glaciers, valleys and surrounding mountains. It all makes up for the climb.

This hike heads through steep and uneven terrain, and participants should be in good physical shape.  Several of our activity providers offer this trip with a guide who will take care of your safety. Some trips take you up to the Plateau Montain and the same way back down. Others take you over the mountain, and down on the other side (this is a several hour trip).

Note that the Plateau Mountain is outside the safe area for polar bears.