Snowmobile safari to Van Mijenfjorden - Hurtigruten Svalbard

About

Explore the breathtaking Arctic wilderness on this thrilling snowmobile safari from Longyearbyen to Van Mijenfjorden.

Start point: Longyearbyen, with multiple route options chosen by the local guide based on weather and terrain.

Reindalen to Van Mijenfjorden: Ride through Reindalen towards Kaldbukta, taking in stunning views of Van Mijenfjorden. If the fjord is frozen, there’s a chance to see seals resting on the ice. If ice-free, enjoy the sight of waves crashing along the frozen shoreline.

Explore the glaciers: Stop at Passfjellbreen in Istjørndalen, where the unique glacier formations change each year, with a chance to see stunning blue ice.

Wildlife spotting:
You may encounter Svalbard reindeer, a charming and hardy species adapted to the Arctic’s extreme conditions. Don't forget to bring your camera!

Note! We always keep a safe distance to respect wildlife.

Arctic contrasts:
Svalbard’s light changes dramatically depending on the time of year:
February: Experience the magical blue hour.
March: The return of the sun brings soft pastel skies.
Later in the season: The  midnight sun shines over the snowy landscape.

Even on cloudy days, Svalbard offers a mysterious and raw atmosphere, with a landscape that feels almost otherworldly. Whatever the weather, we promise you a spectacular experience that will stay with you for a long time to come.

Included in the tour
- Transfer from/to accommodation in Longyearbyen
- Snowmobile suit, boots, gloves and helmet to use during the tour
- Guide with all necessary safety equipment
- Expedition lunch, biscuits and warm drinks
- Rescue insurance

Practical information
- A valid driver’s licence for car or motorbike is required to drive a snowmobile. Remember to take it with you on the tour. The guide will check each passenger's driver's license and will refuse participation if the driver's license is not valid in Svalbard and Jan Mayen. Please contact the responsible authorities in case of any questions regarding driver's licence. No refunds will be given due to an invalid driver's license.
- We advise you to dress in warm woolen underwear, warm outer pants and a solid woolen jumper under the snowmobile suit. We also recommend you to bring extra clothes in a backpack, for example an extra jacket, woolen hat and mittens.
- Snowmobile driving is not recommended for pregnant women.
- Driving under the influence of alcohol is not permitted. The ‘Vegtrafikkloven’ or Road Traffic Act applies on Svalbard.
- We reserve the right to change the route of the tour for safety reasons should the weather or snow conditions require it. This will not be grounds for a change in price.
- The tour leader will not drive with a passenger.

Safety
Your safety is our top concern! Even if you are experienced with winter conditions, Svalbard’s nature is unlike what many have encountered before. Going on a tour with a guide who knows the local terrain is the safest way to explore outside Longyearbyen. As a participant on a snowmobile tour, it is essential to follow the guide’s instructions throughout the journey to ensure your safety and that of the group. Weather and snow conditions on Svalbard can be unpredictable, and we reserve the right to change the route or destination based on what is safest for you and the group.

Hurtigruten Svalbard's guides have varied experiences and backgrounds, but they all share the goal of providing you with the best and safest experience. Some guides have completed the Arctic Nature Guide programme, while others are certified mountain guides, glacier guides, or authorised Svalbard guides through Svalbard Guide Training (SGO). The SGO certification includes essential training in safe travel within Svalbard’s unique environment, with education on tourism, field safety, and a deep understanding of environmental and cultural values. In addition, our guides receive internal training and participate in regular exercises throughout the year.