Hiking in Svalbard

Just south of Longyearbyen is Larsglacier, which stretches between Trollsteinen and Lars Hierta along the Longyear Valley. This hike begins at the foot of Larsglacier, and you’ll make your way up and discover water channels since melted, creating otherworldly ice caves. Head lamps, snowshoes and crampons are all included — and so are warm drinks!

Located on a mountain just behind Longyearbyen is the Tollsteinen, which means “troll stone” in Norwegian. It’s called this because atop the mountain sits a giant stone that seemingly could only be placed by a mythical creature. If needed, snowshoes can be provided for the journey across a glacier and up the mountain. There will be a stop for lunch in the great outdoors along the way.

While the wildlife that currently inhabits Svalbard is very much of our current era and times, the area is unique in that it is home to many plesiosaurs from the Jurassic period. This incredible hike begins on boat before you alight on firm ground in search of marine reptile fossils from millions of years ago — some of which weigh up to three tons! While the hike isn’t too long, the terrain to the fossil fields is somewhat slippery and steep. Lunch and transfer to and from Longyearbyen is included.