Glacier Hike and RIB Boat Adventure
Join us for an exhilirating and exciting full-day adventure that combines the thrill of a RIB safari with an unforgettable glacier exploration using crampons and ice axe.
6 highlights for glacier adventure
- Technical Glacier Hike with crampons, harness, helmet, and ice axe
- RIB boat ride across Isfjorden to the remote Sveabreen Glacier
- Full-day adventure with a professional Arctic nature guide
- Exclusive experience with a small group (max 6 participants)
- Field lunch on the glacier
- Expert local ski guides who know terrain and conditions
- Available period: Every Monday & Thursday from July 3 to Sept 25
- Pick up time: 08.00 (return at 18.30)
- Difficulty level: Intermediate to advanced
- Age limit: 18 years
- Minimum /Maximum: 4 persons / 6 persons
- Price per person: NOK 6550,-
Exploring a glacier on this exclusive adventure
What you can look forward to...
Join us for an exciting one-day adventure that combines the thrill of a RIB safari with an unforgettable glacier exploration. This exclusive tour will take you on a journey through one of Svalbard’s most stunning environments, where you’ll discover the unique beauty of the glaciers and Arctic landscape.
This approx. 10,5 hour full-day exploration will be a more technical glacier hike which is perfect for those seeking a more challenging and adventurous experience in Svalbard’s Arctic wilderness.
Who can participate?
The trip is designed for adventure enthusiasts who are in a good physical condition and ready for an unforgettable Arctic exploration.
You must be able to walk in and out of a polarcicle boat as well as in uneven terrain for several hours. You need to have balance for the glacier hike and be able to follow instructions to handle the equipment.
You do not need to have previous experience and the guide will give a good introduction.
Program:
- 08:00 Pick up
- 08:15 Briefing and suiting up
- 08:45 Departure from Longyearbyen harbour
- 10:00 Drop off in front of the glacier
- 11:00 Start hike to the glacier
- 17:00 Pick up from the glacier
- 18:30 Back at the hotel
Practical information
In summer, the average temperatures are between +3°C and +8°C and the weather can change quickly, so don’t forget to pack warm clothing. For the whole trip you will be accompanied by our local guide who will take care of your safety and comfort and be there to answer any question you might have about the nature and history around us.
The Guides
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Where is Nansenbreen glacier located?
Nansenbreen glacier is located in Isfjorden, just outside Longyearbyen in Svalbard. It is one of the most impressive tidewater glaciers in the region, where massive ice walls meet the Arctic Ocean.
2. What can we see on a RIB tour in Isfjorden?
On our RIB safari from Longyearbyen, you may experience:
· Towering glaciers like Nansenbreen
· Arctic wildlife (seals, seabirds – sometimes whales)
· Dramatic Arctic landscapes
· Floating glacier ice in Isfjorden
Every tour is unique depending on wildlife and weather conditions.
3. What are the weather conditions like on Svalbard?
The weather can be unpredictable, with cold temperatures. We provide flotation suits, goggles and safety gear to keep you protected during the boat ride in Isfjorden.
You should wear warm layers underneath.
4. Do I need boating experience?
No. Our RIB tours from Longyearbyen are operated by certified and experienced Arctic captains.
5. Is the glacier part difficult?
The glacier exploration at Nansenbreen is moderate level. You should be comfortable walking on uneven terrain. No technical climbing is required.
6. When does the Nansenbreen RIB & Glacier Tour run?
The tour runs every Thursday and Saturday from July to September. Small groups only – minimum 4, maximum 6 participants.
Why choose a small-group RIB tour in Svalbard?
With only 4–6 guests, we offer:
· More personal guiding
· Flexible wildlife stops in Isfjorden
· Better safety margins
· A more exclusive Arctic experience
7. Do you offer hotel pick-up in Longyearbyen?
Yes. All our glacier hikes and RIB tours include hotel pick-up in Longyearbyen.
8. Is this suitable for cruise ship guests visiting Longyearbyen?
Yes – but departure times must match your ship schedule. Contact us in advance to arrange logistics.
9. What makes glacier hiking in Svalbard unique?
Unlike mainland Norway, glaciers in Svalbard are wild, remote and untouched. Here, you hike in true High Arctic terrain with dramatic views of Isfjorden and surrounding mountains.
11. Do I need travel and cancellation insurance?
Yes, you need a travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, accidents, and trip cancellations. It’s essential to ensure you’re covered in case of unforeseen events during your Arctic adventure. We will not be able to help you with an ensurance.
12. How do I get to Svalbard?
You can fly into Longyearbyen, the main settlement in Svalbard, via connecting flights from Oslo or Tromsø.
We can help arrange hotel stay. We recommend you to have a couple of extra nights after the expedition. We can help arrange extra activities as well for instance visit to ice caves, snowmobile tours, ice climbing, ski touring to mountains near the town.
Once you are in Longyearbyen, we will arrange transportation to the start of the expedition.
13. Are meals provided during the ski expedition?
Lunch, snacks, and hot drinks are included and provided by the guides. If you have dietary restrictions, please inform us in advance, and we will accommodate your needs.
Packing list
- Shell pants (water and windproof)
- Shell jacket (water and windproof)
- Hiking underwear (long-johns and t-shirt)
- Down jacket or wool jumper
- Hiking boots and warm socks (thin merino wool) – Possible to rent
- Beanie and thin buff
- Sunglasses
- Gloves and mittens
- Medium backpack (25L to 40L)
- Water bottle
- Camera
Are you ready to walk on a glacier? or do you have any questions:
What's included and what's not
Included
• Transportation from hotel and back to hotel in Longyearbyen
• Boat transfer to/from glacier
• Lunch
• Snacks and coffee
• Glacier equipment (Crampons, axe, harness)
• Professional guides with safety equipment
• Search- and rescue insurance (SAR)
Not included
• Warm and windproff clothing
• Personal equipment
• Accomodation in Longyearbyen
• Meals and drinks in Longyearbyen
• Travel & cancellation insurance
• Flights (you can book via SAS or Norwegian)
Practical information
• The itinerary is always weather dependent and the tour/activity can be modified or cancelled due to safety concerns. Please see conditions.
• Upon booking we recommend that you send information regarding clothing size.
• It is important that you understand and speak English. If this is not respected you can be denied in participating and you are not entitled to a refund.
• We have a 0‰ alcohol tolerance for this tour. If this is not respected, you cannot participate in the tour and you are not entitled to a refund.
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