Glacier hike and RIB Boat adventure

Join us for an exhilarating and exciting full-day Svalbard adventure that combines the thrill of a RIB safari with an unforgettable glacier exploration using crampons and ice axe. 

Highlights for glacier hiking adventure

We will ride the RIB boat across Isfjorden to Nansenbreen glacier

Departure every Thursday and Saturday

With pick up from your hotel. Please be ready outside entrance 5 minutes prior to picktup time. 

From pick up to drop off at your hotel

You can read more about difficulty levels here: See difficulty level description for Svalbard tours here

We have small groups for our tours online so if you are a group please get in touch. 

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 full-day excursion is a technical glacier hike exploration. It is perfect for those seeking a challenging and adventurous experience on Svalbard’s frozen wonders.

Who can participate?

The trip is designed for adventure enthusiasts who have:

  • Good physical condition (no previous experience needed) and ready for an unforgettable Arctic exploration.
  • Ability to walk in uneven terrain for serveral hours
  • Good balance and ability to step in/out of a polarcicle boat.
  • Able to understand English instructions.

You do not need to have previous experience because our guide will provide a full introduction.  

Guided tour hiking on an Arctic glacier using crampons and ice axes in Svalbard.

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

Arctic weather conditions

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

Peter Alex Wainwright

ACMC – Ski guide

Clement Carasco

Ski guide

Jonas Haass

Arctic Nature Guide and Splitboarder

Niall Finch

Arctic nature guide and ACMC glacier guide

Andreas Gschwentner

Svalbard guide with SGO

Brage James Fuglestad

Arctic Nature Guide with AST 2

Fredrik Aurell

Experienced guide

Erlend Kjørsvik

CEO and arctic nature guide with AST 2

Jack Arnold

Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

Before booking

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.

With only 4–6 guests, we offer:

· More personal guiding

· Flexible wildlife stops in Isfjorden

· Better safety margins

· A more exclusive Arctic experience

Yes – but departure times must match your ship schedule. Contact us in advance to arrange logistics.

The tour runs every Thursday and Saturday from July to September.

Small groups only – minimum 4, maximum 6 participants.

The glacier exploration at Nansenbreen is moderate level. You should be comfortable walking on uneven terrain. No technical climbing is required.

No. Our RIB tours from Longyearbyen are operated by certified and experienced Arctic captains.

Yes. All our glacier hikes and RIB tours include hotel pick-up in Longyearbyen.

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. 

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.

Practical for the booking

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.

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.

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.

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.

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
Join us on a Svalbard glacier hiking tour and RIB boat adventure into Isfjorden

Book your spot

for glacier and RIB boat adventure

What's included and what's not

Included

Gear you will get from us

• 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

Gear you need to bring or rent

• Warm and windproff clothing 
• Personal equipment 

• Accomodation in Longyearbyen 
• Travel & cancellation insurance
• Flights (you can book via SAS or Norwegian)

 

Practical information

Things you need to be aware of

• 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.

An exclusive glacier adventure exploring the ice on Svalbard

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