From the ocean to glaciers HGR 161288 Photo Eveline Lunde
HomeactivitiessnowmobileVan Mijenfjorden Snowmobile Safari

Van Mijenfjorden Snowmobile Safari

Difficulty level
4
Suitable for those with above average fitness
Duration
8 hours
Age limit
14 years
Period
Feb - May
Join us on a journey through Svalbard's magnificent contrasts! Embark on a spectacular journey through Nordenskiöld Land to Van Mijenfjorden, surrounded by majestic landscapes and fascinating wildlife.

The tour starts in Longyearbyen, where we already have several route options to choose from. The guide will select the route for the day, based on weather and terrain conditions. No matter which direction we take, we head towards Reindalen. From here, we ride further out to Kaldbukta and Van Mijenfjorden, where we stop to take in the breathtaking view over the fjord. Svalbard’s conditions are ever-changing, so we never know what we might encounter. Perhaps the fjord will be covered in ice? If so, there’s a good chance we’ll see seals resting on the ice. If the fjord is ice-free, we will witness the waves crashing against the icy shoreline.

We hop back on the snowmobile and continue the adventure through the valleys. Enjoy the ride as you pass by beautiful mountains and spectacular formations. Svalbard’s landscape is dominated by glaciers, which cover nearly 60 per cent of the land area. Our next stop is Passfjellbreen in Istjørndalen. The glaciers change yearly, and we never know what we will encounter until the season begins. If we’re lucky, we might catch a glimpse of the stunning blue ice and explore the glacier’s unique formations.

Wildlife on Svalbard

The wildlife on Svalbard has adapted over time to the harsh Arctic environment. Here, animals must endure extreme cold, limited food supply, and a long winter of darkness. On this tour, we often encounter the Svalbard reindeer, a unique species adapted to the challenging climate. With its compact body, short legs, small neck, slender head, and tiny ears, it is well-suited for life in the Arctic. Don’t forget your camera – you’ll want to capture these charming creatures!

Important: We always maintain a safe distance from the animals to avoid disturbing their natural behaviour.

Contrasts

The light on Svalbard is constantly changing throughout the winter, and the month you choose for this tour will influence the light you experience. In February, you can witness the magical blue hour, when the sky is bathed in a spectacular blue hue. In March, the sun returns to Svalbard, bringing with it soft pastel colours that paint the sky in beautiful, gentle tones. Later in the season, you can enjoy the sight of the sun shining over the snow-covered winter 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.

Get ready for your snowmobile adventure

What do I need to bring?

A valid driver’s licence for a 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.

Please note that Chinese driving licenses are not valid in Svalbard. For more information please see the Svalbard Governor's website here.

What should I wear?

We advise wearing warm woollen underwear, warm outer pants, and a solid woollen jumper under the snowmobile suit. We also recommend bringing extra clothes in a backpack, such as an extra jacket, woollen hat, and mittens.

Safety Information
  • Snowmobile driving is not recommended for pregnant women.

  • Driving under the influence of alcohol is not permitted. The ‘Vegtrafikkloven’’ or Road Traffic Act applies to 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.

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.

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