PROGRAM IN DETAIL

DAY 1   Arrival & photo-excursion

On arrival, I (Marcel Schütz) welcome you at the airport and accompany you to your accommodation in the centre of Longyearbyen. After lunch, you will get to know the diversity of the northernmost city in the world on a detailed sightseeing tour. Feel the special atmosphere of this extraordinary settlement and enjoy a guided tour in the local museum. We also head out into the valley, focussing on the diversity of wildlife nearby and the landscape in possibly beautiful autumn light. Dinner in the Roald Amundsen restaurant and overnight in the Polar Bear Lodge in Longyearbyen.

DAY 2     Longyearbyen – Pyramiden  

Isfjord safari with a small boat to Pyramiden. On the way we pass the bird cliff Diabas and the beautiful Nordenskiöld-glacier front. With a little bit of luck we have the chance to see seals, walrus and polar bears. Lunch onboard. After our arrival in the Russian ghost town Pyramiden, we check in to our hotel and explore the many- since 1998 abandoned buildings together with a local Russian guide. Dinner and overnight in the hotel in Pyramiden.

DAY 3   Pyramiden & surroundings

We have a full day to discover the surroundings of Pyramiden and the wonderful nature of the northern Isfjord area. Depending on the group and the individual wishes, I decide which photo-tour will be scheduled and we spend the whole day in the nature. After lunch in the field, it is time to return to the hotel. We enjoy a typical Russian dinner and a good night rest in the hotel in Pyramiden.

DAY 4     Pyramiden – Longyearbyen

After a rich Russian breakfast, we head out again into the nature. Depending on the weather conditions and your wishes, I will suggest a route. Together we enjoy lunch in the field. In the afternoon we get a pick up and will travel back to Longyearbyen on a small boat. Time to focus on the shorelines and possible wildlife encounters. Dinner in Longyearbyen and overnight in the Polar Bear Lodge.

DAY 5   Dogsledding & scenic hike in Longyearbyen

We spend the morning with our four-legged friends, the huskies. We get to know the life of the mushers and go out into Adventdalen on a summer version of the dog sleds – on wheels. Dog feeding and petting included for all who want to. In the afternoon, we head up to our local mountain the „Platåfjellet“. Depending on wishes, this trip is adjustable from 1 – 4 hours. Dinner in Longyearbyen and overnight in the Polar Bear Lodge.

DAY 6   Barentsburg

Today, we head out with a local boat to reach the active Russian mining town Barentsburg. We start in the morning over the Isfjord and cross it to Oscar II Land. We enjoy Lunch in front of the beautiful Esmark-glacier. In the early afternoon we arrive in Barentsburg and will have time to explore the settlement. On the way back home to Longyearbyen, another abandoned Russian Settlement – Grumant and an amazing bird-cliff will be seen from the water. In the evening Farewell – gala dinner in the Roald Amundsen restaurant and overnight in the Polar Bear Lodge.

DAY 7 Travel day back home

After breakfast there will be time for your own leisure in Longyearbyen. Depending on your flight schedule, I offer a private transfer to the airport and wave goodbye. Flight back home.