Hiking in Svalbard

You can read all our Terms & Conditions here.

BOOKING.

Amarok Adventures ehf will provide the traveler with instructions on how to proceed with the trip booking process. To confirm a booking, the following requirements must be met:

• The traveler must fill out the online form with their personal information.
• The traveler must sign the travel agreement, which will be provided by Amarok Adventures ehf .*
• The traveler must make a payment of, at least, 30% of the total trip cost through our website booking system or through a partner’s booking system. The remaining 70% balance of the total cost must be paid no later than 5 months prior to the trip start date.**

*If the client declines to sign the travel agreement, we interpret this as the traveler not accepting the general and specific terms and conditions of the trip. As a result, Amarok Adventures ehf will be entitled to cancel the reservation at the client’s own risk and expense.

** Bookings made within 5 months prior to the start date of the trip will require a 100% payment at the time of the booking.

You can read all our Terms & Conditions here.

CANCELLATION & CHANGE FEES.
Amarok Adventures ehf reserves the right to keep the below fee to cover costs in all of our tours. If clients formally cancel their participation:

• If canceled within 48 hours of booking: 100% of the total tour price is refundable (including the deposit).
• If cancelled before confirmation of the group: 100% of the total tour price is refundable (including the deposit).

• If cancelled 150 days or more prior to the departure date: 50% of the total tour price is refundable.
• If cancelled 120-149 days prior to the departure date: 25% of the total tour price is refundable.
• If cancelled 0-119 days prior to the departure date: 0% of the total tour price is refundable.

This multi-day tour can be changed free of charge up to 150 days before departure date if there is availability on a different date.

Please be aware that the adventure trip you are about to embark on requires certain abilities to fully enjoy the experience. To ensure your participation, please consider the following criteria:

• You should have the capability to hike distances exceeding 20 kilometers (13 miles) for multiple consecutive days.
• You should possess the endurance to tackle elevation gains of over 900 meters (2950 feet).
• Given the variable weather conditions, it is strongly advised to bring high-quality waterproof mountain gear.
• You should be able to live for 11 days aboard an expedition sailboat with other travelers.

Upon booking the trip, you will receive detailed information regarding the essential hiking gear you’d need to bring. If the participant lacks the required equipment, the guide may limit their participation in daily activities or even the entire trip to ensure their safety.

There is no need for you to bring any additional technical mountain gear.

While the guide will have a first-aid kit, each traveler is responsible for carrying any personal items they deem necessary based on their own medical conditions, requirements, risks, etc. It is crucial to communicate such information to Amarok Adventures during the trip booking process.

To fully enjoy an expedition tour in Svalbard, the traveler should possess a certain level of fitness. This trip involves hiking distances exceeding 15- 20 kilometers per day for several consecutive days, as well as tackling elevation gains of over 900 meters (2950 feet). It is essential to have the endurance to endure these physical challenges as well as a significant amount of self-determination.

The journey may present various challenges, both physically and mentally, and having a strong sense of determination is crucial to overcome obstacles and push through difficult moments. It is essential to maintain a positive mindset, stay motivated, and embrace the spirit of adventure.

Additionally, as the weather in Svalbard can be unpredictable, it is highly recommended to bring good waterproof mountain gear to stay dry and comfortable. Furthermore, each traveler is expected to carry their own daypack throughout the entire 11-day expedition.

Sailing in Svalbard means a mix of conditions. Much of our time is spent navigating sheltered fjords, where the water is often calm and the motion of the boat is minimal. These protected passages make for comfortable sailing and easy days onboard.

That said, Svalbard is still the High Arctic. When we move between fjords or travel along open stretches of coast, swell and wind can build, and some guests may experience seasickness — especially if they’re not used to being at sea.

Tilvera is a stable, steel-hulled expedition vessel, and the crew is highly experienced in polar waters. If conditions change, they’ll adapt the plan and support anyone feeling unwell. We also recommend bringing seasickness medication if you know you’re sensitive — in the Arctic, preparation matters.
Like everything on this expedition, the ocean sets the rules. We work with it, not against it.

Late spring and early summer in Svalbard mark the transition from winter into the brief Arctic summer. Conditions can be surprisingly stable at times, but weather in the High Arctic is never predictable.
In May, temperatures typically range from −5°C to +2°C (23–36°F). Snow still dominates the landscape, sea ice may be present in some areas, and cold winds can significantly affect how temperatures feel. Clear days can be calm and bright under continuous daylight, while overcast conditions often bring colder, sharper winds.

By June, temperatures slowly rise, usually hovering between 0°C and +7°C (32–45°F). Snow begins to melt at lower elevations, tundra starts to appear, and rivers swell with glacial meltwater. Rain becomes more common, though snowfall is still possible at any time.

Throughout both months, wind and weather changes can happen quickly, especially when moving between fjords and open water. Sunshine, fog, wind, snow, and rain can all occur within the same day. Proper layering, waterproof gear, and a flexible mindset are essential — in Svalbard, the weather is part of the expedition, not an inconvenience.

Svalbard is home to a rich but fragile Arctic ecosystem, and wildlife encounters are shaped by season, location, and respect for strict local regulations. During the expedition, we may observe Svalbard reindeer grazing across tundra and valley floors, Arctic foxes moving quickly through the landscape, and large colonies of seabirds nesting along cliffs and shorelines. Along the coast, walruses are sometimes seen hauled out on beaches or drifting ice, and when conditions allow, whales may appear in the fjords or open water.

Wildlife watching in Svalbard is highly regulated, with clear rules on approach distances and behavior, particularly around large and sensitive species such as polar bears and walruses. These guidelines exist to protect both the animals and people, and they shape how and when we observe wildlife. Encounters are always done at a respectful distance, without disturbance, and never guaranteed. In Svalbard, seeing wildlife is a privilege, one that comes from patience, awareness, and moving carefully through their world.

Weather in Svalbard can be highly variable and, at times, decisive. Strong winds, swell, fog, sea ice, and sudden weather shifts can all influence how and where we travel. In the High Arctic, conditions — not schedules — set the limits.

These factors may require us to adjust the route, timing, or sequence of landings, and in some cases, they can lead to short delays or changes to the overall plan. Safety of the group and crew is always the priority, and we may need to wait for better conditions or alter course to continue the expedition responsibly.

While we plan carefully and aim to follow the outlined itinerary, flexibility is an essential part of Arctic travel. This is not a fixed-route trip, but a real expedition shaped by ice, wind, and weather. Embracing that uncertainty is part of the experience.

Flights to and from Longyearbyen can also be affected by weather, especially in early season. We strongly recommend allowing buffer time before and after the expedition in case of flight delays. On rare occasions, severe conditions may also require an earlier-than-planned return. Building flexibility into your travel plans ensures a smoother experience and reduces unnecessary stress.

In Svalbard, adapting to the environment isn’t a setback, it’s how exploration works.

Throughout the expedition, the group lives entirely aboard Tilvera, our steel-hulled expedition sailboat. Accommodation is shared and functional, designed for life in remote Arctic waters rather than comfort cruising.

Guests stay in shared under-deck cabins, with bunk beds accommodating up to two people per cabin. Clean bed sheets and towels are included and there is no need to bring anything extra like sleeping bags or mats. Single cabins are not available as space aboard an expedition vessel is limited, and shared living is part of the experience. Each cabin is heated and ventilated, with storage space for personal gear under and around the bunks, as well as access to charging points for essential devices.

There are shared heated toilets and shower onboard. Water usage is managed carefully, as is standard on expeditions in remote regions.
The heart of life onboard is Tilvera’s saloon and deckhouse, where we gather after long days ashore. This is where meals are shared, plans are discussed, maps are studied, and stories are traded. The galley is integrated into this common space, and food is prepared onboard to keep everyone fueled for demanding Arctic days. When conditions allow, it’s also a quiet place to read, review photos, or simply rest.

Tilvera is a working expedition vessel, not a passive cruise ship. Sailing is done using traditional rigging, and guests are welcome to get involved: hoisting sails, handling lines, and learning how the boat is run, always under the guidance of a professional and highly experienced crew.

Life aboard Tilvera is simple, shared, and purposeful, exactly what’s needed for a real Svalbard adventure at the edge of the map.

The expedition is run on a full-board basis, with breakfast, lunch, and dinner included throughout the trip. Breakfast on the final morning aboard Tilvera is also included.

Meals are designed to be simple, nourishing, and practical, supporting long days of hiking, sailing, and cold-weather travel. Drinks provided onboard are limited to water, coffee, tea, herbal tea, milk, and juices. Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks are not included.

Breakfasts and dinners are prepared and served aboard Tilvera in the saloon, cooked by the crew and expedition leaders. These meals are warm, filling, and focused on recovery and energy rather than variety or luxury.

Lunch is typically picnic-style, allowing us to make the most of time ashore. On hiking days, lunch is carried in your backpack and eaten in the field; on sailing days or when conditions require, lunch may be taken onboard.

Fresh vegetables and fruit can be limited in the High Arctic, especially as the expedition progresses. When possible, we restock supplies and may supplement meals with locally sourced fish or meat. Even when fresh produce is scarce, meals remain balanced, well planned, and satisfying.

This is expedition food: honest, hearty, and designed to keep you moving in Arctic conditions.

If you have any allergies or intolerances, it is vital to inform Amarok Adventures in advance during the trip booking process or, if not possible, before reaching the destination.

Travelers who require vegetarian, gluten-free, or vegan menus throughout the entirety of the trip must notify the agency. Amarok Adventures will make efforts to accommodate the dietary needs of the traveler. However, if it is not possible to fully meet the requirements, the agency will communicate the limitations accordingly.

Please note that we are not able to provide vegan products. This is due to the logistical challenges of sourcing vegan products in remote areas like Svalbard, the nutritional demands of expedition environments where calorie-dense and protein-rich foods are essential, and the complexity of preparing multiple specialized diets in field conditions where guides & crew also act as cooks.

Travelers with celiac disease (not gluten intolerance) should also be aware that in the sailboat, cross-contamination is practically unavoidable.

Open communication regarding dietary restrictions ensures a safe and enjoyable trip for all participants

Polar bears are magnificent creatures and an iconic symbol of the Arctic. While they generally avoid human contact, encounters with polar bears can potentially occur during the trip. It’s important to understand that polar bears are apex predators and, in certain situations, they can pose a threat to human safety. However, the guides leading the trip have been trained under the standards of the Polar Tourism Guides Association to safely handle encounters and prioritize the safety of their passengers and the safety of the polar bear.

Before embarking on a sailing expedition in Svalbard, our guides have receive comprehensive training, non-lethal training & firearm handling training that equips them with the knowledge and skills to navigate polar bear encounters effectively. This training often includes understanding polar bear behavior, identifying signs of their presence, and implementing precautionary measures to minimize the risk of incidents.

Guides & crew have been trained to maintain a vigilant watch for polar bears while sailing and to identify potential danger zones, such as areas where bears may be feeding or resting. They are well-versed in the guidelines and regulations set by local authorities regarding polar bear encounters.

In the event of a polar bear sighting, guides will take appropriate action to ensure the safety of everyone on board. This may include altering the sailing route, maintaining a safe distance from the bear, and closely monitoring its behavior. In situations where the polar bear approaches the vessel or displays aggressive behavior, guides are trained in various non-lethal deterrent techniques to discourage the bear from approaching further.

These techniques include measures designed to deter the bear while avoiding harm to both humans and the bear itself. In extreme cases where a polar bear poses an immediate threat to the safety of the expedition members, guides may also have access to firearms as a last resort.

It’s important to note that the goal of trained guides is always to prioritize the safety of both humans and polar bears. Encounters with these magnificent creatures are typically managed in a manner that ensures minimal disruption to their natural behavior and habitat. By following the guidance of your experienced guides and adhering to safety protocols, participants in this expedition can enjoy the awe-inspiring beauty of Svalbard while minimizing any potential risks associated with polar bear encounters.