This 10-day programme takes you deep into Dickson Land, much of which lies within the Nordre Isfjorden National Park — truly remote High Arctic wilderness: a 7-day self-supported trekking adventure; camping in polar bear territory with a mandatory night watch; challenging off-trail hiking across valleys, ridges, glacial moraines and rivers; powerboat transport across the fjords; total freedom under the midnight sun; start and end in the remote mining town of Longyearbyen.

This is not a comfort hike. It is a full-on trekking expedition in real Arctic terrain. You carry everything, you take part in the team effort — and you will earn every bit of what the wilderness gives you.

We have now been doing expeditions in Svalbard for more than a decade, and many guests have been asking about new routes and longer trips. So, for the summer/autumn season of 2026, we were very happy to announce this new itinerary, taking a group to part of the Nordre Isfjorden National Park — to Dickson Land.

Season, terrain and weather

Dickson Land sits between two mighty fjords, Billefjorden and Dicksonfjorden, and holds within it a dramatic blend of Arctic wilderness and history. On the eastern edge lies Skansbukta, where a short-lived gypsum mine operated in the early 1900s. Harsh conditions and isolation forced its closure by 1930, but rusted machinery and a decaying boat still mark the shoreline — ghosts of a different time. To the west lies Kapp Wijk, which served as a base for exploration and scientific observation in the 1920s; a few huts and structures remain, bearing quiet witness to the human struggle to gain a foothold in the polar regions. Further north stands Pyramiden, one of the most striking relics in Svalbard. Founded by the Swedes in 1910 and later taken over by the Soviets, it became a model mining town — with schools, theatres and a swimming pool — until it was abruptly abandoned in 1998. Today it is a surreal and well-preserved monument to Soviet ambition in the polar north.

While Dickson Land is uninhabited today, its landscape tells a clear story: one of human effort, Arctic extremes, and the shifting purpose of this remote and powerful land — from industrial frontier to wilderness sanctuary.

The terrain is challenging, with steep ascents, descents and unpredictable river crossings. Weather in Svalbard can shift quickly, even in summer, with typical temperatures ranging from 0 °C to +15 °C.

How we travel

The trip begins with boat transport into Billefjorden, all the way to Skansbukta, our starting point — a beautiful one-hour ride before we put our backpacks on for the first hike. Over the next seven days we move through the wild heart of Dickson Land, our steps leading us to the coastline of Dicksonfjorden, passing Kapp Wijk and then heading towards Pyramiden. We cross valleys shaped by glaciers, climb rugged ridgelines, descend into hidden basins and ford icy rivers. Because we carry all the gear on our backs — food, tents and other equipment — we can set up camp in a new location each night.

We are in polar bear territory the entire time. To ensure safety and comply with local regulations, our group maintains a continuous night watch — a meaningful experience in itself. Sitting alone under the midnight sun, surrounded by silence and a quiet camp, is something that stays with you long after the expedition ends.

On the final day of trekking we are picked up by boat in the area of Pyramiden and taken back to Longyearbyen. The return journey by sea offers a chance to spot Arctic wildlife — walrus, seals, seabirds or even whales — with the breathtaking Nordenskiöld glacier staying behind us.

As with any demanding expedition, the exact route remains flexible, allowing us to adapt to changing weather, glacial river conditions and group dynamics. We will cover 80+ km. The focus is on moving safely and steadily, and immersing ourselves fully in this unique experience.

Who can join

Good fitness and previous trekking experience are required. This expedition is not suitable for first-time hikers, or those without experience of hiking with a heavy backpack for a full day. If you are unsure, we recommend joining one of our less demanding trips before attempting this one.

Good to know

In Longyearbyen you are lodged at a guesthouse; single rooms are available for an additional NOK 900 per night, NOK 2 700 for the three nights. On the nights in tents, teams of 2 to 3 persons share one tent. We would encourage you to stay a few extra days in Longyearbyen to explore the town and its surroundings — and to stay one or more days after the trip as a margin for weather-related delays coming back from the trek.

Day by day plan

Day 1

Arrival in Longyearbyen. Your guide will meet you at a local guesthouse, where you spend the first two nights. You meet the rest of the group and are served dinner. The guide goes over the expedition plan on a paper map and explains the daily routines for the trek, and reviews your personal outdoor equipment to make sure you have everything you need and that it meets the standards the Arctic environment requires.

Day 2

After breakfast we do the last preparations and pack all our equipment for the trip. You will be teamed up with 1 or 2 other expedition members, with whom you will work together and share a tent on the trip. There is time to make your final personal preparations and adjustments before the journey starts, and your guide goes through safety routines, polar bear watch routines and how to handle the dog in the best way possible (if we can bring one!).

There is time for some last-minute shopping and looking around in Longyearbyen. Lodging at the guesthouse.

Day 3

After breakfast the trip starts. We are transported by boat across Isfjorden, heading all the way into Billefjorden. This scenic fjord, nestled on the northern side of the great Isfjorden, is our gateway into the true Arctic wilderness. On arrival at Skansbukta the boatman lands us safely on the shoreline. We take some time to explore the old hut and the wreck of a mining boat, silent reminders of the area's industrial past. From there our trek begins, through the delta of the Skansdalelva river and up the valley towards the large waterfalls at its head. Tonight is our first night in tents. Boat ride approx. 1–2 h, depending on the weather.

Day 4

When we wake up, we are greeted by a stunning view from the Frostisen glacier, looking back from the moraine towards the Skansdalen valley, with the sound of rushing meltwater filling the air. Above us, the rocky crown of a jagged peak rises sharply into the sky. Most of the day is a mix of ascents and descents, taking us across another river deep in a new valley. We cross a broad, rocky mountain pass before reaching small meadows beside a clear mountain creek, where we set up our second camp.

Days 5–7

Full days on the trek. We make our way through this wild landscape, experiencing the lingering summer and the oncoming autumn. Conditions can vary, from heavy winds and chilly temperatures to warm, sunny days — but no matter the weather, this vast and powerful land gives us a true taste of how raw and impressive Arctic nature can be. We plan to stay at each campsite for just one night, always moving forward to seek new adventure. Because we carry everything in our backpacks we have great flexibility in choosing our route, and can reach places that are otherwise difficult to access. Some days take us high on to grassy terraces above broad valleys, where old reindeer antlers lie scattered around; other days we swoop down into river corridors to continue between the surrounding mountains. We cover many kilometres across varied terrain, from soft tundra covered in mosses and lichens to rocky glacial moraines and steep, shifting scree slopes. Every day brings its own challenges and rewards, in a landscape that feels untouched and endless.

Day 8

This day is a little special, because we travel light. We climb one of the mountain tops around Petuniabukta with just a light backpack, leaving our tents behind. If the weather allows, we once again get the spectacular view over the fjords, with many mountain tops around and hopefully some surrounding glaciers too. We return to our camp and enjoy the last night.

Day 9

Final day on the trek. We pack up our camp as usual and start our way to the pick-up point, where the boat meets us around lunchtime and takes us back to Longyearbyen. After arriving at the port we are all transported back to the guesthouse for a hot shower and a good dinner. Boat ride approx. 2 h or more, depending on the weather.

Day 10

Breakfast and journey home. The weather can vary during the day, and with respect to the safety of our guests we reserve the right to make any necessary changes to our trip. We always recommend allowing for weather delays when booking flights.

The price includes

Guide
All meals from dinner on day 1 to breakfast on day 10 — except lunch and dinner on day 2
Some equipment — specified in the equipment list
3 nights' lodging in Longyearbyen
6 nights in tents
Search and rescue insurance

Not included

Travel to and from Longyearbyen
Extra activities in Longyearbyen
Lunch and dinner on day 2
Personal equipment — please check the equipment list
Snacks between the meals — we recommend sweets, dried fruit, nuts, chocolate, cheese, dried meat and the like
Travel insurance
Any unforeseen expenses due to delays caused by weather or safety considerations

Trekking Expedition in the Wild Heart of Spitsbergen