LONGYEARBYEN BOAT TOUR FIELD GUIDE

Glacier Faces and a Soviet Ghost Town: A RIB Voyage from Longyearbyen to Pyramiden

A full-day open-boat excursion from Longyearbyen that sails to the abandoned Soviet settlement of Pyramiden and brings you up close to the Nordenskiöld Glacier; this guide explains the flow, gear, and practical details for the 9–10 hour outing.

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Glacier Faces and a Soviet Ghost Town: A RIB Voyage from Longyearbyen to Pyramiden.

Duration

9/10 hours

Location

Longyearbyen

Operator

Grumant Arctic Travel Company

Outing Highlights

THE ROUTE

A full-day RIB crossing and shoreline stops

The day begins with a RIB boat journey from Longyearbyen, includes a short stop at the dramatic cliffs of Skansbukta, and continues on to Pyramiden before visiting Nordenskiöld Glacier by boat.

THE HISTORY

Exploring Pyramiden’s Soviet ghost town

An extended guided tour in Pyramiden lets you explore the eerie remnants of a Soviet-era mining settlement, with time for lunch at the Pyramiden restaurant as part of the visit.

THE SCENERY

Nordenskiöld Glacier and rugged Svalbard cliffs

The itinerary is built around dramatic Arctic scenery — sheer cliffs, open-water fjord crossings and close approaches to the face of Nordenskiöld Glacier by boat.

What the day feels like

This full-day outing unfolds as a single, carefully paced circuit: a 9:00 pick-up in Longyearbyen, a scenic RIB transfer with a short cliff-side stop at Skansbukta, a lunch and extended guided tour of Pyramiden, a boat approach to Nordenskiöld Glacier, and a return to Longyearbyen around 18:00–19:00.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this trip is best for — and who should reconsider.

Families with older childrenSuitable for families traveling with children aged 12 and up; the tour’s minimum age and full-day format make it best for older kids.

Photographers and landscape seekersIdeal for visitors who want close coastal and glacier views from a boat and time ashore to photograph Pyramiden’s buildings and surrounding fjords.

People prone to seasickness or with certain health conditionsNot recommended — the tour involves open-boat travel and is explicitly not suitable for those whose conditions may be aggravated by boat motion or long hours in cold, uneven terrain.

Travelers with limited mobilityLikely not ideal due to boat transfers, uneven terrain in Pyramiden and long hours outside; those with mobility concerns should check with the operator beforehand.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

Timing & Duration

This is a full-day excursion lasting approximately 9–10 hours, with return to Longyearbyen around 18:00–19:00.

Meeting & Pickup

Hotel pick-up is provided; the outing begins with a 9:00 pick-up from your accommodation in Longyearbyen.

What to Bring

Bring warm clothes, a buff or neck gaiter, and sunglasses.

Route Notes

The trip follows a RIB boat route with a short stop at Skansbukta, an extended stay in Pyramiden including lunch and a guided tour, and a boat approach to Nordenskiöld Glacier.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

How long is the tour?

The excursion is approximately 9–10 hours in duration.

Where and when does the trip start?

The operator provides hotel pick-up in Longyearbyen; pick-up begins at 9:00 from your accommodation.

What should I bring for the trip?

Bring warm clothing, a buff or neck gaiter, and sunglasses.

Is the tour suitable for children?

The outing is suitable for children aged 12 years and older.

Are there health restrictions or conditions that would make this trip unsuitable?

Yes — the tours are not suitable for people with conditions that may be aggravated by boat motion, snowmobile vibrations, or long hours in cold and uneven terrain.

Will I see the Nordenskiöld Glacier up close?

Yes — the itinerary includes a boat visit to the Nordenskiöld Glacier.