LONGYEARBYEN BOAT TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Soviet Ruins and Glacier Jaws: A Covered-Boat Day to Pyramiden and Nordenskiöld
A full-day, covered-boat journey from Longyearbyen to the Soviet ghost town of Pyramiden with boat views of the Nordenskiöld Glacier—this guide explains the flow, practicalities, and what to pack for the outing.
Soviet Ruins and Glacier Jaws: A Covered-Boat Day to Pyramiden and Nordenskiöld.
From Longyearbyen you board a covered boat for a full-day voyage to the abandoned Soviet settlement of Pyramiden, taking in dramatic coastal cliffs and a close approach to the Nordenskiöld Glacier before returning the same evening. The trip combines maritime scenery, a guided exploration of eerie Arctic history, and a midday meal at the Pyramiden restaurant.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Pyramiden: A Haunting Soviet Ghost Town
Explore the abandoned settlement of Pyramiden with an extended guided tour that drills into the town’s Soviet-era architecture and atmosphere after a covered-boat arrival and lunch at the local restaurant.
Nordenskiöld Glacier by Boat
The itinerary includes a boat visit to the Nordenskiöld Glacier, offering striking views of glacial ice and the Svalbard coastline from the water.
Coastal Cliffs and Skansbukta
The voyage features a short stop at the dramatic cliffs of Skansbukta en route, framing the journey with raw Arctic coastal scenery.
What the day feels like
What the day feels like
The day unfolds as a maritime excursion from Longyearbyen: a morning pick-up, covered-boat cruising along rugged cliffs with a short stop at Skansbukta, arrival in Pyramiden for lunch and an extended guided walk among the abandoned buildings, then a return passage that includes a close approach to the Nordenskiöld Glacier before getting you back to Longyearbyen in the early evening.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip suits — and who should reconsider.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
This is a full-day excursion lasting about 9–10 hours; the schedule includes a morning pick-up and return in the early evening.
Bring warm clothes, a buff or neck gaiter, and sunglasses to handle Arctic cold, wind, and glare.
Hotel pick-up in Longyearbyen is provided for participants prior to boarding the covered boat.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
Where does the tour depart from?
The operator provides hotel pick-up in Longyearbyen prior to boarding the covered boat.
How long is the trip?
The outing is a full-day tour of roughly 9 to 10 hours.
What time does the tour start and end?
The day begins with a 9:00 pick-up in Longyearbyen and returns to Longyearbyen at approximately 18:00–19:00.
Is the tour suitable for young children?
The trip is operated for participants from age six and up; check suitability for younger children with the operator.
Are there any health or mobility restrictions?
Tours are not suitable for those with conditions that may be aggravated by boat motion or by long hours spent in cold and on uneven terrain.
Will there be a stop for lunch?
Yes — the itinerary includes lunch at the Pyramiden restaurant during the extended visit to the ghost town.