Pre-Program Svalbard (Season 2025)

Join us for an exciting Pre-Program in Svalbard before your voyage starts.

Your adventure begins at the Svalbard Hotell Polfareren, a cosy boutique hotel centrally located in Longyearbyen. Reflecting Svalbard’s unique charm, the hotel exudes a rustic and informal atmosphere. Spend your afternoon settling in before indulging in a two-course dinner at the Polfareren Restaurant. 

Start your second day with a thrilling RIB boat tour to Borebukta, where you’ll have the chance to see walruses in their natural habitat—on the ice, in the water, and on land. Marvel at the impressive glacier fronts and the striking fjord and mountain scenery. Lunch will be provided during the excursion. In the afternoon, explore charming Longyearbyen at your leisure; hunt for locally made souvenirs, take in a gallery or simply soak up the town’s unique atmosphere. We recommend visiting the Svalbard Museum, NORDOVER Gallery, Cafe Huskies, Fruene Cafe, and the various locally owned stores in the town centre. In the evening, you’ll be picked up for a delightful four-course dinner with wine pairing at the charming Restaurant Gruvelageret. Transportation back to the hotel is included. 

Join a fossil hike to Longyear Glacier on the morning of the next day. You’ll be picked up from your hotel to search for plant and animal fossils dating back 40-60 million years. This easy hike, guided by a local expert, lasts approximately four hours and offers a stunning window into the natural history of Svalbard. Back in Longyearbyen, spend your midday relaxing or enjoying an Arctic lunch on your own. In the afternoon, bundle up for an ATV adventure through Svalbard’s summer landscape. A local guide will lead you through tall mountains, wide valleys, and wildlife-rich areas on a rugged all-terrain vehicle. End your day with a three-course dinner at Polfareren Restaurant, savouring the Nordic-inspired cuisine once more. 

On your final day on land, prepare for an exhilarating experience driving your own dog team. Navigate the majestic Adventdalen with a sturdy cart and 4-6 hardworking dogs – the original and most traditional way to explore the Arctic! Enjoying the unique Arctic landscape before embarking your waiting expedition vessel M/V Ocean Albatros in the afternoon for a thrilling polar adventure. Transportation to the ship is included.