Billefjorden Kayak Expedition - Nordenskiold

© Christopher O Neil, Amalie Halleland

Difficulty level 4 av 5

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Minimum 4 participant over 18 years. Max 12

•  Kl. 07:30
•  1+4 dager
• 05.08.2025 - 09.08.2025
• 12.08.2025 - 16.08.2025
   

Participants should have some experience with kayakpaddling. Inexperienced must have good physical shape and favour a challenge. Paddling for several days puts a lot of strain on the arms and shoulders.

We use double kayaks and stay as close to the coastline as possible. The trip is moderately demanding with distances of 15-20 km each day.

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Max. size for dry suit: XXL

Max. height: 195 cm

Max. circumference (kayak cockpit): 130 cm

Price includes:

• Transport round trip
• 2-person kayak
• Personal kayak clothing such as a drysuit and life jacket
• All meals, snacks and drinks
• Tent
• Sleeping mat
• Guide with necessary safety equipment

Recommend to bring:

• Warm socks
• Warm clothes
• Cold drink
• Camera in waterproof bag
• Backpack
• Sleeping bag*

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*NOK 600 sleeping bag rental

After booking confirmation, you will receive our complete recommended equipment list for this expedition.

Larger luggage can be stored in our warehouse or in your accommodation's luggage room.

Extra clothing and equipment: Arctica

Embark on a multi-day kayak expedition through the breathtaking landscapes of Svalbard, where the Arctic summer transforms long fjords into lifelines for nature. In Billefjorden, located at the heart of Isfjorden, you'll get a chance to see seabirds nesting on towering cliffs, Arctic foxes hunting for eggs along the shore, and more local wildlife.

This four-day adventure offers more than just vibrant wildlife. Paddle past the ghost town of Pyramiden and marvel at the towering front of a massive glacier. Each night, we'll set up camp in a different location, ensuring you experience the nature of the fjord from multiple perspectives.

Safety is our top priority as we navigate through the habitat of the polar bear. Just like the Arctic explorers before us, we'll immerse ourselves in the raw landscape of Billefjorden, surrounded by mountains, glaciers, and cultural monuments from Svalbard's past. This expedition promises an unforgettable Svalbard experience.

Day 1 – Packing day*

Note that the first day is packing day only, and no meals or accommodation is included.

We’ll pick you up from your accommodation at 2 PM.

Good planning and careful preparation are essential for a smooth expedition, so this day will serve as a training session. We will spend as much time as necessary at our storage facility to check all the equipment, learn how to pack the kayaks, and understand how to set up the tents and use the camp stoves.

This is also a great opportunity to get to know the other participants and the guides, and for you to ask any last-minute questions. Together, we will review the plan and weather conditions for the upcoming days, and you'll have some time to familiarise yourself with your kayak. If anyone is missing any pieces of equipment, we will make time to visit a local outdoor store.

Day 2:

*The guide will tell you the pick-up time the day before. Ask for early breakfast in the hotel/ guesthouse you are staying at.

We set sail from Longyearbyen, embarking on a scenic two-hour boat journey to Skansbukta (Skans Bay), a haven of plant and bird life, and home to remnants of Svalbard’s trapping history. Here, we'll go ashore to explore before launching our kayaks and paddling north into the fjord. After a day out paddling, we’ll set up camp south of the ghost town of Pyramiden.

Day 3:

After breakfast, we’ll break camp and begin paddling towards the abandoned Russian mining town of Pyramiden, a relic of the coal mining era, now a silent witness to history since its abandonment in 1998. Our journey continues to Petuniabukta (Petunia Bay), where we’ll spend time exploring the surroundings. We’ll find the perfect spot to set up camp for the night, surrounded by stunning Arctic nature.

Day 4:

Our adventure takes us from Petuniabukta to Nordenskiöldbreen (Nordenskiöld Glacier). Named after explorer Gustav Adolf Nordenskiöld, this glacier is a spectacular sight teeming with birdlife. We may even encounter the magnificent bearded seal, Svalbard’s largest seal, weighing up to 350 kg. Witnessing these creatures from the water is an incredible experience, and ice calving from the glacier creates a dynamic backdrop. After soaking in the majesty of the glacier, we’ll paddle to Brucebyen (Bruce Town), established by Scottish settlers in 1919, where we’ll camp for the night.

Day 5:

On our final morning, we’ll paddle south towards the mouth of Billefjorden. The landscape transitions to expansive tundra plains, offering a serene and picturesque end to our journey. In the afternoon, our boat will meet us along the shoreline, ready to transport us back to Longyearbyen. As we sail home, we’ll reflect on the adventure we've shared, carrying with us memories that will last a lifetime.

The program may change along the way due to weather conditions and the size of the group. In Svalbard, it is the weather gods who decide. Polar bears in camp will also cause changes as we are obliged to protect it. If the group progresses well, the pick-up point may be changed and we will have a longer trip.

It is planned that you should have time to take hikes in the area. The area in which you will paddling has an exciting history and offers great nature experiences. You will be able to experience birds and wildlife up close.

We will bring all equipment and provisions with us packed in the kayaks and a new camp will be set up for each day.