Guided Hike from Longyearbyen to Platåfjellet

Explore the incredible Arctic landscapes of Svalbard and discover the history of coal mining that completely marked the 20th century for the Archipelago on this guided hike from Longyearbyen to Platåfjellet! Longyearbyen, the administrative capital for the Norwegian Archipelago of Svalbard, has been marked by coal mining since the 20th century. In 1906, a US citizen by the name of John Munro Longyear discovered coal in the town and founded the town with the sole purpose of resource extraction. However, as time went on, the giant coal mining infrastructure was abandoned, left behind, and now stands only as a reminder of the town's history. You'll learn about this shift and a

On the day of your guided trek to Advent City, you'll need to arrive at the meeting point at the Arctic Footsteps headquarters in Longyearbyen. There, you'll meet the experienced and knowledgeable instructor who will guide you through the experience. They'll explain the route you'll take and give you a few safety recommendations to follow throughout the day, as well as distribute any necessary equipment (ice spikes, poles) to keep you safe during the experience before it's time to go.

You'll start climbing Platåfjellet and go through Longyearbyen's industrial heart. You'll pass by the iconic coal mining cable car supports that once transported coal from the mines to the port, and visit different historical buildings and landmarks that will help you understand the town's history much better. You'll learn how miners, trappers, scientists, and adventurers have helped shape the landscapes that you can see, and discover Longyearbyen's current social and geopolitical state. You'll return to the town's centre as a knowledgeable visitor and with fond memories of this incredible hike.

Keep in mind that temperatures in Longyearbyen normally range between 6 to -20 degrees Celsius year-round. With this in mind, please prepare for this experience with warm winter clothing, including thermal underlayers, wool or fleece mid-layers, and windproof and waterproof outerwear. You should also bring some sunglasses to protect your eyes from the snow's glare, a hat, a scarf, gloves, and anything else you might need (medication, snacks, etc.) to spend an amazing 4 hours on this wonderful guided hike from Longyearbyen to Platåfjellet.

Dust off your walking shoes and embark on a journey that will not only show you stunning Arctic landscapes but also teach you about a very unique place on Earth. Book your guided hike from Longyearbyen to Platåfjellet today!