A Historical Snowmobile along the West Coast of Spitsbergen

Organized by Better Moments
This offer is very popular 43 people recently chose this activity

Activity Snapshot

Fitness level: Everybody welcome
Duration: 9 hrs
Spoken languages: English, Norwegian, Swedish, German
Cancellation policy: strict More info
Opening seasons:
  • J
  • F
  • M
  • A
  • M
  • J
  • J
  • A
  • S
  • O
  • N
  • D

Activity description

 A historical travel along the west coast of Spitsbergen
Join our adventure along the west coast of Spitsbergen. On our way you will pass mining settlements, run down trappers’ stations and modern scientific installations.

In Svalbard you meet some Eastern neighbors when driving west. 60 kilometers from Longyearbyen you'll find Barentsburg among other places which you’ll pass through. The trip takes us through grand valleys and along the beautiful coast of Spitsbergen. The terrain is relatively easy to drive and our experienced guides will adapt the trip also to those who are new to snowmobiles. You will drive in terrain that has throughout history been used by trappers, whale hunters, miners and scientists, and still is. This will be a snowmobile trip back in time to when the world was divided between east and west.

Barentsburg can be reffered to as the “little Russia” of Svalbard. As you enter Barentsburg you can still read “Our goal – communism!” written with large letters. You will take a break in Barentsburg and a walk trough the city. Be aware that You will not access any of the cities facilities or buildings, and there will not be possible to purchase  any souvenirs or any other things during the time you spend in the Russian settlement.

You will do several stops on our way to talk about the nature and historical remains that you encounter. This also provides you with good opportunities for taking pictures. During the day you will also find a nice place to sit down and enjoy a homemade soup for lunch that you brought from Longyearbyen.  If weather and time permits, you will also a short stop at Colesbay.

Information regarding tours with any form of connection to Russian state-owned companies in Svalbard:
Owing to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the related violations of international law and human rights, an extraordinary general meeting in Visit Svalbard has decided that all products, tours, services or other offers with any form of connection to the Russian state-owned companies in Svalbard, will be removed from Visit Svalbard’s platforms.
This specific activity does not have any economic ties to Russian state-owned companies in Svalbard, and is therefore still available on visitsvalbard.com.
For more information, see the media release from Svalbard Tourism Council and Visit Svalbard: https://en.visitsvalbard.com/visitor-information/news/trust-arcticugol-excluded-from-the-svalbard-tourism-council

 
Course of events

You will visit the settlement of Barentsburg and spend time here on this trip.

However, due to the situation in Ukraine, we have decided not to support the Russian state. All the money someone spends in Barentsburg and/or Pyramiden goes directly to the company Trust Arcticogul which is 100% owned by the Russian state. It can be anything such as food, local guided tours, hotels, harbor fees and souvenirs. We will therefore bring food and coffee from Longyearbyen that we can enjoy during the trip. 

It is safe to visit the Russian settlements on Svalbard. The lovely Russian and Ukraine citizens that live here are always very friendly and welcoming.

Activity requirements

It is recommended by the guide of this activity to wear a base layer in 100% wool, a mid-layer in wool, down or fleece and thick woollen socks. It is possible to bring a small backpack.

A physical valid driver’s license is compulsory.

The minimum required age for drivers is 12. The minimum required age for passengers is 12.

Special terms

You can choose to purchase an optional snowmobile insurance policy for NOK 200 from the guide of this activity. With this option, you will be insured in any case of accident. If you wish to share a snowmobile as a driver and passenger, then you only need the insurance for one person. 

This guide has 6 snowmobiles available. In case you are booking as a group, please be aware that there can be only 6 drivers. Each snowmobile can fit the driver and passenger. Driver and passenger can switch though during the activity.

Pick-up locations (to specify upon booking):
Radisson BLU Polar hotel
Basecamp Hotel
Gjestehuset 102
Coal Miners Cabin
Funken Lodge
Cruise port
Mary Ann´s Polarrigg
Svalbard hotel – Polfareren
Svalbard hotel – The Vault
Tourist Information center

Included
  • Snowmobile
  • Suit
  • Shoes
  • Goggles
  • Helmet
Do not forget to bring
  • Driver licence
  • Warm clothes
  • Gloves
  • Camera
  • Hat
100% secure payments
by credit card or Paypal
Meeting point
Pick-up or Svalbard Tourist Information (see special terms) Get directions

Cancellation policy

Cancellation 30 days or more prior to the agreed activity date
You will be automatically refunded for the full amount for the activity
30 days
Cancellation between 10 and 30 days prior to the agreed activity date
You are entitled to a 50% refund
10 days
Cancellation 10 days or later prior to the agreed activity date
No refund will be possible
Weather Guarantee
Regardless of the date, if the activity is cancelled due to bad weather conditions, you will be offered a refund or the chance to reschedule