Spitsbergen – Itinerant Journey Around Svea
North of the vast Isfjord glacier, the majestic Sveabreen glacier flows into the sea. Here, more than anywhere else, the full spectrum of polar landscapes comes to life.
Nothing is missing: thousands of icebergs glistening in the bay, an imposing glacier front plunging into the sea, seals, reindeer, migratory birds — and, to top it off, accessible hikes to scenic summits, all in a serene atmosphere bathed in Arctic calm.
From this dreamlike setting, we embark on a self-sufficient sea kayaking expedition between two remote bays. This type of craft allows us to move all our gear efficiently from one site to another and to venture just a few hours away to the Sefström Glacier, in a completely different fjord, before returning to explore Sveabreen.
The well-balanced alternation between hikes and kayak outings allows for a complete and immersive discovery of this polar region.
For greater comfort, we’ve chosen to set up camp on just two sites, from which we explore the surrounding area. Designed to be accessible and with no particular difficulty, this trip is open to all.
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An itinerant expedition that remains accessible to everyone
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A remarkable variety of Arctic landscapes concentrated in one unique location
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Encounters with seals near the Sefström Glacier
DAY 1: Flight Paris – Longyearbyen
From Paris to Oslo, then Oslo to Longyearbyen — a journey to the northernmost territorial capital on Earth. Before landing, the flight over Spitsbergen (literally “pointed mountains”) reveals a breathtaking panorama of jagged, snow-covered peaks.
Upon arrival, you’re welcomed at the airport and taken to the campsite… though “night” may be a misnomer — at this time of year, the sun never sets! So let’s say you’ll go to sleep under the midnight sun.
Accommodation: Camping
DAY 2: Longyearbyen – Camp Svea
Visit of Longyearbyen, the northernmost capital city on the planet. Gear distribution and equipment checks. Late in the day, boat transfer to our first camp.
Bivouac: Dinner and overnight in tents.
DAY 3: Fjord of Svea
Our first day is dedicated to sea kayak initiation — paddling among icebergs and observing seals that frequent the bay. It’s common for these marine mammals to come quite close to the kayaks.
After just one outing, you’ll already feel confident with your kayak, especially thanks to the rudder that makes steering easy. In the afternoon, we take a short hike around camp to spot reindeer.
Accommodation: Camping
DAY 4: Kayaking to Flinthomen
We load our kayaks and begin our journey to the second camp. We paddle along a small cliff hosting a colony of black guillemots before the coast flattens out.
Staying close to the shore lets us observe seabirds — and sometimes even Arctic foxes or reindeer. We set up camp on a beach facing Flinthomen Island. From our tents, we enjoy the view of the “Capitol” cliffs, which reflect in the sea. These ochre mountains are stunning — shaped by erosion into dramatic, draped formations.
Accommodation: Camping
DAY 5: Hike above the Sefström Glacier
We hike up the Hemse Valley and pause by the Hemsil waterfall. This tundra is especially rich, and one of the few places where Arctic birch grows.
Soon, we reach a summit with a panoramic view of the fjord and the Sefström Glacier tongue spilling into the bay.
Accommodation: Camping
DAY 6: Kayak to the Sefström Glacier
A gentle paddle takes us to the glacier’s front. It’s not uncommon to see bearded seals resting on floating ice. They’re often unafraid, and we’re sometimes lucky enough to get very close.
Accommodation: Camping
DAY 7: Return to Svea
We launch our kayaks again and paddle along the coast to return to our original camp at Svea.
Accommodation: Camping
DAY 8: Hike al
Group
Groups of 6 to 11 people. Two people per kayak.
Departures are guaranteed from 6 participants. Below this number, 80 Jours Voyages reserves the right to cancel the trip.
However, if all participants agree, the trip may be maintained with a supplement of €100 per person.
Supervision
A certified French guide, holding official credentials in both sea kayaking and mountain guiding (Accompagnateur en Montagne), with deep expertise in the region and extensive field experience.
Level
Moderate
4 to 7 hours of kayaking or hiking per day. This is an itinerant journey, which requires setting up and taking down camp every two days, and thus good physical condition.
No prior kayaking experience is required — most participants are complete beginners — but being able to swim is essential.
If you have good general fitness, you can confidently take part in this type of trip.
Weather
At these latitudes, weather conditions are highly variable. The upside: bad weather, when it occurs, usually doesn’t last long!
In summer, average temperatures range between 2°C and 8°C (36°F to 46°F), and weather is often clear.
However, this is a polar region, and you should be prepared to face fog, rain, wind, or even snow. Naturally, the day-to-day program and activity difficulty will depend largely on weather conditions.
Accommodation
You will sleep in two-person tents provided by the organization. Meals are shared in the mess tent, a warm and friendly setting in every sense of the word.
Meals
You’re in the Far North — don’t expect a diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables!
However, you’ll enjoy hearty, well-balanced meals throughout the expedition.
Breakfast:
Muesli, bread, tea, coffee, or hot chocolate. Cereal bars and dried fruits are available throughout the day.
Lunch:
Picnic lunches taken outdoors in the middle of the day’s adventure.
Dinner:
Hearty meals featuring hot soup, a hot main dish, and sometimes sweet treats like crêpes or fritters, depending on your guide’s mood!
Local Budget
Longyearbyen has a special legal status but is part of Norway, so the currency used is the Norwegian Krone (NOK).
To check the exchange rate before departure: http://www.xe.com
There are ATMs at Oslo airport and at the post office in Longyearbyen.
Credit cards are accepted in (almost?) all shops in Longyearbyen.
If you enjoyed your trip and want to thank your guide, it’s customary to offer a tip between €20 and €50 per participant.
Spirit of the Trip
This is a trip open to all, participatory and active by nature, requiring a spirit of cooperation and adventure.
You will be asked to help load and unload kayaks and camping equipment on the beaches.
You may also help rinse equipment, fetch water, or clean the camp.
This spirit of teamwork is essential to preserving the pristine Arctic environment: we aim to leave no trace behind.
Your guide is responsible for group safety and logistics. Your involvement helps build a spirit of camaraderie and ensures a friendly, relaxed group atmosphere.
As this is a group expedition, decisions made by the guide will prioritize the collective interest, even if occasionally at the expense of individual preferences.
Due to weather conditions, group dynamics, or potential risks, the guide may alter the initial itinerary without needing to justify or negotiate these decisions.
Photography
If you’re bringing a camera, make sure it’s well protected.
Zippered freezer bags can be useful. For photography enthusiasts with DSLR cameras, a waterproof hard case such as a Pelicase is highly recommended. It can be secured to your kayak and gives you easy access to your gear.
Formalities
For European citizens, a valid ID card or passport (valid for at least six months after your return date) is required.
Svalbard is a tax-free zone. Upon return to mainland Norway, you are subject to customs checks, especially for alcohol and tobacco.
Health and Physical Fitness
While this is an accessible trip, it remains physically active in nature.
You must be in good health. Emergency evacuations can be extremely difficult in this remote environment.
A basic first aid kit is provided, but we recommend bringing your own personal medication and a small travel pharmacy.
For extra safety, we recommend keeping your standard vaccinations up to date (diphtheria, tetanus, polio).
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