Sail through Svalbard’s icy fjords to witness glaciers, Arctic wildlife, and the ghost town of Pyramiden. This full-day cruise offers a deep dive into nature and history far above the Arctic Circle.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
11 hours
Fitness Level
Moderate stamina needed to comfortably spend most of the day onboard and participate in a short Pyramiden walking tour.
Wildlife
History
Pyramiden was a Soviet mining town abandoned in the 1990s, preserved as a snapshot of Cold War Arctic history.
Conservation
This area emphasizes minimizing environmental impact by encouraging reusable gear and maintaining responsible wildlife viewing standards.
Henningsen Transport & Guiding AS
Sail through Svalbard’s icy fjords to witness glaciers, Arctic wildlife, and the ghost town of Pyramiden. This full-day cruise offers a deep dive into nature and history far above the Arctic Circle.
Henningsen Transport & Guiding AS is a Longyearbyen-based operator specializing in guided fjord cruises and glacier safaris in Svalbard. The company runs scheduled day trips from Longyearbyen to nearby Arctic destinations, including Barentsburg, Pyramiden, Esmark Glacier and Nordenskiöld Glacier. Trips are led by local guides who provide navigation, on-board interpretation and safety oversight for all passengers. Each published itinerary includes a warm lunch and opportunities for photography, wildlife viewing and guided walks where the landing is permitted.
The fleet operates on Isfjorden and adjacent waterways, offering routes that vary by season and sea conditions. Typical excursions include a 6-hour Glacier Safari along Isfjorden’s northern coastline, a 10-hour Fjordcruise to Barentsburg and Esmark Glacier, and an 11-hour Fjordcruise to Pyramiden and Nordenskiöld Glacier. Wildlife species commonly observed on these routes include whales, walrus, seals and Arctic birdlife; polar bear sightings are rare but possible in some areas.
Henningsen Transport & Guiding AS follows local regulations for tourism in Svalbard and coordinates with authorities for landings and guided visits to settlements. Booking information, departure times and equipment recommendations are provided at reservation, and guides brief guests on safety and environmental best practices before each departure.
Staff provide pre-departure briefings, equipment lists and guidance on cold-weather clothing; translations and accessible arrangements are managed where possible to support international visitors and varied experience levels. Reservations should be booked in advance online.
Location
Longyearbyen, Svalbard
Base for Arctic departures
Tour Lengths
6–11 hours
Half-day to full-day trips
Destinations
Barentsburg, Pyramiden, Glaciers
Historic towns and glacier scenery
Guided Tours
Guided with lunch
Local guides and included warm meal
Reserve a spot on a Glacier Safari or full-day fjord cruise to Barentsburg or Pyramiden — guided departures with wildlife viewing and included warm lunch.
Dress for Arctic Conditions
Wear insulated, windproof layers and waterproof outerwear to stay warm and dry during the cruise.
Bring a Camera with Zoom
A zoom lens will help capture distant wildlife like whales and polar bears without disturbing them.
Check Mobility Requirements
The boat has one-foot-tall doorsteps—contact the company if you have limited mobility before booking.
Respect Wildlife Distances
Maintain a respectful distance from animals to avoid disturbance, especially in sensitive nesting areas.
Insulated Jacket
Provides warmth in cold Arctic winds, essential for comfort during the cruise.
spring
Waterproof Pants
Protects against sea spray and unpredictable weather while on deck.
summer
Binoculars
Improves your ability to spot wildlife at a distance.
Reusable Cup
Bring your own cup to reduce waste during the onboard warm lunch.