Cruise from Longyearbyen to the haunting ghost town of Pyramiden, with up-close views of towering cliffs and the Nordenskiöld Glacier. This full-day boat adventure blends Arctic wilderness with Cold War history.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
Hang tight — photos are loading
This usually takes just a second.
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
9–10 hours
Fitness Level
Participants should have average fitness able to manage boat motion and moderate walking on uneven terrain.
Wildlife
History
Pyramiden was a Soviet coal mining settlement established in 1910, abandoned in the early 1990s, and now preserved as a ghost town reflecting Cold War-era Arctic life.
Conservation
Tour operations follow strict environmental guidelines to minimize disturbance to fragile Arctic ecosystems and promote sustainable tourism practices.
Grumant Arctic Travel Company
Cruise from Longyearbyen to the haunting ghost town of Pyramiden, with up-close views of towering cliffs and the Nordenskiöld Glacier. This full-day boat adventure blends Arctic wilderness with Cold War history.
Grumant Arctic Travel Company operates guided Arctic tours and seasonal hotel stays focused on Svalbard’s western coast, including Pyramiden, Barentsburg and the Nordenskiöld Glacier. The company offers a variety of boat-based excursions — open boats, covered boats (including excursions by MS Princess Lea) and RIBs — alongside overnight hotel options in Pyramiden and Barentsburg. Trip formats include full-day journeys, two-day expeditions, guided town tours, glacier viewing and optional activities such as kayaking or hiking. Several itineraries include lunch and on-land visits like husky farms and local guided town tours.
Accommodations comprise Hotel Pyramiden (seasonal, newly refurbished rooms) and Hotel Barentsburg, which features sea views, a bar, restaurant and sauna. Hotel Barentsburg also provides equipment storage for multi-season gear and a conference room that can be used for recreational purposes. Signature itineraries highlight Soviet-era history in Pyramiden, coal-mining heritage in Barentsburg, the Nordenskiöld and Esmark glaciers, and coastal bird cliffs. Wildlife sightings noted in trip summaries include reindeer and polar foxes.
Published trip offerings include specific products such as “2-Day Barentsburg Expedition by open boat,” “2-Day Back to USSR in Pyramiden by open boat,” full-day Pyramiden & Nordenskiöld Glacier trips by both covered and open boat, and combined glacier and town visits like Barentsburg & Esmark Glacier by covered boat. The company lists clear activity choices (kayaking or hiking) on select expeditions and provides transport formats and hotel stays as part of its seasonal program. Information presented here is based on the company’s provided trip summaries and accommodation descriptions.
Tours Offered
9 trips
From short to full-day adventures
Boat Types
Open & covered
Open boats, covered boats and RIBs
Seasonal Hotels
Hotel Pyramiden & Barentsburg
Soviet-era and local hotel stays
Highlights
Pyramiden • Barentsburg • Nordenskiöld
Ghost towns, glaciers and wildlife
Select a covered-boat or open-boat trip, or book a seasonal hotel stay in Pyramiden or Barentsburg. Check availability and booking options for specific departure dates.
Dress in layers
Arctic weather can be unpredictable, so wear moisture-wicking base layers and windproof outerwear.
Bring waterproof gloves
Cold winds and boat spray make insulated, waterproof gloves a must for comfort.
Protect your eyes
Bring sunglasses or goggles to shield your eyes from glare off ice and water surfaces.
Stay hydrated
Even in cold conditions, drinking water regularly helps maintain energy and focus.
Waterproof dry suit
Provided by the company, this essential gear protects against Arctic water temperatures and wind chill.
all
Insulated gloves
Keep hands warm and dry during boat passages and outdoor excursions.
all
Polarized sunglasses
Reduces glare from water and ice, improving visibility and eye comfort.
all
Wool or synthetic base layers
Crucial for moisture management and maintaining body heat under your dry suit.
all