Dive into the Arctic’s icy allure on the Pyramiden & Nordenskiöld Glacier tour. Discover a ghost town, towering glaciers, and rugged cliffs—all from the comfort of a covered boat in Svalbard’s stunning wilderness.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
8 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most travelers; moderate walking involved during optional disembarkation.
Wildlife
History
Pyramiden was founded as a mining settlement in 1910 by Sweden and later taken over by the Soviet Union, now a haunting ghost town frozen in time.
Conservation
The tour emphasizes minimal environmental impact, respecting fragile Arctic ecosystems and wildlife.
Grumant Arctic Travel Company
Dive into the Arctic’s icy allure on the Pyramiden & Nordenskiöld Glacier tour. Discover a ghost town, towering glaciers, and rugged cliffs—all from the comfort of a covered boat in Svalbard’s stunning wilderness.
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 warm, layered clothing
Arctic weather can be unpredictable; layering ensures comfort and warmth.
Bring binoculars and camera gear
Capture wildlife and breathtaking landscapes at a distance.
Stay vigilant for wildlife
Keep an eye out for seals, seabirds, and other Arctic fauna.
Book in advance
Popular tours fill quickly during peak season, so reserve early.
Warm layered clothing
Necessary to stay warm in chilly Arctic conditions.
winter
Binoculars
Helps spot distant wildlife and glaciers.
Camera with zoom
Perfect for capturing the dramatic scenery.
Lip balm and sunscreen
Protect skin from cold wind and UV exposure.