Discover the stark beauty of the Arctic on a boat journey to Pyramiden and Nordenskiöld Glacier. Experience glacier views, Arctic wildlife, and haunting remnants of Cold War history all in one unforgettable trip.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
8 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most travelers with basic mobility; no strenuous activity required
Wildlife
History
Pyramiden was established in 1910 as an Arctic mining settlement and operated until 1998, leaving behind a well-preserved ghost town and a glimpse into Cold War-era industry.
Conservation
The tours prioritize minimal environmental impact, respecting local wildlife habitats and using eco-friendly practices in an untouched Arctic ecosystem.
Grumant Arctic Travel Company
Discover the stark beauty of the Arctic on a boat journey to Pyramiden and Nordenskiöld Glacier. Experience glacier views, Arctic wildlife, and haunting remnants of Cold War history all in one unforgettable trip.
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 warmly and in layers
Temperatures can vary, so layered clothing is essential to stay comfortable throughout the day.
Bring binoculars
Useful for spotting wildlife like seabirds or distant ice formations from the boat.
Prepare for wind and spray
Weather conditions can be windy, so bring a hat and windproof gear to stay dry and warm.
Stay alert for wildlife sightings
Keep an eye out for Arctic animals during the voyage; they often appear unexpectedly.
Thermal layers
Keeps you warm during the chilly Arctic conditions while onboard.
winter
Waterproof jacket
Protects against wind and spray when outside or on deck.
year-round
Comfortable waterproof boots
Ensures dry feet when walking around Pyramiden and on the deck.
year-round
Sunglasses
Reduces glare from ice and snow, especially when the sun is bright.
year-round