Discover the Arctic’s icy wonderland from the warmth of Barentsburg Hotel. Perfect for adventurers seeking Arctic exploration with comfort and convenience. Read more to find out what makes this spot a must-stay for polar explorers.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
moderate
Duration
Variable, from half-day tours to multi-day excursions
Fitness Level
Moderate fitness required, ability to handle cold and snow conditions
Wildlife
History
Barentsburg was established in the 1920s by Soviet miners and still retains a Soviet-era vibe, making it a unique cultural site in the Arctic.
Conservation
Efforts are ongoing to preserve the fragile Arctic ecosystem, with strict guidelines for tour operators to minimize environmental impact.
Grumant Arctic Travel Company
Discover the Arctic’s icy wonderland from the warmth of Barentsburg Hotel. Perfect for adventurers seeking Arctic exploration with comfort and convenience. Read more to find out what makes this spot a must-stay for polar explorers.
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
Always wear moisture-wicking base layers and insulated outerwear to prepare for extreme cold.
Plan for Short Daylight Hours
Make sure to schedule activities around limited daylight in winter months.
Stay Hydrated
Cold weather can be dehydrating; drink plenty of water throughout the day.
Prepare for Icy Surfaces
Wear traction devices on boots when walking on ice to avoid slips.
Use Proper Snow Gear
Ensure your snow gear is appropriate for winter adventures, including snow boots and insulated gloves.
Thermal Base Layers
Keeps you warm in freezing temperatures and is essential for layering.
winter
Insulated Snow Boots
Provides traction and warmth when walking on snow and ice.
winter
Windproof Jacket
Protects against cold winds typical of Arctic environments.
winter
Headlamp or Flashlight
Necessary during long polar nights for safety and navigation.
winter