The Russian Trail to Barentsburg
Trek description
We pack our backpacks and head south out of Longyearbyen and trek across the Longyear Glacier. We pass through a narrow mountain pass and through deep valleys beyond. We cross the river Hollendarelva and enter the living coal mining settlement of Barentsburg, where we enjoy the best of Russian hospitality and a cold, local beer. On the returning boat trip to Longyearbyen we enjoy a seaside review of the trek - all in reverse. Daily distances vary between 15 and 20 km.
Day 0
We meet up at the cosy tavern Kroa at meeting point D (see start location below) at the heart of Longyearbyen. Here, we get acquainted, talk over the trek, and plan final preparations over a cup of coffee. There are opportunities for last minute shopping and sightseeing in Longyearbyen.
Day 1
We meet in Southern Longyearbyen at meeting point A (see start location below) at noon, before heading up the Longyear glacier. We cross the gleaming glacier before heading through a small pass and descending into The Far Valley. Here we pitch our first camp on its green slopes.
Day 2
We leave the Far Valley and enter into the massive open river delta in Coles Valley. Here, we take off our boots and cross the cold waters of the Coles River. With a view to the Ice Fjord to the north, we head on into the much narrower Leila Valley. This will be our home for the night, and we set up our second camp between its steep, protective walls.
Day 3
Leaving Leila Valley through a small pass, we head up onto a plateau, making slow turns between numerous snow-capped peaks throughout the day. As evening draws near, we descend between two majestic mountains down to the coast of the Ice Fjord. As a final challenge of the day, we cross the Duch Bay before setting up camp for a well-earned rest around a driftwood bonfire.
Day 4
On this final day of our adventure, we break camp and we follow the coast of the Ice Fjord, heading for Barentsburg and finally enter the mining city from the north. Here, we enjoy the best of Russian hospitality and a cold, local beer before kicking back and enjoying the ride on the boat back to Longyearbyen.
Learning by doing
On this journey you have the opportunity to develop the skills you need to do your own multy-day treks through the Arctic summer: Route planning and navigation, calculating provisions, basic safety routines and wise gear selection.
Included in the price
- Experienced guide
- Full search and rescue insurance
- Necessary equipment for polar bear safety
- Emergency and first aid kit
- Navigation and communication equipment
You need to bring
This four day trek requires some basic equipment. Please contact us if you have any questions - See the full list here.
Trek facts
| Event Date | 31-07-2018 8:30 am |
| Event End Date | 03-08-2018 4:30 pm |
| Start Location | The day before departure, we meet at the wooden porch just outside at the cosy tavern Kroa at in central Longyearbyen at Meeting Point D at 12:00 (just look for a guide with a “Svalbard Trekking” sign). On the departure day itself we meet up 12. at Meeting Point A. See the map here. |
| End Location | End up at Longyearbyen harbour at point F. See the map here. |
| Difficulty Level | 3 |
| Difficulty Description |
This trek is for people in good physical shape and some prior experince with overnight treks.
|
| Group Size | Minimum 2 |
| Distance | About 55 km. through rough terrain. |
| Duration | Four days, three nights. |
| Average Temperature | Average temperature in this period: 5°C / 23°F |
| Operator | Svalbard Trekking |
| Remember To Bring |
For this trek you need to bring your own basic equipment. Please contact us if you have any questions - See the full list here. |
| Price Per Adult | 6399 NOK |