Ice Cave Hike – Into the frozen world
with Svalbard Wildlife Expeditions
- Price: 1550.- NOK
- November to May
- Duration: 5,5 hours
- Difficulty Level: 4/5
- Elevation Gain: 400 m
- 09:30-15:00
Ice caves on Svalbard are carved by powerful meltwater rivers in the summer that freeze solid during the winter. Inside, you’ll discover shimmering walls, twisting tunnels, and glittering crystals – it’s like stepping into another world.
The hike begins through a rugged moraine terrain, gradually ascending around 400 meters up to the glacier. Depending on snow conditions, we use snowshoes or walk on firm snow. As the landscape opens near the cave entrance, we put on helmets, spikes, and lights – ready to descend into the frozen silence below.
Inside, the temperature hovers around 0 °C – surprisingly mild compared to the world above. In this quiet, frozen environment, your guide will share stories about glacier life and Svalbard’s unique geology. We take time to explore, enjoy a warm drink and lunch in the cave, before we hike back with memories of a truly magical experience.
Light conditions vary throughout the winter. During the Polar Night, we hike in complete darkness, guided only by our headlamps and, at times, the moon. From February onwards, the daylight slowly returns, bringing a new atmosphere to the landscape each day.
Note: The cave may feel narrow in parts if you suffer from severe claustrophobia.
Physical Requirements. Suitable for those with good physical fitness. Medium to demanding mountain hike in snow and uneven terrain, with steep sections and 400–750 meters total elevation gain. Some crawling must be expected. Not suitable for people that are not fit or do not have experience with hiking uphill, have back problems or claustrophobia. You must speak English. Sneakers and jeans are not accepted.
Practical Information
Important Information
- You must be able to communicate in English to join our excursions.
- To ensure your safety we may refuse participation if you are not properly dressed for hiking in the conditions
- Difficulty: 4 / 5
- Participants: 2–8
- Distance round-trip: 6-8 km
- Elevation gain: 400 m
- Duration: 5,5 hours
- Minimum age: 12 (discount for children age 12 – 14)
Cancellation Policy
•22 days prior to arrival give a full refund
•8-21 days prior to arrival gives a 50% refund
•0-7 days prior to departure gives no refund
Svalbard is beautiful, but also unpredictable. For your safety, our guides may need to move activities to another day or replace them with a different trip if conditions do not allow the original plan.
In rare cases, if the weather makes it impossible to run an activity at all, it may be cancelled. Should this happen, you will of course receive a full refund for the affected trip.
Your safety and comfort always come first, and we’ll do our best to make sure you still have a memorable experience.
Included in the trip
Dress in layers – it’s the best way to stay warm. Remember: it is better to be too warm than to be too cold. And also – there is no bad weather, just bad clothing!
- Pick up from your hotel at 9:30 am | Return by 3:00 pm
- Guide with safety equipment
- Warm lunch, coffee and tea
- Ice Cave Equipment (helmet, headlamp & spikes)
- Other gear (snowshoes, hiking poles) if needed
Bring
- Warm, waterproof hiking boots (over the ankle) *
- Wool base layers, windproof jacket and outdoor pants
- Extra layer of clothing (warm sweater / puffy jacket)
- Hat, buff and windproof mittens / gloves
- Backpack (20 – 35 liters)
- Water Bottle
- * Muck Boots can be rented for 100 NOK
