Svalbard - Foxfonna Glacier

A white wild hike in the arctic!

Wilderness but with the safety of a trained mountain guide and not so far from town. Town being Longyearbyen located on the northern Norwegian island of Svalbard. The land of the Polar bears.

If you’re ever lucky enough to visit Svalbard then this day hike should be the top of your list of things to do. It was easily my favourite activity during my 10 day trip in April 2022. Due to the polar bear risk, all activities out of Longyearbyen town need to be with a guide equipped with a firearm. This is necessary to warn off any potential bear encounters. Polar bears being a protected species need to be kept safe from interacting with people!

This hike is run by Svalbard Wildlife Expeditions. (web link below)

https://www.wildlife.no/activities/winter-activities/day-trips/foxfonna-explore-glaciers-and-mountains/

You get picked up at your accommodation for all activities in Svalbard which makes everything so simple. For my small group of adventurers, we had the pleasure of Kasia and her 4-legged companion Ghandi. Once all picked up, Kasia took us to Wildlife Expeditions HQ where we all got properly introduced, inducted and gear checked. Its important for the guides to check you are dressed appropriately due to the freezing temperatures (during winter season) which on our day was

-17 degrees but into the -20s with windchill. We also got briefed on the hike, where we were going, risks etc and learnt how to put on snowshoes which are required during snowy season.

Foxfonna glacier is located around 5 miles south east of Longyearbyen where you will take a short drive up to one of the coal mines and EISCAT radar station. From here a short walk up a road and then get those snow shoes on for some complete white wandering!

Fairly good fitness is required for this 5-mile hike as mountain walking is required, however there is no rush and everyone will walk at the slowest pace. Some groups may cover a bit more ground but either way you will still get the same excellent views. In the winter its white, very very white. A white wild wilderness in all directions. I’ve seen snowy mountains in Europe, Oceania and Asia before but never seen a landscape so completely blanketed in snow. An absolutely incredible view, one I will never forget. To be on an adventure (albeit small adventure) within that arctic landscape was amazing. Yes it was extremely cold but so so worth it.

Coffee, tea and lunch is provided half way around the plateau before you swing around and head back down. Very important hot beverages in the cold as long as you keep wiggling those fragile fingers and toes! During the hike, our guide Kasia was sharing of all sorts of knowledge on Svalbard and the landscape we were seeing as well as being inquisitive of her guests too.  Added bonus with Ghandi the dog who was constantly setting the pace and making sure we were all safe and happy!

Once you’ve circled around the plateau you descent down to the EISCAT station and back to the vehicle. We had a bit of extra time during our trip so Kasia made some stops to show us the old airport with its airplane wreck and also some bizarre raised ice formations on the flat land areas east of Longyearbyen.

You then head back to Wildlife Expeditions HQ to return all equipment etc and then get taken back to your accommodations for some well earnt warm relax time. I however preferred to go straight to the lovely Café Fruene in the centre of town. My base for all my Svalbard wanderings!

I absolutely loved this trip and recommended it to everyone I spoke to during my time in Svalbard. It’s a place few will visit especially those who like the self-navigate their walks like myself but this is definitely a must hike!