The Schedule
Around 13 days including a training day and buffer day. Example: tour from 05.08 to 17.08.2026.
| Arrival day | Latest arrival in Longyearbyen, evening get-together |
| Day 1 | Day hike — putting equipment and team to the test |
| Day 2 | Training hike, last-minute shopping |
| Day 3 | Boat crossing to a remote beach in Dickson Land |
| Day 4–11 | Crossing of Svalbard |
| Day 12 | Latest arrival at Dicksonfjord, pickup by boat |
| Day 13 | Buffer day, in case the boat only arrives today |
| Day 14 | Departure or onward travel |
Getting There
Discord group
About two months before the start, Wandermut opens a private group. There, you'll coordinate travel, flights, and accommodation with the team, and get to know your team leader and fellow travelers.
Flight
The meeting point is Longyearbyen (the only airport), reached via Oslo or Tromsø, usually around €500. Wait to book until we explicitly tell you to.
Accommodation
You're responsible for arranging your own accommodation until the start. We'll discuss possible options together in the Discord group.
On site
Minimum group size: 7 people. Only book flights after being invited to the Discord group — if the tour doesn't reach the minimum number of participants, you'll get a full refund.
Area and Route
After training hikes around Longyearbyen, a boat takes us to Dickson Land and drops us off on a remote beach. From here on, we're completely self-sufficient, crossing Svalbard at its narrowest point.
Along the way, we pass Pyramiden, the abandoned Russian mining settlement — one of the most fascinating lost places in the world. Further on toward Austfjord, rugged mountains await, exposed to wind and weather.
Special Notes
Physical preparation
Train beforehand with a backpack of up to 30 kg. Everything must fit in your backpack; some shared gear will be split among the team.
Carrying your gear
There are no pack animals and no support along the way — whatever you need, you carry yourself. Pack with discipline accordingly.
Next Steps
Invitation to the Discord group
About 2 months beforehand, you'll get to know the team and team leader. This is when we confirm that the tour is going ahead.
Gear up
Go through the packing list, get anything you're missing — especially crampon-compatible boots, which you should test well in advance.
Cover yourself
Read the safety briefing and arrange insurance.
Book your flights
Only after our confirmation, with buffer days included.
The Packing List
Less is more. Below is the equipment that has proven reliable. Brands are recommendations based on experience, not requirements — links are affiliate recommendations.
What Wandermut takes care of
- Tentsincluded
- Local guidesincluded
- Boat transferincluded
- GPS devicesincluded
- Satellite phoneincluded
- First aid kitincluded
- Signaling equipment (polar bear protection)included
- Cooking utensilsincluded
Basic equipment
- Backpack, 75–100 l
- Dry bags
- Sleeping bag + liner
- Inflatable sleeping pad, high R-value
- Trekking poles
Clothing (layering system)
- Thermal underwear, 2 sets (merino)
- Fleece + down/PrimaLoft jacket
- Waterproof and windproof jacket + pants
- Hat + gloves (thin & thick)
- Hiking socks
Footwear & glacier gear
- Crampon-compatible boots, category B/C
- Crampons (aluminum, test beforehand)
- Sandals/water shoes for river crossings
- Gaiters (waterproof)
Other essentials
- Leukotape for blister prevention
- Sunscreen + lip balm
- Sleep mask (midnight sun)
- Microfiber towel
- Small gift for the team
Safety Briefing
These rules are based on experience gathered from many tours and the knowledge of our local guides. The team leader will explain them at the start of the trip. Please follow them — they protect the entire group.