Svalbard

Wilderness Adventure Camp

6 nights from  £2899 • €3340 • $3890

Activities

7 days guided adventures

Accommodation

Guesthouse and tents

Level

Beginner

Food

Hearty expedition meals

Difficulty

Group Size

Challenging

Transfers

9 new friends

Dates

Coming in 2027!

Longyearbyen, Norway

  • Wilderness Adventure

    Raw Arctic wilderness. Remote camping. Proper expedition territory.

  • Explore Svalbard

    Kayak icy fjords, trek glaciers, and step into one of Earth's most untouched ecosystems.

  • Arctic Wildlife

    Reindeer, Arctic foxes, seabirds and the elusive polar bear watching over it all.

  • Two smaller white tents surround a larger red dome tent on the edge of a glacier

    Off-grid camping

    Two nights under the midnight sun in expedition tents.

  • Glacier Hiking

    Crampons on, harness clipped. You're walking on ancient ice shaped by thousands of years.

  • Sea Kayaking

    Paddle through silent fjords surrounded by towering glaciers and arctic water.

Always wanted to experience true Arctic wilderness? This is it. Svalbard sits at the edge of the world with massive glaciers, endless tundra, and fjords so still they reflect the sky. It's also prime polar bear territory, and home to Arctic foxes, Svalbard reindeer, and some of the rarest wildlife on the planet.

This trip takes you deep into Ymerbukta, a remote wilderness camp where we'll spend two nights completely off-grid. Days are spent glacier hiking with crampons, kayaking through dramatic fjords, and trekking across rugged Arctic terrain. Nights? Taking turns on polar bear watch under the midnight sun.

This is a genuine Arctic expedition for women who want the thrill of stepping far beyond comfortable. If you're after a bucket-list adventure and don't mind hard work to get it, you're in the right place.

Location

Svalbard feels like another planet, it’s vast, wild, and utterly remote. Our base is Ymerbukta, an isolated stretch of Arctic wilderness that's about as far from modern life as you can get. The weather's unpredictable, the landscapes are shaped by ice and wind, and the wildlife is exceptional.

Glaciers dominate the horizon, seabirds nest on cliffs, and Arctic foxes dart across the tundra. Then there's the polar bear—the undisputed ruler of this place. Sightings aren't guaranteed, but this is their territory, which makes every horizon scan a thrill. With 24-hour daylight in summer, the sun never sets on this extraordinary island.

Beyond polar bears, Svalbard's ecosystem is surprisingly diverse. Arctic foxes move fast between rocks whilst Svalbard reindeer graze on sparse vegetation. Look up and you'll spot skuas and Arctic terns overhead whilst, if we're lucky, you’ll see walruses basking on ice, minke whales surfacing through icy waters, or belugas gliding through fjords.

Taking your turn on night-time polar bear watch is one of the trip's most memorable moments. Scanning the endless ice by yourself, you'll feel connected to the Arctic in a way few people ever do. It's quiet, surreal, and deeply humbling.

Arctic Wildlife

Off-grid Camping

Two nights at a remote Arctic base camp. There’s no electricity and no running water, just wilderness tents for sleeping and a heated communal tent for meals and downtime. Falling asleep under the midnight sun and waking to glacier views is as soul-filling as it sounds.

You'll take turns on polar bear watch to keep the camp safe. And if you fancy it, there might be a chance to try an icy sea dip, but only if you're brave enough.

Hiking

Svalbard's terrain is rugged and dramatic. You'll navigate tundra, glacial valleys, and stunning fjords on foot. It’s challenging terrain, but the views make every step worth it.

Explore the Arctic from the water in double kayaks. Paddle through icy fjords surrounded by towering glaciers and watch for curious seals popping up nearby.

Sea Kayaking

Glacier Hiking

 Walk onto an actual glacier wearing crampons and harnesses. Your guide will teach you how to navigate safely across the ice while you learn about glacial forces, climate change, and the sheer power of this frozen landscape.

Activities

  • Hiking

    Svalbard's terrain is rugged and dramatic. You'll navigate tundra, glacial valleys, and stunning fjords on foot. It’s challenging terrain, but the views make every step worth it.

  • Sea Kayaking

    Explore the Arctic from the water in double kayaks. Paddle through icy fjords surrounded by towering glaciers and watch for curious seals popping up nearby.

  • Glacier Hiking

    Walk onto an actual glacier wearing crampons and harnesses. Your guide will teach you how to navigate safely across the ice while you learn about glacial forces, climate change, and the sheer power of this frozen landscape.

Fitness and Experience Level

  • This trip is rated challenging. You don't need glacier or kayaking experience, but high fitness is essential.

  • What You'll Do:
    Full active days; hiking, glacier walks with safety equipment, and kayaking. You'll also take part in daily camp chores—polar bear watch, cooking, fetching water, washing dishes.

    Expect This:
    Variable Arctic weather and extended days outdoors lasting up to 8 hours. Hikes can cover up to 12 km with elevation gains of 750 m over rugged, uneven terrain. Kayak trips range from 5-10 km. Some days combine both and distances and activities might change depending on the weather.

    Terrain:
    Loose stone, sand, and inclines, often with snow patches. The glacier hike requires crampons and a harness. You need to be comfortable hiking over rough ground with a day pack at a steady pace.

    Intensity:
    No prior experience required, but expect diverse terrains, long outdoor days, and camp duties in the evening. Good stamina is non-negotiable.

    Weather:
    Svalbard's conditions can be harsh. A positive attitude helps when the weather doesn't cooperate.

    Off-Grid Living:
    Two nights without running water or electricity. You'll share a tent with another Gutsy Girl, with a heated communal tent for meals and another one for the toilet.

    Communal Setup:
    No private quarters. You'll bunk together, pitch in with camp chores, and take turns on polar bear watch—expect some disrupted sleep.

    Consecutive Activity:
    Five days of intense activity in these conditions is demanding. Bring mental resilience and lean on the group when it gets tough.

  • Looking for luxury? This isn't it. But if you crave adventure, thrive outside your comfort zone, and want to experience the Arctic in its rawest form, then this is the trip for you. It's challenging, awe-inspiring, and deeply rewarding. It’s not just a holiday, it’s an Arctic expedition that'll stay with you forever.

  • We start and finish in Longyearbyen at a cosy guesthouse-twin rooms, shared facilities, filling breakfast. For two nights, we camp at Ymerbukta in two-person tents with a heated communal tent and toilet tent.

  • All meals included. At camp, expect hearty expedition meals and comforting dinners.

    Breakfast: Bread, eggs, cheese, cereals, hot drinks.

    Lunch: High-energy freeze-dried meals.

    Dinner: Warm, satisfying options like pasta, tacos, and Arctic stews.

    We cater for dietary needs with advance notice, but please get in touch before booking if you’re unsure. Just let us know specifics.

Itinerary

  • Day 1

    Afternoon: Arrive in Longyearbyen and check into your guesthouse. Sort yourself out, get your bearings, explore the town if you fancy it.

    Evening: Welcome dinner at a local restaurant where you get to meet your group for the week.

  • Day 2

    Morning: Breakfast buffet, then we're heading out for a full-day hike to Trollsteinen summit. This is a good opportunity to check your gear before heading out to the camp.

    Afternoon: Lunch on the mountain, then continue the climb. It’s a 9-12km round trip with 750m elevation gain. Panoramic Arctic views from the top, then make your way back down.

    Evening: Back to Longyearbyen, dinner at a local restaurant. 

  • A red kayak drifts in the water whilst Adventfjorden mountain looms up ahead

    Day 3

    Morning: Breakfast, then either a day hike around Longyearbyen or a kayak trip in Adventfjorden.

    Afternoon: Hit the shops if you need any last-minute gear for the expedition. Stock up on snacks. 

    Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant. Last night in a proper bed.

  • Day 4

    Morning: Early pick-up to the harbour. Board the boat and cross Isfjorden to Ymerbukta - roughly two hours on the water.

    Afternoon: Arrive at camp, set up tents, get your bearings. Then either kayak or hike with your guide to explore the surroundings.

    Evening: Group dinner at camp. Weather check and planning session for tomorrow's glacier hike. First shifts on Polar Bear Lookout.

  • Day 5

    Morning: Breakfast at camp, then hike out to the glacier. Strap on crampons and harnesses - you're stepping onto the ice.

    Afternoon: Explore the glacier with expert guides teaching you techniques and safety. Lunch on the ice with views that'll stay with you forever.

    Evening: Hike back to camp. Group dinner prep, then your shift on polar bear watch at some point through the night.

  • Day 6

    Morning: Say goodbye to your campsite home, then catch the boat back to town. Make sure to scan for marine wildlife on the journey

    Afternoon: The afternoon is yours. Explore Longyearbyen, read your book in the husky cafe or just chill out in the guesthouse - perfect downtime to recharge after a few nights in the wilderness. 

    Evening: Dinner at a near-by restaurant. Actual beds again.

  • Day 7

    Morning: Breakfast, grab your last photos, then it’s time for the transfer back to the airport. 

    • Mon 20 July - Sun 26 July

Dates

Price

Twin Room and Shared Tent £2899 (approx. €3340 / $3890)

  • Gutsy Girls is a UK-based adventure company welcoming women worldwide. Prices are in pounds (£) with estimates in euros (€) and US dollars ($). The final amount depends on your card provider’s conversion rate at payment time and may fluctuate.

  • Secure your spot with a 30% deposit; the balance is due 45 days before the trip.

What’s Included:

  • 5 days of guided activities

    • Hiking

    • Glacier hike

    • Kayaking

    • 2 boat transfers

  • 6 Nights of accommodation

    • 4 nights in twin room at guest house

    • 2 nights at wilderness camp

  • Highly qualified wilderness guides

  • All meals, including restaurant dinners

  • Equipment hire for activities

  • Sleeping bag rental

  • Gutsy Girl Host

Book Now

    • Flights

    • Airport bus (approx £8) 

    • Personal clothing

    • Drinks with restaurant meals

    • Travel Insurance (Mandatory)

  • The cancellation will only be effective from the date that the cancellation is received in writing by email. Cancellation charges will be payable as follows:

    • Cancellation fee of 100% is charged if cancelled 44 days or less before the trip

    • Cancellation fee of 30% is charged if cancelled 45 days or more before the trip

  • Guaranteed to run

    Dates marked "guaranteed" are locked in and happening, no matter what. Book your flights, we're going.

    Minimum numbers required

    Other dates need at least 4 people signed up to confirm the adventure. We'll keep you in the loop on numbers as they come in, and we'll give you the green light (or full refund) 30 days before departure. Just hold off on booking any flights until you hear from us.

Travel

  • Flights to Longyearbyen Airport run from Oslo Gardermoen. Please book yourself in for Day 1 and fly out on the final day.

    There's no group transfer, but the airport shuttle bus is timed to meet every flight. It'll drop you at the guesthouse on arrival and pick you up when it's time to leave.

    Aim to arrive at the guesthouse by 7:30pm on Day 1, in time for the welcome dinner and to meet the group. On the final day, book any flight that suits you. There are no activities scheduled, so you're free to head off whenever.

    Shuttle tickets cost around £8/€10 each way and aren't included in the trip price. For more information, including bus stop location, visit the website here: Airport Shuttle Bus.

    We strongly recommend travel insurance that covers delays, cancellations, and missed connections. Arctic weather can be unpredictable, and it's worth having that backup.

Full FAQs

Packing List

    • Tent

    • Groundsheets (14 mm cellular plastic)

    • Sleeping bag

    • 1 litre thermos bottle

    • Personal glacier equipment

    • Steady double kayaks

    • Dry suits and life vests for kayaking

    • 1 dry bag for use in kayak

  • Please see our full packing list here.

Questions?

If you have any questions, check our FAQs or drop us a message below!