Nordenskiöld Land Trekking

Distance: 18-20 km
Elevation Gain/Loss: 550 meters

The adventure begins with a transfer to the Bjørndalen Valley, where we start our hike along the southern shore of Adventfjorden. We’ll follow the river’s edge, searching for a suitable crossing point; depending on the season, the river level can reach up to 0.5 meters, making this hike ideal in August or September when water levels are lower. About 5 km inland, we’ll reach a canyon and start our ascent up Bird Mountain (Fuglefjellet and Pilarberget) to 425 meters. A well-trodden path makes this climb safe and comfortable.

On the way, we’ll observe a seabird colony, including puffins and guillemots (best viewed in July), in their natural habitat. The name "Bird Mountain" comes from the thousands of birds that nest here. The route then crosses a plateau with stunning views of the entire Isfjorden.

Depending on tides and the group’s preference, we have two options to continue:

-Descend to the abandoned mining settlement of Grumant, and walk along the shoreline to the narrow-gauge railway (only possible during low tide).

-Follow the Russedalen stream to reach the narrow-gauge railway directly.
We’ll end our day at the Rusanov Cabin, a historic polar explorer’s hut built in 1913, now renovated for travelers.

DAY 2

Distance: 12 km

Although this day’s distance is shorter, we must cross the Colesbay River Valley. Depending on conditions, we’ll either wade through a shallow bog (30 cm deep) or follow the shoreline during low tide. Today, we’ll explore the abandoned settlement of Colesbay, a former Soviet-era outpost, providing a glimpse into the region’s rich history.

DAY 3

Distance: 17 km
Elevation Gain: Up to 300 meters

Our final day leads us along the scenic Isfjorden coastline. We’ll cross several streams and ravines; while there are no major river crossings, the Arctic climate can be damp, so dry weather is preferred, ideally in the fall. We’ll choose between two routes to reach Barentsburg:

-Continue along the coast via Heer Point
-Climb slightly into the mountains through the Hollendarelva Valley, bypassing Olaf Mountain from the north (elevation gain of 300 meters), providing panoramic views as we approach Barentsburg.