Meet our Russian comarades in the west - Barentsburg -Better Moments

Better Moments #1 TripAdvisor 2016 On this 2-day hiking trip we will leave Longyearbyen early in the morning with one of our big comfortable RIB boats. The boat trip will go to the old Russian settlement, Colesbay, located 30 km south in the majestic Isfjord. Colesbay, together with Grumant, was one of the biggest mining towns on Svalbard during the cold war. In the end of the fifties, over 1000 people had their home and work in this area. Today there's only a few houses and ruins left. Along the shoreline we can see the 7,7 km long railway that connects these two settlements. After a round trip in Colesbay, we will enjoy a morning snack before we start the hike back to civilization. We start out easy and follow the old railway. After just a few 100 meters we will come to an old cabin. This cabin has a history from an old expedition, and today it is actually a small mini museum. After a visit in the “museum”, we will leave the shoreline and head up towards the bird cliffs. On the top of the bird mountain we will follow the edge, where we will have one of the best views you can imagine. If time and weather condition allows it, we will hike down a small valley and explore the twin town of Colesbay, Grumant. Here the guide will decide where to set up the camp for the night. It could be close to Grumant, near the sea, or we might hike up to the bird mountain again to set up the camp where there's a stunning view. During the night we have to watch out for polar bears. We have to take turns to stay awake, to look after the rest of the group. Our experience is that the silence, the midnight sun and the stunning view, makes this a moment you will treasure for life. In the morning we will have a nice breakfast before we start the hike again. We will follow the edge of the mountain a few km before we will find the path down to Bjørndalen (Bear valley). Bjørndalen is one of the best flora terrains “close” to Longyearbyen. If we are lucky we will get close to the Svalbard reindeers that are common in this green valley. We also have to help each other to cross a shallow, but rapid stream that runs through the valley. If you are not afraid of cold water, you can cross the stream barefoot. When we exit Bjørndalen, after lunch, we will follow the old dust road that leads us towards Longyearbyen. Close to the airport a car will come and pick us up to drive us the last km in to the town. Day 1 distance 11-16 km, altitude 600 meters, all in all max accent of 1200 meter. Day 2 distance 14 km This is not a very exhausting hike, but for some it might be a challange. You need to be used to hike in rocky terrain, outside roads and paths. You are going to carry a personal backpack with all personal equipment, plus tent and sleeping bag. This backpack might get up to 15kg. This trip includes: Pick up at your hotel Boat trip from Longyearbyen to Coles Bay Food and snacks Tent, sleeping bag and matt Backpack Guide with all necessary safety equipment SAR insurance Personal equipment: Good hiking shoes for rough terrain (can be purchase at any store in Longyearbyen, Tax Free) Wind- and waterproof clothing Warm mid layer and woollen underwear One dry shift We provide a good sleeping bag, but you are welcome to bring your own. We also provide back packs, but if you bring your own it need to be min. 60L We require a minimum of 3 persons on this trip.