Fossil hunting at Deltaneset HGR 163067 Emilie Gerber Meier
people-fossil hunting-hill-cloudy-deltaneset-hgr-163065-emilie-gerber-meier
knerten-felt-fossil-ammonite-konkresjon-perlemor-hgs-06432
people-fossil-hunting-glacier-waters-deltaneset-hgr-163070-emilie-gerber-meier
group-of-people-standing-together-on-glacier-backpacks-hgr-121743
brown-fossils-deltaneset-HGR-163066-emilie-gerber-meier
person-hunched-backpack-looking-at-ground-rocky-glacier-deltaneset-hgr-163068-emilie-gerber meier
seashell-fossil-deltaneset-hgr-163071-emilie-gerber-meier
jakt-person-standing-on-glacier-svalbard-looking-onto-blue-water-hgs-08785-linda-drake

Combine adventure with discovery as you search for ancient fossils in Svalbard's dramatic glacial landscape.

Highlights

Discover the raw beauty of Svalbard on a guided hike to a glacier

Keep your eyes peeled for 60-million-year-old fossils hidden within the gravelly mountain beds

Learn more about the archipelago’s rich geological history

How it works

At the head of the valley above Longyearbyen lie two glaciers: Larsbreen and Longyearbreen. Over thousands of years, Longyearbreen has carved the landscape, pushing out rock and sediment to form a large moraine that continues to evolve year after year. The surrounding mountains also contain fossils dating back up to 60 million years.

Your hike begins in Nybyen, Longyearbyen’s “satellite town,” where you leave civilization behind and step into the Arctic wilderness. There is no defined trail as your guide leads you across the moraine toward the glacier. The terrain is rocky and uneven, but the pace is relaxed, allowing plenty of time to search for fossils.

These ancient mountains, formed from river and swamp sediments, can be read like geological history books. Scientists on Svalbard have discovered traces of life dating back a billion years, while many of the most notable fossils are Jurassic-era plesiosaurs—marine reptiles that could reach 43 feet (13 m) in length and weigh up to 3 tons.

During the hike, you’ll pause for a break to enjoy a warm drink and biscuits while taking in the stark, otherworldly beauty of the glacial landscape.

Before you book

Activity level

Challenging: Good mobility and fitness needed

Group size

Groups up to 12 guests

Availability

Spring, Summer, fall

Transport

Walking

Food & drink

No food or drink included

What to bring

Comfortable shoes, warm and windproof clothing

Good to know

Fossils cannot be removed from Svalbard. Guests must speak English to understand safety instructions.

Voyages with this excursion

This excursion is available on select Hurtigruten voyages along the Norwegian coast. Explore all voyages.

Available: Spring, Summer, fall

Reine shutterstock 2330211095 EDIT 3x2

Bergen - Longyearbyen - Bergen

The Svalbard Line – Roundtrip

All-inclusive Arctic cruise to Svalbard & back, with fjords, wildlife & Midnight Sun

  • July 2026 - September 2027
  • 15 days
  • 14 Stops
  • All meals & unlimited select drinks included

Frequently asked questions

Answers to the questions our guests ask most often

If an excursion is not fully booked, any remaining slots will be available for purchase on board through your Expedition Team. These will be charged in Norwegian Kroner at your ship’s exchange rate.  

However, to ensure yourself a spot, we recommend booking in advance.

You will be able to view them all by logging into your booking here.

If you booked through a travel agent, you can reach out to them for this information.

Yes, you will get a full refund to your original payment method. If that's not possible, we will reach out to check your payment details.

Each of our excursions has a rating to illustrate the level of fitness required. There are four categories, with 1 being the easiest and 4 the most difficult.

Level 1 = Easy: suitable for most

Excursions at this level are physically undemanding and suitable for most people. Level 2 = Moderate: some mobility needed

Excursions in this category involve a small amount of physical activity, but on easy terrain with few major challenges. Level 3 = Active: good mobility needed

Excursions in this category are more active and involve outdoor pursuits that require a decent level of fitness. You may be expected to carry your own backpack and equipment. They are not suitable for those with limited mobility.

Level 4 = Challenging: good mobility and fitness needed 

These are our most challenging excursions, and require a good level of fitness. They may involve hiking or biking on uneven terrain and may also require specialist equipment. You would be expected to carry your own backpack and equipment. Excursions in this category are not suitable for those with limited mobility. 

Prices can vary depending on the season you travel. Costs such as exchange rates and local prices may change from year to year, so we show a “starting from” price as a guide. The exact price will be confirmed when you book.

Other excursions in Longyearbyen

Discover more ways to explore this beautiful coastal destination

Guest favorite
A RIB safari in the Isfjorden in Svalbard

Longyearbyen·3h

Isfjord Safari by Open Boat

Explore Isfjord in Svalbard by open boat, visiting historic sites and spotting wildlife.

Spring, Summer

A husky wagon ride excursion in Longyearbyen, Svalbard

Longyearbyen·3h

Husky Dog Wagon Ride

Ride in a husky-drawn wagon along Svalbard's coast, looking for Arctic wildlife.

Summer, fall

HRS-LYR3 Historical walking tour in Longyearbyen AGURTXANE CONCELLON LONGYEARBYEN4 1920x1080

Longyearbyen

Historical walking tour in Longyearbyen

Spring, Summer, fall

Visit-to-Svalbard-Brewery SIDE 14 ALT3 1920x1080

Longyearbyen

Visit to Svalbard Brewery

Tour and tasting at Svalbard Brewery

Spring, Summer, fall

A group of tourists on a e-bike tour of Longyearbyen in Svalbard

Longyearbyen·3h

Longyearbyen by E-bike

Discover Longyearbyen by e-bike, exploring mining roads and frontier history.

Spring, Summer, fall

main-camp-barentz-hgr-119744-agurtxane-concellon-kopi

Longyearbyen·3h

Svalbard Wilderness and History Experience

Visit Camp Barentz and the Svalbard Museum, meet huskies, and try Norwegian waffles.

Summer

MAIN Dog-sledding-on-wheels-HGS-02014--Photo Hanne Feyling 2500px-kopi

Longyearbyen·4h

Dogsledding on Wheels

Experience the instinctive connection between human and dog as eight huskies pull you across the Norwegian summer landscape on a wheeled sled.

Summer