Hiking in the Svalbard mountains
Recently, there have been landslides in several places in the mountains around Longyearbyen. Hiking close to mountain sides is not recommended. If you are hiking in the outback, you should avoid unstable areas.
When you hike in the mountains of Svalbard, you must be prepared for a lot of loose and slippery rocks. Weathering means that loose masses and rocks are constantly falling down the mountain sides. In addition, permafrost will be exposed in several places due to erosion.
Recently, there has been warm weather combined with rainfall, which means that the ground conditions are unstable and landslides have occurred in several places in the mountains around Longyearbyen. Therefore, hiking close to mountain sides is not recommended. If you are hiking in the outback, you must pay close attention to changes in the terrain and avoid parts that are unstable.
Otherwise, we remind you of the Norwegian Mountain Code:
- Plan the trip and report where you are going.
- Adapt the planned routes according to ability and conditions.
- Pay attention to weather and avalanche warnings.
- Be prepared for bad weather and frost, even on short trips.
- Bring the necessary equipment so you help yourself and others.
- Choose safe routes. Recognize avalanche terrain and unsafe ice.
- Use a map and compass. Always know where you are.
- Don’t be ashamed to turn around.
- Conserve your strength and seek shelter if necessary.
You will find more useful information in the brochure "Safety in Svalbard", which you can download as PDF here.
