The Journey
Travel with the expedition ship Meander through the autumnal Arctis in October 2025 and take advantage of this exclusive offer for an unforgettable hiking trip. Captain Mario Czock, crew and tour guide Alexander Lembke are passionate polar explorers who have been organising and running ship tours in and around Svalbard for many years.
In October 2025, they have planned a hiking trip where you can experience the varied landscapes and special light conditions in the fjords, valleys and on the peaks of the Isfjord on hikes. Participants will travel in a small group and take time to follow the light, discover unknown places or simply admire a glacier in the evening light. During the trip, the Meander is your home base, and we plan our route through the Isfjord as best we can according to weather conditions. In favourable wind conditions, even sailing is possible.
Hikes in the Isfjord
The side fjords of the Isfjord, Spitsbergen’s largest fjord system, offer countless opportunities for hiking and activities. With a small hiking group (maximum 12 participants), in early October we will make extensive treks through glacier valleys, enjoy panoramic views from mountain peaks and explore the tundra and fjords. The emphasis is on hiking, but other activities such as glacier excursions, nature observations from the boat or a campfire on the beach in good weather are also among the possibilities. Discovering, experiencing and collecting impressions are central to the hikes, for which we take plenty of time.
Generally, we trek as a group and expect all participants to be enthusiastic hikers. Photo equipment is of course part of a trip to Svalbard, but it should remain portable. This trip is aimed at participants looking forward to treks of up to 10 kilometres or several hundred altimeters. However, the pathless, often rocky Arctic terrain can feel tougher than a similar distance on a well-maintained mountain trail in the Alps. Participants should stand firmly on their feet and not be afraid of a challenging descent.
Itinerary
There is no set itinerary or programme for this trip. The Arctic is known for its changeable local weather systems, which means conditions can change within minutes and kilometres. Therefore, we always work with a flexible schedule and discover a new location every day. As this is a hiking trip, the emphasis is on hiking during the day. At night, we anchor in beautiful bays, so you can enjoy sunrises and sunsets, starry skies and, with a bit of luck, the northern lights from the deck. In the various tributaries of the Isfjord, you will discover diverse landscapes, each with its own character. The captain, together with the tour guide, determines the route, depending on current weather conditions, but always with the aim of ensuring an enjoyable and beautiful journey.
Fitness
A good physical condition is required for this trip. Although there are no tough climbs or technical sections, the distances and altimeters on some stages can be challenging for inexperienced hikers. This trek is suitable for hikers who already have some mountain hiking experience. If you have any doubts about your suitability, please contact us. This trip is not suitable for participants with existing injuries (knees, ankles, etc.) or other health limitations. For this, we will send you a questionnaire.
Tour guide
Alexander Lembke is a tour guide and photographer specialising in Svalbard and Scandinavia. He has worked for GEO, Geolino, Mare, Brigitte and the ZDF/3Sat, among others. For 16 years, he has regularly travelled to Svalbard as a tour leader and guide, where he also lived year-round for several years. Currently, he lives most of the year in Finland and works on several projects on Finnish sauna.
Accommodation
The Meander has six cabins, two of which (comfort cabins) have en-suite bathrooms. For the other cabins, two showers and two toilets are available. The cabins are equipped with bunk beds and all have a sink next to the bed. In the upstairs lounge, there is space to relax or read a book between trips. There are also plenty of places on the outside deck to sit and enjoy the passing scenery.
Recommended equipment
- Base layer: wool underwear
- Intermediate layer: trousers and jumper
- Outerwear: water- and windproof jacket and trousers
- Socks: two layers (thin and thick woollen socks)
- Hands: 1 pair of gloves (preferably 2: a woollen pair and a water- and windproof pair)
- Head: warm windproof hat, possibly a scarf
- Extras: warm insulation layer for breaks or on deck, high hiking boots, good rubber boots for landings with the Zodiac, a small headlamp and a thermos bottle
- On board: comfortable shoes, casual clothing, toiletries, sunglasses, binoculars, camera, backpack for personal items during the hikes
Do you have specific questions or need additional information? Let us know!
