Esmarkbreen
Witness the breathtaking power of Esmarkbreen, a massive tidewater glacier where ice meets the Arctic sea. A must-see natural wonder of Svalbard.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Calm seas, best light
Esmarkbreen
Best Time
Calm seas, best light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Witness the breathtaking power of Esmarkbreen, a massive tidewater glacier where ice meets the Arctic sea. A must-see natural wonder of Svalbard.
"A true miracle of nature, in the middle of Svalbard, a real natural event."
🚢 Book a Boat Tour
Essential for glacier views! Billefjord tours are highly recommended.
🐻 Polar Bear Awareness
Always travel with a guide or be prepared for polar bear encounters.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Esmarkbreen Glacier Front
Billefjord
Witness the immense ice face where the glacier meets the sea. A truly breathtaking natural spectacle.
Wildlife Spotting
Near the glacier
Keep your eyes peeled for seals, walruses, and even polar bears along the icy shores.
Barentsburg Views
Barentsburg
Enjoy views of the glacier from the unique Russian settlement of Barentsburg.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Boat Trip Essential
Wildlife Safety
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚢 Book a Boat Tour
Essential for glacier views! Billefjord tours are highly recommended.
🐻 Polar Bear Awareness
Always travel with a guide or be prepared for polar bear encounters.
📸 Capture the Ice
The sheer scale of the glacier is incredible. Get wide shots to show its immensity.
🐧 Look for Wildlife
Walruses and seals are often spotted near the glacier's edge.
Best time to visit, and what to do?
Tips
from all over the internet
🚢 Book a Boat Tour
Essential for glacier views! Billefjord tours are highly recommended.
🐻 Polar Bear Awareness
Always travel with a guide or be prepared for polar bear encounters.
📸 Capture the Ice
The sheer scale of the glacier is incredible. Get wide shots to show its immensity.
🐧 Look for Wildlife
Walruses and seals are often spotted near the glacier's edge.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Esmarkbreen as a spectacular and essential sight when visiting Svalbard, highlighting its immense beauty and the thrill of seeing a glacier meet the sea. The chance to spot wildlife like walruses and polar bears adds to the unforgettable experience, though some note that wildlife sightings are never guaranteed. The journey itself, often by boat, is part of the adventure.
"Beautiful glacier to visit when being on Svalbard. It is 1.5 hour from Longyearbyen and 1 hour from Barentsburg. If you are lucky you can find walrusses here."
Caspar Ruhe
"It's beautiful and spectacular to see this glacier finally reaching the sea. Visible only by sea or air. It's one of the must-see places when visiting Spitsbergen (Svalbard)."
Christian COUREAU
"We reached the Esmark Glacier by boat from Longyearbyen on the way to Barentsburg, I recommend the Billefjord boat for this trip! :)"
L V
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Esmarkbreen is primarily accessible by sea. Boat tours from Longyearbyen or Barentsburg are the most common and recommended ways to visit. These tours offer stunning views of the glacier and the surrounding Arctic landscape.
The journey to Esmarkbreen typically takes about 1.5 hours from Longyearbyen and 1 hour from Barentsburg by boat.
Yes, Esmarkbreen can also be viewed from the air, offering a different perspective on its vastness. Helicopter tours are an option for those seeking aerial views.
No, Esmarkbreen is situated on the Isfjord and is only accessible by sea or air. There are no land routes to reach the glacier front.
Several tour operators offer boat trips that include Esmarkbreen. The Billefjord boat trip is specifically recommended for reaching this glacier.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
You don't need separate tickets for Esmarkbreen itself, but you will need to book a boat tour or a flight that includes it in its itinerary.
The cost of boat tours can vary depending on the operator, duration, and inclusions. Expect prices to range from several hundred to over a thousand Norwegian Kroner.
There are no specific entry fees for Esmarkbreen as it's a natural attraction within a protected area. The cost is associated with the transportation to get there.
It is highly recommended to book your boat tours in advance, especially during the peak summer season, to secure your spot.
Boat tours usually include the boat journey, a guide, and sometimes snacks or lunch. Some may also offer opportunities for wildlife viewing.
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning or late afternoon often provide the best light for photographing the glacier, creating dramatic shadows and highlighting the ice's textures.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the vastness of the glacier. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife spotting. Don't forget a sturdy tripod for stable shots.
Include elements like the boat, people, or surrounding mountains in your frame to give a sense of scale to the massive ice formations.
Generally, photography is allowed, but always be mindful of safety and avoid getting too close to the glacier's edge or wildlife.
If you're lucky enough to spot wildlife, use a telephoto lens and maintain a safe distance. Respect their space and avoid disturbing them.
🎫 🐻 Wildlife Encounters
You might spot seals, walruses, and various seabirds. Polar bears are also present in Svalbard, though sightings near the glacier are less common but possible.
Polar bear sightings are never guaranteed, but they are sometimes seen near glaciers. Boat tours often have experienced guides who know the best areas to look.
If you see a polar bear, stay calm and follow your guide's instructions immediately. Never approach a polar bear.
Walruses can sometimes be found near the glacier, especially on ice floes or shorelines.
No, it is crucial to maintain a safe and respectful distance from all wildlife in Svalbard to ensure your safety and their well-being.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
When booking a tour, look for family-friendly options that might offer shorter durations or more engaging commentary. Ensure children are dressed warmly in layers, as Arctic weather can be unpredictable. The visual spectacle of the glacier calving is often a highlight that kids remember for a long time.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Consider a telephoto lens for potential wildlife shots and a polarizing filter to enhance the blues of the ice and reduce glare. The ever-changing light, especially during the Arctic summer, provides endless opportunities for stunning shots. Be prepared for cold and potentially wet conditions, so protect your gear accordingly.
🚢 Adventure Seekers
Many tours offer a sense of exploration as you navigate through icy waters. The raw power of nature on display at the glacier's edge is a profound experience for any adventure enthusiast. Remember to pack for all conditions, as the Arctic environment demands respect.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Majesty of Esmarkbreen
Reaching Esmarkbreen is an adventure in itself. Since it's only accessible by sea or air, most visitors opt for boat tours departing from Longyearbyen, the main settlement in Svalbard. These excursions offer not only the chance to witness the glacier's grandeur up close but also the opportunity to experience the unique Arctic environment. Keep your camera ready, as the scenery is dramatic, with towering ice formations and the possibility of encountering local wildlife.
The experience of seeing Esmarkbreen is often described as humbling and unforgettable. The sounds of the ice cracking and calving, the vibrant blue hues within the ice, and the vastness of the glacial front create a sensory overload. It's a powerful reminder of nature's forces and the beauty of remote, wild landscapes.
Wildlife Encounters in the Arctic
While polar bears are the apex predators of Svalbard and are present in the region, sightings directly at Esmarkbreen are less common but not impossible. Boat tours are equipped with guides who are trained in polar bear safety and spotting. If a polar bear is sighted, it's crucial to maintain a safe distance and follow the guide's instructions implicitly. Remember, these are wild animals in their natural habitat, and respecting their space is paramount.
Beyond the larger mammals, the skies and waters around Esmarkbreen are alive with seabirds. Various species of gulls, terns, and auks can be observed. The presence of wildlife adds another layer of excitement and wonder to the glacial experience, making each trip unique and memorable.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit