Trollsteinen
Conquer Trollsteinen for unparalleled 360° Arctic vistas, glacier treks, and ancient fossils. A guided adventure in polar bear country.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best light, fewer crowds
Trollsteinen
Best Time
Best light, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Conquer Trollsteinen for unparalleled 360° Arctic vistas, glacier treks, and ancient fossils. A guided adventure in polar bear country.
"Climbing Trollsteinen in Svalbard changed everything. The peace I found in the silence was unmatched."
Book Guided Tours Early
Essential for safety! Guides are mandatory due to polar bear risks. Book well in advance. :ticket:
Waterproof Gear is Key
Expect snow and melting ice. Waterproof boots and gaiters are a must to keep your feet dry. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic 360° Views
Summit of Trollsteinen
Breathtaking vistas of Adventfjorden, Longyearbyen, and surrounding Arctic mountains. A true reward for the climb.
Glacier Trekking
Larsbreen Glacier
Experience walking on a glacier, a unique Arctic adventure. Be prepared for potential wet conditions as it melts.
Fossil Hunting
Along the ridge
Discover ancient fossils scattered around the hiking route, adding an educational element to your journey.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Guided Hikes are Essential
Be Prepared for Arctic Weather
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Guided Tours Early
Essential for safety! Guides are mandatory due to polar bear risks. Book well in advance. :ticket:
Waterproof Gear is Key
Expect snow and melting ice. Waterproof boots and gaiters are a must to keep your feet dry. :athletic_shoe:
Layer Up for Warmth
Arctic weather changes fast. Dress in layers to adapt to temperature fluctuations and wind. :cloud:
Embrace the Silence
The Arctic offers profound peace. Enjoy the pure silence and vast, untouched landscapes. :ear:
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Guided Tours Early
Essential for safety! Guides are mandatory due to polar bear risks. Book well in advance. :ticket:
Waterproof Gear is Key
Expect snow and melting ice. Waterproof boots and gaiters are a must to keep your feet dry. :athletic_shoe:
Layer Up for Warmth
Arctic weather changes fast. Dress in layers to adapt to temperature fluctuations and wind. :cloud:
Embrace the Silence
The Arctic offers profound peace. Enjoy the pure silence and vast, untouched landscapes. :ear:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Trollsteinen offers breathtaking 360-degree views and a rewarding Arctic hiking experience, often including glacier trekking and fossil discoveries. While challenging due to steepness and unpredictable weather, the mandatory guided tours ensure safety in polar bear territory. Visitors praise the stunning scenery and unique adventure, though some note the physical exertion and wind at the summit.
"At 849 meters, Trollsteinen offers impressive 360 degree views of Adventfjorden, Longyearbyen, and Spitsbergen's mountains to the north, south, and east. On 23 June 2025, most of the hike, as well as the summit, was covered in snow, often more than a meter-and-a-half deep.
There are no trails taking one to the summit. And because the hike lies beyond the town limits of Longyearbyen, one needs a trained guide, armed with a rifle and a flare, to protect against a possible polar bear encounter (the guides are trained to use weaponry to scare polar bears and to prevent a polar bear encounter with humans).
I booked my hike through Snowfox Travel and could not have been happier with the result. The guide also provided snow shoes to everyone in our group and lunch at the summit."
John Quist
"a bit challenging in winter time but it is beautiful view and amazing experience"
xuebiao xu
"Really nice hike. Very windy at the top."
Charles Lamb
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Trollsteinen is located outside Longyearbyen, Svalbard. Access is only permitted with a guided tour, as it's a polar bear habitat. Tours typically depart from Longyearbyen.
No, there is no public transport to Trollsteinen. All access is managed through guided tours for safety reasons.
Hikes to Trollsteinen can vary, but many are around 7 hours, including travel time and time spent at the summit.
Absolutely not. Due to the significant risk of polar bear encounters, independent hiking beyond town limits is prohibited and requires a trained, armed guide.
Travel time to the starting point of the hike often involves crossing glaciers like Larsbreen, which can take a significant portion of your tour time.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
You don't buy tickets for Trollsteinen itself, but you must book a guided tour, which includes the 'entry' and safety measures. Book these tours in advance.
Costs vary by tour operator, but expect prices to reflect the specialized guiding, safety equipment, and potential glacier travel. Check with operators like Snowfox Travel for current rates.
Guided hikes are typically offered during daylight hours, with specific start times varying by tour operator and season. Summer and blue light season are popular.
It's highly recommended to book your guided tour in advance, especially during peak season, as spots can fill up quickly.
Tours usually include a trained, armed guide, safety equipment, snowshoes (if needed), and sometimes lunch at the summit.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The hike can be challenging, especially with steep sections and potentially deep snow. It's described as exhausting but rewarding.
You'll traverse glaciers, potentially deep snow (over a meter deep in June), and steep, unmarked paths.
While doable with a guide, it's a strenuous hike. Beginners should be prepared for a significant physical challenge and potentially difficult conditions.
Trollsteinen stands at 850 meters (approximately 2789 feet) above sea level.
While the primary concern is polar bears (hence the guide), you might also spot arctic foxes or various bird species. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed.
📸 📸 Photography
Summer mornings offer good light, while the blue light season provides a unique, ethereal glow. The summit views are stunning year-round.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the vast landscapes. Ensure your camera is protected from the cold and moisture.
Drone usage may be restricted in certain areas or require special permits. Always check local regulations before flying.
The summit offers incredible 360-degree panoramas. The glacier crossings and the ridge walk also provide dramatic photographic opportunities.
Include yourself or a hiking companion in shots to give a sense of scale. Wide-angle shots emphasizing the vastness are effective.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 Ensure the tour operator can accommodate children and that your kids are well-prepared with appropriate gear. The educational aspect of seeing fossils and glaciers can be engaging for younger minds. 💰 Budget Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Bring a wide-angle lens to capture the vast landscapes and consider a camera that performs well in cold conditions. Remember to protect your gear from the elements. The summit provides unparalleled 360-degree views, perfect for panoramic shots. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Safety First: Navigating Polar Bear Country
Guides often provide essential safety gear and insights into bear behavior, ensuring your adventure is as safe as it is exhilarating. Always follow your guide's instructions implicitly. The presence of a guide transforms a potentially dangerous trek into a manageable and unforgettable Arctic experience.
Remember, the goal is to observe wildlife from a safe distance and to avoid any confrontation. The guides are experts in this, and their presence is your primary safety net.
The Arctic Environment: Weather and Terrain
The terrain itself presents challenges, including glacier crossings like Larsbreen. While exhilarating, these can be wet, especially during warmer periods.
Essential gear includes waterproof hiking boots, warm, layered clothing, and gaiters to prevent snow and water from entering your boots.
Beyond the Summit: Unique Discoveries
The experience of walking on a glacier, such as Larsbreen, is another unique highlight. It's a chance to connect with the raw power of Arctic ice formations.
+1 The profound silence of the Arctic landscape is also a significant part of the experience, offering a sense of peace and isolation that is rare in modern life. These elements—fossil hunting, glacier trekking, and the overwhelming silence—combine to make the Trollsteinen hike more than just a climb; it's an immersive Arctic adventure.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit