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  1. What month did you visit? I’ve been looking online and it seems July-Sept are the best times to avoid the ice on the run up to Pyramiden. Trying to plan my own trip there soon.

    1. I went last weekend in May! It had been clear up until then and then when I arrived it froze over again. Definitely go July-Sept if possible!

  2. I went to Pyramiden in 2004 in September. It was freezing out on the boat, no-one was sitting up on deck (-10C with a wind chill so it felt like -20C and below) but the view across Icefjorden was amazing.

    I’m sorry you didn’t make it as it is really something. The cold preserves so it’s like people just left yesterday. The facilities for a 1970’s soviet facility were pretty top notch with the hotel, theatre and swimming pool. Although we never saw Bears there was always a sense that they were out there (the guide’s gun and flare pistol really helping re-enforce that).

    They didn’t offer whale meat when we went, but I can understand your reluctance. The whisky with glacier ice was nice though.

    As for the boat trip, the explanation of how to get into a survival suit and the realisation that if something happened you were in deep deep do-do did kind of cause a moment’s pause.

    1. Whiskey with glacier ice?!?! I am so sold on that :)

      Thanks for sharing your experience! I am determined to make 2018 the year I finally make it back (and see Pyramiden!)

  3. Thanks for the mention, Megan :)
    Sorry you had a bad experience, but at least those often make for good stories afterwards. As you’ve noticed, customer service isn’t really a high priority up here, even less so in the rough Arctic. Also, it can be a bit challenging for vegetarians up there. Hopefully, you’ll make it to Pyramiden next time. Luckily, Svalbard isn’t too terribly far away from Oslo.

  4. Thanks for the mention, Megan :).
    Sorry you had a bad experience, but at least those often make for good stories afterwards. As you’ve noticed, customer service isn’t really a high priority up here, even less so in the rough Arctic. Also, it can be a bit challenging for vegetarians up there. Hopefully, you’ll make it to Pyramiden next time. Luckily, Svalbard isn’t too terribly far away from Oslo.

    1. Hi Megan,

      Appreciate this is a long time ago now but what time of year were you there. We are heading to Svalbard in Nov 2019 and like you I am keen to get to Pyramiden. The only company I have found doing this trip at this time of year is the one you mentioned which makes me slightly nervous. We have two full days in Longyearbyen, the first will be taken with dog sledding and the second will either be snow shoeing or Pyramiden. Not sure whether it is worth risking it at this time of year but really keen to see the settlement.

      Thanks!

      Allen