Hike To Blomsterdalshogda & The Global Seed Vault

地名

Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.

If you're visiting Longyearbyen between June and September then be sure to put on the sturdy boots for a hearty hike up Blomsterdalshogda. Sitting 1,053 feet above sea level it not only offers outstanding views from the summit but it's the one time of the year that the steep slopes come alive with an array of dainty and colorful flowers and mosses.

The climb up can be arduous so be advised to bring bottled water and to wear comfortable hiking boots, warm wind/waterproof clothing, a hat and gloves. Pictures from this adventure should be fascinating so remember to bring a camera to capture each unforgettable moment. Warm refreshments and snacks will be served during the three-hour excursion but you can bring a lunch if you like.

From the pier it's just a short drive along the Arctic shore to the base of Blomsterdalshogda. Once you arrive you'll meet your guides who will share local history and explain how the surrounding mountains were once important suppliers of coal.

Have your camera ready as you slowly make your way up the mountain. The guides will point out the lovely flowers that make their appearance each summer. One of the most common is the Svalbard poppy; commonly called the archipelago's floral emblem, the white or yellow poppy grows to a height of three to nine inches. The Arctic willow is recognized by its pale green leaves while the evergreen perennial known as moss campion is a ground-hugging plant with a mass of pink petals. Peeking out of cracks in the stone is a flower with the unusual name of Arctic mouse-ear. Although its petite petals grow less than an inch high it grows as a bush that clings to the rocks.

Soon, you'll reach the summit. From this vantage point you can breathe in the fresh air as you get your camera poised for this dazzling panorama of earth, sea and sky. To the east sits Longyearbyen and the sparkling waters of Adventfjorden bay. You may see migrant birds on their way to their nests on Bird Mountain; sea life such whales in the Isfjord; or even a reindeer with their young on the mountainside.

During your tour, there will also be a quick bus transfer to the entrance of the Global Seed Vault, where your guide will explain the importance of this locked facility. Carved deep into the mountain, the concrete vault currently holds an estimated 860,000 samples with the capacity to hold 556 million seeds. Packed in special four-ply packets and heat-sealed, the vault preserves a wide variety of "duplicate" samples that are held in gene banks worldwide to safeguard the loss of seeds during a large-scale regional or global crises.

Although admittance to the vault in not allowed, your guides will explain its international importance, as well as its unique construction.

When your exciting venture comes to an end, you'll return to the base of the mountain and rejoin the bus for the relaxing ride back to Longyearbyen.

特記事項：

Participtants must have sturdy hiking boots, wind and waterproof outerwear, headwear and mittens, extra clothing in a backpack and extra beverage/light meal/snack/chocolate if desired. The hike will take about 3 hours and the elevation gain is 321 meters or 1053 feet. this is a strenuous hike, with no set trail. We recommend the Hike to Bolterdalen for those looking for a non-strenuous hike.

As of 2019, it is no longer possible to walk to the Seed Vault, due to added security. A stop will still be made at on the road, where visitors can see the entrance to the building and hear about the importance of the vault. This will be either before or after the hike, to ensure there is not too much crowding on the road.