Join a relaxed, local sightseeing walk through beautiful parts of Longyearbyen, with stories about polar history, sled dogs, eider ducks, eiderdown traditions, and everyday life in the High Arctic.
We meet outside Visit Svalbard and walk at a calm pace toward the historic husky yard connected to Berit and Karl Våtvik. Here, you will meet friendly huskies from the Svalbard Villmarkssenter family and hear about the important role sled dogs have played in Svalbard’s history, culture, and local identity.
In summer, this area is known for one of the largest eider duck colonies around Longyearbyen. The eider ducks nest close to the husky yard because the dogs help keep Arctic foxes away. Your guide will share the story of the special relationship between people, dogs, and birds, and explain how the area gives the eider ducks safer and more sheltered nesting conditions.
You will also hear about local trapper Tommy Sandal and Svalbard Fangst, who help keep traditions connected to eider ducks, animal welfare, and eiderdown craftsmanship alive on Svalbard. After the birds have left their nests, the remaining down is collected by hand and given new life as an exclusive local craft product.
Birdlife varies throughout the summer. The eider ducks are most visible earlier in the nesting season, and most of them usually leave the nesting area around mid-July. Later in the summer, they may still appear occasionally in smaller groups near or around the husky yard, but sightings cannot be guaranteed.
Close to the husky yard, we find a peaceful picnic spot with tables and benches. Here, we enjoy warm drinks and snacks in calm Arctic surroundings. Early in the season, you may often see and hear eider ducks nearby. Later in the summer, the area is usually quieter, but the birds may still appear occasionally in small groups.
During the picnic, you will also see real eiderdown and learn how this exclusive natural down is collected, cleaned, and prepared by hand after the birds have left their nests. Your guide will share stories about Tommy Sandal, Svalbard Fangst, and local craft traditions connected to some of the world’s warmest natural materials.
After the picnic, birdwatching when conditions allow, and local storytelling, we walk safely back toward town together.
Season: Summer
Start time: 11:00 or by agreement
Duration: Approximately 2–3 hours
Meeting point: Outside Visit Svalbard
Activity level: Easy, relaxed pace
Suitable for: Guests looking for a calm, local, and nature-based experience in Longyearbyen