Spitsbergen - Adventures on Ice

ADVENTURES ON ICE

Norway's northernmost outpost Svalbard is a magical place made up of beautiful islands with some of the most dramatic scenery in the world; stark Arctic mountains, vast icebergs choking the sea, ice fields, glaciers and home to polar bears, walruses and seals. The name Svalbard means "the land with the cold coasts" and was first mentioned in Icelandic annals in 1194.

Your first destination is Longyearbyen, situated on the west coast of Spitsbergen the largest island of the archipelago and the most northerly populated island in the word; it is 400 miles further north than Barrow in Alaska and its large population of polar bears outnumber the youth of Longyearbyen by 3:2.  On arrival you will be transferred to your Hotel and enjoy a Wilderness Evening at Villmarkssenter in the Advent Valley.

The following morning the adventure begins. You will be taken to meet your dogs and given lessons on how to handle them and the sledge before setting off to the unique Ice Ship, the 100 year old schooner  'Noorderlicht'  trapped in the ice of the Tempel Fford during the winter and your hotel for two nights. The beautiful centrally heated ship is the perfect base to explore and experience the Arctic wilderness.

Your final day with the dog sledge your team pulling you through ever more wondrous landscapes back to Longyearbyen. Dinner and a good night's rest in readiness for the next expedition, with different transport this time. After a briefing on the use of your Snowmobile you will be ready to travel west over the ice to Cape Linnè and the  exotic hotel Basecamp Isfjord Radio  stopping at  many interesting historic locations on the way. An exhilarating journey through a winter wonderland then back to Longyearbyen where the adventure will be rounded off with an entertaining Survivors' Dinner.

Length: 6 days Longyearbyen-Longyearbyen

Cost: POA. Nicky Webster

Departure date: On application

Outline Itinerary

Day 1

Arrive in Longyearbyen. Our representative will meet you and transport you to the Radisson Hotel.  There will be time during the day to explore Longyearbyen, visit the shops or the Museum. In the evening you will be collected at 7pm and taken to Dinner - The Wilderness Experience.

Day 2

After a hearty breakfast and a short briefing you will be transported to the dog kennel Basecamp Trappers Station in Bolterdalen. After a lesson in handling dogs and sledge make the journey to the Ice Ship at Tempel Fford your home for the next two nights.

Day 3

The routine begins. Feed your dogs before you have your own breakfast and set off to explore Tempelfjorden and its surroundings. Lunch in the field and back to the Ship for a 3-course dinner.

Day 4

Last day of dog sledging, Return to the Basecamp Trappers station take leave of your dogs and back to the hotel in Longyearbyen and a well earned dinner.

Day 5

After breakfast a briefing on your snowmobiles before making your  way to The  Basecamp Isfjord Radio at Cap Linnè.

Day 6

Depart Longyearbyen and return to UK