
Basecamp Hotel
A unique, traditional experience in Longyearbyen - great for before or after your polar bear safari.
Duration | Price | When | Destination | Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
5 Days | £2200 | Feb - May | Svalbard | Small Group Safari |
An adventurous snowmobiling expedition in Svalbard during which you'll explore the High Arctic, embark on a dog sledding trip, and visit the boutique hotel of Isfjord Radio.
This safari explores the unique wilderness of Svalbard, starting in Longyearbyen, the capital of the Svalbard Archipelago. After a full briefing on how to use a snowmobile, you will ride out over glaciers, frozen fjords and Arctic mountains. During your extraordinary journey, keep an eye out for Arctic wildlife – you may even catch a glimpse of the mighty polar bear. You'll be staying at the trapper-themed Basecamp Hotel and the converted satellite station of Isfjord Radio, and you'll even be able to sit down to dinner in an authentic trapper's station from years gone by! Add in a thrilling dog sledding trip, and this is sure to be an Arctic adventure you'll never forget.
Today you will arrive into Longyearbyen, Svalbard's largest settlement. On arrival, you will be taken by shuttle bus to your hotel where you can check in and get settled. In the early afternoon you will be picked up at your hotel by our guide at 9am or 4pm, depending on your chosen departure. Together with the guide and rest of the group, you will go through today’s route and needed equipment. After a short car ride, you arrive at Trapper’s Station situated in Bolterdalen, where 90 friendly Alaskan huskies are eager to meet you.
Your guide will introduce the principles of dog sledding and help you to harness your own team. On this trip, two persons share one dog team, and can take turns in driving. And off we go, mushing into Bolterdalen Valley. When the Trapper’s Station is behind us, we are already in the real wilderness of Spitsbergen. Take in the scenery around you and enjoy the Arctic silence as your dog team does the work for you.
Once back at the station, you will help to take care of your team, unharness them and give them a few pats and hugs. Now you have the chance to look around the authentic Trapper’s Station, which contains many interesting items from the days of fur trapping in Svalbard. Enjoy a traditional trapper's dinner while listening to stories of Svalbard's fascinating history.
Overnight: Basecamp Hotel (D)
At 10am your snowmobile guide will pick you up from your hotel. You will have time to sit down with the guide and talk about the coming trip, as well as possible routes and needed equipment. After the meeting you will receive warm clothing and then head to the snowmobiles. After a lesson on snowmobile driving and safety issues, you will head out to the wilderness and towards Kapp Line and Isfjord Radio.
Your guide will choose the day’s route depending on the weather and snow conditions. Enjoy an expedition lunch on the way, surrounded by vast white landscapes and the silence of the Arctic. You will arrive at the remote boutique hotel of Isfjord Radio before evening. Here the staff will warmly welcome you and serve you a delicious three-course meal. If you are up to it, you can even try a warm sauna and quick swim in the Arctic Ocean – what a way to finish an adventurous day!
Overnight: Isfjord Radio (B, L, D)
Breakfast is served from 8am. After a substantial breakfast, it is time to head into the beautiful landscape of Spitsbergen. Your guide chooses the day’s route depending on the weather and snow conditions. If the weather is good, we go southwards to Fritjof Glacier. If we are lucky we might even see the King of Arctic, the polar bear, hunting for seals on the ice. Expedition lunch will be served in the field. In the afternoon we return to Isfjord Radio and have some time to relax before dinner.
Overnight: Isfjord Radio (B, L, D)
After breakfast at Isfjord Radio, your final day of snowmobiling awaits. Once again, the exact route of your expedition will depend on the weather and snow conditions, with your guide having the final say. If the weather is good, you may have the opportunity to visit the Russian mining town of Barentsburg, which has a population of around 300. Here you can experience life in an isolated Arctic town and inspect some Soviet architecture. After your day of snowmobiling, head back to Longyearbyen in the afternoon.
Overnight: Basecamp Hotel (B)
This morning you check out of the hotel and say your goodbyes before taking the shuttle back to the airport in time for your international flight home.
This is a small group set departure, but can also be booked on a private group basis to allow for a safari that is tailored to your needs. For example, your dog sledding trip can be exchanged for a snowshoeing trip to an ice cave, or you can opt to stay at Basecamp Hotel for the duration of your trip. Get in touch with one of our Destination Specialists to find out more.
Please note: All passengers driving a snowmobile must have a valid driving licence. In order for the trapper's dinner to go ahead, a minimum of eight guests must be booked on to the small group safari.
A unique, traditional experience in Longyearbyen - great for before or after your polar bear safari.
Formerly a satellite comms station, it is now an original boutique hotel where you can experience Svalbard's true wonder and beauty.
S/V Noordelicht is a classic sailing ship accommodating only 20 people. Each cabin has a small desk, wash basin with hot and cold…