DAY 1 Oslo
Fly to Oslo Gardermoen airport and overnight at the Comfort Hotel Runway. Depending on your arrival, you may have time to take the train into the capital and explore further. The hotel operates a shuttle transfer from the airport (charge – pay locally).
DAY 2 Longyearbyen
Return to the airport for your flight to Longyearbyen – the world’s northernmost commercial airport. On arrival self-transfer to the Basecamp Hotel. This cosy trapper’s style lodge in the heart of the town will make you feel instantly at home. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. Familiarise yourself with your surroundings and perhaps pop into the Svalbard Museum. This will give a fascinating insight to the history of the region and the spectacular endeavours of previous visitors and residents alike. Alternatively we could arrange an evening excursion that will ease you into the surrounds.
DAY 3 Snowmobile Adventure to Isfjord Radio
Enjoy breakfast before meeting your guide and fellow adventurer’s in reception. You will receive a briefing about the programme for the next few days. It is then on to the snowmobile driving briefing and instruction. The guide will pick the best route based on the weather and snow conditions of the day for your journey towards Kapp Line and Isfjord Radio. Driving in pairs, there is ample opportunity to swop duties, should you wish.
The guide tows a sled behind his snowmobile packed with gasoline, food supplies, an emergency shelter, satellite phone, and a complete change of clothing from boots to hat. Along with the fully packed sled, the guide has a high-powered rifle, a compulsory accessory when heading out into the realm of the polar bear.
An expedition lunch is served along the way and you can start to appreciate the arctic silence and vast white landscape. A warm welcome awaits at Isfjord Radio, as well as a delicious 3-course dinner. Relax in the sauna and for the really brave, a quick swim in the Arctic Ocean.
DAY 4 Fritof Glacier
The specific itinerary for the day will be decided by the weather, however the plan will be to head south into the wilderness and towards the Fritjof Glacier. A watchful eye is kept at all times for the King of the Arctic, the polar bear as well as other Arctic wildlife. An expedition lunch is once again served in the field, before you return to Isfjord Radio with time to warm up and relax before another delicious dinner.
DAY 5 Barentsburg & Longyearbyen
After breakfast, it will be time to check-out of the lodge, but the adventure continues as you snowmobile back to Longyearbyen. If conditions are favourable there is the chance to visit the Russian mining town of Barentsburg (pop. 300). Witness life in an isolated arctic settlement, visit some of the buildings and hear about its fascinating history.
A last lunch will be served en route as you soak up the silence and peruse the horizon for signs of Arctic wildlife. Returning to Longyearbyen, check-in once again to the Basecamp Hotel, where you have time to reflect on your adventure and the extraordinary expedition you have just completed.
DAY 6 UK
Enjoy your last morning in this Arctic outpost, before self-transfer to the airport in time for your return flight back to the UK.
Further information will be given with your final itinerary and documents, however it is worth noting the following:
You do not have to be an experienced snowmobiler to participate in this trip, however you must be in good health. To drive a snowmobile, you must be at least 18 and in possession of a full driver’s license and this must be presented before the tour starts. This trip is not suitable for persons suffering from back pains or if pregnant.
In Spitsbergen, weather conditions can change quickly. Heavy winds, snowstorms, thick fog, crevasses and lack of snow or ice may result in a need to make changes to the planed route. It can also mean that a different form of transport or accommodation than described may be used. Any decision to change the programme is not taken lightly, and is only taken with your comfort, health and safety in mind.
