Land based trips in Spitsbergen

Most vacations to Spitsbergen take place on the water, looking back at the land. There are a few trips, however, which are the other way round. Explore the heart of these remote landscapes, glaciers, snow covered mountains and frozen rivers, using the same modes of transport used by its small population and visiting researchers: snowmobiles and husky dogs sleds in the frozen months and, during the polar summer, on foot or on husky driven summer buggies with wheels.

On a Spitsbergen winter adventure vacation you will often have the chance to go on a two day expedition, or more, traveling across the wilderness with the help of the famous husky: a working dog which is vital to Arctic communities. This is a full on experience, where you start off at the husky expert’s center which has as many as 100 dogs, all like members of their family, and all desperate to get out running in the snow. So, be prepared for a veritable canine cacophony.

Once you have learned how to gather your team of dogs together, you are most likely going to ride your sled in pairs, taking turns to be in charge of your pooches. The minute they hit the hills, the barking stops and you are whizzing through a white wilderness in total, serene silence. You may stay overnight in the wilderness in Arctic tents, or head back to Longyearbyen at the end of the day, exhausted but exhilarated. In summer, these snow sleds are replaced by special, wheeled go-kart type vehicles, which are also pulled by huskies.

It is not something you would associate with an expedition in Spitsbergen; however, there are a couple of wilderness accommodations that specialise in fine cuisine. Using traditional, local ingredients however, such as smoked seal, reindeer sausage, meat hunted by licensed trappers and plenty of fish of course. It’s all a bit like MasterChef has gone on a wild, winter tour.