Arctic September

Making our way from the airport we arrived in Longyearbyen on Spitsbergen Island; the heart of the Svalbard archipelago in Northern Norway. Upon arrival at the Basecamp Hotel, and after some lunch at the Traveller’s Club, we were accompanied by the dogsledding guides to the Bolterdalen Trapper’s Station where we got to experience dogsledding on wheels with the blue eyed Alaskan Huskies. We ended the night here with a traditional Arctic Trapper’s dinner of reindeer accompanied by historical accounts and stories of Trapper’s in Spitsbergen.

Dogsledding on wheels at Bolterdalen Trapper’s Station

Day two was the day for exploring Isfjord Radio. We took an open boat along the breezy water to Kapp Linne, where the radio and weather station is located.  Not only was the Arctic scenery flawless, spanning as far as the eyes could see, but the wildlife with unusual birds, reindeer and even Polar bears on occasion, was exceptional. In the evening we were treated to a three course dinner at the cosy yet modern Isfjord Radio Hotel, including reindeer and halibut with both French and Asian influences from the highly trained chef.

Open boat from Longyearbyen to Isfjord Radio

After a refreshing night’s sleep, we got ready to make our way outside for a hike along the breath-taking coastline. Whilst walking and taking everything in, the knowledgeable, local guides talked about everything from stories about old hunters to the geology of the nature on Spitsbergen. After the long walk, a well-deserved two course lunch awaited us before we hopped on the open boat back to Longyearbyen, but not before making a pit-stop in Barentsburg. This area, a historic Russian coal-mining town, is inhabited by only 500 citizens. We enjoyed the rest of the evening back at the Basecamp Hotel before resting for our final day in the Arctic, which was spent exploring Longyearbyen before being transported back to the mainland to fly home after a spectacular trip with new experiences.

Clouds over Longyearbyen; the main town in the Svalbard Archipelago

Although it was just September and the days seemed to stay light forever, temperatures still hovered around freezing, so plenty of warm, woolen layers and windproof jackets were essential. The hiking also demanded good quality hiking boots to stop any slipping and sliding around.

By Emilie Ozols