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Spitsbergen is....

THE NORTHERNMOST...

... in basically everything. The northernmost school, church, gas station, harbor, airport, hotel, road, mountains, brewery, supermarket et cetera. With a stunning history this magical archipelago is waiting for you for an unbeatable adventure. Learn more on this page to prepare your travels with both safety, history and preparations. 

history

HISTORY

Willem Barentsz, the Dutch navigator who searched for a northeast passage (from Europe to Asia) and for whom the Barentsz Sea was named, is well known as the one who discovered what is now know as Spitsbergen.  Because of his extensive voyages, accurate charting, and the valuable meteorological data he collected, he is regarded as one of the most important early Arctic explorers. Whalers, trappers and adventurers dominated the Archipelago afterwards and then there was John Munro Longyear, whose Arctic Coal Company started coal-mining in 1906 in what is now known as Longyearbyen. 

Spitsbergen has a stunning history. Many stories are there to be told. Some of them became a legacy.
Too many to write down on a single page. 
Come and join us and listen to a story or two from our professional guides. 

 

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what to bring

WHAT TO BRING

MUST

  • Passport (mandatory for all visitors - ID Card is not valid!)

  • Valid driving license for the use of our snowmobiles

  • Travel documents

  • Travel insurance

  • Good attitude to expect the unexpected! 

RECOMMENDED

  • Camera!

  • Small backpack

  • Water bottle/thermos

  • Sunscreen

  • Sunglasses

  • Wool underwear

  • Buff/scarf

  • Beanie

  • Mittens

  • Wool sweater

  • Windstopper

  •  
  • Warm waterproof shoes

NICE TO HAVE

  • Binoculars

  • Extra battery for camera

  • Extra memory card

  • Regular clothing for use in hotel and city

  • Slippers or indoor shoes

WINTER

  • Thick midlayer

  • Jacket (down)

  • Reflective vest

  • Ice spikes

  • Balaclava

  • Cream for your face

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how to dress

HOW TO DRESS

IJsgrot

WINTER

Several layers of clothing are mandatory. Inner layers should consist of wool covering all body and the use of big enough shoes and clothing to fit extra insulating layers is recommended.
Use extra clothing such as thick wool sweater and wool pants. The outwear should be windproof jacket and trousers, as well as a beanie, mittens, scarf / buff and good winter shoes. During winter, it is important that all bare skin is covered with insulating and windproof clothing, including the face. When participating in our snowmobile or husky trip you'll get extra special clothes.

SUMMER

We recommend the use of several layers of clothing during summer as well. A woolen inner layer and wind- and waterproof outerwear is needed.
Snow is commonly in summer.
The wind is cold, and it’s recommended to use beanie, mittens and scarf. 

Make sure to bring some extra sets of inner layer to be able to change clothes. 

A good hiking boot will do, making sure they are waterproof.

Sunglasses are a must! 

safety
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POLAR
BEAR

The King of the Arctic...
 

The polar bear is the most talked about animal. Many want to see the bear, but the Svalbard Environmental Protection Act strictly limits how to behave. The polar bear is the world’s largest land-based carnivore and Svalbard has the densest population of polar bears.

Polar bears have been a protected species in Svalbard since 1973 and can only be harmed in self-defense. Section 30 states: «It is prohibited to lure, feed, pursue or otherwise seek out polar bears in a manner that disturbs or causes danger to people or polar bears.» Violation of this section may result in fines and imprisonment. We respect this law and the natural habitat of the bear.

GENERAL SAFETY GUIDELINES

It is important that you comply with regulations and rules when visiting Svalbard. This applies both for your own safety, to preserve the fragile environment and the unique wildlife.

Safety in Longyearbyen

A safety zone in Longyearbyen is required due to polar bear danger. Please note that you should not go outside the settlement without the safety equipment or our guidance. See map below with marked zone for safe travel within the settlement.
Polar bear protection is not required within this zone.

Outside of this zone, § 30 a. (Protection against polar bear attacks) applies:


art. 30 a.( Protection against polar bear attacks)

Anyone traveling outside settlements, with the exception of visitors and residents who participate in organized travel arrangements, is obliged to have knowledge of security against polar bear attacks. Necessary measures shall be taken to avoid the risk of attack by polar bears and to avert such attack without injuring or killing the animal.

Anyone traveling outside settlements, with the exception of visitors and permanent residents who are involved in organized tour arrangements, must have appropriate measures for scaring and chasing polar bears.

The paragraph is taken from the Governor of Svalbard.

Organized travel with us

Our guides are educated, trained and skilled in all kinds of situations that may occur during our travels. Always follow the instructions given by our guides. 
For safety reasons our guides will be armed with a rifle they are trained and skilled for to use.
The use of a flaregun is possible in a possible threat. 
Your safety is our main concern!

Map
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