SVALBARD – 78 DEGREES NORTH – Get Norway Travel

In April 2011, Elin and Graham joined an Arctic expedition along Svalbard’s coast. Ten years later, in February 2021, Silje and Eivind followed in their footsteps. Both journeys left us in awe of Svalbard’s raw wilderness – its silence, light, and dramatic beauty. During this period, the light starts to come back, the days are getting longer, and the sky turns all pink.

Most people know GET Africa/GET Norway mainly through Elin and Graham, who for more than 21 years have tailored journeys for Norwegians in Africa. In October 2018, Silje and Eivind moved to Durban and began their adventure with GET Africa. Due to the Covid outbreak a year ago, they returned to Norway. Over the past year, they had the opportunity to develop the concept of GET Norway Travel together with Elin and Graham – a long-awaited dream for them both. But enough about us, this blog is about Svalbard.

Svalbard for the active and adventurous

Traveling to Svalbard is like traveling to a new country and a place unlike any other. Svalbard is a Norwegian archipelago with just 2,500 residents from over 50 nations – and more polar bears than people. You’ll need your passport to travel there, and the shops are taxfree. Svalbard is vast and diverse, the nature is surprisingly rich and varied. The activities are plenty and we were lucky to experience some of them:

Arctic dog sledding

First stop: getting dressed. We were given all the necessary equipment for the day’s adventure: a full outfit with snowsuit, insulated boots, balaclava, and big warm mittens. We also brought our own wool base layers, ski pants, fleece jacket, down jacket, and two pairs of wool socks, plus some extras in a day bag. Better to pack too much than too little! Staying warm is key on these trips, since most of the time you’re standing still and simply enjoying the ride.

As we entered the dog yard, the excited Alaska Huskies immediately changed their behavior. It felt as if they were shouting, “Pick me! Pick me!”! And all with different personalities, but all eager to run.

We started with an introduction about where we were, what we would be doing, and the dogs’ daily routine.

Then we had the chance to greet McFlurry, Thor, Margarita, and the rest of the over-eager, furry pack. We were warned to watch our step – at any moment, a four-legged friend might bound overlooking for extra attention.

Soon it was time to prepare the sleds. The board showed which dogs were in which team, and suddenly the yard was filled with excited energy. With clear instructions on harnessing and fastening the dogs, we were soon ready. Each sled carried two people: one standing to steer, the other sitting – then we switched along the way.

1, 2, 3, swoosh – off we go! Our guide led the way, setting the direction and pace. The dogs immediately focused on their task, and the only sounds were paws swishing through the snow and the occasional squeal of joy from us.

All you need to do is hold on and let the dogs do the work. The nature, the light, the silence, and the sheer energy of the huskies – it’s pure magic. “Minutes and hours disappear in happiness. I catch myself grinning until my cheeks burn – behind the balaclava and fleece neck warmer,” says Eivind.

Midway, we stopped at an ice cave. While the dogs rested and enjoyed a treat, we explored deep inside the glacier. It was a surreal feeling, like stepping back into the Ice Age. After a hot expedition lunch, we prepared the sleds again and rushed off into the Arctic wilderness.

Back at the dog yard, we unharnessed the dogs and returned them to their places. A few extra cuddles were given in thanks for the incredible ride.

You don’t need any prior experience to join a dog sledding trip. But be warned, it’s easy to get hooked. I know I’ll be driving a dog sled again!

Snowmobile trip in Svalbard’s landscape

From husky power to horsepower. Once again, we suited up in warm Arctic clothing + wool is gold + and all the necessary snowmobile gear.

Driving came surprisingly easy, and soon we were gliding across endless white landscapes in shades of blue and pink. We rushed past snow-covered mountains and valleys, stopping several times to take in the silence. It was thrilling to remember that we were in the heart of polar bear territory. Here on Svalbard, we are the visitors. No polar bears spotted through our binoculars this time, but the experience from the snowmobile seat was unforgettable.

After some fantastic hours, we reached Grønfjorden and Barentsburg (“Little Russia”), a small mining community with around 450 inhabitants. We stopped for lunch and a bit of sightseeing before continuing.

On the way back, we rode along the coast as the sun set. The Arctic light changed minute by minute, until dusk quietly fell. The last stretch was lit only by the snowmobiles’ headlights, as we climbed to a viewpoint overlooking Longyearbyen. Simply fantastic.

I left with both a sense of mastery and a strong desire to drive more. Svalbard offers countless snowmobile options, from short trips to multi-day expeditions.

The weather here changes quickly – you can leave in sunshine and return in a snowstorm. But with two layers of wool, snowsuit, boots, balaclava, helmet, ski goggles, and warm mittens, we never felt cold for a second.

Overnight stay at Isfjord Radio

We spent two nights at Isfjord Radio, a remote 1933 radio station turned boutique Arctic lodge. From the outside, it looks rugged and weathered. Step inside, however, and you’re met with modern comfort and stylish interiors designed by Halvor Bakke (known from Eventyrlig Oppussing).

Isfjord Radio lies far from civilization, only reachable by boat in summer, or by dog sled (3–5 days) and snowmobile (4–5 hours) in winter. After just one day here, we realized how wild and remote this truly is. Even a short walk outside requires a polar bear guard. Whether heading to the sauna, the snowmobile, or even the sea, you must be accompanied because polar bears are regular visitors, and here, we live on their terms.

Around the station, Svalbard reindeer wander undisturbed, and with luck you may spot an Arctic fox. The station also boasts Svalbard’s finest sauna, with panoramic views of the Barents Sea. Against all reason, I joined the “Arctic Swimmers” and plunged into the 0°C sea before sprinting back to the sauna. Unforgettable and very refreshing!

In winter, you can explore by snowmobile. In summer, walrus colonies gather nearby, and boat trips reveal glaciers and rugged coastlines.

The food here is almost worth the trip alone. Each evening, the chef serves multi-course Arctic dinners highlighting the best of local ingredients. After a day of exploration, nothing beats gathering around the table to share the day’s stories.

Did you know this about Svalbard?

Cats are not allowed as pets, though one cat lived in Barentsburg for years (until 2022). It was mistakenly officially registered as an Arctic fox and was therefore able to continute its life on Svalbard.
Shoes are removed when entering hotels and some restaurants.
Alcohol is tax-free at “Nordpolet,” the local liquor store.
Due to permafrost, no one is buried here.
The world-famous Svalbard Global Seed Vault safeguards seeds from more than 4,000 plant species, stored at –18°C for long-term preservation.

Do you dream of traveling to Svalbard? Get in touch with us…