The Arctic’s Magic

Arrive in Longyearbyen and transfer to the characterful Basecamp Hotel, your first home in Svalbard. In the afternoon, meet an enthusiastic team of Arctic huskies and learn how to prepare them for an adventure through the surrounding wilderness. With summer replacing traditional sled runners with wheels, set off by dog cart across the rugged landscape. Spend time with the dogs before and after the excursion, learning about their training and daily care, before enjoying an evening at leisure in Longyearbyen.

Meet your guide and head to the harbour for the boat journey across Isfjorden towards isolated Isfjord Radio. Along the way, take in Svalbard’s magnificent coastal scenery while watching the shoreline and skies for Arctic wildlife and seabirds. On arrival at the former radio station, discover the fascinating history of this remote outpost before settling into the Isfjord Radio Adventure Hotel. Spend the afternoon relaxing in the sauna, browsing the library or simply admiring the wilderness views, followed by a four-course dinner.

Set out for a full day exploring the spectacular western reaches of Isfjorden. Cross the fjord towards Alkhornet, where towering cliffs provide nesting grounds for thousands of seabirds, before continuing into the beautiful surroundings of Trygghamna. Step ashore for an expedition-style lunch on the beach and explore the Arctic landscape before travelling onwards to the magnificent Esmark Glacier in Ymerbukta. Throughout the journey, keep watch for seals and whales, with even the possibility of a distant polar bear encounter. Return to Isfjord Radio for another four-course dinner.

Spend your final morning at Isfjord Radio exploring the surrounding wilderness on a guided hike of approximately 10–16 kilometres, with the route chosen according to local conditions. One possibility leads towards Linné Lake, where you can explore its shoreline and potentially paddle by canoe while looking for Arctic foxes and Svalbard Rock Ptarmigan. Alternatively, follow the coast towards Båtodden, passing beneath Greig mountain, old whale bones and a traditional trapper’s hut while searching for walruses along the shore. After lunch in the wilderness, return by boat to Longyearbyen.

Enjoy breakfast at Basecamp Hotel before transferring to Longyearbyen Airport for your onward journey. Leave Svalbard after five days combining the character of the world’s northernmost settlement with husky adventures, remote fjord exploration and a secluded stay at historic Isfjord Radio. From towering bird cliffs and glacier-filled bays to wildlife-rich tundra and isolated Arctic coastlines, this compact journey offers an immersive introduction to Svalbard’s summer wilderness.