This expedition starts with a boat trip across lsfjorden, the biggest fjord on Spitsbergen. It will bring us to Trollheimen, one of the most scenic and isolated regions on Spitsbergen.
Magical and Quiet. Dog sledges were the only means of transport on Svalbard until the mid 1960’s. Several decades later it was still many who preferred dog sledges to snowmobiles. When out on their own people couldn’t always rely on the snowmobile being able to cope with the cold, whether as a dog on the other hand would never let you down.
Dark mountains, white glaciers. North-west of Longyearbyen is Trollheimen, the mountainous area where the adventure will play out. The expedition sets off with a boat ride across Isfjorden to Borebukta where we set up camp.We pack our equipment in sleds and move deeper into the mountainous area, setting up a new camp every night. Everyone helps care for the dogs on the 5 days we are out in nature During this expedition you will experience a fantastic landscape with powerful glaciers and alpine mountain summits, and for every day that passes the relationship between you and your dogs develop. Faithfully they obey your commands for “stop” and “go”. This is an excellent way to discover the Arctic: Miles and miles of white planes. Deafening silence with only the sound of paws and runners hitting the crispy snow. For decades both the drivers and dogs have experienced this majestic landscape together. Dogs are the perfect alarm system for bears. This is going to be your own personal polar expedition.See nice pictures and report (text in Norwegian only) from Spitsbergen Trollheimen Dogsled Expedition 2011 here (Copyright: Hilde Fålun Strøm)
On this map you will see where our expeditions at wintertime will be situated. The exact route is depending on weather and snow conditions.
Dotted line indicates transport by boat.DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE EXPEDITION ROUTE MAP HERE (PDF)
Day 1 - Wednesday14:00: The guide will meet you at the airport or at your accommodation in Longyearbyen, and take you to the starting point of the trip.You will receive your tour clothes and baguettes will be served. The group will then be transported by boat across the Isfjord, to the camp where our new four-legged friends will be waiting. As we cross Isfjorden, we will be met by a fantastic view of a glacier reaching the sea. In the camp we will go through safety instructions and routines, and get to know our new travel companions, the polar huskies, before we call it a day.Day 2 to 5 - Thursday to SundayAfter a good night's sleep and a solid breakfast, we will take down the camp, prepare the sleds and harness the dogs. The expedition will continue up the glacier and into Trollheimen. Over the next few days we will travel in this magnificent yet quiet landscape, between noble mountains and massive glaciers - just like the early polar explorers.Each night we will find a new campsite, and everyone will participate in setting up camp and feeding the dogs. A hearty dinner follows each unforgettable day, and then we snuggle up in our sleeping bags while the dogs surround the camp, keeping watch for polar bears. Over the course of these days you will notice that you’re mushing skills increases and that the routines become second nature. Everyone will develop a real appreciation for the dogs’ work ethic, and perhaps be surprised by how affectionate these mighty animals are.Day 6 - MondayAfter lunch we will arrive back at our first musher camp, and it is time to say goodbye to our four-legged friends. We will cross Isfjorden again on our way back to Longyearbyen.
You do not need to have experience in dog sledding. No previous winter camping experience is required, just an adventurous spirit! However, you should be in average good physical condition to participate on this trip. The participants will be asked to help out with the camp, feeding of the dogs, preparations for the trips etc.The weather in the Arctic can change within hours and it might be both cold and windy - even down to -5 to -10° C in May and June. The guide will take care of the guest's safety, and will bring all necessary safety equipment.
Single tent on request.The prices includesOutdoor clothing as mittens, facemask/balaclava, thick hat, goggles, winter shoes and thermal suit. Meals during the trip, shared equipment, tent, sleeping mats, sleeping bag and experienced guide with all necessary safety equipment, as well as search and rescue insurance. Transport to and from Trollheimen.The prices do not includeAirfare, accommodation and meals in Longyearbyen, beverages, personal travel insurance, clothing and equipment.
There is a lot of exciting excursions and activities you can join from Longyearbyen before or after the trip. You can book additional nights at one of our places of accomadation in connection with your expedition.Price room in connection to the expedition:
Required equipment
In addition we recommend
We provide the following equipment
Note: Pack in plastic bags and bring extra plastic bags, as the equipment may become wet during the tour.
6 days
From end May to beginning of June
3 departures.
Minimum 2 personsMaksimum 6 persons
18 years
Book the expedition:Phone: +47 79 02 61 00 or by e-mail: info@spitsbergentravel.no. For final booking, please fill out trip application and send to us.Trip application (pdf).Trip application (word).Conditions for sale for expeditions (pdf).
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SPITSBERGEN TRAVEL AS, Postboks 548, 9171 LongyearbyenTlf.: +47 79 02 61 00 | Faks: +47 79 02 61 01E-post: info@spitsbergentravel.no