Snowmobile safari to Tempelfjorden
Jan - May
7 hours
This is a stunning snowmobile tour through typical Svalbard landscapes. We will drive through long valleys to the bank of the Sassenfjord, and the trapper Hilmar Nøis’ house, Villa Fredheim.
Towards Fredheim
This is the perfect tour for those who do not have a lot of snowmobile experience, but would like to experience a whole day in the saddle, and to head far from Longyearbyen and into the wilderness.
The goal for the tour is Fredheim, the hunting base of the legendary trapper, Hilmar Nøis, who spent 38 winters on Svalbard. Nøis was known as the ‘King of Sassen’, but actually planned to be a fisherman. He was so troubled by sea sickness however, that he decided to become a hunter on Svalbard instead. Many of the trappers cabins on Svalbard are of the simplest sort, but Villa Fredheim is an exception. With its flag pole, potted plants and curtains, this two storey villa was a palace in comparison to the other. Despite the ‘luxurious’ standard, it is hard not to feel enormous respect for Nøis and his family who lived in the wilderness winter after winter.
DELIGHTFUL, DIVERSE SVALBARD LANDSCAPES
We will enjoy an expedition lunch out in the wilderness. Perhaps at the top of Fjordnibba, with views towards the mighty Tempelfjellet and the Von Post Glacier in the Tempelfjord? Safety is always our priority, and whichever route we take, the guide will share informative details on the environment and history of the area, and if we are lucky we may see some of the local wildlife.
important information
The participant is obliged to ensure that the driver's license is valid in Svalbard and Jan Mayen. Please contact the responsible authorities in case of any questions. The guide will check each passenger's driver's license and will refuse participation if the driver's license is not valid in Svalbard and Jan Mayen. No refunds will be given due to an invalid driver's license.
Included
- Transfer from hotel/accommodation place in Longyearbyen
- Warm drinks and biscuits
- Expedition lunch
- Snowmobile suit, shoes, gloves and helmet to use during the tour
- Tour leader with weapons and safety sled
- Rescue insurance
In this video you can see an introduction of what clothes and equipment you get to borrow from us.
Practical information
Drivers’ licence
A valid driver’s licence for car or motorbike is required to drive a snowmobile. Remember to take it with you on the tour.
Recommendations
We recommend that you dress in warm woollen underwear, warm outer pants and a solid woollen jumper under the snowmobile suit you will loan from us. We also recommend that our guests have extra clothes in a backpack, for example an extra jumper, woollen hat and mittens.
Pregnancy
We advise against pregnant women taking part in snowmobile and dog sledding trips, because a blow to the stomach or a fall entails a risk of injury to the pregnant woman and the unborn child. We recommend that your GP is consulted if you are thinking of participating in these activities.
Possible changes
We reserve the right to change the route of the tour for safety reasons should the weather or snow conditions require it. This will not provide grounds for a change in price. The participants agree to follow the tour leaders directions and instructions. The tour leader will not drive with a passenger.
Alcohol
The ‘Veitrafikkloven’ or Road Traffic Act applies on Svalbard. Driving under the influence of alcohol is not permitted.
Language
Safety is our highest priority, and the guide needs to be able to give directions you understand. To participate on one of our excursions, it is required that you speak and understand English or one of the Scandinavian languages.
Safety
Your safety is our priority. Even if you have experience in winter sports, the Svalbard environment is different to that many might have been in before. Taking a tour with a guide who knows the local conditions is the safest way to explore the area outside of Longyearbyen. As a participant on a snowmobile tour, it is important that you follow the guide’s directions underway. This is both for your own safety, and that of the group. Weather and snow conditions are the big factors on Svalbard, and we reserve the right to change the route or destination to one that is safest for you and the group.
Hurtigruten Svalbard’s guides have different backgrounds and experience, but what they all have in common is that they come to work to ensure you will have the best and safest tour. Some have taken the Arctic Nature Guide study, others are certified mountain guides, glacier guides or authorised Svalbard guides who have taken the Svalbard Guide Opplæring (SGO - Svalbard guide training). SGO study includes fundamental requirements for safe travel on Svalbard, as well as education about tourism, field safety and an understanding of environmental and cultural values. In addition our guides take part in internal training and exercises through the year.
Facts
Difficulty
3- Suitable for most without any snowmobile experience, through some rugged terrain
Age limit
14 years
Minimum number of participants
1 snow mobile
Distance
140 km
Duration
7 hours
