8 days
Longyearbyen, Isfjord RadioTrip Itinerary
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In control of a team of huskies you will discover the Arctic wilderness as you power through dramatic scenery to a remote, luxury outpost on the banks of a pristine fjord.
The highlight of this 7-night itinerary is a 5-day/ 4-night expedition to Isfjord Radio pulled by a pack of huskies. In their element in this environment, the huskies were the original mode of transport for early explorers wishing to explore this dramatic but challenging terrain. Camp in the wilds for a night to and from to the luxury retreat of Isfjord Radio which is situated on Spitbergen’s west coast.
The trip has a number of set departures running throughout March and April and a minimum group size of three, along with the trusty and friendly huskies that accompany you, an expert guiding and camp team are by your side throughout.
In addition to this four-night trip an overnight is necessary in the town of Longyearbyen beforehand to start your adventure early the following day and then we also recommend at least two days post dog-sled to soak up the Arctic. We have included two nights in the town of Longyearbyen after the trip to enjoy the sumptuous food offerings in the town, visit one of the World’s most northerly breweries or head out on another excursion. Included is a full-day snowmobile trip to the popular historic trappers’ cabin in Tempelfjorden.
What's Included:
- Accommodation and camping equipment as stated
- Meals as stated
- All necessary transfers
- You will be provided with a warm thermos-suit, winter boots, balaclava, hat, gloves and goggles
- All necessary taxes and fees
Trip Itinerary
Day 1: Longyearbyen
Day 1: Fly into Longyearbyen Airport and transfer to the town
Your adventure starts with a night in the town of Longyearbyen, this is the largest town on the island of Spitsbergen which is one of the nine main islands that make up the Svalbard Archipelago.
Depending on the time of your arrival you might like to just settle in to your cabin-inspired hotel- Basecamp Hotel or perhaps start exploring the town and deciding on which of the fantastic restaurants in the town you might like to sample that evening.
At around 3pm today the group undertaking the trip will all meet your guide to go through a briefing for the adventure ahead of you and to make sure that you have the correct equipment for the next few days. Sports shops are open until 6pm so should you need anything last minute you should still be able to procure it.
Day 2 - Camping
Day 2: Meet the huskies and depart
After breakfast your guide will pick you up by car and drive you to the Trapper’s Station where around 100 huskies call home. Each person is introduced to their six canine friends and sled and full instruction is given on how to handle and control the sled.
During this first day the aim is to cover around 50km before making camp. On the way there will be a number of stops to rest, enjoy the scenery and thank the dogs for their hard work so far. Camp and dinner will be prepared together and if you are lucky you might glimpse the northern lights roaring above your heads during the night.
Days 3 - 6: Isfjord Radio Station
Day 3: Arrive at Isfjord Radio
Greet your trusty husky companions this morning before fresh coffee and breakfast and boarding the sled for the final part of the journey to Isfjord Radio, of which you should arrive in the afternoon. You will certainly appreciate this luxury, boutique lodge after a night in the wilderness and the exhilarating journey to get there. Spend the next two nights here and perhaps sample the sauna this evening before a 5-course dinner served in the dining room.
Day 4: Explore Isfjord Radio
You have the freedom to enjoy the lodge and the surrounding environment today, you might want to recuperate before the journey back to Longyearbyen by dog sled. The lodge has a fantastic library and lots of cozy spots to relax with a good book, for those who want to keep active a walk can be organised or perhaps a swim in the freezing fjord before jumping in the sauna.
Days 5 - 8: Longyearbyen
Day 5: Start your return journey
You will know be well-used to your huskies and to the techniques of dog-sledding and today it is time to start heading back towards Longyearbyen. The aim again today is cover around 50km before stopping to make camp and prepare dinner.
Day 6: Arrive back at Longyearbyen
Today will be the end of your 200km dog sled adventure on the island of Spitsbergen as you arrive back to the Trapper’s Station just outside of Longyearbyen. Although it might have been tiring at times steering the sled and helping the dogs by pushing it up uphill or through deep snow what a fulfilling and satisfying way to cross this stunning landscape much as those early explorers from hundreds of years ago would have done.
Relax in the comfort of Basecamp Hotel and enjoy a well-earned meal in one of the town’s highly acclaimed restaurants this evening.
Day 7: Full day snow mobile adventure
Swap the traditional mode of transport around the arctic for a more modern one that is certainly less effort. Today we have included a full day snow mobile trip to Tempelfjorden, however everything that we do is tailor-made and each trip is different so if you would prefer to explore the town today at leisure then just let us know.
Day 8: Depart from Longyearbyen
Say goodbye to Longyearbyen and meet your flight back to the mainland to head home with a camera full of incredible pictures and a heart full of unforgettable memories.
Interested in this trip?
Call us on +1 (312) 690 4489 to start planning your perfect vacations
Enquire OnlineWhy Wayfairer
This Arctic dog sled adventure itinerary is in partnership with Basecamp Hotels, one of Wayfairer's preferred partners due to their excellence in product and customer service. Furthermore, profits from Basecamp Explorer camps and lodges are funnelled to various projects of sustainable development. Rather than providing relief aid, Basecamp creates opportunities for the local people to protect their own lands and wildlife. Their most prominent initiative in wildlife conservancy has been the Naboisho project in Kenya.
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