Safari to a Ship frozen in the Arctic Ice
Spitsbergen
IntroductionImagine riding a snowmobile across the wilds of Spitsbergen and sleeping on board a ship which has frozen into the ice – this is pretty extreme stuff as you travel about as far north as you can go in Europe - a memorable experience for that special corporate event!
You get the feeling of being on an expedition when you are surrounded by the steep mountains and majestic glaciers and you experience the isolation of this unique destination.
This trip runs from March through to the beginning of May.
AccommodationLongyearbyen - 2 nightsYou will feel like you are entering a trapper’s cottage when you arrive at this hotel which was constructed in 1999 using driftwood, slate and furs as materials. You have the perfect combination of modern facilities in a very traditional setting. Each of the 16 bedrooms have their own bathroom and very comfortable beds. In the evenings you can enjoy good food and drink or enjoy a quiet conversation under the glass ceiling in the Loft-Room, an ideal place to see the Northern Lights.
Radio Station - 1 nightDespite its far-flung location on the beautiful Nordenskiold coast, the radio station has cosy rooms, a lounge with fireplace and a fascinating history. Outside, there is a remarkable diversity of bird and animal life.
Ship in the Ice - 1 nightFrozen into the ice that covers Tempelfjord is the schooner Noorderlicht, one of the world’s most unusual hotels. There are ten guest cabins with two beds in each. Bath and toilet facilities are shared. Listen to the ice creak and scan the horizon for Polar Bears but do not leave the ship without an armed guard. Those bears are not as cuddly as they look!
Activities Available:
Sample Itinerary
Day one - flights, arrivals and transfers
On arrival at Longyearbyen Airport it’s just a short transfer to your accommodation at Basecamp. The rest of the day is free to become acquainted with your new surroundings and visit Longyearbyen.
Day two - snowmobile safari to Isfjord Radio Station
After a hearty breakfast, your guides will distribute your thermal clothing and provide an introduction to snowmobiling and a safety briefing. Preparations over, you jump on your snowmobile (2 people per machine) and head off into the beautiful valleys.
Surrounded by steep mountains and galciers you wil drive towards the Russian settlement at Barentsburg where you stop for lunch. Your journey continues into the afternoon in the direction of of Isfjord Radio Station where you overnight accommodation and dinner awaits.
Day three - snowmobile safari to the ship frozen in ice
You’ll be back on the snowmobiles after breakfast and out into the spectacular arctic terrain. One of the beauties of this mode of transport is that it allows you to cover considerable distance despite the wintery topography. This means that, weather permitting, your guide can show you places and points of interest en-route to the ship frozen in the ice.
As you approach the ship you would be forgiven for thinking that you had entered a film set as it looks so unusual and one of the most exciting places to find your overnight accommodation. Enjoy a warm shower before dinner and retiring to your cabin for a night surrounded by vast and silent nature.
Day four - snowmobile safari to Basecamp
Today’s return leg will depend on the weather and driving conditions and your guides will make the final decision based on their unparalleled local knowledge. If conditions allow, you may head for the East Coast where you will find some of Spitzbergen’s most barren and cruel landscapes. If you are really lucky, you may even spot a Polar Bear.
You’ll arrive back at Basecamp in the afternoon and the evening is free to dine out in Longyearbyen. Your guides can recommend places to eat. Overnight at Basecamp.
Day five - optional husky safari and departure
You can spend your final morning here in the frozen north by simply relaxing and reflecting on your adventure. If you’re feeling energetic, you can join a short husky safari (payable locally) before the return transfer to the airport and your flights home.
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