Basecamp Spitsbergen - a touch of madness...
Proud trapping traditions are kept alive in the middle of Longyearbyen. Basecamp Trapper´s Lodge, opened in February 1999, is a hotel apart. With driftwood from the beach, old woodwork from Barentsburg, and slate and sealskins as building materials, we have created a cozy and pleasant basecamp for those wishing to experience Spitsbergen.
At Basecamp Trapper´s Lodge you can sleep well, enjoy good food and drink, and have quiet conversations under the glass ceiling in the Loft-Room with the Northern Lights glowing above you. Or you can plan tomorrow’s expeditions and adventures together around the long-table in the Travellers Club.
In the arctic winter and spring you can travel with your own dog sleigh or scooter through Svalbard’s spectacular winter scenery. The concept of Basecamp Spitsbergen is to a large extent built on the idea that our guests are brought out of Longyearbyen to stay at comfortable, but exciting wilderness camps. You can stay the night in our turf hut by the Kennel in Bolterdalen or in our Basecamp-ship in the Ice in the Tempelfjord. The boat is frozen in the ice, just like Nansen’s boat was, from February to the middle of May. All of our wilderness camps have safety, comfort and a pleasant atmosphere in common. Our skilled guides and robust sleigh dogs will make the trip to a unique experience - all the necessary equipment will be made available by us.
In summer and autumn you can experience our newly renovated hotel at Basecamp Isfjord Radio. Given the exotic location, you will experience the tranquility and greatness of the Svalbard nature. If you are experienced in the use of weapons, you can set off on your own and experience the area. The hosts also offer guided tours and activities, including trips in zodiacs and a selection of guided walks on various topics. During the spring you can join trips with the dog sleigh on the glacier, hiking along the beach or to the mountaintops with a magnificent view over the spectacular landscape. Scout for polar-bears, seals and rare birds from the deck on roundtrips in the fjords; pass impressive glacial fronts, below bird cliffs, in the Russian settlements or by distant trapper or research stations. A visit to the museum, horseback riding, hiking, bicycling, or trips with pack dogs or horses. The possibilities are endless.
The Polar night is dark, mysterious and fascinating. Expeditions are arranged from the Trapper´s Lodge into the quiet and starlit night. We explore ice caverns with head lights, ride the dog sleigh in the moonlight and go on polar night safaris on scooters. We seek shelter from the cold at the Trappers´s Station in Bolterdalen, and the evenings we enjoy the lodge and the nice restaurants and pubs in Longyearbyen.
We welcome guests who dare to be impressed and moved, who are interested in learning new things, who are humble towards nature, environment, culture, people and animals. Guests who seek a touch of madness!
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Moonlight dog-sledding under Arctic skies
On arrival at Basecamp Trappers Lodge in Longyearbyen, you will check into your private room, modelled on a traditional trapper’s cabin. With driftwood timber, Russian wetwood and hand-made furniture, the authentic atmosphere provides an opportunity to relieve stress, forget the modern world and concentrate on your emotions within.Winter nights - Basecamp Ship in the Ice
To top off your Svalbard stay we highly recommend visiting the one-and-only 'Basecamp Ship in the Ice'. Frozen in the Temple Fjord all winter, just like the expedition ships of Fritjof Nansen and other great explorers. To really get the feel of expedition life on board, and to enjoy the exquisite surroundings, with glaciers and sea ice, and perhaps the odd polar bear... - we suggest spending at least two nights on the grand "MS Noorderlicht".