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The Concept of Basecamp Spitsbergen

Proud trapping traditions are kept alive in the middle of Longyearbyen. Basecamp Spitsbergen, 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 Svalbard.

Telt På Kapp Linné
Hiking out from Isfjord Radio, Kapp Linné

On top of the world

At Basecamp Spitsbergen 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.

Dog sleigh or scooter

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 Boat 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.

Summer and autumn

In summer and autumn you can experience our newly renovated hotel at 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

The Polar night is dark, mysterious and fascinating. Expeditions are arranged from the Trapper Hotel 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 in the turf hut in Bolterdalen, and the evenings we enjoy the hotel and the nice restaurants and pubs in Longyearbyen.

Facts about Basecamp Spitsbergen:

  • The Trapper Hotel has 16 rooms, including 2 suites with 42 beds altogether. One of the suites have two separat bedrooms with shared bath and living room.
  • The Boat in the Ice has 10 cabins with 20 beds altogether.
  • The turf hut at the Kennel has room for 20 persons overnight.
  • Isfjord Radio has 23 rooms, including 3 suites with 47 beds altogether.
  • Smaller groups give greater experiences.

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. And who seek a touch of madness!

For booking and more information contact us at svalbard@basecampexplorer.com .

 
Copyright © 2004, 2005 Basecamp Explorer AS, photos: Ole Bernt Frøshaug, Fredrik Bromann