Clients’ comments

“We recently completed an unforgettable trip to Svalbard, Arctic Norway where we embarked upon a truly spectacular adventure of over 300kms of snowmobiling, plus a full day of dog sledging. We are so thankful for Fiona, in her ability to take a few random comments of what we might like to do and turn those wishes into a spectacular experience that far surpassed anything we could have dreamt of. We will be forever grateful…thank you.  And we’ve already booked our next adventure!”
Andrew McLauchlan & Julie Butler, Svalbard

“ Norway’s spectacular fjords, soaring mountains, innumerable torrential waterfalls and astonishing roads surpassed our expectations. Driving was a great way to immerse ourselves in the countryside, the mountain passes were thrilling and the ferries a highlight, time to admire the fjords from sea level. Overall a super trip, full of great memories.”
Professor Marion McMurdo and Dr Grant Hutchison, Norway

“The three days/two nights I spent at Isfjord Radio were wonderfully relaxing – easy hiking by my standards, the open boat trip to Alkhornet and the glacier-face (picnic on the beach) was bracing, the food was exceptional – fine dining really.”
Anne Robinson, Walking in Nordenskiöld

“It was an epic holiday, very well organised.”
David and Elizabeth Manning, Spitsbergen land based winter adventure

“Still very stroppy about being home! Really mad keen to go again, would like to see Northern lights but go back to Longyearbyen, dog sled to Pyramiden again, stay in cabin then maybe head off with dogs somewhere else if the ship is not going back into the ice next year.  Everything was fantastically organised – so easy and great service”.
The Curl Family, Dog sledging in Spitsbergen

“I loved the holiday and all your arrangements were spot on! The dog-sledging on my first day was such fun and a great introduction to the whole experience. At the dog-pound there was a fine example of a trapper’s hut and also bear and fox-traps – all of which my Dad often made mention of in his journals – so that set the scene.”
Elspeth Hamilton, Around Spitsbergen and Basecamp Isfjord Radio

 “Overall, I explored some stunning parts of Svalbard (Isfjorden glaciers, Pyramiden and Kappe Linne) that I’d not visited before. Hosts, guides and co-travellers were all extremely hospitable. Given that I’m normally an active person (a hill walker and cyclist) it was a little too sedentary for me. But having said that, the lazy side of me wasn’t disappointed and given the recent bear incident, I’m glad the accommodation was based indoors.”
Alan Haselden, Spitsbergen bespoke

 “Back home from a wonderful holiday which certainly lived up to my expectations! The jewel in the crown was of course Isfjord Radio Station…. Unbelievable experience. The change of schedule was perfect. The dog sledding was the best hands-on experience I’ve ever had….guide knowledgeable and very friendly, the dogs an unutterable delight. The treks and boat safari were wonderful and again the guide knowledgeable and likeable….the fact there were only three of us on this tour was also a bonus….more individual attention. The food there was off-the-planet good. I hope they keep the chef!! The scenery utterly, stunningly beautiful. Saw most of the whale population on the planet on board ship and on the way to and from Isfjord in the rib. A pod of beluga circled the rib on the way back to Longyearbyen, then sped off down the fjord…a walrus popped up beside the boat!! Magical moments. Your organisation of it all was top class. Listening to some of the tales of other tour operators confirmed this. A world class trip that is tucked away like a little lodestone in my heart, to be taken out and looked at with fondness and awe. I’d do it all again in a blink!! I will certainly recommend Arcturus as an excellent tour operator.”
Maureen Kerr, Isfjord Radio, Spitsbergen

“A good, challenging camp/hike tour in extreme polar outback. I particularly enjoyed hiking in the hills with the team. They were spread across different hotels at the start and the other travellers had not been pre-informed as well as me. Thank you for your help and for all the arrangements.”
Alan Haselden, Hiking across Nordenskiold

“We board the plane from the Arctic with heavy, heavy hearts & many tears. This trip has been an overwhelming experience for all three of us. Safe to say that it has been the most memorable, incredible holiday we have ever had!!! And we’ve had many amazing holidays.”
Karen Chaloner, Dog sledding in Arctic Norway

“Everything went like clockwork from the moment we contacted you. We were delighted with our welcome, food, warmth. Your pre-trip information, your representatives. In fact just everything. We would certainly recommend Arcturus as a firm to deal with for a memorable holiday in every respect.”
Evina Montgomery, Explore Dividalen, dog sledding in Norway

“It was a very special holiday and the activity of dog sledging is amazing. The break was exactly the right length of time for beginners and our Norwegian hosts and guides were excellent.”
Stephen and Elaine Bailey, Dog sledging in Dividalen

“The equipment provided locally was great – we were warm, dry and comfortable in our suits and boots. The dogs are incredible, always keen to go and tireless. It was obvious the guys knew them very well and respected each individual dog for its attributes. Of course I cried like a baby when we waved goodbye to them all from the Ice Hotel… And finally, how could I forget! On the last night of our dog sledding we had a fantastic viewing of the northern lights. Fiona thank you very much for arranging the trip which all went so smoothly.”
Jude Perry and John Verschaeren, Dog sledge The King’s Way: Crossing Norway into Sweden

Fiona’s travel tips

TOP TIP: We provide superbly warm sledging suits and thick felt-lined boots so you will never be cold.

GREAT DAY OUT: The polar museum in Tromsø – it has wonderful atmosphere. The Northern Lights Planetarium or ‘Polaria’ is also well worth a visit.

WHAT TO EXPECT: Stunning displays of the aurora borealis in the night-time sky in the depths of winter (if you’re lucky)!

BEST MEMORY: Sledging through spindrift across a frozen river.

DON’T MISS: Summer Island – it’s just one and a half hours’ drive from the Lofoten Islands which are five hours’ drive from Skjaerhaugen. Both offer cosy and comfortable cabin accommodation.

BEST TIME TO GO: January to early April has the best snow conditions for sledging. July and August for walking and camping.

STAY: A night at the Ice Hotel – the world’s largest igloo!