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

“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

“ 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

Fiona’s travel tips

TOP TIP: Don’t be caught out by the weather – which can change quickly. Depending on the time of year you are travelling and the trip you are joining, some of the expedition kit will be supplied locally. We provide superbly warm suits and boots so you will never be cold.

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

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

DID YOU KNOW: Svalbard has more than 20 per cent of the world’s population of polar bears? Be aware that those travelling outside Longyearbyen must take precautions against polar bears – but don’t worry – your leaders will keep you safe.

WEATHER: Strong winds can occur in late autumn and winter, but are rare from late March to mid-October. Snow and sleet are not uncommon in winter.