This is the ultimate way to experience Svalbard in winter! Arctic Husky Travellers is the only operator in Svalbard offering extended dogsledding expeditions. Since this is true Arctic wilderness—magnificent but also demanding—some preparation is required. To get ready, we begin with two full days of training: the first focused on testing the expedition clothing, getting to know the dogs, and practicing dogsledding; and the second we will be familiar with the equipment, learning how to set up the tents, and preparing for life on the trail.
“A special way of travelling the Arctic”
Traveling in the High Arctic can be challenging, and the program outlined below may be adjusted depending on weather, snow, and sea ice conditions, which can vary greatly from year to year and even from week to week. Encounters with polar bears may also require us to alter our route or establish camp in a different location than originally planned.
Safety is always our top priority, and we do everything we can to ensure the wellbeing of both our guests and our dogs. We travel quietly and strive to minimize our environmental footprint—bringing all waste back with us and taking care not to disturb wildlife or damage the fragile tundra vegetation along the way. The detailed day-by-day program follows below.
Daily program
Day 0 – arrival Longyearbyen 14-16:00 (depending on plane schedules) We will drive you to our dog yard, 12 km outside town. Here we will go through the route, try on the very warm and comfortable expedition clothes (see below) (https://www.nonstopdogwear.com/), warm winter boots (Sorel snow mobile shoes or equaling), and introduce you to the dogs. Dinner will be served.
DAY 1 – Dog sledding training day – test the expedition clothing and equipment
We start the day by getting dressed and testing the full set of expedition gear—clothing, boots, hat, and mittens—before heading out for a full day with the dogs. You’ll receive thorough instructions on how to handle the sleds, harness the dogs, and manage your team on the trail. Each participant will drive their own sled pulled by six of our strong and friendly dogs. For those who prefer company on the journey, we also offer double sleds with slightly larger dog teams—perfect if you’d like to share the adventure as co-pilots rather than taking on the full responsibility of a team on your own.
At the ice cave by Scott Turner Glacier, you will also learn how to set the dogs on stake-out lines and get introduced to essential dog camp routines. And of course, we will take time to explore the stunning ice cave itself! We will also enjoy lunch here.
Day 2 Practice camping and tent routines and some shopping/sightseeing in Longyearbyen
After breakfast, we will go through the tent and camp routines step by step to ensure everyone is well prepared for setting up camp—an essential skill in case we encounter bad weather and need to act quickly. After lunch, we will return to Longyearbyen, where we’ll visit the local museum and have time for some last shopping if needed.
Day 3 – We are ready to go!
We will travel through the beautiful Todalen and Gangdalen valleys, before setting up camp in the impressive Reindalen. Accommodation will be in tents with 2–3 people sharing each, and we will also establish a larger heated basecamp tent where everyone can gather to share meals, dry clothes, and enjoy time together. The dogs will be lined up around the camp, serving not only as companions but also as loyal polar bear guards. During the night, each participant will take a one-hour polar bear watch shift alongside the dogs—a truly special experience, as the midnight sun bathes the landscape in magical golden light.
DAY 4 – crossing sea ice and camp by a tidewater glacier
Breakfast is served at 08:00, and by 11:00 we aim to be back on the trail—after melting the water needed for the dogs’ meals and filling our thermoses. Our journey then takes us toward Van Mijenfjorden, which we will cross on its vast expanse of sea ice. This is prime polar bear territory, so we must remain vigilant while also taking care not to disturb the many seals nursing their pups at this time of year. That evening, we will set up camp near a magnificent tidewater glacier. The following day, we will venture closer to this icy giant to fully appreciate the dramatic beauty and grandeur of the Arctic landscape.
DAY 5
We aim for an easier day – not moving camp – but rather take a day tour closer to the tidewater glacier travelling on sea ice among glacier pieces frozen into the sea ice forming beautiful sculptures. Lunch by the glacier and a relaxing afternoon in the camp enjoying a good meal and the stunning view.
DAY 6
We pack down the camp and hit the trail again – moving over sea ice the first hour for so to move inland again to a very special lake at the foot of an glacier.
DAY 7 – Reindalen
We will continue to travel, crossing Reindalspasset into the largest valley in Svalbard: Reindalen. Here lots of reindeers are living (so that is why it is named “Reindeer” valley). We aim to camp close to the beautiful glacier Marthabreen.
Day 8 – Last night in Reinheim lodge!
We will continue to travel through this wide and majestetic Reindalen for a couple of hours before we turn into the side-valley Tverrdalen, continuing for two hours before we reach our very nice lodge Reinheim. Here, we and the dogs will have a nice rest after many nights in tents. We will sleep in proper beds, relax in the sofas and enjoy a better dinner. For those interested it is also possible to take a hot sauna and a snow bath!
Day 9 – Return to Longyearbyen
We will have a relaxing morning with a nice breakfast, before we get ready and leave for the last leg of our journey back to our dog yard in Bolterdalen. Here we will place the dogs at their houses and say goodbye to them and unpack the sleds. We will drive you to your hotels in Longyearbyen and join you for dinner in one of Longyearbyen’s many nice restaurants.
Day 10 Last day, breakfast in hotel and off to the airport and home again.
