5-day Adventure Weekend at Nordenskiöld Lodge - Basecamp Explorer Spitsbergen

About

Join a Unique Trip to Nordenskiöld Glacier!

On this expedition, we leave civilization behind and venture deep into the Arctic wilderness. At the very end of the beautiful Adolfbukta lies Nordenskiöld Lodge, hidden among the moraines, right in front of the mighty Nordenskiöld Glacier. The cabin has no running water or electricity, making it a true expedition lodge—yet with a good dose of comfort. The cabin is heated by wood, and drinking water is fetched from the glacier by the hosts.

The lodge has four spacious bedrooms with stunning Arctic views, eight comfortable beds, an indoor combustion toilet, and a traditional sauna. The cabin is well hidden in the glacier’s moraine, making it hard to spot. This is the place to truly enjoy Arctic silence, interrupted only by the rumbling and cracking of the glacier. Enjoy breakfast while gazing at the ice-blue Nordenskiöld Glacier, or relax on the sunny terrace with a hot coffee while observing the wildlife around the lodge. Perhaps the King of the Arctic is hunting in front of the glacier front?
During the expedition, we will take several trips from Nordenskiöld Lodge. The day’s activity depends on the weather conditions.
The program below is a suggested itinerary, but it may change during the trip.
We do our best to ensure all activities are carried out.

Day 1:
Welcome to Longyearbyen. You will be picked up at the airport by your guide and driven to Basecamp Hotel in Longyearbyen. After check-in, it’s time for your first Arctic activity: a visit to our dog yard where 80 happy Alaska huskies are waiting.
You will harness your own dog team and head out into nature with wagons. Two people share a wagon and dog team, taking turns driving and riding.
Back in town, enjoy dinner at one of the local restaurants.

Day 2:
The adventure starts early in the morning when your guide picks you up at the hotel.
We sit down to review the program for the coming days. You can pack necessary gear in a smaller bag (waterproof recommended) and leave the rest of your belongings at Basecamp Hotel.
Down at the harbor, one of our enclosed boats awaits to take us to the lodge.
We cross Isfjorden and head into Billefjorden and Adolfbukta.
There is abundant wildlife in and around the fjord, and at this time of year, there are great chances of spotting Arctic birds, walrus, beluga whales, or even polar bears.
Upon arrival at Nordenskiöld Lodge, we enjoy an outdoor lunch and get acquainted with the cabin and surrounding area.
After lunch, it’s time to head out into the Arctic nature and experience all the beauty around us.
We return to the lodge in the evening, where we can relax in the wood-fired sauna before enjoying a delicious homemade dinner.

Day 3:
Today is the big glacier day.
After breakfast, the guide will review equipment and safety for glacier travel.
Then we walk through the moraines to Nordenskiöld Glacier, which is located nearby.
We spend the entire day on the blue glacier. We climb up and down the ice and learn how to use the equipment.
There will certainly be some crevasse crossings along the way. We enjoy an expedition lunch with a beautiful view over Billefjorden.
Did you know that 60% of Svalbard is covered by glaciers? During the day, we experience everything the glacier has to offer and learn more about blue ice.
A warm dinner, hot sauna, and good drinks will top off the day when we return to the lodge.

Day 4
On this last day, you may appreciate even more waking up to the sound of the ever-changing glacier.
And perhaps you’ll linger over an extra cup of coffee after breakfast to enjoy the sight of the mighty ice-blue view from the lodge.
After breakfast and packing, the boat arrives to take us back to Longyearbyen.
Few people want to leave this special place, but most return home with incredible memories.
On the way back to civilization, we keep an eye out for marine life and the landscapes we pass.
Arctic sea safaris require vigilance—wildlife appears suddenly and can disappear just as quickly.
We often encounter different whale species in Billefjorden, and our boat captains are well trained in spotting them.
Enjoy the return journey—it’s a perfect ending to a special trip.

Back in Longyearbyen, we drive you to Basecamp Hotel.
Enjoy dinner at one of the local restaurants in town.

Day 5
Enjoy a hearty breakfast at our trapper’s hotel. Perhaps you have time for a museum visit or a trip to Mine 3 before your flight departs?
We will drive you to the airport when it’s time for departure.

Info
- Minimum: 4 people
- Age limit: 15 years

What’s included?
- The price includes all activities, equipment, accommodation, and meals according to the program.
- Search and rescue insurance.
- CO₂ fee of NOK 250* is also included in the price.

Additional costs
Personal expenses and equipment, as well as personal travel insurance.

Physical requirements
The trip requires normal to good physical condition. This tour is not suitable for people with back problems or pregnant women. This is for your own safety, and Basecamp Explorer cannot take responsibility for health issues if this advice is ignored.

Weather conditions in Svalbard
Weather conditions can change quickly in Svalbard. Strong winds or thick fog can make it challenging to travel by boat. This means that weather, wind strength, and direction may sometimes force us to change the planned route, schedule, and program. In the worst case, we may not reach the planned destination, and situations may require us to use a different mode of transport or accommodation than described in the program. We always do our utmost to give you a great experience in Svalbard, but we must be mindful of the destination’s uniqueness.

Language
Safety is always our highest priority, and it is important that our guide can give instructions and be understood. Therefore, it is mandatory to understand and speak English or one of the Scandinavian languages to participate in our tours. The tour will be conducted in English or a Scandinavian language depending on the group’s language skills.

More than a journey
As part of Basecamp Explorer Spitsbergen’s efforts to be climate neutral, we include an additional CO₂ and environmental investment of NOK 250* per guest. This is fully donated to projects that contribute to a sustainable future at our destinations.