Our People
The people behind the experience
Our people are at the heart of what we do. Across our hotels, restaurants, activities and offices, our teams combine local knowledge, professional expertise and a shared connection to Svalbard.
Creating memorable experiences for our guests starts with creating a workplace where people feel supported, respected and able to develop.
Supporting our people
We work to provide fair working conditions, opportunities for professional development and a safe and inclusive working environment.
Our approach includes training and development, employee well-being and creating opportunities for people to grow within the organisation.
From city boy to adventurer: Mats’ journey with Hurtigruten Svalbard
When Mats arrived on Svalbard from Stavanger in 2007, he was a true city boy with little experience of the outdoors. Starting as a bar manager at Huset, he had no idea how much Svalbard would change him. But it didn’t take long before the wild, untamed nature and the special atmosphere of the place started to win him over. Mats fell in love with the Arctic landscape and discovered a real joy in sharing it with others – a joy that shaped his future in ways he never imagined.
Before he knew it, Mats was trading life behind the bar for life out in the elements. With help from skilled friends and colleagues and plenty of hands-on experience, he found his way into guiding. At first, he led shorter trips, but over time he built the skills and confidence to take guests on longer adventures. Seeing the wonder in their faces and knowing he was part of creating something they’d remember forever became the highlight of his work.
"I’ll never forget one trip when a couple came back and gave me a huge hug, saying it was the best experience of their lives. That’s the kind of moment that stays with you, Mats says."
As the years passed, Mats explored different roles within Hurtigruten Svalbard. He worked in sales and other departments, but guiding was always close to his heart. So, when he was invited to join the leadership team for the adventure department, it felt like a natural step.
Today, Mats is a key part of the team that creates unforgettable moments for Hurtigruten Svalbard’s guests. Looking back, he feels deeply proud of the journey he’s been on:
"I came to Svalbard as someone who barely knew how to be outside in the wilderness, and now it feels like home. It’s been such an incredible adventure, and I’m so grateful for all the experiences I’ve had – things most people only dream about."
Working year-round on Svalbard
We operate throughout the year, across Svalbard's different seasons. Year-round operations allow us to offer permanent and longer-term roles across parts of the business while contributing to economic activity in Longyearbyen.
Diversity and inclusion
We want our workplace to be one where employees are treated fairly and with respect, regardless of their background.
Our work includes:
Promoting respectful behaviour across the workplace.
Policies against harassment and discrimination.
Fair and consistent recruitment processes.
Opportunities for employees to develop their skills.
Supporting managers in creating safe and inclusive working environments.
Join our team
Want to work with us? Explore our current vacancies and find out more about becoming part of the Hurtigruten Svalbard team.
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