3-Day Svalbard Dogsledding Expedition
This dog sledding trip takes you through truly gorgeous landscapes with varied terrain. The route provides both you and the dogs with fun challenges and beautiful impressions.
The trip is available from January until May. These months differ a lot from each other in terms of daylight and what scenery to expect. In January, there is still polar night on Svalbard. This makes the trip a unique experience, with the mystic play of light – and the possibility to see the northern lights, also during the day when we drive. In February, the daylight slowly comes back, coloring the landscape in pink. From March, you will get to enjoy the winter wonderland in regular daylight. From mid April, the midnight sun takes over the show, meaning the sun will not set at all.
You will spend two nights in a cozy cabin where you can experience the freedom and unique nature that Svalbard has to offer, without the primitive aspect. The cabin is equipped with comfortable beds, a cozy fireplace corner, a living room, a kitchen, and an indoor toilet. You can charge your mobile phone and camera, so the battery won't limit how many pictures we can bring home. If the northern lights don't lure us out of the cabin for evening photography, we will spend our time indoors enjoying good food, wine, and stories until it's time to crawl into bed. Green Dog will provide food and drink throughout the entire trip.
Required equipment:
Wind-and waterproof pants and jacket (Gore-Tex or similar)
Small bag/backpack and personal equipment
Scarf of buff
Balaclava
Warm hat and possibly headband
2 pairs of woolen mittens or gloves
2 sets of long underwater(long johns and sweater, we recommend wool)
1 warm woolen or fleece sweater
3 pairs of thick woolen socks
Toilet articles
From 1st of March: sunglasses (side protection is recommended)
From 1st of March: sun and cold blocker cream (non-water based)
In addition we recommend:
Binoculars
Camera with waterproof bag, extra memory cards and battery
Down jacket
Snow goggles if you prefer to use your own
Map and compass
Small sewing kit
Wet wipes
Personal medication
We provide you with the following equipment:
Warm winter shoes
Exposure suit
Warm mittens
Balaclava
Thick hat
Ski goggles
Thermos
Remember to pack your gear in plastic bags/waterproof bags as equipment can become wet during the tour. You may also wish to take extra plastic bags along.
Day 1
You will be picked up by the guide at your hotel at 9 AM and driven to the Green Dog kennel. The dogs, eagerly waiting, are ready for the adventure! You will be provided with clothing for the trip, and the guide will assist you with packing your personal belongings.
Once everyone is ready, you will receive thorough instructions on dog sledding before the journey begins. The guide will lead the way with one or two guests on the sled, pulled by 10-12 dogs. The rest of the participants will ride in pairs, each sled pulled by six dogs. Initially, the air is filled with the excited barks of the dogs, but as soon as we start, a peaceful silence takes over, allowing us to fully enjoy and experience the beauty of Svalbard's nature.
"...We receive an introduction to dog sledding, harness the dogs to the sleds, and the world behind us disappears. It feels as if nothing else exists. The sound of the sled runners, the jingling of 28 dog collars, and the overwhelming silence are all that remain. Dog sledding is magical. It tickles the soul. The dogs' paws hit the snow so quietly with all their power. It can't be heard. It's as if we are flying..."
– previous guests Guro & Monings
From the dog yard in Bolterdalen, we head northeast. After crossing Adventdalen, we enter Helvetiadalen and head towards Kreklingpasset, which offers winding and exciting sledding. Today's destination is a cabin beautifully situated between steep mountains, where we will stay for the next two days. The dogs delight in the journey, and we get to know each of them and their unique personalities better. Guests are welcome to help with the care of the dogs, including feeding and harnessing.
At the cabin, you will experience the freedom and unique nature that Svalbard has to offer, without the primitive aspects. The cabin is equipped with comfortable beds, a cozy fireplace corner, a living room, a kitchen, and an indoor toilet. You can charge your mobile phone and camera, so the battery won't limit how many pictures we can bring home. If the northern lights don't lure us out of the cabin for evening photography, we will spend our time indoors enjoying good food, wine, stories, and the warmth of the cabin until it's time to crawl into bed.
Day 2
The next morning, we harness the dogs and continue towards Sassendalen – in search of frozen waterfalls and exciting sled routes. The terrain is varied and exciting, and both we and the dogs enjoy the many sights. There are many possibilities, and we find a great spot to have lunch – perhaps by the frozen waterfall at the mouth of Sassendalen. After a good day's journey behind the sled, we return to the cabin. In February and March, when the light is magical, and the hours of daylight are limited, it's wonderful to enjoy the evening in comfortable surroundings after a day of sledding. The dogs receive their well-deserved food before we have dinner and relax in the warm, cozy cabin.
Day 3
On the final morning, we embark on the last stretch through the scenic landscapes of Svalbard. We'll drive through the narrow passage south of Janssonhaugen and into Adventdalen, taking in the views along the way. If time allows us, we may also reach Foxdalen, known for its striking vertical slate mountains. We'll make stops for lunch and hot drinks, savouring the moment. As we make our way back to the kennel, we'll take plenty of time to say goodbye to our new four-legged friends. Our adventure concludes as we return to the hotel in the late afternoon, leaving us with many fun and beautiful moments to look back on. You will be back at your hotel between 3:00 PM and 6:00 PM.
The program is adjusted according to weather conditions, trail conditions, and guest preferences.
Included in the price:
Transfer to/from the dog yard
Loan of exposure suit, boots and mittens
Two nights in a cabin
Meals and drinks during the tour
Experienced guide with all necessary safety equipment
Not included:
Flights
Accommodation and meals in Longyearbyen before/after the tour
Personal clothing and equipment
Travel insurance
Approximately 110 kilometers by dogsled
2 nights in a cozy cabin
from € 1 764.98
per person