Wilderness safari with electric snowmobile- Hurtigruten Svalbard - Photo Eveline Lunde

Meet Jakob

Languages spoken: Norwegian and English.

Experience and background

Born and raised in Bergen, Norway, Jakob has always had a deep love for the outdoors – especially climbing and skiing. His journey to Svalbard was originally driven by a desire to better understand global warming, as this region is at the frontline of climate change, warming seven times faster than much of the world.

In his first year on Svalbard, Jakob worked as an assistant teacher at the local folk high school, where he organised field trips and immersed himself in geology and biology. He also worked on identifying waste from the Barents Sea and tracing its origins.

Since then, Jakob has worked as a guide for Hurtigruten Svalbard, spending summers aboard the Svalbard Adventure Mini-Cruise and winters leading snowmobile tours. He has now been guiding for three years and is constantly seeking new knowledge and experiences to enhance his work in the field.

Special interests

Jakob is passionate about climate science and Arctic ecosystems but also loves sharing Svalbard’s dramatic landscapes through adventure. Whether it's on skis, climbing a ridge, or leading guests across the tundra, he brings both energy and insight to every trip.

Favourite activity or experience on Svalbard

Any day spent skiing or climbing in the Arctic wilderness – combining adrenaline, exploration, and the raw beauty of the High North.

Guide Jakob

Why do I guide on Svalbard?

"I came here to learn about climate change, but I stayed because of the nature. Svalbard is one of the most extraordinary places on Earth, and sharing it with others is a privilege."