Meet Sigrid
Languages spoken: Norwegian and English (with some Spanish)
Experience and background
Sigrid has lived her entire life on Svalbard, growing up in a family deeply rooted in outdoor traditions. Childhood was shaped by hunting, skiing, snowmobiling, and cabin trips, alongside a strong interest in Svalbard’s nature, history, and culture. Her father’s work as a guide instructor gave her a unique early insight into the guiding profession and the challenges that come with it.
Over the years, she has worked in a variety of roles – as a city host for cruise tourists, a snowmobile transport driver, and in an outdoor gear shop. She also spent a year in the Norwegian Armed Forces, stationed at the Norwegian-Russian border.
Sigrid began guiding in the summer of 2023 aboard MS Nordstjernen. She returned as a full-time guide for the 2024 winter season and is excited for what lies ahead!
Special interests
Sigrid is passionate about storytelling, especially the lesser-known stories that evoke emotion and curiosity. She loves showing guests the raw beauty of Svalbard, helping them understand how fragile this landscape is and why it matters to protect it.
Having grown up here, her local knowledge is second to none. From everyday life in the community to how Svalbard has evolved over time, she brings an insider’s perspective few others can offer.
Favourite activity or experience on Svalbard
Autumn hunting with her family is one of Sigrid’s favourite traditions. Each member of the family harvests one reindeer, which is later turned into mince and other cuts – meaning they rarely need to buy meat from the shop. "We use the meat in tacos, lasagne and kebabs – it gives a great sense of self-sufficiency and reduces our reliance on food deliveries by boat."
A bit personal
When on the mainland, Sigrid loves doing everyday things you can’t do on Svalbard – like grabbing cheap pastries at a petrol station, driving for more than 10 minutes, or shopping after 7pm. She affectionately calls these moments "mainland joys."
Why do I guide on Svalbard?
"Being a guide on Svalbard is a huge responsibility – and I thrive on the challenge. I want to spend more time outdoors, feel the change of seasons, and share moments in nature with people who have never experienced Svalbard before."
What she finds most rewarding is the simple magic of nature: the light, the wildlife, the glaciers, or a single set of tracks in the snow. "The small things become big when you experience them together."