Wilderness Camp – One night in the Arctic

An adventure out of the ordinary

Wilderness Camp: One night in the Arctic

Step beyond the ordinary and spend 2 days and 1 night immersed in Svalbard’s untouched Arctic wilderness. This once-in-a-lifetime overnight camp experience takes you beyond hotel comfort and trading the city lights of Longyearbyen for the raw stillness of the high North.

Sleep outside in the Arctic wilderness

This adventure is led by certified professional Arctic guides where we have handpicked a campsite suited for the Arctic season in Spitsbergen. With tailored guidance, you’ll master survival skills, build snow caves in winter, enjoy cooking outdoor meals, and experience the thrill of a true Arctic camp adventure in the wilderness. 

The hike into the valley to the campsite is short and easy with mostly flat terrain but also some gentle slopes.

During the wintertime (approx. October to February) we will also keep an eye towards the skies as the northern lights might set the scenary for our visit. During winter you will pull a sled/pulk and carry a bagpack with equipment. 

The sunny winter and summertime (approx. March to August) will have the possibility of long days and the midnight sun as our backdrop. During summer you will carry a bagpack.

This tour is perfect for smaller groups. No previous Arctic experience is required – just a sense of adventure and readiness for life in the wild.

HIGHLIGHTS

Who is this tour for

Who is this tour for?

This tour is not for you if you:

What guests say. Don't just take our word for it.

Unforgettable Night in the Arctic
Unforgettable Night in the Arctic
Jan • April
We did the "Night in the Arctic" tour with Backyard Svalbard in January. Our guides, Emilie and Alex, were amazing, and kept us not just safe, but also comfortable, despite the temperatures! They did a great job preparing us, taught us the basics of setting up a camp and a lot of little tricks. The equipment provided was great, and our guides perfectly adjusted the tour to the abilities of our group, resulting in an unforgettable experience for all of us, with northern lights throughout the night. If you are hesitating - go for it!
Our best Arctic Camp
Our best Arctic Camp
Kevin H • October
Three friends traveled just before the Dark Season and chose Your First Arctic Camp, extending it to two nights—and it was unforgettable. From hauling pulkas and setting up a cozy camp to melting snow for dinner, everything felt smooth, safe, and thoughtfully led. Polar-bear precautions were handled professionally with short night watches, and—at our request—the dogs joined, which made it even more special. The highlight was a roped glacier hike where our guide, Andreas, impressed with calm leadership and deep glacier knowledge. A truly memorable, well-run adventure.

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Wilderness camp
2 days & 1 night

  • NOK 8990

    / per person

Wilderness camp program

Frequently Asked Questions

No, it is not considered as difficult. All campsites will be easy accessible. It is suitable for those with a basic physical condition and the ability to walk in a relaxed pace for approx. a couple of hours. Not recommended for those with limited mobility (uneven terrain). Whether you’re trying this adventure for the first time or your are used to camping the professional guide will try to adjust the experience to suit your skill level the best as possible, ensuring a safe and exciting adventure in the wilderness.   

Safety is our absolute priority. The certified guide will carry firearms. We will take turns on polar bear watches during night (approx. a couple of hours each) and you will be taught how to do so. You can really enjoy the quiet beauty of Svalbard when everyone else is asleep.

Yes. We have an age limit of 12 years old. During winter we enforce this age limit due to the unpredictable and cold Arctic weather.

This most important requirement is that your child wants to join! It is crucial to bring lots of layers for the children and good warm hiking boots. 

You can participate in this wilderness camp even if you haven’t tried camping before. You will learn everything you need to know along the way.

You need an average level of physical fitness as you need to be comfortable walking on uneven terrain (tundra, snow or ice) and be outside for 24 hours.

We set up a private Arctic field toilet in the immediate vicintity of the campsite. Your guide will explain the eco-friendly leave-no-trace routines at the camp.

We will sleep in good sleeping bags and on a good thick mattress in tents designed for the Arctic environment. 

You are welcome to bring your own sleeping mat and/or sleeping bag. Please let us know in advance. 

Depending on the weather and conditions, it may be possible to have a short day hike with lightweight backpacks on day 1 or day 2. In the dark season and winter, we offer the possibility to go on skis (possible to rent boots and skis).

Packing list 
A full list of the necessary equipment will be provided to you upon booking.

  • Warm and windproff clothing
  • Solid and warm hiking boots
  • Personal equipment
  • Warm inner layers (we strongly recommend wool)
  • Big backpack 60L (summer)
  • Small backpack (winter) – In wintertime we can use sledge/pulk but still a good idea to bring a small backpack for water bottle, personal equipment and clothing etc. 

Every guide has completed specialized Arctic safety training, such as the ANG (Arctic Nature Guide) or SGO program or equivalent guide certifications. 

All guides are fully certified in firearms handling due to polar bears and Arctic wildlife safety regulations. 

Our team also have avalanche safety training, glacier rescue skills and wilderness first-aid training. 

Optional add on for wilderness camp

Do you want to add extra to your wilderness camp experience?
You are welcome to bring your own ski- and avalanche equipment.
We also have rental available.

  • Backcountry skiing from summit to sea in untouched wilderness of Svalbard
    "Ski gear"-package
    NOK 990 /per person per day
    The "ski gear"-package include:
    Skis, boots skins, poles, helmet, ski googles and ski crampons.
  • Backcountry skiing from summit to sea in untouched wilderness of Svalbard
    "Avalanche"-package
    NOK 490 /per person per day
    The "avalanche"-package for this expedition include:
    Avalanche tracker/ beacon, probe and shovel.
  • The amazing views from the Svalbard glacier hiking tour
    "Hiking boots"
    NOK 0,- /per person per day
    We offer the opportunity to borrow a pair of hiking boots for this tour. In this case we need boot size information when booking. We do recommend you to use your own solid and warm (hiking) boots if they have good ankle support.

tour at a glance

Hiking on Svalbard to a beautiful ice cave
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Enjoying the stunning view of Longyearbyen from the mountain returning from our ice cave hike

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