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Basecamp Explorer unveils 2026 Svalbard itineraries

Dog-sled team crossing bright Arctic snow near Isfjorden, showcasing Basecamp Explorer 2026 Svalbard itineraries and glacier scenery.
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4 min read

Key points

  • Winter season runs February to May with two dog-sled expeditions
  • Summer programs June to September feature Nordenskiöld Lodge and Isfjord Radio
  • Polar-night trip October to February focuses on Northern Lights
  • Group sizes stay small, from two to eight travelers
  • Lead prices start near $ 2,500 to $ 10,000 per person

Impact

What Changed
Basecamp Explorer published its 2026 Svalbard program across winter, summer, and polar-night seasons.
Why It Matters
Small groups and lodge access help travelers plan scarce-inventory Arctic trips well in advance.
Dates
Winter expeditions February-May 2026; summer programs June-September 2026; polar night October 2025-February 2026.
What To Do
Book early, confirm fitness and experience requirements, and review gear lists and cancellation terms.

Basecamp Explorer announced its 2026 Svalbard program, expanding small-group adventures across three Arctic seasons and its three Spitsbergen lodges. Winter dog-sled expeditions run February through May 2026, summer lodge circuits operate June through September 2026, and a polar-night aurora trip is scheduled from October through February. The operator emphasizes tiny group sizes, ranging from two to eight travelers, and a mix of tented expeditions and lodge stays. For travelers, the release provides enough lead time to secure scarce inventory, align fitness and gear needs, and plan international flights to Longyearbyen well ahead of peak demand.

Basecamp Explorer Spitsbergen

Based in Longyearbyen, Norway, Basecamp Explorer runs adventures from three properties around Isfjorden: Basecamp Hotel in town, Nordenskiöld Lodge near the Nordenskiöld Glacier, and Isfjord Radio Adventure Hotel, a former Cold War listening post turned boutique outpost. Programs are framed around winter, summer, and the polar night, when the sun remains below the horizon. Group sizes are deliberately small to reduce environmental impact and to keep expedition ratios tight for safety and learning.

Latest developments, optional

Winter features four itineraries. Trapper's Trail is a five-day dog-sled expedition for up to six guests, with three days of mushing on historic trapper routes and tent camping under the Arctic sky. Lead pricing is cited at about $ 6,500 (USD), corresponding to list rates around NOK 64,990. Telegraph Route is an eight-day, two to four-guest expedition tracing Svalbard's historic telegraph lines by dog sled, combining wild camping with a restorative stay at Isfjord Radio; prices are indicated around $ 10,000 (USD).

Summer brings five options. Unfold the North is a five-day adventure to Nordenskiöld Lodge, billed as the world's northernmost commercial lodge, with dog sledding on summer rigs, a sea safari, and hiking on the Nordenskiöld Glacier. Published rates show NOK 69,990 per person, about $ 7,000 (USD). The seven-day Uncharted Circuit, the brand's signature summer itinerary, links all three properties for three to eight guests, with Isfjord crossings by closed boat, sea safaris, and dog-sled experiences on wheels, at about $ 10,000 per person.

During polar night, Chasing the Northern Lights runs four days from October through February, focusing on aurora hunting with dog-sled outings and a guided mountain hike, with lead pricing around $ 2,500 per person based on current published rates in Norwegian kroner.

Analysis

Arctic programs sell out long before departure because capacity is capped by lodge size, guide ratios, and weather windows. If Svalbard is on your 2026 list, lock dates now, then work backward on flights, winter clothing rentals, and insurance that covers expedition activities. Basecamp's small groups, tent nights, and glacier travel require realistic fitness and comfort with cold, wind, and limited daylight. Travelers sensitive to motion or cold can bias toward itineraries that include more lodge nights, such as Unfold the North, or add extra nights at Isfjord Radio for recovery days.

Background: Svalbard sits well above the Arctic Circle. Winter travel typically involves snowmobiles and dog sleds on frozen terrain, with temperatures often below freezing and variable visibility. Summer brings the midnight sun, open-water boat transfers, and hiking on rock and ice with traction gear. The polar night period, from late October into February, delivers continuous darkness and the best chance to see auroras when skies are clear.

Final thoughts

Basecamp Explorer's 2026 Svalbard itineraries balance challenge and comfort through tiny groups, tent camps, and distinctive lodges. If you want dog-sled cred without committing to a month-long expedition, these formats offer structured wilderness with expert guides. Decide quickly, since the northern summer is brief and winter windows narrow. The primary takeaway is simple, the Basecamp Explorer 2026 itineraries will reward early planners who match the right season to their skills and goals.

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