Anyone ever gone to the Arctic in the summer?

Any thoughts/stories or recommendations?

I think I want to go there this summer for a week or two. Not on a cruise but actually on land and kayak.

Spitisbergen looks like the best place to go to see the wildlife.

sponge_bob

would love to do something like that

but alas i don't think it will ever happen

Tabnabs

Incredibly expensive as you will have to travel a long distance. But also the trip of a lifetime. I've seen temperature of +30 degrees in Northern Norway in summer. Spitsbergen is incredibly remote and you'd be advised to go as part of a tour group there. Polar bears amongst other things are a threat.

Have a look at the Lofoton Islands, spectacular and reachable!

Bring plenty of mosquito repellent and mosquito nets BTW.

Thanks Tabnabs, when you say 'tours' do you mean a cruise?

Tabnabs

No, 'tours' as in adventure tours etc.

have a look at
http://www.svalbard.com/touristinfo.htm

But as said Lofoten would be a memorable alternative

eg http://www.lofoten-kajakk.no/en.html

joeKel73

Hi,

Just came across this thread.

I spent 2 weeks in the Lofoten Islands last Summer. Myself and a few friends hiked and camped from A in the south up to Svolvaer. 130km, doing about 12km on the days we hiked.

Here's a map of the route we trekked.

We had to find a new patch for the tents every night but you can camp on any land in Norway so wasn't too hard. The view are spectacular, I'd been up there before for a short trip so was looking forward to going back. The weather was fine, quite warm and sunny and rained a couple of days.



You can see the roadway that we were following in the front here;


If you're up for something similar let me know and I'll give a few tips! We flew Dublin > Oslo and Oslo > Bodo then ferry out to Moskenes.


Highly recommended!

Joe