Expedition Preparation: Arctic Guide Course in Svalbard's Polar Wilderness
Our captain shares his impressions and key takeaways after completing the Arctic Guide Course
in Longyearbyen, Svalbard.
in Longyearbyen, Svalbard.
- Dmitry RyzhovCaptain of the Perola do Mar
Our captain shares his impressions and key takeaways after completing the Arctic Guide Course in Longyearbyen, Svalbard.
Where: Longyearbyen, 78th Latitude (very close to the North pole)
Why: It’s for Xploration’s Arctic Sailing plans that I came here in the first place. Every trip to Svalbard needs to be certified by the local government, and one of the key requirements is having a qualified tour guide. Studying to become one is not only beneficial from an organizational point but also a fascinating experience in itself.
Settings: The sun barely touches the mountain peaks, casting light on the frozen fjords and snow-covered mountains. The slow, polar shifts of daylight create that unique glow. Friendly locals, phlegmatically strolling past warning signs about the danger of meeting a polar bear—all pure magic.
The International Arctic Guide Community of Longyearbyen
During the first lecture of the Arctic Guide Course, each participant took a turn introducing themselves. To my surprise, there were quite a lot of us—25 people in total, representing a wide range of ages, nationalities, and backgrounds. Nine Norwegians, three Italians, and two participants each from Poland, Argentina, and the Philippines. I was the only Russian speaker, and I was also the only yachtsman.
Some of the group seemed less engaged, while the rest were energetic and knew exactly why they were here. Some had spent 30 years on Svalbard; others had been leading tours for years.
Over lunch, I talked to Magnus, a Norwegian who first came to Longyearbyen 55 years ago as a child when his parents worked in the mines. He witnessed the town change firsthand— the airport being built, coal mining decline, tourism rise, and miners’ families with children starting to move in.
One local tradition I learned: On March 8th, the people of Longyearbyen gather on the steps of the old hospital to celebrate the first rays of sunshine of the year. This entire polar Mardi Gras turns into a week-long festival. It looks just like this—so cool!
Some of the group seemed less engaged, while the rest were energetic and knew exactly why they were here. Some had spent 30 years on Svalbard; others had been leading tours for years.
Over lunch, I talked to Magnus, a Norwegian who first came to Longyearbyen 55 years ago as a child when his parents worked in the mines. He witnessed the town change firsthand— the airport being built, coal mining decline, tourism rise, and miners’ families with children starting to move in.
One local tradition I learned: On March 8th, the people of Longyearbyen gather on the steps of the old hospital to celebrate the first rays of sunshine of the year. This entire polar Mardi Gras turns into a week-long festival. It looks just like this—so cool!
Svalbard's Sustainable Tourism Values Align with Xploration
I came here with a certain vision of how one should approach travel. It’s not just about the act of traveling, but how we interact with the environment, gain new experiences, and share values. It’s about moving thoughtfully, avoiding haste, staying observant, showing mutual respect, and remaining open to the unexpected.
Xploration’s values reflect this mindset: 'We believe in authentic exploration, sustainable travel, and personal growth. Our journeys are about connecting with nature, embracing challenges, and fostering a community of adventurers who value discovery and mutual respect above all.'
During the course, I was happy to learn that similar ideas are shared here in Svalbard as well:
Xploration’s values reflect this mindset: 'We believe in authentic exploration, sustainable travel, and personal growth. Our journeys are about connecting with nature, embracing challenges, and fostering a community of adventurers who value discovery and mutual respect above all.'
During the course, I was happy to learn that similar ideas are shared here in Svalbard as well:
- "We are steadily building a vibrant, livable town and community."
- "We aim to be as sustainable as possible—considering the challenges of the Arctic."
- "We have decided to halt the construction of new hotels and, instead, focus on using existing accommodations year-round, reducing the low season, and encouraging longer stays."
- "We ask guides not to use Photoshop for Northern Lights photos or extreme close-ups of polar bears and Arctic foxes—so that guests have realistic expectations of what the aurora truly looks like and how close they can get to a bear or a fox."
- "We want to show our hospitality and care from the moment visitors step off the plane, setting the tone for trust and mutual respect."
- "We ask tourists not to photograph local residents without permission, respecting their privacy."
All of this seems clear and right to me. These are the principles on which a healthy society should be built. And what better place to promote them than in a country that coined the word friluftsliv: literally "life in the open air," meaning "being in harmony with nature, without destroying or disturbing it."
Museum Exploration: Cultural Heritage Beyond the Arctic Circle
On the second day of the course, after lectures from local authorities, we returned to the village and visited the museums: the state-run Svalbard Museum and the private North Pole Expedition Museum. Since we’re trained to become guides, instead of regular tours, we were given meta-tours—tours that taught us how to lead them.
The Svalbard Museum is definitely worth a visit! As for the North Pole Expedition Museum, I personally didn’t find it very impressive. Don't rely too much on my personal opinion—they really did a great job, so for many, it might be a 10/10. And one cool thing is that you can arrange to have drinks there with your group on a budget, which is a nice alternative to heading to a bar. The museum does a good job of presenting history in a neutral way, without leaning too much toward any one nationality.
The Svalbard Museum is definitely worth a visit! As for the North Pole Expedition Museum, I personally didn’t find it very impressive. Don't rely too much on my personal opinion—they really did a great job, so for many, it might be a 10/10. And one cool thing is that you can arrange to have drinks there with your group on a budget, which is a nice alternative to heading to a bar. The museum does a good job of presenting history in a neutral way, without leaning too much toward any one nationality.
One group that is well-represented here is the Pomor people. One of the main exhibits at the Svalbard Museum is an 18th-century Pomor house, alongside the work clothes of English and Dutch whalers, found in their graves well-preserved.
Interesting fact: All traces of human activity before 1946 are considered cultural heritage sites. So if you come across a rusty can or remnants of an old engine, chances are it’s not just trash.
Stay tuned… More stories from the Svalbard Arctic Guide Course are coming soon!
Interesting fact: All traces of human activity before 1946 are considered cultural heritage sites. So if you come across a rusty can or remnants of an old engine, chances are it’s not just trash.
Stay tuned… More stories from the Svalbard Arctic Guide Course are coming soon!
Arctic Guide Certification: Application Process
and Course Structure
How to apply: To gain admission to the course, applicants had to complete a detailed application form months in advance, showcasing their experience and motivation.
Program of the Arctic Guide Course:
Program of the Arctic Guide Course:
- First block (2 days): Foundation course – climate, history, sustainable tourism, emergency/rescue services, guiding, and excursions.
- Second block (2 days): Safety – first aid and anti-polar bear practices.
- Third block: "Field" block for winter expeditions.
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