Elise first came to Svalbard in the autumn of 2023 as part of her bachelor’s degree in Arctic Outdoor Life. Originally from Kristiansand, she quickly fell for life in the High Arctic and has called 78 degrees north home since.

“Svalbard offers nature experiences unlike anywhere else, and I already have a lifetime’s worth of unforgettable memories.”

Elise’s expertise extends beyond her degree, she has also completed the Arctic Nature Guide (ANG) program, recently earned her activity leader certification, and is now specializing in kayaking.

Naturally, the outdoors plays a huge role in her life, not just at work, but in her free time as well. Whether on long hikes, ski expeditions, or summiting Svalbard’s peaks in winter, Elise embraces every adventure the Arctic has to offer.

When asked to recommend a must-try experience near Longyearbyen, her answer is clear: ice cave exploration. “Especially during the polar night, descending into the thousand-year-old beauty of the ice is a truly otherworldly experience.”