Niklas Wikstrand
If you’ve ever visited our dog yard together with Niklas, you’ll quickly realize that this is a guide with a truly special connection to huskies and their needs. As Dog Yard Manager at Trapper’s Station, Niklas thrives when he stands quietly on the sled, focused on his four-legged companions — observing how they work together, ensuring each dog pulls with power and joy, without strain or injury.
Originally from Nes in Akershus, Niklas moved to Svalbard in 2013 for studies and while at the same time completing an internship as an Arctic nature guide with Basecamp Explorer Spitsbergen. A few years later, he spent three winters in Alaska, training sled dogs and competing in races, while returning to Svalbard each summer to work. He has been hosting at Isfjord Radio and assisted at the local veterinary clinic in Longyearbyen.
In addition to his education in biology, business economics, and Arctic nature guiding, Niklas is a certified massage and rehabilitation therapist for dogs.
“The most important thing in dog sledding is that the dogs feel good and stay happy,” says Niklas. “We achieve that through the right balance of training and recovery, both mentally and physically, along with proper nutrition.”
For Niklas, nature, freedom, community, and purpose are the foundations of his life in Svalbard.
And for our huskies, Niklas is at the very heart of their well-being — both at Trapper’s Station and out in the wild Arctic landscape.
Read more about Niklas’ philosophy for the highest standard of animal care for our dogs at Trapper’s Station.