From the summer haven of Sandefjord to the rugged, untamed wilderness of Svalbard, Cecilie has always been captivated by contrasts. Since 2020, she has been the voice behind our communications with guests, ambassadors, and partners. Starting in August 2024, she will take on the role of leading our sales and marketing efforts, with a mission to ensure that every visitor falls in love with the Arctic wilderness—and returns home with a deep respect for its history, culture, and fragile environment.

Svalbard is the epitome of something raw and authentic, standing in stark contrast to the world’s increasing digitization and automation. Here, at 78 degrees north, the weather is the ultimate architect of experience. Four seasons can unfold within 24 hours. The biting cold is quickly forgotten when snow-covered mountain ranges are bathed in pastel hues, and nothing compares to the taste of blackcurrant toddy after a rough boat ride past glaciers and iconic peaks, according to Cecilie.

Cecilie first set foot in Svalbard in 1997 as a journalist for Schibsted Nett, where she covered the world’s first live concert broadcast over the internet, made possible by Telenor Svalbard’s cutting-edge communication systems. Since then, she has worked in communications both domestically and internationally, but she has now found her permanent place in Longyearbyen.

“My top recommendation for anyone visiting Svalbard is to make time to experience one of our outstations: Nordenskiöld Lodge and Isfjord Radio. It’s in the wilderness where the true magic happens. Outside the boundaries of civilization, we find a sense of mastery, wonder, and humility. We may be small in the face of nature’s wild forces, but we hold the power to protect its vital importance for our existence. It’s a fascinating balance,” Cecilie concludes.

Birgitte comes from Vestnes in Romsdalen, the “capital” for Norwegian outdoor enthusiasts. Her first meeting with Svalbard was when she and her husband secretly eloped to get married at the Governor’s office in 2015. Ironically, they are travelling with Basecamp Explorer Spitsbergen this time, three years before moving to Svalbard.

Svalbard was love at first sight, and the moment she landed at the airport she immediately knew that she had to return at a later stage to live and work. The longing for the arctic island did not pass, so in August 2018 she quit her job, packed her bags and started working as Administration Coordinator for Basecamp Explorer Spitsbergen. From August 2018 she became our Sales Manager and today Birgitte lead all our operations in Svalbard as Destination Manager at Basecamp Explorer Spitsbergen.

Before moving to Svalbard, Birgitte worked several years in the offshore industry as a Manager for a training- and simulator centre for offshore cranes, and as a Project Manager & Business Advisor for Aukra chamber of commerce.

Birgitte loves spending time in the outdoors chasing the beautiful polar light. Happily collecting artic adventures, either by hiking with her family and furry friends, snowmobiling or kayaking. She loves to travel, enjoy the wildlife and to capture the arctic light in various seasons with her camera.

Siw fell head over heels for Svalbard from the moment she got off the plane on her first visit, and made the following statement: “I’m going to live here!”

Siw is the finance manager at Basecamp Explorer Spitsbergen AS, a job she manages with a safe and sure hand. Before joining our team, Siw worked in various industries, such as pharmaceuticals, media and insurance.

– I can never get enough of the incredibly beautiful glaciers we have in the Arctic, and I feel the best when I’m on a trip, says Siw.

And favorite months in Svalbard? February and October! With the wonderful light and colors in the entire palette of pastels.

Contrasts, from open fjords and endless tundra to narrow gorges and tight ice caves. Max leads all our activities in the arctic nature, but he is also an enthusiastic user of the kingdom of contrasts, Svalbard. And precisely the contrasts are one of the things he values most when he is on trips with our guests or girl friend, friends and the dogs Arok (Siberian husky) and Binna (Alaskan husky).

– I came to Svalbard to study arctic outdoor life and nature guiding (ANG), and quickly became engrossed in working as a guide, explains Max.

Max was born in Sweden, but grew up in Norway, where he has, among other things, been a paramedic, gunner and team leader in the task force of the Home Guard. He has now lived on Svalbard for seven years, and has built up solid experience as a guide through all the arctic seasons. Important knowledge to have when he has to lead both employees and guests through fascinating expedition adventures.

– The incredible contrasts on Svalbard place demands on people’s encounters with nature. We become small in all the mightyness, but with respect for the surroundings, we get experiences that no other place can offer. It’s fantastic to whiz across the plains with a scooter in the winter, or to be close to sea life in a boat in the summer. But it is probably the light of spring and autumn that touches me most deeply. When the horizon burns in the rawest sunrises and sunsets, and the light bathes Svalbard in pastel, then it’s good to be Max.

Emil is our dedicated hotel manager, who makes sure that the guests experience plenty of hospitality, comfort and coziness. Emil is 27 years old, born and raised in scenic Ålesund. Now the Sunnmør Alps have been replaced by equally majestic mountains in the Arctic.

“Svalbard is truly remarkable, offering both breathtaking natural wonders and warm, welcoming locals,” Emil shares. As part of the Basecamp team in Svalbard, he embraces both professional and personal challenges, finding fulfillment in contributing to the ongoing evolution of Arctic tourism.

Following his studies at the University of Kristiania, Emil honed his skills at the Storfjord Hotel. Simultaneously, his passion for animals led him to spend ample time in the stables, competing nationally in show jumping. Though the horses had to remain on the mainland, Emil brought his culinary talents with him to Svalbard, alongside his love for baking and cooking. And if you spot him sporting a cozy woolen jumper, don’t hesitate to inquire if he knitted it himself.