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.

Anette is Basecamp Explorer’s International Sales Manager and represents the company across international markets. Originally from the Oslo area, she now calls Svalbard home. A move that reflects both her professional direction and her personal way of life. 

With a background in sales, marketing, and hospitality, she has built her career around people and experiences. Anette is genuinely interested in getting to know people’s stories and their reasons for travel. As a natural host, she always goes the extra mile to make guests feel welcome, safe and cared for, and is deeply motivated by inspiring others to discover places she herself holds close to heart. 

Anette is an active soul and feels most at home outside. You will often find her heading out for a run, a hike, or her next adventure. She loves to travel and experience new places, but nothing compares to Norway. She spends most of her free time on the beautiful west coast of Norway, where she recharges and gets ready for whatever comes next. 

Her first visit to Svalbard left a lasting impression. The combination of extreme nature and fragile surroundings stayed with her and eventually led her back to the Arctic. Now as a Basecamper, she gets to share her love for Svalbard and the Arctic, welcoming guests, partners and agents from all over the world and inviting them into what will become an experience of a lifetime. 

Maiken is born in Bodø, and came to Svalbard for an adventure in 2000. She started to work at one of the hotels in town, with creating unforgettable experience for guests while they visited Longyearbyen.

In 2004 she moved back to Bodø, before Svalbard called her back in 2011. When she returned, with her husband and two daughters, she first experienced Svalbard’s unique nature with the children in Longyearbyen’s kindergardens, before she moved on to help creating unique adventures for our guests in Spitsbergen.

Maiken loves to be outside. Whether it is on short or long trips, with a cup of coffee on a hilltop or outside the house in the sun. Together with a group of friends, her girls, a dog or the snowmobile.

Email: maiken@basecampexplorer.com

Pia is 25 years old and originally from Oslo, but Svalbard has always been a part of her life.
After many visits throughout her childhood, she developed a deep connection to the archipelago – so when the opportunity to work at 78 degrees north came along, she didn’t hesitate for a second.

With a bachelor’s degree in Digital Communication and Marketing from BI Norwegian Business School in Bergen, Pia brings both structure and creativity to her role as an Arctic Travel Designer. She helps our guests tailor experiences that truly capture the magic of the Arctic landscape.

For Pia, the best thing about living and working on Svalbard is being surrounded by the raw, beautiful power of nature. She loves being active, discovering new places, and heading out on adventures – especially where the views are spectacular and the sky shifts in soft Arctic pastels.

Favourite place on Svalbard: Anywhere with a view and a sense of calm.

Looking for extraordinary Arctic adventures? Pia is here to help you add that little something extra to make your journey truly unforgettable.
Get in touch with Pia: pia@basecampexplorer.com