Hot springs, waterfalls, volcanoes, and glaciers: Iceland sure is a land of extremes. Its vast territory makes it the second largest island in Europe (after Great Britain) and the most sparsely populated country. While the capital, Reykjavík, holds most of the island’s population and a vibrant life, the interior of the island remains an uninhabitable land made up of sand, mountains, and lava fields.
Iceland packs a punch. Starting at sea level, the island winds through a wide variety of geological wonders, all the way up to 2,000m altitude. Expect erupting geysers, active volcanoes, epic waterfalls, breath taking fjords, lakes and glaciers, snowy mountains, and barren expanses of black lava fields.
Snowmobiling on the volcanic mountains in the northern part of the island is an experience of unparalleled freedom. The crisp air opens up to a vast expanse of unadulterated nature, embraced by the ocean on all sides. The silence calls for complete presence and the stillness of the snow is enlivening.
When taking a break from riding, you can explore Iceland’s unique wildlife. Whales, sealions, reindeers, and birds make for life-changing sightings.
Indeed, Iceland is a particularly exciting spot for birdwatching. You might catch some of the eight million puffins that summer in Iceland every year, or the colorful harlequin ducks that are unique to the region. Protected species like the Gyrfalcon, the largest falcon in the world, also reside here, along with thick-billed murres dotting the cliffs.
Due to its geographic positioning, Svalbard experiences periods of complete darkness during winter and prolonged light in summer. From April to mid-August, the sun stays up, coloring the vast landscape in reddish-yellow tones. The midnight sun bathes everything in a golden glow that makes the landscape even more dramatic and makes it possible to explore at night.
The weather is also mild, compared to other places at similar altitudes in Russia or Canada. Temperatures range from 4 to 10°C in summer, all the way down to −13°C in the peak of winter.
Our state-of-the-art snowmobiles are the ideal way to witness nature in its purest expression. On land, you might spot rare wildlife like polar bears, reindeers, arctic foxes, and a wide range of seabirds. Coming down from the mountains, you might see whales, dolphins, seals, and walruses that roam the ocean, making their sightings worth the journey.
To balance things off, you’ll get to cozy up in luxurious hotels and cabins after our rides. Delicious local food abounds in Svalbard with local delicacies like reindeer jerky, smoked whale, or the local gamebird ptarmigan–impossible to find outside the island. And for a special dining experience, a stop at the famous restaurant Huset puts an extravagant spin on traditional food.
When taking a break from gliding through the mountains, you can catch a glimpse of the northern lights, relax in Iceland’s most famous geothermal pool, go hot spring hopping, or come dine with the locals. From the hustle and bustle of the capital Reykjavík, you can experience the charming local community of one of Iceland’s small fishing towns, Akureyri.
Local cuisine consists of simple, pure dishes that focus on freshness and nourishing ingredients: fresh-caught seafood, lava salt butter, creamy Skyr, fermented shark, and free-range lamb. And make sure you save some room for dessert!
