Poli Arctici is a small specialized tour-operator based in Longyearbyen, Svalbard. Poli Arctici was established in 1999 and specializes in trekking, skiing, snowmobile, and boat excursions throughout the archipelago during the summer and winter seasons. Additionally, they provide a wide range of logistical services and field support throughout Svalbard.
There is a sense of freedom one feels working and exploring Svalbard’s vast wilderness. Your values adapt to the environment and measures to preserve it. Over the years, the team has built Poli Arctici to prioritize sharing these values with guests and working on minimizing the environmental footprint in such areas as reduction of single-plastic use, reduction of waste and saving electricity and water resources.
With the First Mile Project, they decided to:
Discover more about Poli Arctici here.
©Poli Arctici
Min Ája was established in 1963 under the name of Karasjok Camping. Today the campsite consists of cottages, a camping area, newly renovated facilities, a BBQ hut, a playground, a Finnish sauna with panoramic windows, and an outdoor jacuzzi with a view. They also offer various activities, mainly in winter.
Silje is the third generation of hosts, and lives at the campsite with her two boys. Min Ája is located in natural surroundings. Shielded, yet close to nature, as well as the Sami Parliament and other famous, sites and cultural activities of various kinds. In winter, there is a snowmobile trail right up to the cabins, so the basis for snowmobile safari is excellent! Skiing enthusiasts can use the same track to get down the river ice, and onto the many ski slopes in the area!
Min Ája is taking measures to be eligible for the Green Key certification, and being a part of the First Mile project strengthens that process.
With the First Mile Project, they decided to:
Discover more about Min Ája here.
©Min Ája
Tromsø Lodge & Camping is located in the beautiful Tromsdalen valley – just a stone’s throw away from Tromsø city center. At Tromsø Lodge & Camping, it is possible to choose among 5 different cabin categories to stay in during an Arctic holiday – from small and cozy cabins to spacious and fully equipped lodges for the whole family, or a group of friends. Tromsø Lodge & Camping offers the perfect base camp to experience the best of Northern Norway, with easy access to nature, and to the lively and historic city of Tromsø.
With the First Mile Project, they decided to:
Discover more about Tromsø Lodge & Camping here.
©Tromsø Lodge & Camping
Founded in 2010 by Christian Bruttel and Marcel Schütz, both at the time already passionate Polar Guides, Spitzbergen Reisen has developed from a “two-man operation” to a small company with 7 full-time employees.
At Spitzbergen Reisen, they are proud of their small groups and personalized tours, oftentimes going far behind their guests’ expectations in hopes of sharing the unique island they are fortunate enough to call home. Being specialized in small groups also gives them the advantage of being able to quickly adapt to changes, either in weather, conditions in the terrain, or just the overall feeling of the guests. Having a pleasant and safe tour is their utmost important aim for all their guests.
It all already starts in the planning stages, where they assist guests in finding their perfect Svalbard Experience. Be that a hike, snowmobile tour, ski tour, or a boat trip, they are happy to assist and find something for everyone, no matter the fitness or previous experience in Arctic environments. Their focus is the German-speaking market, as all their guides and staff are fluent in German, this is highly appreciated by guests, as language barriers can be avoided this way, creating an even more pleasant experience.
They treat all their clients as guests, to create a more familiar atmosphere, and when out on tours all their guides aren’t shy to also share personal stories about their life and experiences on the island, far behind the standard guiding that one would expect. Most of their tours take guests far off the beaten tracks into the backcountry of Svalbard, to places so remote you can forget the rest of the world. They hope to continue their work and share the passion for the high Arctic with their future guests, and welcome old friends and new guests alike to Svalbard.
With the First Mile Project, they decided to:
Discover more about Spitzbergen Reisen here.
©Spitzbergen Reisen
Nusfjord Arctic Resort is situated in the secluded and tranquil fishing village of Nusfjord in Lofoten, Norway. As you pass the spectacular mountains passes of Flakstad, breathe in the salty winds of the northern sea, and prepare for immersing yourself in a truly authentic experience of the Lofoten islands.
Nusfjord Arctic Resort offers traditional fishing cottages. Guests can try a wood-fired hot tub or activities such as fishing, kayaking and hiking. Seafood and fjord views are offered at Restaurant Karoline. Nusfjord Rorbuer can organize fishing trips. Surrounded by the Lofoten Mountains, Nusfjord is one of the best preserved fishing villages in Norway.
With the First Mile Project, they decided to:
Discover more about Nusfjord Arctic Resort here.
©Nusfjord Arctic Resort
At Whale2Sea, located in Andenes, Norway, they specialize in offering knowledge-based marine wildlife experiences. Their focus is both on whale and bird-watching tours in the rich waters of northern Norway, where there are ten different whale species all year around.
They pride themselves on combining guided (RIB) boat tours that allow visitors to observe these incredible animals in their natural habitat with research. Their knowledgeable guides offer insights into the behavior, ecology, and conservation efforts related to the marine life in the region.
In addition to their standard tours, they offer specialized experiences such as underwater photography and research-focused expeditions. At Whale2Sea, they are committed to fostering appreciation and awareness of the marine environment while promoting responsible wildlife tourism.
With the First Mile Project, they decided to:
Discover more about Whale2Sea here.
©Whale2Sea
Snow is a gift from the sky. Cold, still, pure and beautiful. Welcome to the world of Snowhotel Kirkenes. A world where you sleep in snow, walk on snow and can drive a snowmobile or a dogsled on snow. They even serve snow in their restaurant.
Snowhotel Kirkenes is situated 8 km outside Kirkenes in the secluded wilds of Northern Norway. Since 2006, they have dedicated their lives to show guests the true sense of arctic wilderness. Here, 160 huskies excitedly await their arrival. Reindeer graze behind unique chalets. At the bottom of the fjord, the giant king crabs dwell. When the northern lights dance, they illuminate the snowy surroundings with their vibrant green and yellow hues. However, none of these natural wonders would matter, without their most important asset – their staff, which are ready to give the best arctic adventure.
With the First Mile Project, they decided to:
Discover more about Snowhotel Kirkenes here.
©Snowhotel Kirkenes
At Trasti & Trine, they have a genuine interest in taking good care of their guests, the nature, the local community. They offer dogsledding, unique rooms and serve local and organic food. By giving guests an insight into the fantastic nature and culture in Finnmark County, they want to inspire and share knowledge about sustainable use and travel without a trace. They are certified by Norwegian Eco tourism standards.
With the First Mile Project, they decided to:
Discover more about Trasti & Trine here.
©Trasti & Trine
Nord Norsk Bilutleie AS represents AVIS and Budget Car Rental, as well as Zipcar carsharing services in the Salten (Bodø) Region in Nordland, Norway. They are proud to be a part of the First Mile Project as a way of continuing their efforts to reduce carbon emissions from their fleet of cars and vans. By investing in customer behavioral insights, their aim is to ensure an even higher proportion of our customer choosing zero emission vehicles to rent from them. Their main focus through the EU funded project is to make driving, charging and renting EV’s less complicated for customers. Being ISO14001 certified, this initiative is well suited to help them fulfill their goals for sustainable tourism in their region.
With the First Mile Project, they decided to:
Discover more about Nord Norsk Bilutleie AS here.
©Nord Norsk Bilutleie AS
Kvitnes Gård is an old farm located in Vesterålen. A few years ago, it was refurbished and transitioned into a well-renowned farm-to-table restaurant. Besides the outstanding fine dining experience, the farm also offers charming accommodations in different old farmhouses on the farm.
Their main philosophy is very closely linked to permaculture and the regenerative movement. They have already come a long way when it comes to food production and food waste. With this project, they want to start working with more focus on reducing energy consumption.
With the First Mile Project, they decided to:
Discover more about Kvitnes Drift AS here.
©Kvitnes Drift AS