The Frozen Family goes to Barentsburg

Yesterday, the Frozen Family drove all the way to Barentsburg and back on their 2 snowmobiles/snowscooters (and I, as the only one, overturned only once). The temperature was -25C and it was pitch black.

I know loads of people have done the same trip many times, but for us it was a real adventure - and we learnt a few things too. For example, despite experiencing one of the coldest days of our lives (being from temperate Bergen), we didn´t freeze. That meant we´ve learnt how to dress for Svalbard. Nice.

Also, 50-60 km an hour is fast enough, thank you very much. 120 is for young daredevils, not for old mamas and papas. At least not for this old mama.

And of course - it´s weird driving through fantastic landscapes - and not seeing a thing. I can´t wait for the sun to return. From the top of the Longyear-glacier, we glimpsed a vague bluish light in the far south - strange to think that the sun is way down there, shining on everyone else.


Thomas on the snowmobile. All wrapped up and ready to go.



Parking in front of the hotel in Barentsburg, where we had lunch.



In the darkness it was difficult to see much of the town, but we´ll be back to have a better look later. However, our first impressions were: less streetlights than in Longyearbyen, and a LOT less cars and snowmobiles.


Some pictures of the interior. And the charming decorations.



Emma, a bit dubious about the main dish. Local pork and macaroni.








And then we returned to Longyearbyen. The whole trip (organised by Jon Sandmo) took more or less 6,5 hours, including the 2 hours in Barentsburg.

And today we´re happy to be back, but thrilled to have been.