Protection of Clients in Svalbard: Polar Bears, Safety Measures, and the Wonders of the Arctic

Svalbard is one of those places that sticks with you. Every time I return, it reminds me just how remote and wild it is. There’s a silence here that you can’t find anywhere else, and it feels like you're standing at the edge of the world. When you’re out there, surrounded by vast glaciers and endless horizons, you get this humbling sense of how small we really are in comparison to the natural forces at play.

What is the D10 Zone?

When you’re planning a trip to Svalbard, you’ll hear about the D10 zone. It’s the area around Longyearbyen that’s considered relatively safe because it’s close to the settlement. But beyond that, it’s just you and the wild. Venturing outside the D10 zone is when things get real. You need to be fully prepared—not just with permits, rifles, and safety equipment, but mentally prepared for the isolation and responsibility that comes with being out there.

On my trips, I make sure everyone is ready for what lies ahead. The gear we carry isn’t just for show. It’s essential. From setting up the tripwire system to making sure we’ve got the right insurance in place (because if a bear ransacks our camp, we need to be able to call for help), every detail matters. But that’s also what makes these multi-day, self-supported expeditions so rewarding. You’re not just witnessing this incredible environment—you’re part of it.

Polar Bears: The Apex Predator of the Arctic

I’ve been to Svalbard five times now, and no matter how much I prepare or how much I know about polar bears, they still command my respect. They’re huge, but they move so gracefully on both ice and water, like they’ve been part of this land forever. You see one, and you can’t help but admire it. But of course, respect comes with responsibility, and when you’re here, you have to understand the reality of their presence.

Polar bears are incredibly well-adapted to their environment, and one of the fascinating things is how they can survive in such an extreme place. They don’t need to drink water like we do because their bodies can break down the fat they consume into water. When you’re out on a glacier, you realise how little freshwater there is, and it makes sense that they’ve evolved this way.

Why Do Polar Bears Attack?

People often ask me, “How dangerous are they?” And the truth is, while polar bears are powerful animals, attacks on humans are very rare. In fact, globally, there have been fewer than 100 deaths recorded from polar bear attacks. Here in Svalbard, it’s about 21 since the late 1800s. The bears aren’t looking for trouble—most attacks happen when they’re starving or injured. For them, we’re not a natural food source, but when they’re desperate, they’ll take risks. That’s why we’re so careful when setting up camp and making sure we respect their space.

Refresher training with the team in Longyearbyen the night before we depart on our Svalbard crossing.

Camp Safety: Tripwires and Rifles

When you’re setting up camp in Svalbard, it’s a process that requires a lot of care. The first time I did it, I remember thinking about just how isolated we were—there’s no quick way to get help out there. That’s when it hits you that everything you do needs to be deliberate. The tripwire system we set up around the camp is a good example of this. It’s there as a backup. We don’t rely on it, but knowing it’s in place adds that extra layer of security. In these temperatures, setting it up can be a real challenge, especially when your hands are going numb from the cold, but over time, you learn how to make it work smoothly.

We also carry rifles, but not to use them unless it’s absolutely necessary. The aim is always to deter the bear, not harm it. Firing a flare is usually enough to send them on their way, but knowing how to handle a rifle gives you that last line of defence if everything else fails.

The trip wire system for our Svalbard crossing

Bear Watch: A Sacred Task

One of the parts of these trips I really enjoy is bear watch. It’s peaceful, in a way that’s hard to explain until you’ve done it. There’s nothing quite like being out there alone, the Arctic sun never setting, everything bathed in light. You’re wearing a big down suit to keep warm, walking the perimeter to keep the circulation going, but your mind slows down. It’s just you, the sound of your footsteps on the snow, and the vast landscape stretching out before you. I’ll often have an audiobook playing quietly, but sometimes I switch it off just to take in the silence.

I think that’s what makes these trips special. You’re constantly aware of the potential danger, but instead of fear, it feels more like respect. It’s their territory, and we’re the visitors. You keep a lookout, but there’s a sense of calm that comes with knowing you’re in the heart of something so wild and untamed.

Mark valiantly standing guard in his expedition suit keeping the camp safe on our Svalbard crossing.

The History of Svalbard: From Mining to the Seed Vault

Svalbard is more than just glaciers and wildlife. The history here is fascinating. You see the old mining equipment scattered across the landscape, and it reminds you that people have been trying to make a life in this harsh place for over a century. Mining used to be the big industry here, but these days, it’s more about scientific research and conservation.

The Global Seed Vault is a modern marvel. It’s tucked into the mountains and holds millions of seeds from all over the world. Every time I pass it, I’m struck by how important it is—this quiet effort to preserve our biodiversity, even in such a remote place. On these trips, you feel connected not just to the landscape but to the bigger picture of what humanity is trying to protect.

Why Join Us on a Svalbard Crossing?

Svalbard is a place that asks a lot from you but gives so much in return. I’ve been fortunate enough to return several times, and each journey feels like a life reset—a chance to disconnect, reconnect with nature, and focus on the essentials. Setting out on a multi-day, self-supported crossing is not just an adventure; it’s a rare opportunity to challenge yourself in a place where the wild truly governs.

You learn quickly that out here, it’s not about conquering the landscape but moving with it. The silence, the endless light, the sight of a polar bear far off in the distance—these are the moments that make it special. There’s a deep sense of reward that comes from being part of a self-sufficient team, where each step into the wilderness brings you closer to understanding this remote world.

If you’re someone who’s looking for more than a typical adventure, and you want to experience the balance between challenge and serenity in one of the wildest places on Earth, I’d love for you to join us.

Protection of Clients in Svalbard: Polar Bears, Safety Measures, and the Wonders of the Arctic