Arctic Influencer Details Dangers of Living in ‘Off-Grid Cabin,’ Says It’s Not ‘Uncommon for Polar Bears to Break’ in

Living in the Arctic might look breathtaking, but it brings with it a unique set of challenges—something influencer Cecilia Blomdahl knows firsthand.

Blomdahl resides on Svalbard, a remote island near the North Pole, and recently shared a TikTok video detailing the hazards that come with calling such a place home.

“It is not uncommon for polar bears to break into off-grid cabins,” she says in the video, which has racked up nearly 900,000 views. “We actually just recently had a polar bear very close to town.” It’s a constant concern for anyone living in Svalbard, she adds.

While no polar bears have broken into her own cabin in more than two decades, Blomdahl emphasizes the importance of staying vigilant. “Whenever you go outside, you need to look around the corner before stepping out to kind of see your surroundings,” she explains.

She also introduces her Finnish Lapphund, Grim, in the clip, noting that he’s “fine being outdoors because he can actually tell us if anything is coming close to the cabin way before we can see it.”

Blomdahl says carrying a firearm is “required” for those living on Svalbard when they’re outside the village—especially crucial for her since she lives in an entirely off-grid cabin. “The firearm is only for life-threatening situations,” she clarifies.

In a February 2025 interview with PEOPLE, Blomdahl described life on the icy island, discussing the stark contrasts of Polar Days and Polar Nights—when the sun either doesn’t set or doesn’t rise for extended periods. She also spoke of Svalbard’s natural beauty, including its aurora displays and the “friendly” reindeer that often wander near her village.

Despite the harsh conditions and stretches of 24-hour darkness, Blomdahl said she’s “never felt safer” in her Arctic community. “The only thing we worry about is polar bears,” she shared.

“They’re at the top of the food chain. So they roam. They’re the kings of this island,” Blomdahl added, noting that the village is considered a “safe zone.”

When she walks Grim during the Polar Night, Blomdahl wears a rifle and a powerful headlamp on her back for safety. “We stay out of the bear’s way if we need. We’re very in tune with nature here,” she said.