Svalbard – Polar Nights and Northern Lights in Spitsbergen
- Details
Details
Hunt the Northern Lights 24 hours a day in Spitsbergen, where the Polar Night means that the phenomenal Aurora Borealis can be seen at almost any time. This is a chance to witness life in the high Arctic and experience the wonders that the area can offer.
Spitsbergen is one of the few places in the Aurora Zone where you can hunt the Northern Lights 24 hours a day! From 14 November until 29 January, the sun sits 6° below the horizon, meaning its glow is never present on Svalbard during this period. Whilst this does mean that the days are dark, it offers an exceptional opportunity for anyone who wants to witness the Aurora Borealis. Pretty much all activities present a viewing opportunity as the skies are dark and you'll head away from the lights of Longyearbyen with your expert guides.
This wild land offers so much to those who make the effort to head north of Tromsø and make the journey to Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen. It is a place where you can mingle with explorers and locals in the bars and where you can experience a wilderness like no other.
You'll experience a dog sledding adventure and a thrilling snowmobile tour so you can get a real sense of the wilderness and there are numerous dedicated Northern Lights activities included for you.
The welcoming Hotel Radisson Blu is your base and so there is no need to sacrifice any comfort, even in this remote corner of the world. They pride themselves on exceptional food and drink. Longyearbyen is a robust town which has a softer side, with a number of galleries and shops to explore as well as numerous eateries to enjoy. It's simply fascinating to spend time in such a remote place and see how people go about their daily lives.
Please note that there will be twilight hours throughout November and February departures. Speak to one of our travel experts for more information.
Important Information
Itinerary
The order of activities listed in this agenda is provided for guidance only. Your final and detailed itinerary will be provided either with your final travel documents (which will be emailed to you around a week prior to departure), or upon arrival.
The order of activities listed in this agenda is provided for guidance only. Your final and detailed itinerary will be provided either with your final travel documents (which will be emailed to you around a week prior to departure), or upon arrival.
Please note that there will be twilight hours throughout November and February departures. Speak to one of our travel experts for more information.
Itinerary
At some point today you will arrive in the city of Tromsø – the largest city in Northern Norway and a cosmopolitan gateway to the Arctic wilderness. How much time you have here depends on your flights but we can strongly recommend allowing some time to explore the city. Flights are included in this holiday and we can arrange them to suit your requirements as Tromsø is a major airport hub with many daily connections across Europe. If you want longer in the city then we can always arrange for you to arrive a day or two earlier, simply speak to our travel experts.
Your centrally-located hotel accommodation provides an ideal base from which to explore the sights and sounds of Tromsø.
Included Meals: None
[TOS] Langnes Airport, Norway To Clarion Hotel The Edge
Airport Transfer
Duration
00:00
Clarion Hotel The Edge - Check In
Address : Tromso, Troms County, Norway
Today you will be taken back to the airport for your flights north to the remote island of Spitsbergen. Longyearbyen is the capital and will be your base during your time here.
From the mid-November until mid-February, Spitsbergen experiences the Polar Night, a time when the sun is 6° below the horizon and therefore at this latitude, it does not shine on Spitsbergen. This is a unique period where you can see the Northern Lights at any time of night or day as the dark skies provide the backdrop 24 hours a day.
After checking into your comfortable hotel, the rest of the day is free for you to relax. However, don’t forget to keep an eye out for the Northern Lights display, as the Aurora is a regular visitor to this region.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Clarion Hotel The Edge To [TOS] Langnes Airport, Norway
Airport Transfer
Duration
00:00
[LYR] Svalbard Airport, Svalbard To Radisson Blu Polar Hotel
Airport Transfer
Duration
00:00
Clarion Hotel The Edge - Stay
Address : Tromso, Troms County, Norway
Radisson Blu Polar Hotel - Stay
Address : Spitsbergen, Svalbard, Norway
Funken Lodge - Stay
Address : Spitsbergen, Svalbard, Norway
Your driver will pick you up from your hotel for a tour of the local attractions. Beginning in the Longyear Valley you will explore the time before setting off towards Adventdalen, a mining area. On the way, you may be rewarded with views of the famous Svalbard Reindeer.
At Hotellsnestet you will see the site of the incredible Global Seed Bank – designed to protect the world’s flora. Your guide will discuss this wild and remote landscape and provide details of the animals which inhabit this land. There will be informative stops along the way and if you have any questions or specific interests then your knowledgeable and passionate guide will be on hand.
Tonight, you’ll get your first taste of the magic of the Arctic wilderness. You will be taken out away from Longyearbyen to Camp Barentz, an ideal location from which to witness the Northern Lights. This evening includes a delicious meal and a presentation on the Aurora Borealis which will provide additional insight into nature’s greatest light show.
Included Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Radisson Blu Polar Hotel - Stay
Address : Spitsbergen, Svalbard, Norway
Funken Lodge - Stay
Address : Spitsbergen, Svalbard, Norway
Today on your agenda is a snowmobile safari into the Polar Night, arguably the most exhilarating way to hunt down the Northern Lights.
After full instruction and a safety briefing, you will travel, two people per snowmobile, out into the dark wilderness in search of the Aurora. Stops will be made along the way and there will be warm drinks served (drivers must hold a full driving licence).
Next, you will experience your snowcat adventure in search of the Aurora. You’ll not miss your transport when it arrives as this large tracked vehicle makes quite an entrance. This is an ideal way to venture beyond the town and into the dark skies of the Advent Valley.
Next, you will experience your snowcat adventure in search of the Aurora. You’ll not miss your transport when it arrives as this large tracked vehicle makes quite an entrance. This is an ideal way to venture beyond the town and into the dark skies of the Advent Valley.
At the chosen location you will be provided with information about the science of the Northern Lights and details of local legends and tales which have arisen as a result of this natural phenomenon. Warm drinks will be served as you watch the skies for a display.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Radisson Blu Polar Hotel - Stay
Address : Spitsbergen, Svalbard, Norway
Funken Lodge - Stay
Address : Spitsbergen, Svalbard, Norway
A husky safari is a fitting way to explore the Arctic and is an unforgettable experience. The sense of adventure is fabulous and you feel a special connection to your environment. The feeling of adventure is even further enhanced by the Polar Night.
After meeting the eager dogs you will help the expert musher to harness the teams. A safety and instruction briefing is then provided prior to departure.
Guests will travel two people per sled. The guide will lead with their team and travelling two people per sled the teams will follow on behind. You will travel along a river bed and look out for reindeer and grouse, illuminated in your lights as you go.
At the Scott Turner Glacier, you will turn the teams around and start back towards base. Upon arrival at the kennels, everyone gets involved in un-harnessing the dogs before the mushers introduce you to the newest puppies.
This evening is free for you to explore Longyearbyen at leisure.
This evening is free for you to explore Longyearbyen at leisure.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Radisson Blu Polar Hotel - Stay
Address : Spitsbergen, Svalbard, Norway
Funken Lodge - Stay
Address : Spitsbergen, Svalbard, Norway
Today you will wave farewell to polar nights and head back south again. Following breakfast, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your flight home.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Radisson Blu Polar Hotel To [LYR] Svalbard Airport, Svalbard
Airport Transfer
Duration
00:00
Radisson Blu Polar Hotel - Check Out
Address : Spitsbergen, Svalbard, Norway
Funken Lodge - Check Out
Address : Spitsbergen, Svalbard, Norway
What's included?
- Flights are included from London to Longyearbyen (via a one-night stopover in Tromsø on the outbound journey). Flight routes are subject to change
- Return airport transfers in both Tromsø and Longyearbyen
- 1 night standard double/twin room at Clarion Hotel The Edge in Tromsø, 4 nights standard double/twin room at Radisson Blu Polar Hotel (with the option to upgrade to Funken Lodge)
- 5 breakfasts and 1 dinner
- Tour of Longyearbyen
- Northern Lights Evening at Camp Barentz
- Polar Night Wilderness Safari via E-Snowmobile
- Northern Lights Hunt via Snowcat
- Polar Night Husky Safari
- Fully qualified wilderness guides and instructors during activities
- Cold weather clothing (coat and external trousers only) for the duration of your stay in Spitsbergen
- 24/7 assistance from our UK-based operations team
Accommodation
Clarion Hotel The Edge
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Situated right in the centre of Tromsø, the Clarion Hotel The Edge puts you in a prime location to explore the ‘Paris of the North’ and is an excellent base to transfer to your memorable activities. Hotel Facilities
NB: The hotel is cash-free. They take payment by credit or debit card and accept all major international cards |
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Radisson Blu Polar Hotel
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Located in the centre of Longyearbyen, the Radisson Blu is surrounded by mountains and lies close to the beautiful, wintery ocean. An ideal base for exploration, it provides the perfect place to retreat to after a day of fun and discovery. Hotel facilities
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Funken Lodge
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Hotel facilities
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The hotel’s main restaurant, Funktionærmessen (or more simply shortened to Funken) has wonderful views of the town and serves a carefully selected selection of delicious a la carte dishes for its guests – King crab, dry-aged meats and local food like Svalbard reindeer are amongst the specialities.
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Funken Bar is Longyearbyen’s only specialised cocktail bar with a wide selection of first-class spirits, vintage wines and decorative drinks.
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Complimentary pudding can be enjoyed every afternoon in the warmly welcoming lounge area. This is the ideal spot to sit in front of the fire enjoying a good book.
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Purchase souvenirs in the small gift shop next to the reception
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The hotel also has a sauna for guest use which is heated daily and a small gym onsite.
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Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel.
Tour Map
Additional Info
Key Facts
Duration
5 - 6 Nights
Pace
Active
Holiday Type
Package Holiday
Max Group Size
NA
Cities / Destinations
Norway, Spitsbergen, Svalbard
Brochure Code
1228
Price from
6 days
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