The Northern Lights Enthusiast -
5 days (Winter)
ABOUT THE TRIP
If witnessing the magical northern lights is on your bucket list, then this 5-day winter escape to Svalbard is the trip for you! Crafted for travelers captivated by the northern lights and the beauty of snow-covered landscapes, this journey offers a thrilling, focused Arctic experience. From chasing auroras to adrenaline-pumping winter activities, every day brings something unforgettable!
What’s in Store for You:
- Aurora Hunts and Stargazing Adventures: Each night, gear up to chase the northern lights! The crisp, clear Arctic skies make Svalbard one of the best places to experience the aurora borealis. Watch as green, purple, and pink lights dance across the darkened sky, creating a spectacle that will leave you in awe. Our expert guides know the best spots for a clear view, turning each night into a potential northern lights masterpiece.
- Snowmobiling through Pristine Arctic Wilderness: Feel the thrill as we zip across the Arctic tundra and frozen fjords on snowmobiles, covering distances that reveal Svalbard’s most stunning winter landscapes. This ride lets you experience the open wilderness with all its rugged beauty and snowy silence.
- Journey to Mystical Ice Caves: Step into a world of frozen wonder as you explore Svalbard’s extraordinary ice caves. These icy tunnels, carved naturally over time, are lined with intricate frost patterns and crystal-blue walls that create an otherworldly experience. A must-see for every winter enthusiast!
- Snowcat Excursions through the Arctic Night: Hop aboard a snowcat, a rugged vehicle built to handle Svalbard’s challenging terrain, as we set out on evening excursions that offer a unique way to experience the vast Arctic under the starlit sky. Whether exploring frozen landscapes or setting out for another night of aurora-hunting, the snowcat adds a layer of thrill.
- Dogsledding through the Snow-Covered Tundra: Feel the rush of tradition and adventure as you mush your way across snow-draped landscapes with a team of eager sled dogs. This iconic Arctic activity is both exciting and serene, allowing you to immerse yourself in the beauty of Svalbard’s winter with only the sounds of paws and sled gliding over the snow.
Why This Trip is Perfect for Northern Lights Enthusiasts:
This 5-day journey brings together Svalbard’s most thrilling winter experiences with a strong focus on catching the northern lights. Every day and night is filled with unique ways to explore, from breathtaking landscapes to adrenaline-filled activities, all while increasing your chances of seeing the aurora. This is the Arctic as you’ve always dreamed of it—mysterious, majestic, and illuminated by the natural beauty of the northern lights.
Ready to make your Arctic dream a reality? Join us in Svalbard for five unforgettable days of winter magic and northern lights adventure!
Start Your Journey Here!
Reserve online
Schedule
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DAY 1 - Arriving in SvalbardList Item 1
You arrive in Svalbard! Ready for a once-in-a-lifetime experience?
After landing, you can take your time exploring the special town of Longyearbyen, taste the delicious food the town's restaurants offer, don't miss it!
After a good meal, take a stroll down the snowy lanes and enjoy Longyearbyen's fascinating mountains and the beautiful ocean near town.
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DAY 2 - A Dog Sledding Experience and a Northern Lights Snowcat ExperienceList Item 2
Sledding tour - November and December
Your journey commences as your guide collects you from your hotel and escorts you to the kennel, nestled approximately 10 kilometers outside of town. Here, you'll be outfitted with warm attire, including overalls, boots, hats, gloves, and buffs, before being introduced to our exuberant furry companions. If snow blankets the ground, we'll embark on a thrilling sled ride into one of the nearby valleys. However, if snowfall is scarce, our adventure unfolds on wheeled carts amidst the majestic Adventdalen.
Spanning from November to January, the polar night casts an enchanting spell over Svalbard, providing an ideal backdrop for spotting the mesmerizing northern lights. During this period, Svalbard boasts a unique distinction as the only place on Earth where the auroras may grace the daytime skies. In the secluded valleys, shielded from urban light pollution, the odds of witnessing this celestial spectacle are heightened. Yet, whether or not the northern lights grace us with their presence, the huskies are elated to romp and roam the wilderness alongside you.
Northern Lights Hunting With Snowcat
As our distinctive snowcat arrives to collect you, its imposing presence contrasts with the vastness of the surrounding wilderness, setting the stage for an unforgettable journey. Led by our experienced guide, you'll depart Longyearbyen and leave behind the artificial lights, immersing yourselves in the mysterious darkness of the wild.
Traversing the frozen expanse of Adventdalen, our snowcat will make several stops along the way, providing ample opportunities to gaze at the night sky in search of the elusive northern lights. While seated in the snowcat's cozy interior, equipped with heated seats for added comfort, you'll have the chance to step outside during stops and marvel at the Arctic landscape.
While sightings of the northern lights cannot be guaranteed, the experience of venturing into the silent majesty of the valley and feeling the power of nature in Svalbard is a journey in itself. Bundle up warmly and join us for a magical evening as we seek out the celestial dance of the aurora borealis amidst the enchanting Arctic wilderness.
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DAY 3 - Hike to the Ice Cave and Northern Lights EveningList Item 3
Hike to the Ice Cave - Icy Adventure
The trek to the glacier and the entrance of the ice cave typically takes around two hours, encompassing an ascent of approximately 350 meters. Meandering through the snow-covered terrain, with the towering peaks of Svalbard's vast mountain landscape as our backdrop, offers a serene perspective of nature's grandeur. The tranquil expanse of pristine snow against the undulating slopes of the moraine is truly a sight to behold. But the real adventure lies ahead!
Upon reaching the glacier's entrance, your guide will equip you with a helmet, crampons to affix to your shoes, and a headlamp. The descent into the ice cave may vary each year, often beginning with narrow passageways. We proceed with caution, taking our time to navigate through this captivating underground realm adorned with shimmering ice formations, pristine snow, expansive chambers, and snug passages. It's fascinating to contemplate that we're traversing through meltwater channels sculpted by the previous summer's snow and ice melt.
Northern Lights Evening
A bus will collect you from your hotel. As we leave the town and drive through the expansive Adventdalen (the ‘Advent Valley’), anticipation builds. The towering mountains on either side of the valley are like looming giants, barely visible in the polar night. What awaits us at the end of the road?
After a 10-15 minute drive, we arrive at Camp Barentz, a small collection of cabins, including a replica of the cabin where Willem Barentz, the discoverer of Svalbard, spent the winter of 1596 on Novaya Zemlya. Our knowledgeable host for the evening, equipped with polar bear protection due to the cabin's location outside town, warmly greets us. Inside, around a large campfire, we are served drinks, a delicious homemade reindeer bidos, coffee, and dessert. Following the meal, our host will share information and photographs about the northern lights, explaining this amazing phenomenon as we sit around the fire.
At Camp Barentz, far from the artificial lights of town, conditions are ideal for viewing the northern lights. With some luck, we may conclude the evening by witnessing this spectacle firsthand in the sky outside. Then, the bus will pick us up for our return to Longyearbyen.
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Day 4 - Global Seed Vault and a Northern Lights Snowmobiling Trip
Global Seed Vault Hike in Blomsterdalen
Our adventure begins with a pickup from your accommodation, setting the stage for an immersive experience ahead. As we set out on foot, our path leads us towards the summit of Blomsterdalshøgda, offering panoramic views of Adventfjorden and the surrounding landscape. Along the way, we encounter remnants of Svalbard's mining legacy, including the iconic cable car trestles and the historic Mine 3.
At the pinnacle of our journey stands the Svalbard Global Seed Vault, nestled deep within the mountain. While we won't venture inside on this tour, our guide will illuminate the significance of this extraordinary facility, which serves as a vital safeguard for the world's agricultural biodiversity.
Northern Lights Hunting With Electric Snowmobile (Driver's License Required)
Your journey begins with a pickup from your hotel, followed by a visit to our expedition center, where you'll be outfitted with all the necessary gear, including a scooter dress, boots, balaclava, helmet, and mittens. Once geared up, we'll head to the awaiting electric snowmobiles, where our guide will provide a brief tutorial on operating the vehicle before setting off into the dark expanse of the wilderness.
Designed for those seeking a taste of snowmobiling without committing to a full-day excursion, this tour offers a relatively short route covering 40 km of easy, mostly flat terrain. Venturing into Adventdalen, we'll scour the night sky for the elusive northern lights, while also keeping an eye out for sightings of the native Svalbard reindeer, a common sight on our excursions.
The electric snowmobile's quiet operation allows for a closer connection to nature and wildlife without disturbing the tranquil surroundings. Throughout the journey, we'll make several stops, during which our knowledgeable guide will share interesting information and captivating stories. A break for warm drinks and biscuits adds to the cozy atmosphere before we make our way back to Longyearbyen
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DAY 5 - Departure from SvalbardList Item 4
You leave Svalbard after an unforgettable trip :)
After seeing the beautiful scenery of Svalbard, the unique wildlife and animals home to the archipelago (and hopefully a polar bear), you had back to the airport, with a smile full of experiences and a satisfied mind.
What's Included?
Included
- Transfer from/to accommodation in Longyearbyen
- A simple expedition lunch
- Hot drinks and biscuits
- Guide with all necessary safety equipment
- Search and rescue insurance
- Loan of flotation suit, life jacket and goggles (if needed)
Not Included
- International and domestic flights
- Travel Insurance
- Luggage handling
