Northern Lights 24-7 | Svalbard Holiday

Northern Lights 24-7 in Svalbard

from £487 excluding flights

3 nights
Jan-Feb, Dec

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Highlights

Chance to see the northern lights day or night

Discover Longyearbyen, the northernmost town in the world

svalbard aurora over camp barentz htgrtn

Enjoy a wilderness evening at Camp Barentz

svalbard electric snowmoible aurora sky b hurtigruten ac

Enjoy optional excursions such as snowmobiling and husky sledding

Why this trip...

Weekend escape

This is the ideal trip for a weekend escape or perhaps a mid-week getaway

Activity based

This itinerary features a range of optional activities during your stay

iceland road to lone ingjaldsholl church istk

Off-the-beaten-track

This holiday showcases places and experiences away from the usual tourist routes

Overview

Experience the total darkness of polar night on this short break to Longyearbyen in the Svalbard archipelago. From mid-November to end of January Svalbard enters its dark period when the sun does not rise over the horizon. This is a totally unique time to travel to the Arctic region – perfect for those wanting to maximise their chances for aurora viewings and experience wilderness adventures.

It is often asked, where is the best place to see the northern lights and what is the best time. There is no definitive answers, though statistically, a few places stand out, however, only one location offers the possibility of viewings all day and all night – Svalbard during the polar season. The sun is at least 6 degrees below the horizon during this period and it is dark 24/7 with the only light sources outside the towns and settlements coming from the moon, the stars and the aurora borealis.

Your base for this winter break, the town of Longyearbyen has a rustic charm, unique atmosphere and international feel with people from many different nationalities residing and working here. The town’s attractions are still available like other times of the year, with a wide range of activities linked with the northern lights. For such a remote place, it’s surprising just how much choice is available with several quality restaurants and bars to choose from – you may be surprised that two of Norway’s leading restaurants are located here – Huset and Funktionaermessen.

Svalbard is a hard place to imagine and should be on everybody’s bucket list of places to visit. Our weekend short break gives you a taste of what you can do during the darkest season.

Itinerary

Arrive at Oslo Airport and transfer to your airport hotel where you will check in for a one-night stay.

On arrival in Longyearbyen transfer on the airport coach service (payable locally) to your city centre. The afternoon is free to explore the town. In the evening we have included an evening at Camp Barentz, 10km outside of Longyearbyen, you learn about the magical lights and enjoy a hearty meal. You’ll also be in an optimum location to venture outside and see the aurora if they appear.

Between November and February each year a remarkable phenomenon occurs in Svalbard – The Polar Night. During these weeks the sun is at 6 degrees under the horizon and therefore never shines on Spitsbergen. While the sun is hidden under the horizon, Longyearbyen becomes a magical place, lit only by street lamps, the northern lights and the moon which glitters in the snow. There are several trips in Longyearbyen town, showing the highlights of this area such as a guided sightseeing tour with an expert, Taste of Svalbard city tour, visiting Mine Number 3 and even a beer or champagne tasting tour. Or travel out into the wilderness in search of Northern Lights by husky or snowmobile.

Between November and February each year a remarkable phenomenon occurs in Svalbard – The Polar Night. During these weeks the sun is at 6 degrees under the horizon and therefore never shines on Spitsbergen. While the sun is hidden under the horizon, Longyearbyen becomes a magical place, lit only by street lamps, the northern lights and the moon which glitters in the snow.
There are several trips in Longyearbyen town, showing the highlights of this area such as a guided sightseeing tour with an expert, Taste of Svalbard city tour, visiting Mine Number 3 and even a beer or champagne tasting tour.
Or travel out into the wilderness in search of Northern Lights by husky or snowmobile.

svalbard longyearbyen polar night coloured houses istk

You have the morning to explore the town further, perhaps some last minute shopping before taking the shuttle coach service back to the airport, which runs in conjunction with all flights. You may prefer to take a taxi for the short journey.

Accommodation Options

Choose from a selection of properties in Svalbard to suit your personal preference. From the superior comfort of Funken Lodge in its historic surroundings to the simple, yet great value accommodation at Coal Miner’s Cabins.

Discuss your options with our Travel Specialists

New Year in Svalbard

Enjoy New Year celebrations in the world’s most northerly inhabited town with fantastic aurora potential, and the opportunity to join thrilling excursions. Right in the middle of the polar season and with the sun at least six degrees below the horizon, the near total darkness offers the possibility of viewing the northern lights at any time of day making this a unique time to travel to the Arctic region.

On this 5 night holiday, the first night will be spent in the capital city of Norway, Olso. In the morning fly to Svalbard’s main town is Longyearbyen, which will be your base for three nights. The town’s attractions are still available like other times of the year, with a range of activities linked with the northern lights and people’s thoughts switch to socialising indoors with several quality restaurants and bars to choose from. For a remote place, it’s surprising just how much choice is available and you may be surprised that two of Norway’s leading restaurants are located here – Huset and Funktionaermessen.

To celebrate the New Year, there are two meal options on December 31st which can be pre-booked (recommended), either at the Radisson Blu Polar hotel or Funken Lodge. The Radisson Hotel offers a 5-course Asian Fusion meal while the Funken Lodge has a ‘great feast’, both including an aperitif.

Departure date: 29 Dec 2023

Price start from £358 per person (price includes 2 nights accomodation at Clarion Hotel & Congress Oslo Airport & 3 nights at Radisson Blu Polar Hotel, both on breakfast basis

Excursions

Svalbard

Visit Mine Number 3

from £76

3 hours | Year round

Your guide will pick you up from your accommodation and drive you to Gruve 3 (old mine number 3).

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Svalbard

Snowmobile Safari to Templefjorden

from £250

7.5 hours | Jan-May

This day trip through easy terrain takes your through winding river beds and over wide open plains.

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Svalbard

Snowmobile Safari to Elveneset

from £160

4.5 hours | Feb-May

Snowmobiling is an exciting way to discover Svalbard during the winter months.

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Svalbard

Longyearbyen in a Nutshell: Sightseeing with a local expert

from £31

2 hours | Year round

The driver will collect you from your hotel and guide you through the major local attractions.

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Svalbard

Dog Sledding in Bolterdalen

from £160

4 hours | Feb-May

Dog sledding is an amazing and authentic way to experience the Arctic, and this tour will give you an excellent introduction to…

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Svalbard

Beer Tasting at Svalbard Brewery

from £38

1.5 hours | Year round

Visit Svalbard Brewery and taste different types of beer and get an insight into the fascinating story of how the world’s northernmost…

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Svalbard

Northern Lights by Snowcat

from £88

3 hours | Jan-Mar, Nov-Dec

You won’t miss the big red snowcat when it arrives to pick you up!

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Svalbard

Northern Lights by Dog Sled

from £143

4 hours | Jan-Feb, Dec

After helping to harness the dogs, your guide will lead the way out from the yard.

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Svalbard

Northern Lights Evening

from £108

3 hours | Jan-Mar, Oct-Dec

The aurora borealis is a magical lightshow created by the sun, and while it occurs all year round, the polar night gives…

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Svalbard

Ice Cave Tour by Snowcat

from £96

3 hours | Jan-May

Walk through the heart of a glacier and into the crystal world beneath.

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Svalbard

Electric Northern Lights Snowmobile Safari

from £160

3 hours | Jan-Feb, Nov-Dec

Between November and February each year a remarkable phenomenon occurs in Svalbard – The Polar Night. During these weeks the sun is…

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Prices and Departures

Price from £487 excluding flights

Airfares are quoted separately to the holiday price. When enquiring, our Travel Specialists will provide the best fare possible from your preferred airline / airport.
Note: Airfares tend to be cheaper the earlier you book.

What's Included

Accommodation in rooms with private bathroom
Daily breakfast
Northern Lights Evening
24 hour emergency assistance from our team during your holiday
No surcharge guarantee
Full financial protection

This itinerary starts from around £487 per person based on 2 sharing a room with private bathroom in standard hotels.

Prices may vary depending on departure date and booking date, as well as any changes to the included components. The final cost of a tailored holiday will be based on level of accommodation, included activities, travel season, and how far in advance it is booked. We will confirm the exact price for your holiday in your individual quotation, based on your chosen travel dates and inclusions.

Northern Lights 24-7 in Svalbard

Highlights