Luxury Aurora Break in Svalbard

The winter season on Northern Norway’s mainland brings with it shorter daylight hours and longer dark nights for optimum Aurora viewings. Imagine a land where the sun sets, but doesn’t return until weeks later, a land where night time prevails and welcomes dark skies throughout the day, as well as the night. Where stars light the way, and the Aurora can show anytime. This is the Northern Lights season in Svalbard, Norway’s remote island archipelago located high in the Arctic Sea, the most northerly inhabited place on earth.

Between the winter months, the Aurora season offers a magical time to visit this unique environment and gives you an opportunity to witness this natural phenomenon at any time of day or night, take part in aurora searching activities and stay in the boutique Funken Lodge for three nights.

ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrive in Svalbard

On arrival at Svalbard airport, Longyearbyen, take the airport shuttle bus to the city centre and alight at the boutique Funken Lodge. Settle in to the accommodation and take time to explore this Arctic city. There are cosy cafés and bars to stop and have a drink, remembering to keep an eye on the dark skies overhead. During the dark season, the northern lights can be seen in clear weather throughout the day, making this possibly the best place to witness this magical spectacle show.

Enjoy dinner at the hotel’s restaurant. Funken Lodge has Funktionaerssen Restaurant, where you can choose from either a 3-course, 6-course or from an a la carte menu. Alternatively, head into the town centre and choose from one of the local restaurants.

Funken Lodge

Funken Lodge sits at the top of the hill overlooking Longyearbyen, yet within walking distance of the town’s main sites and restaurants. The hotel has seen a recent makeover benefiting from a cool new Nordic look throughout. The welcoming lobby area features a cosy fireplace and library and a relaxing atmosphere after a day outdoors. The hotel has 88 comfortable rooms and is home to the popular Funktionaermessen Restaurant. The menu uses local Arctic ingredients and offers a ‘sharing concept’ with king crab from Finnmark, local reindeer and other culinary delights. There’s also a bar with wine and champagne tasting.

Day 2: Northern Lights in the Polar Night

There are many opportunities to search for the aurora while enjoying one or more of the optional activities from Longyearbyen. Taking you away from the city lights into the wilderness, we have included a winter hike into the Advent Valley. The guide will tell you about Svalbard’s heritage and history, including the trapper’s and hunters who lived in the area. As you walk through the arctic tundra, you will gain a better understanding of this way of life and the challenges encountered. Enjoy the peaceful surroundings, giving you the opportunity to seek clear skies and waiting for the dancing lights to make an appearance.

In the evening you will be collected from the hotel and head to the secluded Camp Barentz. Situated outside of the town in the Advent Valley with mountains looming over you on either side, this is a special northern lights experience during your stay.

A Historic Walk in Adventdalen

Set out on a journey through Adventdalen, where you’ll gain insight into the challenges and rewards of life in Svalbard and discover the unique connection its people have with the Arctic wilderness. On this guided hike you’ll trace centuries of history, from the early days of trappers to the development of a modern lifestyle rooted in research, tourism, and scientific exploration. Beginning in Adventdalen (Advent Valley), you’ll venture on foot into the stunning wilderness, with your guide sharing stories that bring Svalbard’s rich heritage to life. You’ll hear about the trappers, the coal mining era, and the transition to a way of life centred around scientific research and eco-tourism, offering a unique perspective on this remote northern region. As you trek across the Arctic tundra, you’ll come to appreciate the resilience required to live so far north and understand the essential role Svalbard plays in global climate research. You’ll also explore the vital scientific contributions of the island, which have significantly advanced our understanding of Arctic climates and ecosystems. If your tour takes place during the polar night, you’ll be equipped with a headlamp, making the experience both safe and enchanting under the magical Arctic night sky.

Northern Lights Evening at Camp Barentz

This evening activity is a perfect addition to your Svalbard adventure. Departing Longyearbyen, you’ll head to Camp Barentz, a cosy cabin nestled in the polar wilderness of Adventdalen. The short drive offers a sense of anticipation as the valley’s towering mountains fade into the polar night. Upon arrival, you’ll be welcomed by a knowledgeable host armed with polar bear protection, as the cabin is outside town limits. Inside, a warm campfire awaits, along with drinks, a hearty reindeer bidos, coffee, and dessert.

The evening includes an informal lecture on the northern lights, with fascinating insights and photos shared around the fire. Far from town’s artificial lights, Camp Barentz provides an ideal setting to witness this natural spectacle. If the northern lights grace the sky, you’ll step outside to marvel at their beauty before the bus returns you to Longyearbyen.

Funken Lodge

Day 3: Dog-Sledding Under The Dark Sky

A unique destination like Svalbard deserves a unique experience like Dog Sledding. The snow conditions will determine the exact style of transport. If the snow is deep enough you will head out with a sledge into the Bolter Valley, mushing the team along the snowy trails into the wilderness, away from the lights in Longyearbyen. If the weather and conditions aren't favourable for the traditional sledge, then you will go with special carts on wheels to the Advent Valley. Both magical and unforgettable experiences!

If you wish to explore closer to home, we recommend a visit to the Svalbard Museum, showcasing some of Svalbard’s 400 year history as well as presenting the natural resources that are the basis of life in the archipelago.

It is also possible to pre-book a sightseeing tour of Longyearbyen, visit Mine 3 or perhaps enjoy a beer tasting or champagne tasting experience.

In the evening, enjoy dinner in one of the many restaurants which the hotel receptionist will be only too happy to suggest.

Dog Sledding in the Polar Night

Your guide will collect you from your hotel and take you to the kennel, situated approximately 10 kilometres outside town. Upon arrival, you’ll be provided with warm clothing—an insulated overall, boots, hat, gloves, and a buff—to ensure you’re fully equipped for the adventure. You’ll also meet our lively, friendly huskies, eager to embark on the journey with you. If there is sufficient snow, you’ll travel by sled into one of the scenic surrounding valleys. Otherwise, we’ll journey by wheeled cart through the majestic Adventdalen, or "Advent Valley." During the polar night from November to January, Svalbard provides a unique opportunity to see the northern lights both day and night—an experience available nowhere else on earth. The valleys here have minimal light pollution, enhancing your chances of witnessing this incredible natural phenomenon. Whether or not the northern lights appear, the huskies will be thrilled to run alongside you through the stunning wilderness. After the excursion, enjoy some quality time with our delightful puppies and warm up with freshly made waffles in our cosy cabin.

Funken Lodge

Day 4: Say Farewell to Svalbard

There may still be time to explore the city before joining the airport shuttle bus back to the airport for your onward flight. The shuttle bus stops at the hotel approximately 2 hours before flight departures, but we recommend you check the timings with the hotel.

The Aurora Borealis is a natural phenomenon and so we cannot guarantee you will witness it during your trip. The Polar nights season is from mid November to the end of January. Before and after this period is Twilight.

DESTINATIONS

Luxury Aurora Break in Svalbard