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 habited 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.

This short break is available from October to January and can be included as part of a longer stay in Svalbard or combine it with Tromsø on mainland Norway.

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SUGGESTED ITINERARY

WHAT, WHERE & WHEN

Day 1:

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.

Staying at: Funken Lodge

Day 2:

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 - Follow the Trappers Footprints. The guide will tell you about Svalbard and the history of 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 experience during your stay. Your base is a cosy wooden cabin, where you will receive a welcome Aquavit! The guides light a fire and tell you all about life on Svalbard with stories about the Northern Lights, while you enjoy a delicious Reindeer stew with brownies for dessert, beer, wine, soft drinks and coffee to finish.

Day 3:

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.

Day 4:

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.

During your time in Svalbard, you may wish to include other optional activities which can be pre-booked. Please ask our sales team what options are available during your stay. Please note, due to snow conditions the dog-sledding excursion will be based on wheels during October and November.

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.

BUDGET

From £609 per person (excluding flights), based on two adults sharing a room at Boutique Funken Lodge for 3 nights on breakfast basis, including a Northern Lights evening at Camp Barentz, Dog-sledding excursion and a guided winter hike.

This roughly converts to: 700 EUR | 798 USD

Remember that each trip we craft is unique, and you'll receive a personalised trip proposal based on your travel dates and preferences, and in the currency of your choice (GBP, USD, or EUR).

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Additional Info

This trip has flexible daily departures

Many of trips can be tailored to your requirements and departure dates. Please get in touch with us for a tailored quotation and details of availability for your preferred travel dates. All trips and departures are subject to availability.

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IDEAL TRIP LENGTH:

3 nights

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