Unique Arctic Experience

Svalbard Winter Sun Adventure

Each season in Svalbard has its own unique charm. Following the constant darkness of the Northern Lights Winter season, the light gradually returns each day and the wilderness becomes more and more inviting to be outdoors and explore. This period, from March to mid-May is commonly known to us as Spring. Here in Svalbard it’s still full winter with a snow covered landscape, but changes are noticeable every day - from virtual twilight during the day in March to the never-ending light of the Midnight Sun in late April and May. This transition also means a change of focus to far more action packed activities taking advantage of the deep snow and beautiful light conditions.

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

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Breakfast at Radisson Blu Polar Hotel

Northern Lights - photo Agurtxane Concellon

Eager Huskies - photo Charlotte Sandmo

View over Longyearbyen

Northern Lights

Snow Cat Tour - photo Agurtxane Concellon

Funken Lodge Hotel

Funken Lodge Lounge area

Time for a rest!

Aurora over Camp Barentz - photo Agurtxane Concellon

Magical Ice Cave

Dog Sledding Safari - photo Maria Babahekian

Restaurant Nansen at Radisson Blu Hotel - photo Agurtxane Concellon

Radisson Blu Polar Hotel - photo Agurtxane Concellon

Funken Lodge Hotel Room

Colourful Houses in Longyearbyen - photo Eveline Lunde

Lounge at Radisson Blu Polar Hotel - photo Agurtxane Concellon

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 your hotel, either the Radisson Blu Polar Hotel or the boutique Funken Lodge, both are just a few minutes' journey time. Settle in to the accommodation and take time to explore this Arctic city, enjoying the cafés, bars and shops all within easy reach.

The hotels each have their own fantastic restaurants - Restaurant Nansen at Radisson Blu Polar Hotel and Funktionaerssen Restaurant at Funken Lodge, both offer set menus or an a la carte menu, using the finest Arctic ingredients with an international and nordic theme. There is also Barentz Gastropub at the Radisson, serving more homely dishes such as burgers, pizzas and hot pots.

Staying at: Radisson Blu Polar Hotel

Day 2:

Your Svalbard adventure continues with an amazing experience - dog-sledding! You will be collected and taken to the dog yard where eager huskies are waiting for their next run out. You are provided with winter clothing before helping to harness the dogs and receive instructions on how to drive your very own team, driving in pairs and swapping between a driver and passenger on route. Driving a dog sled in this season is a magical experience. The mountains in Bolterdalen are lit up by the sun and while the huskies pull you into the valley you are surrounded by a unique and beautiful landscape. The weather can be wonderful or wild, but the dogs don’t mind, who love to be out in the snow. Returning back to the yard, you’ll be invited in for hot drinks and snacks before heading back to Longyearbyen.

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

Day 3:

Closer to home, we recommend spending time exploring the town, perhaps 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 you will be collected from the hotel and head to the secluded Camp Barentz for a wilderness evening. 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 the guides light a fire and tell you all about life on Svalbard, the nature, wildlife and stories about the Northern Lights season, while you enjoy a delicious Reindeer stew 'bidos' with hot drinks and dessert.

Day 4:

You will be collected by snowcat and head up onto the ‘Longyear Glacier’, which is a landlocked glacier filling the valley between two mighty mountains. It is not far away, but once you’re up on the glacier, you will see stunning views over Longyearbyen and the Hiorthfjellet mountain on the other side of the fjord. About 60% of the archipelago making up Svalbard is covered with glaciers, so when you cross the snow and ice it is hard to imagine that the frozen wonderland can be found under the surface. The guide will direct you to a small opening and lead you down into the magical world of ice and snow. You will be equipped with a head torch as you make your way through narrow passages and caves, normally for about two hundred metres, sometimes the passages open up to show a cathedral like chasm of snow and ice, a magical sight. The trip up and down the glacier is by snowcat, a fun vehicle making its way over the snowy terrain. A stop is made to take photos and hot drinks will be available.

Day 5:

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.

Optional Activities

We have selected some of the popular excursions available during this period in Svalbard, but 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.

Upgrade Option:

This 4 night break is based at the Radisson Blu Polar Hotel. It is possible to upgrade to the boutique Funken Lodge Hotel. The price starts from £1,375 per person (excluding flights).

Staying at: Funken Lodge

BUDGET

From £1,114 per person (excluding flights), based on two adults sharing a room at Radisson Blu Polar Hotel for 4 nights on breakfast basis, Wilderness Evening at Camp Barentz, Dog-Sledding in Bolterdalen and Ice Cave tour by Snowcat.

This roughly converts to: 1,281 EUR | 1,459 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:

4 nights

Unique Arctic Experience

Svalbard Winter Sun Adventure