Svalbard Winter Sun Adventure

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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.

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BOOK THIS TRIP

From £899 per person (excluding flights)

This is based on two people sharing a double room at Radisson Blu Polar Hotel for 4 nights with breakfast, including a Wilderness Evening at Camp Barentz, Dog-sledding in Bolterdalen and Ice-cave tour by Snowcat.

This roughly converts to 1,070 EUR | 1,160 USD

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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Departure days: This tour has flexible departures and can be tailor-made to your personal requirements.

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ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrive in Svalbard

On arrival at Svalbard airport, Longyearbyen, take the airport shuttle bus to the city centre and alight at your hotel, the Radisson Blu Polar Hotel, 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 hotel has the fantastic Restaurant Nansen with spectacular views from the large panoramic windows. It offers 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.

Radisson Blu Polar Hotel Spitsbergen

Radisson Blu Polar Hotel Spitsbergen in Longyearbyen is the world’s northernmost full-service hotel at only 1,333 kilometres (828 miles) from the North Pole. Enjoy the panoramic views of sparkling fjords and Arctic mountains, and experience the region’s unique time patterns: the magical winter darkness of the polar night or, in the summer, four months of round-the-clock daylight. Located on the largest island in the Svalbard archipelago the hotel offers a well-appointed base from which to explore the surrounding glaciers, enjoy the spectacular Northern Lights and indulge in the finest arctic activities such as snowmobile safaris, dog sledding and wildlife trips. The hotel has 128 stylishly decorated rooms, many of which enjoy views of the Isfjorden, Adventdalen valley and Hiorthfjellet Mountain beyond. The Restaurant Nansen has a cosy atmosphere with its welcoming open fire while giving spectacular panoramic views of views of Hiorthfjellet. It serves hearty, delicious meals that include local specialities and international favourites. Barentz Gastropub is the go-to spot in Longyearbyen for a drink, friendly atmosphere and a light snack. Free high-speed, wireless internet available throughout the hotel and guests can make use of the sauna and outdoor hot tubs.

Day 2: Dog-sledding in Bolterdalen

Your Svalbard adventure continues with an amazing experience - dog-sledding!

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 Bolterdalen

Embark on one of the coolest adventures in Svalbard, where you’ll navigate your own dog sled through stunning, untamed wilderness. Immersing yourself in Svalbard’s extraordinary landscapes is truly unforgettable.

Your guide will pick you up at your hotel and take you to the kennel, located about 10 kilometres outside town. There, nearly 300 eager huskies await their next adventure. Which dogs will join your team? Perhaps Electro, Ginger, Duma, or Briz? You’ll be provided with an exposure suit, boots, and mittens before helping your guide harness and prepare the dogs. The initial barking and howling might feel a bit chaotic, but the moment the sleds start moving, the dogs fall silent, fully focused on pulling the sled through the snow. As you glide along, you’ll have time to take in the breath-taking surroundings.

Your guide will lead the way, driving the first sled with two guests, while the rest of the sleds are driven by you and your fellow adventurers. You’ll take turns steering and riding, following the riverbed into Bolterdalen, a stunning valley framed by towering mountains. The trail feels like a natural roller coaster, weaving through moraine formations.

Keep an eye out for wildlife – Svalbard reindeer are often spotted, and you might even see ptarmigans or polar foxes. At the moraine, you’ll turn back towards the kennel, where waffles, warm drinks, and a chance to cuddle with the puppies await. After your well-earned break, you’ll be driven back to Longyearbyen, ending your incredible day in the Arctic wilderness.

Radisson Blu Polar Hotel Spitsbergen

Day 3: Time in Longyearbyen

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.

Arctic Wilderness Evening at Camp Barentz

The evening begins with a transfer from your hotel to Wilderness Camp Barentz, situated just a 15 minute drive from Longyearbyen in the Advent Valley. You will be met at the camp by a knowledgeable guide and your host for the evening. The camp has several cabins, one of which is a copy of the cabin that the discoverer of Svalbard, Willen Barentz stayed in on Novaya Zemlya in 1596.

The informative activity takes place in a cosy, authentic cabin, where you'll be served some drinks and a delicious homemade reindeer stew with dessert and coffee. After dinner, it's time to learn all about the King of the Arctic - the polar bear. The guide will share information and photos of Svalbard's most famous resident. After the presentation there will be time to take some photos of the stunning landscape. here, away from the busy town, you may also catch sight of the Svalbard reindeer, and even grouse and arctic foxes if you're lucky. The evening ends with a transfer back to Longyearbyen.

Radisson Blu Polar Hotel Spitsbergen

Day 4: Ice Cave Tour with Snowcat

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. 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.

Ice Cave Tour with Snowcat

You will be picked up by the snowcat, and head directly up onto Longyearbreen (the 'Longyear Glacier'), located just a few kilometres outside of town. Once there, you'll step out onto the glacier. It's difficult to imagine what frozen wonderland awaits under the surface. You will be equipped with crampons to put on your boots and a head torch. Then the guide will show you the small opening in the ground, leading you down to the sparkling underground of ice. The headlamp lights up the glistening ice as you walk through the narrow passages, with beautiful ice crystals and icicles lining the way. Normally, the walk takes you a couple of hundred metres into the tunnel system before you need to turn back again.

Once back above ground, you'll be served a hot juice drink and biscuits - a well-deserved snack, before heading back to Longyearbyen.

Radisson Blu Polar Hotel Spitsbergen

Day 5: Leaving Longyearbyen

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.

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.

DESTINATIONS

Svalbard Winter Sun Adventure