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Svalbard Polar Night and Northern Lights Adventure

Svalbard and Longyearbyen with Platåfjellet mountain
@ Visit Svalbard
Svalbard and Longyearbyen with Platåfjellet mountain
@ Visit Svalbard
Svalbard and Longyearbyen with Platåfjellet mountain
Svalbard and Longyearbyen with Platåfjellet mountain

Experience the magic of the Arctic winter on this unforgettable Svalbard Polar Night adventure in Longyearbyen. Staying at the elegant Funken Lodge, this immersive journey combines dramatic polar landscapes, authentic Arctic experiences and exceptional Nordic dining. Venture into the frozen wilderness beneath the dark polar night sky in search of the Northern Lights by snowcat, dog sled and guided aurora chase.

Explore snow covered valleys and mountain trails on scenic hikes to Platåfjellet and Blomsterdalshøgda, with opportunities to spot Arctic wildlife and visit the world famous Svalbard Global Seed Vault. Evenings are spent enjoying atmospheric dining experiences featuring local Arctic ingredients, cosy fireside hospitality and breathtaking views across Adventfjorden.

From thrilling outdoor adventures to refined culinary experiences, this itinerary showcases the best of Svalbard during one of the most enchanting times of year, offering a perfect blend of wilderness, comfort and once in a lifetime polar experiences.

This Svalbard itinerary is packed with unforgettable Arctic adventures beneath the polar night sky. Guests will travel through frozen valleys on a Northern Lights snowcat safari, enjoy a guided aurora chase away from town lights and experience the thrill of dog sledding with energetic huskies.

Scenic winter hikes to Platåfjellet and Blomsterdalshøgda reveal spectacular views across glaciers, fjords and snow covered mountains, while a visit to the Svalbard Global Seed Vault offers fascinating insight into this remote Arctic landmark.

Alongside the adventures, guests will enjoy authentic Nordic dining experiences showcasing local ingredients and traditional Arctic hospitality.

Location Norway
Duration 7 Nights
Customers normally spend between (excl. flights)
£2,170 - £3,255 pp*

Suggested Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival in Longyearbyen and Arctic Welcome

Upon arrival in Longyearbyen, guests are transferred to the stylish Funken Lodge, a boutique retreat overlooking the Arctic wilderness and surrounding mountains. Settled high on the hillside above town, the hotel offers panoramic views across Adventfjorden and Hiorthfjellet. After check in, there is time to unwind and soak up the atmosphere of Svalbard’s remote polar setting.

Guests can relax in the hotel lounge, enjoy the sauna facilities or simply admire the snowy scenery from the comfort of the hotel. The remainder of the evening is at leisure, allowing time to settle into the rhythm of Arctic life beneath the darkness of the polar night.

Day 2

Northern Lights Snowcat Safari and Arctic Fine Dining

Today begins with free time to explore Longyearbyen before an unforgettable evening adventure into the frozen wilderness. Guests board a specially designed snowcat vehicle and travel through the icy landscapes of Adventdalen in search of the Northern Lights. Stops are made at carefully selected viewing locations, where the dark skies provide ideal conditions for spotting the aurora borealis dancing overhead. Warm drinks and sweet treats help keep everyone cosy in the Arctic temperatures. Following the excursion, guests enjoy a memorable tasting menu dinner at the renowned Huset Restaurant, famous for its innovative Nordic cuisine and locally sourced Arctic ingredients.

Day 3

Camp Barentz and Aurora Evenings

After a relaxed morning, guests have free time to enjoy the comforts of Funken Lodge or wander through Longyearbyen’s colourful Arctic streets. In the evening, a short journey leads into Adventdalen for a traditional Northern Lights experience at Camp Barentz. Inside a cosy cabin warmed by an open fire, guests enjoy authentic reindeer bidos alongside drinks, coffee and dessert while learning about the myths and science behind the aurora borealis. Located away from the town lights, Camp Barentz offers excellent opportunities to witness the Northern Lights illuminating the Arctic sky.

Day 4

Arctic Hiking and Nordic Gastronomy

This morning features a guided winter hike to Platåfjellet, offering spectacular views over Longyearbyen, surrounding glaciers and Adventfjorden. The snowy landscape beneath the polar night creates an extraordinary atmosphere, with dramatic contrasts between the dark sky and illuminated town below. The afternoon is free before an elegant evening dining experience at Funktionærmessen Restaurant. Guests enjoy a refined four course dinner showcasing creative Nordic cuisine inspired by local Arctic produce.

Day 5

Northern Lights Photography Adventure

Today is free to relax or continue exploring Longyearbyen independently before another magical evening chasing the Northern Lights. Accompanied by expert guides from See and Explore, guests travel beyond the town in search of clear skies and the best aurora viewing conditions. The excursion is designed to maximise opportunities for photography and unforgettable Arctic scenery. Between stops, guests stay warm inside the vehicle while enjoying hot drinks and traditional Norwegian lefse.

Day 6

Dog Sledding Through the Polar Night

One of Svalbard’s most iconic Arctic experiences awaits today with an exhilarating dog sledding adventure through the snowy valleys surrounding Longyearbyen. Led by enthusiastic huskies, guests travel beneath the dark polar night sky across frozen wilderness landscapes. Depending on snow conditions, sleds or wheeled carts may be used. Following the adventure, there is time to meet the puppies and warm up with fresh waffles and hot drinks inside a cosy cabin.

Day 7

Blomsterdalshøgda Hike and Global Seed Vault

Begin the new year with a scenic hike to Blomsterdalshøgda, taking in magnificent Arctic views over Adventfjorden and the surrounding mountain ranges. Along the route, there may be opportunities to spot reindeer or Arctic foxes moving through the snowy wilderness. The excursion also includes a visit to the entrance of the famous Svalbard Global Seed Vault, one of the world’s most important conservation sites. During the polar night season, the possibility of seeing the Northern Lights once again adds extra magic to the experience.

Day 8

Departure from Svalbard

After breakfast at Funken Lodge, guests are transferred to Longyearbyen Airport for their onward journey. Depart with unforgettable memories of Arctic adventures, dramatic landscapes and magical Northern Lights experiences in one of the world’s most remote destinations.

Suggested Stays

Funken Lodge
Funken Lodge
At the top of the Arctic Circle on the Svalbard island of Spitsbergen

Designed for you

  • Personalised itinerary planning with a Nordic Travel Expert
  • Private transfers throughout
  • Concierge support throughout your holiday
  • Expert guided experiences
  • Hand picked accommodation chosen based on your preferences
  • 15 years of luxury Nordic holiday planning experience
  • Optional Winter Clothing Hire
  • Our journeys are entirely tailor-made

Your Trip, Your Way

This itinerary is just a starting point—a flavour of what’s possible. Whether you want to tweak the pace, upgrade your hotel, or deepen the culinary immersion, we’ll design your perfect trip from scratch.

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