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Svalbard: The land of our Arctic dreams
Overview
Introduction
During the dark winter months (Nov - Feb) the moon and twinkling stars illuminate the snow-covered vista below. At this time of year, the Aurora Borealis can be observed throughout the day if weather conditions permit. By February the solar rays are desperate to return and a golden glow burns on the horizon. The ever changing light show performed is truly magical - look upwards and see a blue sky tinted with pinks and dotted with the constellations.
Winter activities are available from January to June, including at the time of the midnight sun. Where else can visitors combine dog-sledding on snow-covered mountains, with ice caving, rib boat safaris, fossil hunting and hiking on one holiday? We believe that this juxtaposition of activities is unique to Svalbard. Our 5-night itinerary to Svalbard, can be tailored to suit your own desires. It is also possible to combine this trip with a stay in the Northern Norway city of Tromsø or the capital, Oslo.
Itinerary includes:
- Return flights between London and Longyearbyen Airport (via Oslo Gardermoen)
- 5 Nights at the Radisson Blu Polar Hotel, Longyearbyen (Bed and Breakfast)
- 2-hour Longyearbyen in a Nutshell Sightseeing Tour with local experts
- 3-hour Wilderness Safari by Electric Snowmobile
- 4-hour Dog Sledding in Bolterdalen activity
Note: Due to flight connections it may be necessary to overnight in Oslo before and/or after your stay in Longyearbyen.
Agenda
Day 1 - Day of arrival
On arrival, self-transfer to the Radisson Blu Polar Hotel in Longyearbyen, using the airport bus.
Free afternoon and evening; the perfect opportunity to explore Longyearbyen and its tax-free shops and bars. Alternatively, enjoy a relaxing afternoon by the roaring fire at the hotel and dine at its restaurant. There is a tradition in Longyearbyen to remove your shoes upon entering a home or guesthouse, so pack your slippers and make yourself at home. This custom is followed by the Radisson Blu Polar Hotel.
Overnight at the Radisson Blu Polar Hotel, Longyearbyen.
Radisson Blu Polar Hotel, Svalbard
Day 2 - Longyearbyen in a Nutshell Sightseeing Tour
The archipelago of Svalbard is like nowhere else on earth, and it is only with a guided tour that you will truly understand the islands - their geology, history and modern-day life. This morning, we have included a 2-hour excursion around Longyearbyen where you will soak up local knowledge, discover the area's top attractions, and uncover the layers of Svalbard’s history. This guided tour takes you past local mines, research areas, the town centre, Longyearbyen church and near the world-famous Svalbard Global Seed Vault (150m away). Photo opportunities are provided throughout the tour. The afternoon and evening are yours to enjoy at leisure.
This afternoon, visit the Svalbard Museum - close to your hotel - to learn more about the geography and climate of the region, wildlife and polar expeditions (payable locally). Evening at leisure. From 28 November to 31 January, there is the opportunity to join a Northern Lights snow cat tour (available at a supplement).
Overnight at the Radisson Blu Polar Hotel, Longyearbyen.
Svalbard, Norway
Day 3 - Wilderness Safari by Electric Snowmobile
Today we have included a 3-hour Wilderness Safari by Electric Snowmobile activity. Your guide will collect you from your hotel in the morning and transfer you to their expedition centre. Once you have been fitted with your gear and briefed on safety and how to use the snowmobile, you will head straight out into the wilderness. Designed for those who prefer a shorter ride (30km), the route sticks to easy, flat terrain, heading into the Advent Valley. You will visit the iconic "Iron Bed" landmark to hear the fascinating story of its origin and catch a glimpse of Mine 7, the area’s only operational coal mine. Within a few minutes snowmobile-drive from Longyearbyen, the landscape is crisp and isolated and you can see for miles around, towards the mountain peaks and over the frozen fjords. This blank, white canvas is a natural wilderness in the truest sense. Keep your eyes peeled for the Svalbard reindeer, which can often be spotted along your route. Afternoon and evening at leisure in Longyearbyen.
Please note that it is possible to upgrade to a longer snowmobile trip for a supplement - there are a host of snowmobile excursions available on Svalbard, everything from 3-hour experiences to 11-hour expeditions, please enquire at time of booking. Excursions can vary depending on travel dates. From November to January, your experience will be under the cover of darkness as the sun does not breach the horizon at this time of year. Sparkling constellations will light your way. You may even enjoy a sighting of the Aurora Borealis. From February the daytime skies are a rich blue, and by April you will be travelling at the time of the Midnight Sun. Note: Out of snowmobile season an Evening Visit to Camp Barentz, in the Advent Valley, will be included instead. Camp Barentz is a small set of cabins, one which is a copy of the cabin where Willem Barentz, the discoverer of Svalbard, overwintered on Novaya Zemlya in 1596. The evening will include an indoor campfire, a traditional dinner of reindeer bidos, drinks, and dessert while your host shares fascinating stories and photos of the King of the Arctic, the polar bear.
Overnight at the Radisson Blu Polar Hotel, Longyearbyen.
Electric Snowmobile Tour Svalbard, Norway
Day 4 - Dog Sledding in Bolterdalen
Dog sledding has long been a tradition on Svalbard, and today we have included a short tour (4-hours) for your enjoyment. As with the early explorers, you will use your team of husky dogs to navigate the silent snow-covered tundra. Our excursions are hands-on allowing guests to help harness their dogs as well as try their hand at mushing.
Your guide leads the way, followed by guest-driven sleds shared by two people - giving you the chance to swap between driving and enjoying the view. You will navigate the riverbed into Bolterdalen, a stunning valley framed by towering peaks - the route feels like a natural roller coaster, twisting and turning through dramatic moraine formations. Evening at leisure in Longyearbyen. Note: During the summer months, when the snow melts away, it is possible to enjoy dog sledding on wheels in custom-built carts.
Overnight at the Radisson Blu Polar Hotel, Longyearbyen.
Dog Sledding
Day 5 - Day at leisure
Opportunity to enjoy some last minute shopping, or to participate in another excursion. Sunvil can pre book a variety of activities including ice cave tours, boat excursions (from 1 May).and a visit to coal mine 3.
Overnight at the Radisson Blu Polar Hotel, Longyearbyen.
Svalbard
Day 6 - Day of departure
After breakfast, self transfer to Longyearbyen Airport for your return flight to the UK.
Accommodation
Radisson Blu Polar Hotel - Night 1 to 5
The Radisson Polar Blu Hotel is located in Longyearbyen, the capital of Svalbard and oldest settlement in the archipelago.
The Radisson Polar Blu Hotel is located in Longyearbyen, the capital of Svalbard and oldest settlement in the archipelago. From here, you can visit the Svalbard Museum (5-minute walk), the small shopping centre, church, Svalbard Gallery and a choice of restaurants. As a tax-free destination purchases are generally better value than on the mainland. The proximity of the town centre and the facilities of the hotel have made the Radisson Blu Polar a popular choice for after work drinks and dinner.
Join the locals at Restaurant Nansen, a panoramic restaurant offering an excellent à la carte dining experience. The food served shines a spotlight on the best in Arctic produce, whilst the atmosphere is relaxed and informal.
Alternatively, unwind at the Barentz Gastropub (on site) and sample its delicious menu with pizzas and light dishes.
Throughout the hotel large windows allow the views of the Hiorth mountain, the Isfjord and the Arctic light to flood inside. During the dark winter months, the focus changes from the moonlit wilderness to the warming wood-burning fireplace in the heart of the lobby. Sit and relax, before or after your exhilarating activity.
Accommodation:
- 128 rooms including standard rooms, superior rooms and junior suites, divided between the main building and an annexe building
- All rooms have a bathroom (bath and/or shower), hairdryer, satellite TV, minibar, telephone, complimentary WiFi and coffee machine
- Some standard rooms have a view towards the fjord
- Superior rooms are decorated to a higher standard, have a nespresso coffee machine and look out over the vast Arctic landscape of the surrounding archipelago
- Junior suites, all located in the annexe, have a twin/double bed, living area with single sofa bed, Nespresso coffee machine and a view of the fjord or town and glazier
- All rooms can accommodate an extra bed for an adult or child
- Some rooms interconnect (two junior suites and four standard rooms)
Amenities/Leisure:
- Buffet breakfast
- Restaurant Nansen
- Barentz Pub
- Lounge
- Outdoor terrace
- Souvenir shop
- Sauna (free of charge)
- Two outdoor hot tubs (free of charge) facing the fjord – towels and bathrobes provided (12:00 noon to 20:00 hrs)
Route Map
Best time to go
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Time Difference
GMT +1 hours
Currency
Norwegian krone
Language
Norwegian
Average flight times
13 hours 20 minutes ( via Oslo)
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Average temperature
Average rainfall
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