About
Will the magical Northern Lights dance above you as you explore Svalbard during the Polar Night, when darkness surrounds the archipelago around the clock? We recommend checking the aurora forecast while you are in Longyearbyen, as it indicates the likelihood of Northern Lights activity over the next three days.
However, Svalbard during the Polar Night has much more to offer than the aurora alone. We have designed a four day programme combining some of our most popular activities with extraordinary accommodation. Explore Svalbard beneath the Polar Night sky. There is something truly special about experiencing the beautiful Arctic landscape illuminated by the moon, the stars and, if you are lucky, the Northern Lights.
Programme:
Day 1
Welcome to Longyearbyen. We have arranged transportation from the airport to Basecamp Hotel. Here, our receptionist will welcome you and show you around our unique trapper style hotel.
Once you have settled in, it is time to explore the small but remarkable town of Longyearbyen. We will take you on a guided tour, visiting notable sites and sharing stories about the town’s origins and history. Your guide will also offer insight into what it is like to live so far north.
During the Polar Night, Longyearbyen is filled with life and a wonderful atmosphere. The town also offers an excellent selection of exciting, high quality restaurants. Our receptionist will be happy to recommend a restaurant and reserve a table according to what you would like to eat.
Day 2
A delicious breakfast is served between 7 am and 10 am. A hearty meal is the perfect preparation for an eventful day in the Arctic.
At 9 am, your guide will collect you for your dog sledding adventure. Our kennel is located approximately 15 minutes by car from Longyearbyen and is home to more than 80 huskies who love heading into the wilderness during the Polar Night.
The dogs become excited as soon as the sleds and harnesses appear. They know it is time to work alongside our guides and guests. Before the journey can begin, the dogs must be harnessed. This is a fun, hands on task that creates a special connection between two legged and four legged adventurers. Remember to give the dogs plenty of affection. They can never get enough.
Once the dogs and sleds are ready, you will set off into the Arctic landscape. Gliding across the snow between Svalbard’s majestic mountains, just visible in the Polar Night, is a truly extraordinary experience. If you are lucky, the Northern Lights may even join you along the way.
At the beginning of the season, when there may not yet be enough snow for sledding, we use dog carts instead. This still offers an exciting and fast paced wilderness experience together with the dogs.
Back in Longyearbyen, it is wonderful to return home to Basecamp Hotel. A generous cheese and charcuterie board awaits, accompanied by a glass of sparkling wine.
Once again, please feel free to ask reception for assistance and recommendations for dinner.
Day 3
Breakfast is served between 7 am and 10 am. Today, your guide will collect you at 10 am.
The magnificent mountains surrounding Longyearbyen offer many wonderful hiking opportunities. Depending on the weather and conditions, you may experience spectacular mountain summits or beautiful ice caves. Weather conditions can change quickly in the High Arctic, so remember to pack a small backpack with extra clothing. We also recommend bringing a water bottle.
If conditions allow us to visit an ice cave, today’s route will take us towards one of the glaciers south of Longyearbyen. After a steep ascent, the landscape opens up as you reach the glacier. The views are spectacular, and one of the highlights is exploring the frozen world hidden inside the ice. Your expedition lunch, carried by the guide, will be enjoyed outdoors beneath the Polar Night sky.
If we choose a mountain hike, we will ascend one of the nearby summits. After a steep climb, you will be rewarded with magnificent views of Longyearbyen, the surrounding mountains, Adventfjorden and Isfjorden. You may also experience the magical polar light, which creates remarkable colours and light phenomena across the landscape while the sun remains just below the horizon.
Day 4
Breakfast is served from 7 am, and check out is no later than 11 am. You are welcome to store your luggage at the hotel.
Your final activity is a visit to Mine 3. Your guide will collect you from the hotel, and after a drive of approximately 15 minutes, you will arrive at the former coal mine, which has been transformed into an authentic visitor experience.
Here, you will gain a close up impression of life in the mine and experience what the working days were like deep inside the mountain.
With fascinating storytelling and an authentic atmosphere, this is an experience we highly recommend.
When it is time to leave, the airport shuttle departs from Basecamp Hotel approximately two hours before your flight.
We will provide you with a voucher.
Thank you for joining us, and a warm welcome back to experience beautiful Svalbard again.
Perhaps next time beneath the Midnight Sun.
Extend your stay
Would you like to experience more of Svalbard’s magical Polar Night?
Many guests choose to stay longer and add extra days to the Northern Lights programme.
Contact us at spitsbergen@basecampexplorer.com, and we will be happy to add even more magic to your Svalbard adventure.
Minimum number of participants for activities: 4 people
Minimum age: 10 years
What is included?
- Accommodation in a double room at Basecamp Hotel
- Activities and meals according to the programme (breakfast, lunch on hike and charcuterie board)
- Warm clothing for the dog sledding adventure, including thermal suit, hat, mittens and boots
- Search and rescue insurance
- A NOK 250 carbon and environmental contribution
Additional costs
Personal expenses, dinners, personal equipment, travel insurance and flights are not included.
A single room supplement applies at Basecamp Hotel. Please contact spitsbergen@basecampexplorer.com to book a single room.
Contact us at spitsbergen@basecampexplorer.com to book a stay at the unique Basecamp Hotel.
More than a journey
As part of Basecamp Explorer Spitsbergen’s commitment to becoming climate neutral, we include an additional carbon and environmental contribution of NOK 250 per guest. The full amount is donated to worthwhile projects that contribute to a more sustainable future in the destinations where we operate.
Please note
Weather conditions in Svalbard can change rapidly. We may encounter strong winds, snowstorms, dense fog, glacier crevasses or insufficient snow and ice. In some cases, this means that we must change the planned route.
We will always do our utmost to give you a memorable Arctic experience, but it is important to understand and respect the unpredictable nature of the destination.
Hiking and dog sledding require a normal to good level of physical fitness. The guide has overall responsibility for the guests and their safety during each excursion. All participants are responsible for dressing appropriately and ensuring that they are physically prepared for the activity.
Dog sledding is not suitable for pregnant guests or people suffering from back problems. Basecamp Explorer cannot accept responsibility for health issues that arise as a result of disregarding this advice.
For information about suitable clothing, please check your booking confirmation and visit www.basecampexplorer.com.
Language requirements
Safety is always our highest priority. It is essential that our guide can provide instructions and be clearly understood by every participant.
Guests must therefore be able to understand and speak English or one of the Scandinavian languages to participate in our excursions. The tour will be conducted in English or a Scandinavian language, depending on the language skills of the group.
Northern Lights
The Northern Lights may be visible beneath clear skies from September to March. Weather conditions and solar activity are the most unpredictable factors, and spending more time at the destination will increase your chances of seeing the aurora.
We can never guarantee a Northern Lights display, but you will experience a different side of Svalbard that you will never forget.
Cannot find suitable dates, or do you have other wishes for your journey? Contact us at spitsbergen@basecampexplorer.com for alternative dates and tailor made experiences.
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