Svalbard Archipelago - Winter
Visit the Svalbard archipelago during the winter months for experiences such as the northern lights, polar bears and polar nights.
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Visit the Svalbard archipelago during the winter months for experiences such as the northern lights, polar bears and polar nights.
Overview
This holiday is a winter journey into the northern wilderness archipelago of Svalbard. It is for those with a love of nature, an appreciation for spectacular scenery and special locations and will appeal to anyone looking for a winter holiday with a difference. Svalbard is an environmentally sensitive location and the ice coverage in winter is often used as an indicator of global warming.
Polar bears are the largest living predator on Earth and are generally recognised as the symbol of Svalbard. There are 3000 polar bears on Svalbard and these sensitive creatures are vulnerable to climate change, pollutants and human interference.
When to travel?
Dates and Activities
Due to its northerly location, the experiences of this holiday vary considerably from week to week. Activities are an important part of your stay on Svalbard so please check activity dates carefully.
History
Svalbard has a complicated history dating back to the 12th century. Whaling, hunting and fishing have played an important role and many countries tried to claim Svalbard during the 16th and 17th centuries, including Britain, France and Denmark. Following WWI, the 1920 Svalbard Treaty granted sovereignty to Norway and Svalbard became an economic free and demilitarized zone. Today Longyearbyen and Svalbard have an established, low-key tourism industry.
Geography
Glaciation covers 60% of Svalbard and the highest point is 1700m above sea level. Longyearbyen is the world’s most northerly town and has just 2700 residents and this northerly latitude means the midnight sun shines from the end of April until the end of August – leave your body clock at home. There are no roads on Svalbard outside the settlements, so villages are connected by boat, snowmobiles and aircraft.
Typical Itinerary
Other days are available with stop-overs in Oslo and / or Tromsø.
Sunday
Fly from UK to Longyearbyen on Svalbard (via Oslo).
Typical flight times.
London Heathrow to Oslo 1730-2040.
Oslo to Longyearbyen 2135-0030.
Transfer to your hotel.
Check in.
Monday - Thursday
Leisurely breakfasts.
Days at leisure to enjoy this amazing location.
We recommend you book activities to make the most of your time on Svalbard (see activities tab).
Friday
Breakfast.
Transfer to the airport.
Typical flight times:
Longyearbyen to Oslo 1305-1600.
Oslo to Heathrow 1715-1830.
Click on the image for more photos.
Located right at the heart of Longyearbyen close to restaurants, pubs and shops Basecamp Hotel is a rustic hotel full of character reflecting traditional life in the Arctic. The bedrooms are decorated in a traditional trapper’s style with driftwood, sealskins, pictures and objects that illustrate life as a trapper.
Each of the 16 rooms is individually decorated and no two rooms are alike. They are all en suite with comfortable beds and wireless internet. Many of the rooms are twin rooms and they all offer a view over the town and towards the mountains surrounding the Longyeardalen valley.
Keeping true to the trapper’s style, there are no televisions in the rooms, but you are more than welcome to borrow some arctic books from the lobby and just enjoy the arctic atmosphere in your room. If you still yearn after evening programs you can climb up to the loft where there is a big screen television for guests to use. You can also rent bikes from reception.
Click on the image for more photos.
Located right at the heart of Longyearbyen close to restaurants, pubs and shops, Svalbard’s newest hotel is located across 3 sparkling new buildings with a range of accommodation options including modern hotel rooms and apartments. All hotel rooms booked by Simply Sweden are Standard Plus (or of a higher standard) unless otherwise specified and breakfast is always included. This is the perfect location from which to explore Longyearbyen and beyond!
Your time on Svalbard is all about nature, culture, 8 fast-changing seasons, history and appreciation for the sensitive nature of our environment. It is not possible to leave the settlement of Longyearbyen without a guide due to the risk posed by polar bears. To appreciate this vast landscape please booked some excursions!
Optional Activities for winter 2017/18 ....
Northern Lights Safari £180pp
Drive by snowmobile out into the wilderness of Svalbard. Around 20km from Longyearbyen you will switch off the snowmobiles, enjoy hot drinks, share some stories and with any luck this will be under the colourful aurora.
Duration: 4hrs. Availability: Daily from 1Nov to 15Feb. Times vary depending on the daylight.
Suitability: Not for those with back problems or who are pregnant.
Info: You must be in possession of a car or motorbike driving licence.
Northern Lights Evening at Camp Barentz £110pp
Transfer 10km from Longyearbyen to the wilderness Camp Barentz. During polar nights the northern lights can appear at any time. Learn about the science of the aurora, enjoy a wilderness evening meal and relax under the spectacular polar skies.
Duration: 3hrs. Availability: 7pm Sun Tue Fri from Oct to Feb.
Info: Wrap up warm.
Snowmobile Safari to Elveneset £195pp
A snowmobile journey through the wilderness to Elveneset. Drive over the frozen Advent Valley river delta to a natural phenomenon known to the Inuits as a “Pingo”. Turn north around Helvetiafjellet and follow the winding riverbed to Kreklingpasset. From here it is just a short journey to Elveneset, an idyllic viewpoint from where we can gaze out at the stillness of Sassenfjord and enjoy a coffee.
Duration: 4hrs. Availability: Thur and Sun at 8am from 14Feb to 13May.
Suitability: Not for those with back problems or who are pregnant.
Info: You must be in possession of a car or motorbike driving licence.
Snowmobile Safari to the East Coast £355pp
Step into the land of the polar bear. On the east coast the influence of the gulf stream is smaller: the temperatures are lower, there is more ice, polar bears go in search of seals, there are colourful glaciers and a unique landscape. Everyone will drive their own snowmobile as there is approx. 200km of driving and an expedition lunch and snacks are included. Small backpack recommended.
Duration: 10hrs. Availability: Daily at 0830 from 15Feb to 15May.
Suitability: Not for those with back problems or who are pregnant. This is a long excursion.
Info: You must be in possession of a car or motorbike driving licence.
Snowmobile Safari to Barentsberg (Russian settlement) £295pp
Visit the Russian coal mining settlement of Barentsberg. This is the second largest settlement with 350 residents. There will be time to explore Barentsberg and lunch will be served at the hotel or brewery. The snowmobile route is through mountain valleys, across glaciers and you professional guides will show you the way through this wild environment.
Duration: 8hrs. Availability: Mon, Wed & Sun at 0900 from 5Jan to 15May.
Suitability: Not for those with back problems or who are pregnant.
Info: You must be in possession of a car or motorbike driving licence.
Svalbard Husky £135pp
Collection from your hotel and a short transfer to the kennels in Advent Valley. You will work in pairs to prepare your own dog team for your excursion. After attaching 6 eager huskies to your sled, and following a short safety briefing, you will drive in pairs along the snow-covered Advent Valley.
Duration: 4hrs. Availability: Daily at 0900 and 1530 from 1Dec to 15May.
Suitability: Not for those with back problems or who are pregnant.
Mountain Hike on Snowshoes £105pp
With solid snowshoes you will head to the Lars Glacier (Larsbreen). The mountain ridge is shaped like a horseshoe and there is a huge rock, Troll Rock, at the highest point – some 850m above sea level. Hot lunch is served during the hike. From the ridge the view is spectacular.
Duration: 7hrs. Availability: Mon & Fri at 1400. Wed & Sun at 1000. Oct to May.
Suitability: Good fitness & sturdy hiking boots required. A small rucksack is recommended.
Life in the Coal Mine £65pp
20 years ago the coal miners went into the mountain to look for the black gold. What was it like to work in the Svalbard mines? Here is the answer as head down mine 3 in Longyearbyen. You are provided with a working suit and lead you through a cultural historic walk deep into the mountain.
Duration: 3hrs. Availability: Daily 9am or 1pm.
Suitability: Sturdy shoes required.
Book Locally
Northern Lights Hunting by Bus
A guided 2hr30 tour into the polar night. Wrap up warm! One drink (with or without alcohol) included. Option to purchase additional drinks and snacks on the bus, where this is also a toilet. Free WiFi on the bus. Approx. 695nok.
Geologist for a Day
Available daily at 0900 or 1400 this short tour is an amateur geologists dream. Did you know that Svalbard was once a hot desert? Then, millions of years later, a deep forest of huge trees. Longyearbyen was in the shade of giant mammoth trees, and hippopotamus-like animals walked around. Climate change and tectonic plate movements through the eons has given Svalbard its geological heritage that today founds the basis for human settlement.
Here is a rough guide on the dates and seasons:
Northern Lights Season
October to February.
Polar Nights
Late October to mid-February when the sun does not rise.
Winter Holidays
Winter based activities are typically available from mid-November to early May.
Midnight Sun Returns in mid-April
Svalbard Hotel
Prices from
£1395 per person (based Feb and Mar visit)
£1520 per person (based Apr and May visit)
Upgrades for Svalbard Hotel from
£60 per person per night for a Superior Room
£120 per person per night for a Deluxe Room
£395 per person per night for the Polar Bear Suite
Basecamp Hotel
Prices from
£1550 per person - please note this is a smaller hotel with limited availablity.
Includes
Flights from UK to Longyearbyen (via Oslo)
Airport transfers to and from Longyearbyen airport and your hotel
Bed and breakfast accommodation at your hotel in Longyearbyen
Svalbard Information
Svalbard is unlike any other location and we strongly recommend you read the information below so you have a good understanding of what life is like deep inside the Arctic Circle. It is for those with a love of nature, an appreciation for spectacular scenery and special locations and will appeal to anyone looking for a holiday with a difference. Svalbard is an environmentally sensitive location and the ice coverage in winter is often used as an indicator of global warming.
Polar Bears
Polar bears are the largest living predator on Earth and are generally recognised as the symbol of Svalbard. There are 3000 polar bears on Svalbard and these sensitive creatures are vulnerable to climate change, pollutants and human interference.
Rules protecting polar bears are strict and it is forbidden to lure, pursue, seek out or disturb them; hence there are no ‘polar bear excursions’. Polar bears can appear anywhere at any time on Svalbard and you should never venture outside the settlement without a qualified guide.
The Svalbard Dictionary
Svalbard – is the name given to the entire archipelago.
Spitsbergen – is the name of the largest island within the Svalbard Archipelago.
Longyearbyen – is the main town / settlement on Spitsbergen and Svalbard.
Midnight sun – the period when the sun does not set (mid-April to late August)
Polar night – the period when the sun does not rise (late October to mid-February)
Northern Lights
The northern lights are potentially visible on Svalbard mid-September to mid-March.
Weather and Climate
A land of extremes! With endless summer days and never ending winter nights the weather can be unpredictable so close to the North Pole. In the middle of summer temperatures average +7C but can be as warm as +17C or as cold as 0C. In the depths of winter, when Svalbard is covered in a blanket of virgin snow, average temperatures are -15C and extremes can reach 0C and -30C. During the winter warm outer clothing can be included in your holiday.
Winter Clothing
For your snowmobile and husky activities you will be provided with specialist outdoor equipment such as hat or helmet, snowmobile suit, mittens and boots.
Passports and Visas
All visitors need to go through passport control. The identity of all travellers between Svalbard and the Norwegian mainland will be checked upon arrival and departure. Please note that if you need a visa to arrive to Norway (not relevant to British passport holders) you will need another visa (double entry) to enter Norway again after your visit to Svalbard.
Currency
The Norwegian Krona is used on Svalbard and international credit and debit cards are widely accepted so only a small amount of local currency is recommended.
Electricity
Standard European sockets at 220V.
History
Svalbard has a complicated history dating back to the 12th century. Whaling, hunting and fishing have played an important role and many countries tried to claim Svalbard during the 16th and 17th centuries, including Britain, France and Denmark. Following WWI, the 1920 Svalbard Treaty granted sovereignty to Norway and Svalbard became an economic free and demilitarized zone. Today Longyearbyen and Svalbard have an established, low-key tourism industry.
Geography
Glaciation covers 60% of Svalbard and the highest point is 1700m above sea level. Longyearbyen is the world’s most northerly town and has just 2700 residents and this northerly latitude means the midnight sun shines from the end of April until the end of August – leave your body clock at home. There are no roads on Svalbard outside the settlements, so villages are connected by boat, snowmobiles and aircraft.
Nature
Polar bears are not the only animals on Svalbard! You will also find reindeer and a myriad of bird and marine wildlife. It is not unusual to see whales and seals during your stay on Svalbard, and boat safaris around Isfjord offer some wonderful wildlife experiences. There are 7 national parks, 15 bird sanctuaries and 6 nature reserves; all allow these animals to thrive in the Arctic.
Overview
This holiday is a winter journey into the northern wilderness archipelago of Svalbard. It is for those with a love of nature, an appreciation for spectacular scenery and special locations and will appeal to anyone looking for a winter holiday with a difference. Svalbard is an environmentally sensitive location and the ice coverage in winter is often used as an indicator of global warming.
Polar bears are the largest living predator on Earth and are generally recognised as the symbol of Svalbard. There are 3000 polar bears on Svalbard and these sensitive creatures are vulnerable to climate change, pollutants and human interference.
When to travel?
Dates and Activities
Due to its northerly location, the experiences of this holiday vary considerably from week to week. Activities are an important part of your stay on Svalbard so please check activity dates carefully.
History
Svalbard has a complicated history dating back to the 12th century. Whaling, hunting and fishing have played an important role and many countries tried to claim Svalbard during the 16th and 17th centuries, including Britain, France and Denmark. Following WWI, the 1920 Svalbard Treaty granted sovereignty to Norway and Svalbard became an economic free and demilitarized zone. Today Longyearbyen and Svalbard have an established, low-key tourism industry.
Geography
Glaciation covers 60% of Svalbard and the highest point is 1700m above sea level. Longyearbyen is the world’s most northerly town and has just 2700 residents and this northerly latitude means the midnight sun shines from the end of April until the end of August – leave your body clock at home. There are no roads on Svalbard outside the settlements, so villages are connected by boat, snowmobiles and aircraft.
Typical Itinerary
Other days are available with stop-overs in Oslo and / or Tromsø.
Sunday
Fly from UK to Longyearbyen on Svalbard (via Oslo).
Typical flight times.
London Heathrow to Oslo 1730-2040.
Oslo to Longyearbyen 2135-0030.
Transfer to your hotel.
Check in.
Monday - Thursday
Leisurely breakfasts.
Days at leisure to enjoy this amazing location.
We recommend you book activities to make the most of your time on Svalbard (see activities tab).
Friday
Breakfast.
Transfer to the airport.
Typical flight times:
Longyearbyen to Oslo 1305-1600.
Oslo to Heathrow 1715-1830.
Click on the image for more photos.
Located right at the heart of Longyearbyen close to restaurants, pubs and shops Basecamp Hotel is a rustic hotel full of character reflecting traditional life in the Arctic. The bedrooms are decorated in a traditional trapper’s style with driftwood, sealskins, pictures and objects that illustrate life as a trapper.
Each of the 16 rooms is individually decorated and no two rooms are alike. They are all en suite with comfortable beds and wireless internet. Many of the rooms are twin rooms and they all offer a view over the town and towards the mountains surrounding the Longyeardalen valley.
Keeping true to the trapper’s style, there are no televisions in the rooms, but you are more than welcome to borrow some arctic books from the lobby and just enjoy the arctic atmosphere in your room. If you still yearn after evening programs you can climb up to the loft where there is a big screen television for guests to use. You can also rent bikes from reception.
Click on the image for more photos.
Located right at the heart of Longyearbyen close to restaurants, pubs and shops, Svalbard’s newest hotel is located across 3 sparkling new buildings with a range of accommodation options including modern hotel rooms and apartments. All hotel rooms booked by Simply Sweden are Standard Plus (or of a higher standard) unless otherwise specified and breakfast is always included. This is the perfect location from which to explore Longyearbyen and beyond!
Your time on Svalbard is all about nature, culture, 8 fast-changing seasons, history and appreciation for the sensitive nature of our environment. It is not possible to leave the settlement of Longyearbyen without a guide due to the risk posed by polar bears. To appreciate this vast landscape please booked some excursions!
Optional Activities for winter 2017/18 ....
Northern Lights Safari £180pp
Drive by snowmobile out into the wilderness of Svalbard. Around 20km from Longyearbyen you will switch off the snowmobiles, enjoy hot drinks, share some stories and with any luck this will be under the colourful aurora.
Duration: 4hrs. Availability: Daily from 1Nov to 15Feb. Times vary depending on the daylight.
Suitability: Not for those with back problems or who are pregnant.
Info: You must be in possession of a car or motorbike driving licence.
Northern Lights Evening at Camp Barentz £110pp
Transfer 10km from Longyearbyen to the wilderness Camp Barentz. During polar nights the northern lights can appear at any time. Learn about the science of the aurora, enjoy a wilderness evening meal and relax under the spectacular polar skies.
Duration: 3hrs. Availability: 7pm Sun Tue Fri from Oct to Feb.
Info: Wrap up warm.
Snowmobile Safari to Elveneset £195pp
A snowmobile journey through the wilderness to Elveneset. Drive over the frozen Advent Valley river delta to a natural phenomenon known to the Inuits as a “Pingo”. Turn north around Helvetiafjellet and follow the winding riverbed to Kreklingpasset. From here it is just a short journey to Elveneset, an idyllic viewpoint from where we can gaze out at the stillness of Sassenfjord and enjoy a coffee.
Duration: 4hrs. Availability: Thur and Sun at 8am from 14Feb to 13May.
Suitability: Not for those with back problems or who are pregnant.
Info: You must be in possession of a car or motorbike driving licence.
Snowmobile Safari to the East Coast £355pp
Step into the land of the polar bear. On the east coast the influence of the gulf stream is smaller: the temperatures are lower, there is more ice, polar bears go in search of seals, there are colourful glaciers and a unique landscape. Everyone will drive their own snowmobile as there is approx. 200km of driving and an expedition lunch and snacks are included. Small backpack recommended.
Duration: 10hrs. Availability: Daily at 0830 from 15Feb to 15May.
Suitability: Not for those with back problems or who are pregnant. This is a long excursion.
Info: You must be in possession of a car or motorbike driving licence.
Snowmobile Safari to Barentsberg (Russian settlement) £295pp
Visit the Russian coal mining settlement of Barentsberg. This is the second largest settlement with 350 residents. There will be time to explore Barentsberg and lunch will be served at the hotel or brewery. The snowmobile route is through mountain valleys, across glaciers and you professional guides will show you the way through this wild environment.
Duration: 8hrs. Availability: Mon, Wed & Sun at 0900 from 5Jan to 15May.
Suitability: Not for those with back problems or who are pregnant.
Info: You must be in possession of a car or motorbike driving licence.
Svalbard Husky £135pp
Collection from your hotel and a short transfer to the kennels in Advent Valley. You will work in pairs to prepare your own dog team for your excursion. After attaching 6 eager huskies to your sled, and following a short safety briefing, you will drive in pairs along the snow-covered Advent Valley.
Duration: 4hrs. Availability: Daily at 0900 and 1530 from 1Dec to 15May.
Suitability: Not for those with back problems or who are pregnant.
Mountain Hike on Snowshoes £105pp
With solid snowshoes you will head to the Lars Glacier (Larsbreen). The mountain ridge is shaped like a horseshoe and there is a huge rock, Troll Rock, at the highest point – some 850m above sea level. Hot lunch is served during the hike. From the ridge the view is spectacular.
Duration: 7hrs. Availability: Mon & Fri at 1400. Wed & Sun at 1000. Oct to May.
Suitability: Good fitness & sturdy hiking boots required. A small rucksack is recommended.
Life in the Coal Mine £65pp
20 years ago the coal miners went into the mountain to look for the black gold. What was it like to work in the Svalbard mines? Here is the answer as head down mine 3 in Longyearbyen. You are provided with a working suit and lead you through a cultural historic walk deep into the mountain.
Duration: 3hrs. Availability: Daily 9am or 1pm.
Suitability: Sturdy shoes required.
Book Locally
Northern Lights Hunting by Bus
A guided 2hr30 tour into the polar night. Wrap up warm! One drink (with or without alcohol) included. Option to purchase additional drinks and snacks on the bus, where this is also a toilet. Free WiFi on the bus. Approx. 695nok.
Geologist for a Day
Available daily at 0900 or 1400 this short tour is an amateur geologists dream. Did you know that Svalbard was once a hot desert? Then, millions of years later, a deep forest of huge trees. Longyearbyen was in the shade of giant mammoth trees, and hippopotamus-like animals walked around. Climate change and tectonic plate movements through the eons has given Svalbard its geological heritage that today founds the basis for human settlement.
Here is a rough guide on the dates and seasons:
Northern Lights Season
October to February.
Polar Nights
Late October to mid-February when the sun does not rise.
Winter Holidays
Winter based activities are typically available from mid-November to early May.
Midnight Sun Returns in mid-April
Svalbard Hotel
Prices from
£1395 per person (based Feb and Mar visit)
£1520 per person (based Apr and May visit)
Upgrades for Svalbard Hotel from
£60 per person per night for a Superior Room
£120 per person per night for a Deluxe Room
£395 per person per night for the Polar Bear Suite
Basecamp Hotel
Prices from
£1550 per person - please note this is a smaller hotel with limited availablity.
Includes
Flights from UK to Longyearbyen (via Oslo)
Airport transfers to and from Longyearbyen airport and your hotel
Bed and breakfast accommodation at your hotel in Longyearbyen
Svalbard Information
Svalbard is unlike any other location and we strongly recommend you read the information below so you have a good understanding of what life is like deep inside the Arctic Circle. It is for those with a love of nature, an appreciation for spectacular scenery and special locations and will appeal to anyone looking for a holiday with a difference. Svalbard is an environmentally sensitive location and the ice coverage in winter is often used as an indicator of global warming.
Polar Bears
Polar bears are the largest living predator on Earth and are generally recognised as the symbol of Svalbard. There are 3000 polar bears on Svalbard and these sensitive creatures are vulnerable to climate change, pollutants and human interference.
Rules protecting polar bears are strict and it is forbidden to lure, pursue, seek out or disturb them; hence there are no ‘polar bear excursions’. Polar bears can appear anywhere at any time on Svalbard and you should never venture outside the settlement without a qualified guide.
The Svalbard Dictionary
Svalbard – is the name given to the entire archipelago.
Spitsbergen – is the name of the largest island within the Svalbard Archipelago.
Longyearbyen – is the main town / settlement on Spitsbergen and Svalbard.
Midnight sun – the period when the sun does not set (mid-April to late August)
Polar night – the period when the sun does not rise (late October to mid-February)
Northern Lights
The northern lights are potentially visible on Svalbard mid-September to mid-March.
Weather and Climate
A land of extremes! With endless summer days and never ending winter nights the weather can be unpredictable so close to the North Pole. In the middle of summer temperatures average +7C but can be as warm as +17C or as cold as 0C. In the depths of winter, when Svalbard is covered in a blanket of virgin snow, average temperatures are -15C and extremes can reach 0C and -30C. During the winter warm outer clothing can be included in your holiday.
Winter Clothing
For your snowmobile and husky activities you will be provided with specialist outdoor equipment such as hat or helmet, snowmobile suit, mittens and boots.
Passports and Visas
All visitors need to go through passport control. The identity of all travellers between Svalbard and the Norwegian mainland will be checked upon arrival and departure. Please note that if you need a visa to arrive to Norway (not relevant to British passport holders) you will need another visa (double entry) to enter Norway again after your visit to Svalbard.
Currency
The Norwegian Krona is used on Svalbard and international credit and debit cards are widely accepted so only a small amount of local currency is recommended.
Electricity
Standard European sockets at 220V.
History
Svalbard has a complicated history dating back to the 12th century. Whaling, hunting and fishing have played an important role and many countries tried to claim Svalbard during the 16th and 17th centuries, including Britain, France and Denmark. Following WWI, the 1920 Svalbard Treaty granted sovereignty to Norway and Svalbard became an economic free and demilitarized zone. Today Longyearbyen and Svalbard have an established, low-key tourism industry.
Geography
Glaciation covers 60% of Svalbard and the highest point is 1700m above sea level. Longyearbyen is the world’s most northerly town and has just 2700 residents and this northerly latitude means the midnight sun shines from the end of April until the end of August – leave your body clock at home. There are no roads on Svalbard outside the settlements, so villages are connected by boat, snowmobiles and aircraft.
Nature
Polar bears are not the only animals on Svalbard! You will also find reindeer and a myriad of bird and marine wildlife. It is not unusual to see whales and seals during your stay on Svalbard, and boat safaris around Isfjord offer some wonderful wildlife experiences. There are 7 national parks, 15 bird sanctuaries and 6 nature reserves; all allow these animals to thrive in the Arctic.
