Between November and February each year a remarkable phenomenon occurs in Svalbard – The Polar Night. During these weeks the sun is at 6 degrees under the horizon and therefore never shines on Spitsbergen. While the sun is hidden under the horizon, Longyearbyen becomes a magical place, lit only by street lamps, the northern lights and the moon which glitters in the snow. The atmosphere is completely unique and as you experience this mystical darkness you will know you a long way from the beaten track. Don’t forget to look up when we stop – during the Polar Night you double the chance of seeing the Northern Lights. The reindeer kick in the snow to find their fodder, and the foxes slink around in the dark. You will have an opportunity to stop and enjoy the scenery and the guide will serve hot drinks and biscuits. During the stop you make be able to see the impressive Northern Lights which can often be visible during the day time.
Full instructions and safety information is provided before departure. Prices include third party insurance (self-risk excess 6,000 NOK). Drivers must hold a valid driving licence and be able to show it on request.
Duration: 3 hours
From price: £160 per person (two sharing), £200 per person (single rider), £160 per child (not suitable for children under 8)
Stay alert wildlife lovers. Wildlife is everywhere, but not always obvious or close by. Binoculars are a must, and should be easy to grab at any opportunity.
Trip Ideas
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Around Spitsbergen
Arctic Small Ship CruiseVoyage along the Spitsbergen coast in search of polar bears and explorer history.
From £6773 Excluding Flights
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Northern Lights 24-7 in Svalbard
Svalbard Short BreakWitness the northern lights day or night on this unique winter break in Longyearbyen, Svalbard.
From £487 Excluding Flights
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Svalbard Summer Adventure
Svalbard IndependentExperience summer in the remote beauty of the High Arctic on this adventurous break based in Longyearbyen.
From £495
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Svalbard Winter Adventure
Svalbard IndependentTravel to Longyearbyen for a unique winter experience as daylight returns to the high Arctic.
From £639
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West Spitsbergen Explorer
Arctic Small Ship CruiseExperience the best of Spitsbergen's beautiful and rugged west coast as you search for wildlife and more.
From £5672 Excluding Flights
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Scotland to Svalbard
Arctic Small Ship CruiseFollow in the wake of the Vikings as you cruise north past ancient sites and incredible scenery
From £7895 Excluding Flights
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Spitsbergen to East Greenland
Arctic Small Ship CruiseExperience three Arctic islands with magnificent scenery and a prolific array of wildlife
From £8636 Excluding Flights
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Tromso and Svalbard
Norway IndependentImmerse yourself in beautiful Arctic scenery in two wonderful locations, often bathed in the northern lights.
From £625 Excluding Flights
Blogs
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Bird species to look out for around Svalbard
So prevalent and conspicuous are the birds that live in these remote and extreme locations that you simply fall under an avian spell.
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Svalbard plots new course for expedition voyages
Stricter regulations that aim to protect the fragile Arctic environment of Svalbard come into force on 1 January 2025. What are they? How will they change expedition cruising? And what are your options for visiting the Arctic this summer – and beyond?
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Introducing Spitsbergen: Travel Specialist Insights
Our Polar Travel Specialist Jo has visited the Arctic several times, and we asked her to share a few insights for what to expect from a visit to Spitsbergen.
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Svalbard: What’s it like to experience the polar night?
Nowhere can you experience the polar night so easily as the Svalbard archipelago.
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Did You Know This? The Polar Talking Points Of Svalbard
7 things that may well surprise you about Norway’s far-flung Arctic archipelago.
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Top Things to Do in Svalbard
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In Search of Polar Bears in Spitsbergen
Polar Product Manager, Gary, sailed around Spitsbergen aboard the M/V Plancius in search of polar bears.
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Kayaking Adventures in Spitsbergen
Head of Worldwide Product, Liz L, shares her experience of paddling through ice at 80 degrees north.
