Celebrate this year's Christmas just around the corner from the North Pole! Regardless if you travel alone or with someone, we invite you to make great new friends and memories for life. The programme offers the perfect mix of Arctic wilderness and Norwegian Christmas traditions. Experience the dark polar night, northern lights and cozy atmosphere in the northernmost permanent settlement in the world. You don't get closer to Santa Claus than this!
Travel date: 22.-27. December 2021
Wednesday, 22 December
Arrival Longyearbyen. Hurtigruten Svalbard's tour guide welcomes you in the arrival hall. Transport to your accommodation Funken Lodge.
Cultural-historical sightseeing. A local guide takes you through Longyearbyen and its exciting history. You will visit the Svalbard Museum and the local Gallery. Topics that will be covered are history, geology, flora, fauna and today's society.
4-course dinner in Funktionærmessen Restaurant. Possibility to enjoy cocktails in Funken Bar after dinner.
Thursday, 23 December
Breakfast is served in Funktionærmessen Restaurant
Day at your own disposal. Take a stroll in town, enjoy tax-free shopping, visit the local church, or just enjoy the atmosphere in Longyearbyen before we will spend the evening out in the wilderness. It is also possible to add excursions for those who would like:
Northern Lights Hunting with Electric Snowmobile
Dogsledding under the Northern Lights
Hike to an Ice Cave
Friday, 24 December
Saturday, 25 December
Sunday, 26 December
Monday, 27 December
For individual bookings; 1 – 9 participants in one booking:
Funken Lodge is our luxurious Arctic oasis where comfort and quality are in focus. The hotel is located in a historic setting and offers a unique Svalbard experience. The relaxed atmosphere allows you to unwind after long and exciting days outdoors. All rooms are beautifully decorated and our friendly staff will ensure you a wonderful stay.
With focus on high-quality ingredients and excellent service, the team in Funktionærmessen Restaurant welcomes you to a culinary experience. Here you will be served delicious menus with New Year's inspiration. The restaurant's wine list is impressive and the sommelier will help you find the perfect bottle for your preferences and meal.
Funken Lodge also houses its own Champagne cellar and a newly refurbished wine cellar. Here you can order private tastings - a unique and exclusive experience!
The Northern lights over Svalbard can be seen 24 hours a day during the polar night. Camp Barentz is perfectly located far away from all the light pollution, which offers the perfect conditions for experiencing Svalbard's magnificent nature and the northern lights. You will be picked up at the hotel by bus and driven out of town, towards the camp. As we arrive in front of the lovely wooden cabins, you will be greeted by your host for the evening.
Here you will be served something good to drink, delicious homemade reindeer stew, coffee and dessert. After dinner, it is time to learn a little more about the green magical lights on the sky. We gather around the fire, and the host will tell about the incredible phenomenon. If the conditions allow for it, we end the evening by experiencing the northern lights with our own eyes outside the cabin.
Northern lights hunting with a snowcat is a nice and comfortable way to get out into the wild Svalbard nature. The trip is not physically demanding, and suits all ages and fitness levels. The guide takes you out of the city, away from Longyearbyen's lights, into the magical polar night. You drive across the frozen Advent valley, and there will be several stops along the way to look for the northern lights. We recommend wearing warm winter clothes so you can enjoy the northern lights outside if it shows up on the sky.