Northern lights at Radisson
Travel period: 1 October - 31 January
Get ready for an unforgettable journey up North. From October, you can experience the northern lights on Svalbard. There are plenty of things to experience, and this package contains everything for a lovely stay on Svalbard during the polar night.
This package includes:
This package includes:
• 3 nights at Radisson Blu Polar Hotel Spitsbergen
• Breakfast every day
• Hike - follow a trapper's footprints
• Northern lights evening at Camp Barentz
• One 3-courses dinner at Restaurant Nansen
Price
From NOK 5 450,- per person in a shared double room
From NOK 7 525,- per person in a single room*
*a double room for single use
Booking
Send email to info@hurtigrutensvalbard.com
Our Svalbard experts are ready to assist you creating your dream trip.
Send email to info@hurtigrutensvalbard.com. Specify what period you wish to travel, how many people you are, and any other relevant information.
No email? Call +47 79 02 61 00 for a non-binding offer.
Cancellation policy
Cancellation within:
•22 days gives a full refund or the possibility of rebooking the trip
•8-21 days gives a 50% refund
•0-7 days does not give a refund
*Applies to the number of days before the journey starts.
Please note that additional costs may apply if the offer is no longer available, when changing the travel period.
The magical northern lights
The northern lights, or the aurora borealis, are caused by waves of electric particles from the sun that are hurled towards our planet and are formed between 80 and 500 kilometers over our heads. The Northern Lights season on Svalbard is between October and early March. Just like all other natural phenomena, the aurora cannot be turned on or off. First, you will need clear skies, which can be a challenge at times. The next thing you will need is some patience. However, here at the northernmost reaches of Norway you will most likely see the northern lights on every clear night.
The display often comes in waves which last about 30 minutes, before disappearing and then returning once more. Due to the polar night on Svalbard, we do not have to wait for the night to hunt the aurora, it is dark enough during the day. This increases your chances. In addition, Longyearbyen and its surrounds have very little light pollution, so you will see the lights more clearly. Add the stunning yet stark wilderness, and you have a winning combination!
Stay at the world's northernmost full-service hotel
Radisson Blu Polar Hotel Spitsbergen is located in the heart of Longyearbyen. The hotel reopened after major renovations in February, 2019 and is a perfect place to stay for both family, couples and friends. In the hotel lobby you can relax in our lounge in front of the fireplace and enjoy a hot drink after a long day of adventure.
Afraid of missing out? You can register for a northern lights wake up call at the reception and the staff will notify you if the northern lights are visible. We always do our best to make your Svalbard experience complete.
Enjoy a delicious three course dinner
Come as you are, straight from an adventure or put on your finest clothes. Regardless of your outfit, you are invited to a three course dinner at Restaurant Nansen. The concept centers around Nordic Fusion, with a delightful menu inspired by the Arctic region. Should the northern lights start dancing in the sky during your dinner, do not worry: The staff will let you know, and the outdoor terrace is not many meters away.
Northern Lights evening at Camp Barentz
Put on some warm clothes and get ready for an exciting experience! Camp Barentz boasts an amazing location at the foot of the mountain, Breinosa, right below Mine 7. Here, far from town, you have the perfect conditions for hunting the northern lights. You will get picked up at the hotel by bus, and then driven straight out of town. As we arrive at the cozy wooden cabins we will be met by the evening’s host. Good drinks and a delicious homemade reindeer bidos will be served, together with campfire coffee and dessert. After a delicious dinner, it is time to learn more about the green veil in the sky. We will sit around the fire, while our host shares information and photographs explaining this incredible phenomenon. If lady aurora appears, we will round off the evening by watching the display with our own eyes outside the cabin.
Hike - follow a trapper's footprints
We will start the tour in Adventdalen (Advent valley) an will continue by foot into the wilderness. Your guide will tell you about Svalbard and the history of the trappers and hunters as you wander away from civilisation. You will also receive an introduction to some of the techniques that were used to hunt for the major fur animals - polar foxes and polar bears. The hunting season started in the late autumn, and the traps had to be checked throughout the winter. As we wander through the Arctic tundra, it is easy to gain a better understanding of this life, and to appreciate how it was to live this far north in this season. Read more about the hike here.
Travel to Svalbard
Flights to/from Svalbard is not included in this package.
If you are travelling from outside Norway, you will have to fly via Oslo. Both SAS and Norwegian offer flights to Longyearbyen from Oslo and/or Tromsø. With a direct flight from Oslo, the trip takes about 3 hours. The flight time from Tromsø is about 1.5 hours. Some departures from Oslo make a stopover in Tromsø, and then the total travel time will be closer to 4 hours.
