The most beautiful darkness on Earth
Plan Your Northern Lights Adventure - save time and money by choosing a package offer
Experience the mystical northern lights winter and polar night where Svalbard's landscape is dramatically transformed as snow and ice blanket the fjords and valleys, while the northern lights dance in the sky.
By choosing a package offer, you can save a lot compared to booking accommodation, dinner and activities separately.
Northern Lights at Radisson
Stay in the center of Longyearbyen at the world's northernmost Radisson hotel. Includes 3 nights, one 3-course dinner, a Northern Lights evening and one activity . Price from € 465. Save 10%
Northern Lights at Funken Lodge
A luxurious stay at a tasteful boutique hotel with a fantastic view of Longyearbyen. Includes 3 nights, a Northern Lights evening and a 6-course gourmet dinner. Price from € 455. Save 12%
Fun Facts & reasons to go to Svalbard during the Northern Lights winter
The polar night provides one of the best opportunities to experience the northern lights. Svalbard's dark and clear nights create perfect conditions for viewing this fantastic phenomenon, which dances in green, purple, and pink across the night sky. Due to the polar night and constant darkness, Svalbard is the only place in the world where you can see the northern lights in the middle of the day.
Another interesting fact is that on Svalbard, the northern lights are usually seen in the south, unlike other places in the world where they are seen in the north! This is because Svalbard is located so far north that the archipelago lies above the geomagnetic North Pole, where the northern lights are most often centred.
A commonly misunderstood term is "polar night." In fact, Svalbard is the only place in Norway that experiences the polar night. In Northern Norway, they have the "mørketid" (dark season), but not the polar night. The polar night is when the sun is constantly at least 6 degrees below the horizon, resulting in neither daylight nor twilight, making the day as dark as the night. On Svalbard, the polar night lasts from 14 November to 29 January, while the dark season spans from 1 October to 13 November and from 30 January to 16 February.
Svalbard's northern lights winter offers incredible activities for those seeking unique adventures! Explore the stunning dark landscape on a snowmobile tour, where the stars and northern lights light up your path. If you're looking for an extra hands-on experience, try dog sledding in the polar night, a popular activity that offers both excitement and a deep sense of achievement. After your sledding adventure, cuddly puppies await your affection the Green Dog kennel.
For a truly unique experience, venture into Svalbard's mesmerizing ice caves. These natural wonders are hidden beneath the glaciers, offering a surreal and otherworldly exploration that you won't want to miss. Even a simple walk through Longyearbyen can be filled with wonder—watch reindeer roam the streets and marvel at the northern lights dancing above the buildings and mountains.
Although Longyearbyen is a small town far north, it offers an impressive array of experiences comparable to a big city. At Funken Lodge, you can participate in champagne tastings in their historic cellar, which was once used as an alcohol outlet for locals. They have an impressive selection, including vintage champagne that you won't find anywhere else in the country. In Funktionærmessen Restaurant, you can also enjoy delicious dishes. We recommend trying their signature dishes, king crab and dry-aged côte de bœuf.
A dinner in the historic building Huset is an experience we recommend to everyone. At Huset Restaurant, the chefs use innovative techniques to create an exciting tasting menu featuring flavors from Svalbard. With a focus on local ingredients and storytelling, this is more than just a meal; it’s a journey through Svalbard.
Many might think that the dark season is a quiet time in Longyearbyen, but this is not true. When darkness falls, the town comes to life. Festivals, concerts, and various other events are frequently organised. In November and December, there is also a Christmas market, and the local choir usually hosts a concert. At the town's restaurants, you can enjoy Norwegian Christmas food, and in the shops, you can buy Christmas gifts at tax-free prices.
Did you know that Santa Claus lives in Svalbard? Rumour has it that he resides in the abandoned mine in Longyearbyen. With a distance of only 1300 kilometres to the North Pole, this seems quite plausible! Every December, lights are lit up at the mine site, and Santa's post box is placed by the road so that you can drop off your wish list. This is perfect to combine with a walk around the town (known as the "town round").
Longyearbyen offers a unique shopping experience with the added benefit of being tax-free. This Arctic town, while small, boasts a variety of shops where you can find everything from high-quality outdoor gear to locally made crafts and souvenirs. Given Svalbard's extreme environment, Longyearbyen is well-stocked with top-notch outdoor clothing and equipment. Stores like Longyear78 offers a wide range of items perfect for Arctic adventures, including insulated jackets, thermal layers, and sturdy boots. With the tax-free prices, you can equip yourself with high-quality gear at a fraction of the usual cost.
Every year, the local Christmas March is held in Longyearbyen. This is a pub-to-pub walk that the locals love. It can be a fun sight, as participants dress up in Christmas-inspired costumes and decorate their means of transport, often a kick-sled or sleigh. They light up and spread good cheer in the streets as they move to the next bar.