Aurora borealis in Longyearbyen, Svalbard

Northern Lights Holidays in Svalbard

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A wildly remote and demanding climate, Svalbard is one of the most untouched destinations in the world, at a latitude of 78 degrees north. Home to just 2500 residents, this Arctic kingdom ruled by polar bears is a wilderness like no other, where vast open skies are illuminated by aurora displays during the polar night. Explore crystalline fjords, mountain trails and hulking glaciers whilst hunting for Mother Nature's light show.

Northern Lights Holidays in Svalbard

The northern lights over Svalbard

The world's northernmost settlement

One of the world's smallest capitals, Longyearbyen is located on Spitsbergen, a large island in the Svalbard archipelago. Yet, this miniature metropolis is bursting with a bounty of unique experiences. From the Coal Mine Museum, the world's northernmost Brewery and Chocolatier to the Global Seed Vault, this gateway to the Arctic must be seen to be believed. It is also the starting point for many aurora excursions, from snowmobiling and snowshoeing to snowcat tours and dog sledding.

 

Experiencing the polar night by Snowcat in Svalbard

Drive into the Polar Night

Plunged into the mystical polar night from late November to mid- January, Svalbard's clear dark skies make aurora viewing over the winter months a must. Limited light pollution in and around the settlements allow the northern lights to shine in all their glory. For a chance of capturing a glimpse of the magical phenomenon, hop aboard a specialist snowcat vehicle and drive out to the Advent Valley for a night filled with hot drinks and tales of the sky.

We'll send you a complimentary copy of Bradt's Northern Lights Travel Guide Book when you book your Northern Lights adventure with us

Hunting the northern lights by snowmobile in Svalbard

Chase the Aurora by Snowmobile

The far north's long winters make viewing the aurora in the middle of the day a possibility. For thrill-seekers in search of a hands-on experience, a northern lights hunt by snowmobile allows visitors to zip off into the Spitsbergen wilderness under the vibrant sky. Travel by electric snowmobile as the silence of the Arctic meets magnificent light displays and spot local wildlife on your journey. Arctic foxes, reindeer and even polar bear tracks may be discovered beneath the starlit sky.

Searching for the aurora by dogsled in Svalbard

Aurora hunt by dogsled

Svalbard's vast icy plains provide the perfect environment for dogsledding. An alternative to hunting the aurora by vehicle, learn how traditional dogsledding has been intertwined in local lives for hundreds of years. Meet a team of friendly huskies, who are born to thrive in Svalbard's harsh environment, before guiding them across frozen fjords and towering mountains. Search for the northern lights as they brush past snow-capped peaks and capture the display on camera for memories that will last a lifetime.

The best places to stay to see the northern lights in Svalbard

Kirkenes Wilderness cabins in winter in Norway

Kirkenes Snowhotel & Cabins

Surrounded by beautiful, raw arctic landscapes, quirky hobbit-style wooden cabins open year round can also be combined with a night in a room made entirely of ice in winter at the annual snow hotel.

Kirkenes, Northern Norway

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Exterior view of Varanger Lodge and sauna, Nesseby, Northern Norway

Varanger Lodge

Perched on the shoreline of the Varanger Fjord lined by mountainous wilds and inspired by Sami Gamme cabins, Varanger Lodge is the ideal retreat for those wishing to sink into arctic serenity.

Nesseby, Arctic Norway

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Arctic Panorama Lodge In Spring Winter

Arctic Panorama Lodge

A relaxing retreat away from the bustle of everyday life, Arctic Panorama Lodge combines wellness and wilderness experiences in the heart of the Lyngen Fjords.

Uløya Island, Arctic Norway

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Arctic Wilderness Lodge Winter Morning Sorrisniva2

Sorrisniva Arctic Wilderness Lodge & Igloo Hotel

In the heart of Arctic Norway, where the Alta River meanders through a snowy wilderness, lies Sorrisniva—a sanctuary for those seeking both adventure and tranquility

Alta, Arctic Norway

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Northern Lights in Svalbard

Polar bear in Svalbard | By Fredrik Granath | Hurtigruten Svalbard

Polar bear in Svalbard during Polar Night
Photographing the northern lights in Svalbard
The northern lights in Svalbard
Searching for the northern lights in Svalbard
Watching the aurora borealis in Svalbard
Aurora hunting in a Snowcat, Svalbard, the Arctic
The aurora borealis over the mountains in Svalbard

We can't wait to help you plan your northern lights adventure to Svalbard

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