Do you want to visit Svalbard? Perhaps you do, but only have time for a short stay. Depending on your work schedule, personal finances, and family commitments, you may wonder if visiting the Arctic Ocean Norwegian archipelago is realistic. The answer is that you can do plenty in a few days. Our Svalbard winter getaway is designed for travelers who want to experience the region in days rather than weeks.
You’ll experience one of the northernmost inhabited regions on the planet. Are glaciers and tundra your thing? The region has what you’re looking for, as you’ll also see polar bears, Arctic foxes, and reindeer.
This carefully designed 3-day Svalbard winter itinerary brings together the Arctic’s most iconic experiences in one unforgettable escape. From dog sledding and ice cave hikes to Northern Lights safaris and traditional Arctic dining, you’ll immerse yourself in the magic of the polar night while exploring one of the world’s most remote destinations.
After arriving at Svalbard Airport for the Arctic adventure package, you’ll be taken to your hotel in Longyearbyen to book in and get situated. You’ll then have the opportunity to explore the historic Arctic town and get dinner at one of the local restaurants.
Morning: Dog Sledding in Bolterdalen (4 Hours): You’ll start day two with dog sledding through the Bolterdalen Valley. You won’t just be a spectator, however. The professional musher will let you take control of the sled pulled by huskies. Warm drinks and Arctic clothing suited to the Svalbard winter weather are also included in the package.
Evening: Northern Lights Hunt by Electric Snowmobile (3 Hours): The next adventure on your Svalbard winter getaway is a Northern Lights safari. You’ll get closer to wildlife without disturbing it by riding on electric snowmobiles that are virtually silent compared to snowmobiles with gas engines.
The Northern Lights is a natural light display splashed across the sky, and you can only see these natural phenomena in certain countries around the planet’s north pole.
Morning: Hike to Svalbard’s Ice Caves (5 Hours): You’ll start day three with a guided hike up to a glacier. Descending into ice caves and tunnels formed by melting snow and ice, you’ll reach and explore these underground attractions.
Evening: Northern Lights Supper at Camp Barentz (3 Hours): You’ll then go to Camp Barentz for a traditional Arctic dinner. On the menu for the evening is reindeer stew and other authentic cuisine. Your guide will then take you outside for another Northern Lights viewing.
After breakfast wraps up a whirlwind of Svalbard winter activities, you’ll be taken to the airport to return home.
Note: The included offer and confirmation of the Svalbard winter getaway are subject to service provider availability. Meanwhile, the estimated price for the three-day Arctic adventure is for a single passenger older than 12 years old and based on a standard room with double occupancy.
Please remember: certain itinerary highlights, such as the Northern Lights and wildlife sightings, can’t be guaranteed due to weather and environmental factors outside our control.
Do you want to visit one of the few places in the world showcasing the Northern Lights, enjoy electric snowmobile tours, explore ice cave hikes in Svalbard, or go polar night dog sledding and see Svalbard reindeer? Consider this three-day winter getaway package if you answered “Yes!” to any of the above.
Winter generally runs from late October to early May, with the darkest period (Polar Night) between mid-November and mid-February.
Yes! The Polar Night provides the perfect dark skies for aurora viewing, especially between November and February.
Temperatures usually range between -10°C to -20°C (14°F to -4°F), but wind chill can make it feel colder.
Bring thermal base layers, insulated outerwear, waterproof boots, gloves, hats, and wool socks. Many tours also provide Arctic clothing like snow suits and boots.
The main gateway is Longyearbyen Airport (LYR), with daily flights from Oslo and Tromsø in mainland Norway.
Polar bears roam throughout Svalbard. Travelers are not allowed to leave settlements without a guide trained and equipped for safety.
Popular winter activities include dog sledding, snowmobile safaris, Northern Lights tours, ice cave hikes, and Arctic dining experiences.
