New Year and Northern Lights in Svalbard
Overview
Enjoy New Year celebrations in the world’s most northerly habited town with fantastic aurora potential, and the opportunity to join amazing northern lights excursions.
Highlights
- Northern lights day or night
- Celebrate New Year in the world's northernmost town
- Enjoy a wilderness evening away from city lights
- Northern lights excursions available
What's Included
- Return flights from London Gatwick to Longyearbyen via Oslo
- Accommodation in rooms with private bathroom (except Coal Miner's Cabins)
- All breakfasts
- Northern lights evening with meal included
Full description
New Year in Svalbard sits right in the middle of the Polar season, offering the possibility of viewing the northern lights all day and all night. The sun is at least 6 degrees below the horizon during this period and it is pitch black 24/7, the only light sources outside the towns and settlements are from the moon, the stars and the aurora borealis.
This is a totally unique time to travel to the arctic region, and somewhere totally unique to celebrate the New Year!
Svalbard’s main town is Longyearbyen, your base for four nights in the arctic wilderness. It has a rustic charm, unique atmosphere and international feel with people from many different nationalities residing and working here. The town’s attractions are still available like other times of the year, with a range of activities linked with the northern lights and people’s thoughts switch to socialising indoors with several quality restaurants and bars to choose from. For a remote place, it’s surprising just how much choice is available and you may be surprised that two of Norway’s leading restaurants are located here – Huset and Funktionaermessen.
Our New Year break gives you a taste of what you can do during the dark season. We have included a Northern Lights Evening at Camp Barentz, taking you away from city lights but of course there are other optional excursions which can be added to your Svalbard experience.
To celebrate the New Year, there are two meal options on December 31st which can be pre-booked (recommended), either at the Radisson Blu Polar hotel or Funken Lodge. The Radisson Hotel offers a 5-course Asian Fusion meal including an aperitif. The Funken Lodge has a 'great feast', also including an aperitif, both starting at 6.30pm.
Prices & Dates
Prices from per person, unless stated otherwise
| Departure | Accommodation in Svalbard | Duration | Twin price (per person) | Single price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 29 December 2019 | Coal Miner's Cabin | 5 nights | £798 | £902 |
| 29 December 2019 | Radisson Blu Polar Hotel | 5 nights | £857 | £1,057 |
| 29 December 2019 | Basecamp Hotel | 5 nights | £948 | £1,106 |
| 29 December 2019 | Funken Lodge | 5 nights | £972 | £1,250 |
New Year's Eve pre-bookable meals.
Asian Fusion 5-course dinner at Radisson Blu Polar Hotel is £91 per person.
Great Feast at Funken Lodge is £137 per person.
What's Included
- Return flights from London Gatwick to Longyearbyen via Oslo with Norwegian Air
- Overnight at Clarion Hotel Oslo Airport on breakfast basis
- 4 nights accommodation in Longyearbyen on breakfast basis
- Northern Lights Evening at Camp Barentz with meal included (3 hours)
Flights are based on the following:
29 Dec 2019 depart London Gatwick at 12.55, arrive Oslo at 16.00
30 Dec 2019 depart Oslo at 09.45, arrive Longyearbyen at 12.45
03 Jan 2020 depart Longyearbyen at 13.35, arrive Oslo at 16.35
03 Jan 2020 depart Oslo at 18.10, arrive London Gatwick at 1930
Itinerary & Accommodation
Itinerary & Accommodation
Day 1: Depart to Oslo (29 Dec 19)
Due to flight connections it is necessary to overnight at Oslo, staying at the Clarion Oslo Airport Hotel on breakfast basis.
Day 2: Arrive in Longyearbyen (30 Dec 19)
Fly from Oslo to Longyearbyen, and on arrival transfer on the airport coach service to the city centre hotels (payable locally). The afternoon and evening is free to explore the town and immerse yourself in the Svalbard atmosphere.
Day 3: New Year Celebrations (31 Dec 19)
During the day there are possibilities to go out of town on an excursion in search for the aurora – join a snowmobile safari, an exciting snowcat trip or go dog sledding under the starry skies. In the evening join New Year celebrations and fireworks which many hotels feature as the clocks strike midnight!
Day 4: Time in Longyearbyen (01 Jan 20)
There are several trips nearer to town, showing the highlights of this area such as a guided sightseeing tour with an expert, visiting Mine Number 3 and even a brewery visit and beer tasting tour. If you’re here to see the aurora, then there will be other opportunities to join a specific activity. In the evening we have included an evening at Camp Barentz, 10km outside of Longyearbyen, you learn about the magical lights and enjoy a hearty meal. Being in a remote location you also have the chance to venture outside and if you’re lucky the dancing lights may appear.
Day 5: Northern Lights Adventures (02 Jan 20)
Enjoy more free time in the arctic town or embark on one of the optional aurora adventures.
Day 6: Depart Svalbard (03 Jan 20)
You have the morning to explore the town further, perhaps some last minute shopping before taking the shuttle coach service back to the airport, which runs in conjunction with all flights. You may prefer to take a taxi for the short journey.
Radisson Blu Polar Hotel, Longyearbyen
Svalbard
Grade: Standard
Type: Hotel
This hotel was completed in March 1995 after a wing from the former Tråseth Hotel, The Americans’ sponsor hotel during the 1994 Lillehammer Olympics, which was transported to Svalbard.
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Funken Lodge, Longyearbyen
Svalbard
Grade: Superior
Type: Hotel
With modern comfort in historic surroundings, Funken Lodge offers a unique Svalbard experience.
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Coal Miners’ Cabins, Longyearbyen
Svalbard
Grade: Standard
Type: Hotel
The Coal Miner's Cabins offer a simpler, yet great value accommodation option with a relaxed atmosphere and fantastic shared facilities including the Coal Miner's Bar & Grill.
Discover MoreExcursions
Enhance your holiday by pre-booking a selection of excursions and activities. View or download the pdf below and then talk to our Travel Specialists about how best to fit these into your holiday.
Find a holiday idea or suggested itinerary that inspires you, then send an enquiry or call us
Your dedicated travel specialist will create a quote based on your preferences
Together we’ll refine your itinerary until you’re happy and ready to book
From the moment you book until you return home we’re here for you no matter what
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