New Year and Northern Lights in Svalbard
from £798 including flights
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Highlights
Discover Longyearbyen, the northernmost town in the world
Chance to see the northern lights day or night
Enjoy optional excursions such as snowmobiling and husky sledding
Enjoy a wilderness evening at Camp Barentz
Why this trip...
Off-the-beaten-track
This holiday showcases places and experiences away from the usual tourist routes
Activity based
This itinerary features a range of optional activities during your stay
Nordic Heritage
With over 37 years of experience in creating trips to Nordics we know this region inside out
Overview
Enjoy New Year celebrations in the world’s most northerly inhabited town with fantastic aurora potential, and the opportunity to join thrilling excursions. Right in the middle of the polar season and with the sun at least six degrees below the horizon, the near total darkness offers the possibility of viewing the northern lights at any time of day making this a unique time to travel to the Arctic region.
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 while the Funken Lodge has a 'great feast', both including an aperitif.
Itinerary
Day 1 arrive in Oslo (29 Dec 19)
Fly to Oslo, Norway's capital. Due to flight connections it is necessary to overnight here staying at the Clarion Oslo Airport Hotel on a breakfast basis.
Fly to Oslo, Norway's capital. Due to flight connections it is necessary to overnight here staying at the Clarion Oslo Airport Hotel on a breakfast basis.
Day 2 Oslo - 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.
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!
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 at leisure 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 truly remote location you'll be ideally located to see the northern lights should they appear.
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 truly remote location you'll be ideally located to see the northern lights should they appear.
Day 5 at leisure (02 Jan 20)
Enjoy more free time in this Arctic town or embark on one of the optional aurora adventures.
Enjoy more free time in this Arctic town or embark on one of the optional aurora adventures.
Excursions
Enhance your holiday by pre-booking a selection of excursions and activities. View or download the pdf and then talk to our Travel Specialists about how best to fit these into your holiday.
Open Excursions PDFPrices and Departures
Price from £798 including flights
What's Included
- Return flights from London Gatwick to Longyearbyen via Oslo with Norwegian Air
- Accommodation on breakfast basis
- Northern Lights Evening at Camp Barentz with meal
- 24 hour emergency assistance from our team during your holiday
- No surcharge guarantee
- Full financial protection
From prices per person
Based on two sharing unless stated otherwise.
| Departure | Accommodation in Svalbard | Duration | Twin price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 29 Dec 2020 | Radisson Blu Polar Hotel | 5 nights | £857 |
| 29 Dec 2020 | Basecamp Hotel | 5 nights | £948 |
| 29 Dec 2020 | Funken Lodge | 5 nights | £972 |
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
Meet our expert
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