Highlights of Svalbard
Svalbard is a veritable gem in the Northern hemisphere. A place full of adventure and somewhere that feels totally unique. Longyearbyen, the capital, is a bustling town with plenty on offer despite the remote location and proximity to the North Pole. There are 3 main seasons in Svalbard due to it’s position within the Arctic Circle – Polar Summer, Polar Winter and Sunny Winter. The best time of year to visit Svalbard if you are a nature and wildlife lover who is keen to witness the ‘King of the Arctic’ – the Polar bear – is in the sunny summer months but if you are looking for a unique experience that is possible nowhere else in the world then you could travel to Svalbard during the winter to witness the Aurora 24 hours a day!
Unique properties in Svalbard
Funken Lodge
Stay in a modern, luxurious boutique hotel in one of the last wildernesses of the world.Nordenskiold Lodge
On the shore of the icy fjord, at the edge of a bright blue glacier, stands a hidden expedition lodge.Isfjord Radio
This historical radio station in Svalbard has been transformed to a luxurious hotel with a gourmet kitchen, far into the arctic wilderness.Basecamp Hotel
Based on a Trapper's hut this cosy hotel offers comfortable rooms and a welcoming atmosphere.Highlight Experiences in Svalbard
Daytime Dog Sledding for Aurora
Search for the Aurora after breakfast in the Polar Night!Aurora by Snowcat
Venture out into the frozen Advent Valley in your giant Snowcat!Ice Cave Tour
Explore the glittering world beneath the Glaciers of Svalbard.Northern Lights at Camp Barentz
Experience the beautiful and secluded Camp Barentz.Getting there
Flights with Norwegian Air and SAS run regularly (approx 3 times a week) from Oslo throughout the year. In peak season (March-August) the number of flights increases. There are also direct options on certain days from Tromso and the options from the UK are set to increase in the coming months making travel here even easier.
Climate
The climate in Svalbard is a direct result of it’s northerly lattitude – between 74 and 81 degrees North. It is sub-polar along the west coast but polar on the east where the temperature remains at zero even in the summer. The polar ice in the winter reaches the North and east coasts of the islands leaving the western coast free. There is a chance of wind throughout the year but it calms a little between June and August.
Geography
In inland areas there are some mountains that are snow-covered all year round, from which glaciers descend and flow to the sea. The highest peak, Newtontoppen, reaches 1,713 metres (5,620 feet). Skiing is possible in the Summer too. The northernmost tip of Svalbard is only 1000 kilometres (600 miles) away from the North Pole. Being well beyond the Arctic Circle, in Svalbard the sun never sets for a long period and from the 20th of April to the 25th of August it is the Midnight Sun. The Polar night by comparison is dark and the sun does not rise from late October to mid-February. The long polar night, however, can be lit by the Aurora Borealis!
Make your dream holiday a reality
Simply get in touch by using one of the telephone numbers listed below, emailing us directly at [email protected], or using our contact form.