Sunny Winter on Svalbard

Upon arrival in Tromsø, make your way to a splendid hotel nestled in the heart of the city. Embraced by breathtaking fjords and snow-clad peaks that endure throughout the year, Tromsø is positioned on the eastern edge of Tromsøya, connected to the mainland by a gently curved bridge. In the evening, consider indulging in a dining experience at Mathallen, renowned as one of the city's finest restaurants. Helmed by the sought-after chef Gunnar Jensen, the kitchen consistently showcases the finest Arctic ingredients of the season.

Tromsø is famously known for its beautiful nature, thriving marine life and beautiful fjords. Embark on a relaxing cruise aboard the hybrid-electric Brim Explorer where the skipper and guide safely navigate the fjords and provide an interesting tour to some of the most beautiful spots in the area. Perfectly combining a thrilling experience at sea and a short history lesson, alongside the opportunity to spot wildlife, such as seabirds, eagles and sometimes seals or porpoises.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and check out of your hotel. Take a private transfer to Tromsø Airport for your flight to Longyearbyen. On arrival in Longyearbyen transfer to Funken Lodge where you will stay for the next four nights. We recommend taking a stroll around Longyearbyen before dining in the evening. Perhaps choose to join the Longyearbyen in a Nutshell two-hour guided tour to see the main sights in the town. This tour departs at 16:00 or head out on foot and explore independently.

Due to longer hours of daylight during sunny winter, there are several snowmobile excursions on offer. Choose from a three-hour wilderness safari, a four-hour trip to Elvenset to visit a remarkable lookout point, or opt for a full-day excursion from a seven-hour venture to Tempelfjorden or an even longer ten-hour journey to the east coast, where you may even spot a polar bear! Whether you decide on a shorter trip or head out for a full day in the wilderness, you’ll drive a snowmobile and be led by a professional guide.

Today, mush a team of sled dogs into Bolterdalen, crossing icy plains and passing towering mountains. Enjoy a hot drink and biscuits before returning to Longyearbyen to relax at leisure for the afternoon. Spend the evening searching for the magical aurora at remote Camp Barentz. This northern lights base is located around 10km from Longyearbyen, at the foot of the mountain, Breinosa. One of the camp’s buildings, Barentz Hus, is a copy of the cabin that the discoverer of Svalbard, Willem Barentz, overwintered in on Novaya Zemlya in 1596!

Embark on a guided hike to explore an underground world of grottos carved out by the water that melts during the summer months. The hike begins in Nybyen and up to Larsbreen, a two-hour trip, covering 350 metres. Inside Svalbard’s glaciers, discover a magical world of ice as you walk through narrow passages and study frozen formations and crystals. The trip is moderately difficult, some mountain hiking and some crawling in the cave can be expected. Return to Longyearbyen later in the afternoon and relax on your final night at 78° North.

Return to Longyearbyen Airport today and fly to Tromsø. On arrival, transfer to Clarion Hotel The Edge located on the harbourside, and check in for an overnight stay. In the evening take a short walk to Tromsø harbour to set sail for an aurora cruise. You will depart at 8pm. Enjoy a three-course meal on board the new hybrid-electric Brim Explorer whilst keeping a lookout for the northern lights swirling overhead. Return to your hotel later in the evening for your final overnight stay in Norway.

After breakfast, check out of your hotel and transfer back to Tromsø Airport for your departure plans.