Venture into the Polar Night
Chasing the Northern Lights
Longyearbyen
Few natural wonders ignite the imagination quite like the northern lights. Elusive, ethereal, and unforgettable. But to catch a glimpse of the green lady dancing across the sky, you’ll need darkness, clarity, and a bit of luck. We recommend checking the northern lights forecast for Longyearbyen, offering a glimpse into your chances of witnessing this magical display over the next three days.
That said, Svalbard offers far more than just a light show.
We’ve created a 4-day Arctic escape that goes beyond the ordinary, combining thrilling winter activities with extraordinary accommodation in the heart of the polar night. From dogsledding and snowmobiling to stargazing in complete silence, this is a curated experience designed to awaken your sense of wonder.
Come explore Svalbard in its most mystical season and return home not just with memories, but with a longing to come back.
Welcome to Svalbard. Your Arctic journey begins here.
Upon arrival at Longyearbyen Airport, you will be transported to Basecamp Hotel, your home in the High Arctic. Our friendly reception team will welcome you and help you settle in.
Basecamp Hotel is centrally located in the heart of Longyearbyen. Inside, you will discover a warm and distinctive atmosphere filled with historical artefacts, character and stories woven into every corner. It offers a fascinating introduction to Svalbard’s rich human history.
Later that day, our guide will take you on a guided tour of Longyearbyen. Discover the town’s remarkable history, everyday life at 78 degrees north and what it means to live in one of the world’s northernmost settlements. The tour is the perfect introduction to this unique Arctic outpost and the adventures that await.
During the Polar Night, the Northern Lights may appear at any time of day, as long as the skies are clear. Keep an eye on the local aurora forecast, and remember that our journeys into the wilderness offer excellent viewing conditions with minimal light pollution. Look up and take in the stars, the silence and, if you are lucky, rare waves of green dancing across the Arctic sky.
Basecamp Hotel is only a short walk from Longyearbyen’s cafés, bars, shops and restaurants. Our reception team will be happy to share recommendations or help you reserve a table.
Did the Northern Lights dance above while you slept? At Basecamp Hotel, warmth and comfort surround you like a cosy blanket. Now it is time to rise, dress in Arctic layers and enjoy a hearty breakfast before today’s adventure: dog sledding in the polar wilderness.
Your guide will meet you at the hotel and take you to our Expedition Centre, where you will be fitted with warm outerwear for the journey ahead. From there, a short drive brings you to Trapper’s Station, located eight kilometres from Longyearbyen. The moment you arrive, you will be greeted by 80 howling, tail wagging Alaskan huskies, all eager for adventure.
Your guide will show you how to harness the dogs and give you a thorough introduction to handling the sled. During early winter, from October to early December, while the snow is still settling, we use dog carts instead of sleds and head into the beautiful Advent Valley.
Everyone takes part in preparing the dog teams. It is a hands on experience filled with energy, excitement and a wonderful connection with these remarkable animals. Once the teams are ready and the Arctic wilderness stretches out before you, you set off together into the stillness of the polar landscape.
After the tour, we gather around the open fire at Trapper’s Station for a hot drink. Your guide will share stories from the days when hunters and trappers carved out lives in this remote land.
Back in Longyearbyen, you settle in with a charcuterie board and a glass of bubbles while discovering more about the extraordinary place surrounding you.
Spend the rest of the day reading by candlelight, relaxing in the warm atmosphere or playing a game with fellow travellers. When you are ready for dinner, our reception team will be happy to recommend a restaurant and make a reservation for you.
Adventure by day, Arctic charm by night.
Fuel up for adventure, a delicious breakfast is served from 7am. Today, it’s time to step into Svalbard’s wild side. Depending on the season, snow, and weather conditions, your guide will take you on one of two unforgettable Arctic experiences: either a mountain hike with sweeping views or a journey into the hidden world of an ice cave. Before departure, all participants are equipped with headlamps and snowshoes or crampons, depending on the day’s route. If conditions allow for ice cave exploration, we’ll begin with a climb up the glacier moraine before venturing into a frozen labyrinth of meltwater tunnels and blue ice, a surreal world beneath the surface. If we’re hiking to a nearby mountain summit, expect a rewarding ascent followed by panoramic views over Longyearbyen, the fjord, and the surrounding peaks, a breathtaking moment of Arctic stillness after the effort. The adventure lasts approximately five hours, with return to Basecamp Hotel around 3PM.
In the evening, take the opportunity to explore Longyearbyen’s culinary scene. The town boasts several excellent restaurants, each with their own Arctic twist. Our receptionist is happy to assist with table reservations and transport, ensuring your evening is as memorable as your day. Explore above the mountains or below the ice – either way, you’re in for something extraordinary.
Breakfast is served from 7 am, and check out is by 11 am. As your Arctic adventure draws to a close, there is still time for one final journey into Svalbard’s remarkable history.
Today, you will visit Mine 3, where you can step inside the mountain and discover the stories of the miners who helped shape Longyearbyen. Walking through the former coal mine offers a fascinating insight into working life beneath the Arctic landscape and the important role mining has played in the development of the town.
Following your visit, you will be transported to Longyearbyen Airport in good time before your flight. We will make sure your departure is smooth and comfortable, allowing you to enjoy every last moment of your stay without worrying about the practical details.
Although it is time to say goodbye, we hope your thoughts are already drifting northwards again, perhaps towards a new adventure beneath the Midnight Sun.
Until next time. The Arctic will be here, waiting.
Welcome to Svalbard. Your Arctic journey begins here.
Upon arrival at Longyearbyen Airport, you will be transported to Basecamp Hotel, your home in the High Arctic. Our friendly reception team will welcome you and help you settle in.
Basecamp Hotel is centrally located in the heart of Longyearbyen. Inside, you will discover a warm and distinctive atmosphere filled with historical artefacts, character and stories woven into every corner. It offers a fascinating introduction to Svalbard’s rich human history.
Later that day, our guide will take you on a guided tour of Longyearbyen. Discover the town’s remarkable history, everyday life at 78 degrees north and what it means to live in one of the world’s northernmost settlements. The tour is the perfect introduction to this unique Arctic outpost and the adventures that await.
During the Polar Night, the Northern Lights may appear at any time of day, as long as the skies are clear. Keep an eye on the local aurora forecast, and remember that our journeys into the wilderness offer excellent viewing conditions with minimal light pollution. Look up and take in the stars, the silence and, if you are lucky, rare waves of green dancing across the Arctic sky.
Basecamp Hotel is only a short walk from Longyearbyen’s cafés, bars, shops and restaurants. Our reception team will be happy to share recommendations or help you reserve a table.
Did the Northern Lights dance above while you slept? At Basecamp Hotel, warmth and comfort surround you like a cosy blanket. Now it is time to rise, dress in Arctic layers and enjoy a hearty breakfast before today’s adventure: dog sledding in the polar wilderness.
Your guide will meet you at the hotel and take you to our Expedition Centre, where you will be fitted with warm outerwear for the journey ahead. From there, a short drive brings you to Trapper’s Station, located eight kilometres from Longyearbyen. The moment you arrive, you will be greeted by 80 howling, tail wagging Alaskan huskies, all eager for adventure.
Your guide will show you how to harness the dogs and give you a thorough introduction to handling the sled. During early winter, from October to early December, while the snow is still settling, we use dog carts instead of sleds and head into the beautiful Advent Valley.
Everyone takes part in preparing the dog teams. It is a hands on experience filled with energy, excitement and a wonderful connection with these remarkable animals. Once the teams are ready and the Arctic wilderness stretches out before you, you set off together into the stillness of the polar landscape.
After the tour, we gather around the open fire at Trapper’s Station for a hot drink. Your guide will share stories from the days when hunters and trappers carved out lives in this remote land.
Back in Longyearbyen, you settle in with a charcuterie board and a glass of bubbles while discovering more about the extraordinary place surrounding you.
Spend the rest of the day reading by candlelight, relaxing in the warm atmosphere or playing a game with fellow travellers. When you are ready for dinner, our reception team will be happy to recommend a restaurant and make a reservation for you.
Adventure by day, Arctic charm by night.
Fuel up for adventure, a delicious breakfast is served from 7am. Today, it’s time to step into Svalbard’s wild side. Depending on the season, snow, and weather conditions, your guide will take you on one of two unforgettable Arctic experiences: either a mountain hike with sweeping views or a journey into the hidden world of an ice cave. Before departure, all participants are equipped with headlamps and snowshoes or crampons, depending on the day’s route. If conditions allow for ice cave exploration, we’ll begin with a climb up the glacier moraine before venturing into a frozen labyrinth of meltwater tunnels and blue ice, a surreal world beneath the surface. If we’re hiking to a nearby mountain summit, expect a rewarding ascent followed by panoramic views over Longyearbyen, the fjord, and the surrounding peaks, a breathtaking moment of Arctic stillness after the effort. The adventure lasts approximately five hours, with return to Basecamp Hotel around 3PM.
In the evening, take the opportunity to explore Longyearbyen’s culinary scene. The town boasts several excellent restaurants, each with their own Arctic twist. Our receptionist is happy to assist with table reservations and transport, ensuring your evening is as memorable as your day. Explore above the mountains or below the ice – either way, you’re in for something extraordinary.
Breakfast is served from 7 am, and check out is by 11 am. As your Arctic adventure draws to a close, there is still time for one final journey into Svalbard’s remarkable history.
Today, you will visit Mine 3, where you can step inside the mountain and discover the stories of the miners who helped shape Longyearbyen. Walking through the former coal mine offers a fascinating insight into working life beneath the Arctic landscape and the important role mining has played in the development of the town.
Following your visit, you will be transported to Longyearbyen Airport in good time before your flight. We will make sure your departure is smooth and comfortable, allowing you to enjoy every last moment of your stay without worrying about the practical details.
Although it is time to say goodbye, we hope your thoughts are already drifting northwards again, perhaps towards a new adventure beneath the Midnight Sun.
Until next time. The Arctic will be here, waiting.
4 Days
October-February
Breakfast
Basecamp Hotel
From NOK 24,990,-
Adventure
Details
Enquire Now
What’s included?
Activities and meals according to the program.
Transport to and from your hotel/guesthouse in Longyearbyen for all activities.
Accommodation in double room at Basecamp Hotel.
Additional Expenses
Personal spendings, drinks with meals, private equipment, travel insurance and airport transfer.
Single room supplement at Basecamp Hotel.
More than travel
As part of Basecamp Explorer Spitsbergen’s efforts to be climate neutral, we add an additional CO2 and environmental investment of NOK 250 per guest. This is donated in its entirety to do good projects contributing to a sustainable future in our destinations.
Minimum participants
We have a minimum of four participants for this adventure. If the number of guests is less than four, we reserve the right to offer an alternative program.
Groups
Would you like to have your board meeting, conference event, incentive group, private guiding or even a kick-off event in the middle of the true Arctic? Contact us to tailor your adventure.
Keep warm for the whole northern lights show. If you go inside to warm up, you can bet the northern lights dance across the sky the seconds you are inside. In Norway, we have a saying “there is no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothes.” We dress in layers and always use wool. Our packing tips:
- Spacious shoes with room for two layers of woolen socks. Air is the best insulation!
- Two layers of woolen underwear as base layers.
- A woolen sweater, fleece jacket or light down jacket and pants are excellent mid layers.
- The outer layer shall protect you from the strong cold wind.
- On cold winter days, a thicker down jacket or parka will make you the winner in crisp air.
- Warm buff for your neck, warm and windproof or lined hat, warm and windproof mittens or gloves.
- If you want to take photos it is essential to have a pair of thinner gloves to care for your fingers.
Good to have with you is indoor shoes or extra woolen socks, leisure wear and casual clothing for dinner, toilet articles, a backpack of around 35 liters for personal belongings, snacks and water during the day trips.
Once you have booked your adventure with us, you will receive a recommended packing list tailored to the season and the activities included in your journey.
Physical requirements & clothing
The guide is the main responsible for guests and security on each trip. All participants are responsible to dress properly for the trip, and to have sufficient level of physical fitness. If the guide consider that a participant does not have proper clothes or physical fitness level for the activity, he or she can decide that the participant cannot take part in the trip due to security reasons. The dog sledding trip in this itinerary is not suitable for persons suffering from back pains or pregnant women. Basecamp takes no responsibility to any health issues, due to neglecting this advice.
Northern lights
The northern lights at Svalbard can appear on a clear sky from October to March. The biggest challenges you will meet are the weather and the solar activity during your stay. Both factors are unpredictable and more time at the destination will increase your chances to see the northern lights. We can never guarantee that you will see the lights, but you are for sure looking forward to a different kind of holiday.
your itinerary
The Northern light adventure can be tailored for groups and families of minimum 4 persons and from 6 years of age. Because of different capacity in Basecamp Hotel and for the different activities, we may change days for the listed adventures. This is to make sure that you get to participate on all the excursions.
Language
Safety is our top priority during our trips. It is necessary for you to be able to communicate in English or a Scandinavian language if you want to join our excursions. The tour language (English or a Scandinavian language) will be chosen based on the group’s language skills.
Weather conditions in svalbard
In Svalbard, weather conditions can change quickly. We can meet heavy winds, snowstorms or thick fog, crevasses and lack of snow or ice. This means we might need to make changes to the planned route and adjust the planned trip after the current weather conditions.
Age limit & temperature limits
Due to safety reasons there must be minimum one adult per child on the dogsledding trips arranged by Basecamp Explorer Spitsbergen. The minimum age for taking care of children on a dogsledding trip and to travel by yourself is 16 years.
Age limit for dog sledding with Basecamp Explorer:
Children from age 6 years can attend a 4-hour dogsledding adventure along with parents, and the temperature limit is -15 degrees.
Children from age of 8 years can participate in a day-trip dogsledding along with parents, and the temperature limit is -15 degrees.
All dog sledding trips require that you run the dog team yourself, with supervising from the husky guide in advance.
Off the beaten track
