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4-day northern lights adventure in Svalbard

Child 6,590
Min. age 10
per person 10,490 nok
Previous Adventure See all adventures Next Adventure

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.

Day 1

Welcome to Svalbard – your Arctic journey begins here.
Upon arrival at Longyearbyen Airport, we recommend taking the convenient shuttle bus directly to Basecamp Hotel – your first stop and base for adventure. The bus drops you off right at our front door, where our friendly receptionist will greet you and give you a warm welcome to the High North.

Basecamp Hotel is centrally located in the heart of Longyearbyen. Inside, you’ll discover a unique atmosphere filled with character – historical artefacts and stories woven into every corner, offering insight into the rich human history of Svalbard.

During the polar night, the magical northern lights can appear at any hour of the day – as long as the skies are clear. Keep an eye on the local aurora forecast during your stay, and know that our excursions into the wilderness offer optimal viewing conditions with minimal light pollution. It’s the perfect opportunity to take in stars, silence, and those rare green waves dancing overhead.

We highly recommend taking a walk through Longyearbyen to get a feel for this Arctic outpost. Explore cozy cafés, bars, and shops – or simply stop for a drink and soak in the atmosphere. Our receptionist is always happy to share recommendations or help you book a table at one of the town’s many excellent restaurants.

Welcome to the edge of the world – where your polar adventure begins.

Basecamp Hotel

Day 2

Did the Northern Lights dance above while you slept?
At Basecamp Hotel, comfort and coziness wrap around you like a warm blanket – but now it’s 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 bring you to our expedition center, where you’ll be fitted with proper outerwear for the journey ahead. A short drive takes us out to Trapper’s Station, located eight kilometers from Longyearbyen – and the moment you arrive, you’ll be greeted by 80 howling, tail-wagging Alaskan huskies, more than ready for action.

Your guide will walk you through the process of harnessing the dogs and give you a full introduction to sled handling. During early winter (October to early December), when the snow is still building, we use dog carts instead of sleds and head into the stunning Advent Valley.

Everyone takes part in preparing the teams – a hands-on experience full of energy, excitement, and connection with these amazing animals. Then, with your team ready and the Arctic wilderness stretching ahead, you set off together into the silence and snow.

After the tour, we gather around the open fire at the Trapper’s Station with a hot drink, while your guide shares stories from the days when hunters and trappers carved out lives in this remote land.

Back in Longyearbyen, return “home” to Basecamp Hotel, where your cozy room awaits. Whether you spend the afternoon reading by candlelight or playing a game with fellow travelers, we’ll make sure your evening is just as memorable. And if you’re ready for dinner – we’re happy to help with restaurant recommendations and reservations.

Adventure by day, Arctic charm by night. Welcome to life at 78° North.

Breakfast included
Basecamp Hotel

Day 3

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 and lunch included
Basecamp Hotel

Day 4

Breakfast is served from 7AM, and check-out is by 11AM.

As your Arctic adventure draws to a close, we recommend starting the morning with a visit to the Svalbard Museum – a fascinating insight into the dramatic natural and human history of the archipelago. Afterwards, enjoy one final stroll through Longyearbyen, or settle into a cozy café with a steaming mug of hot chocolate and reflect on the journey you’ve just had.

Though it’s time to say goodbye, we hope your thoughts are already drifting northward again – perhaps to return under the glow of the midnight sun.

The airport shuttle picks up just outside Basecamp Hotel, approximately two hours before your flight. Ask our receptionist for the exact time, and we’ll make sure your departure is as smooth as your arrival.

Until next time – the Arctic will be here, waiting.

Breakfast included
Mon, Wed & Fri
4 days
October-February
Basecamp Hotel

Price information

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.

Clothing and equipment

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.

Note

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.

Northern Lights

Dogsledding

Do-Good & Environmental Investment

Packing list: What to pack for Svalbard?
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