Located only 1,300 kilometres from the North Pole lies the archipelago of Svalbard. This breath-taking place is teeming with natural wonders and adventure in the Arctic wilderness. Our journey to this winter wonderland was full of historic sites, adrenaline-pumping activities, and encounters with the breath-taking landscapes.
Day 1: Arrival in Longyearbyen
The journey from Oslo to Longyearbyen starts with a stopover in Tromso where all passengers exit the aircraft to go through passport control. The flight from Tromso to Longyearbyen is one of the most beautiful ones I have ever been on. The flight only takes an hour and half, but make sure to get a window seat on the right side! You’ll fly over beautiful archipelago and mountain scenery when leaving from Tromso, and if you’re lucky you might even spot the southernmost island in the Svalbard archipelago, Bear Island.
Upon arrival in Longyearbyen, the capital of Svalbard, we were welcomed by the crisp Arctic air and the towering peaks that surround the settlement. The flybus serves travellers after every arrival taking them to their hotels in town. The afternoon before dinner is the perfect time to explore the quaint town and its colourful houses, and perhaps enjoy some local delicacies at one of the charming restaurants or cafés.
We stayed at the beautiful Funken Lodge on top of the town. This boutique hotel offers a relaxing and luxurious atmosphere after a full day of activities. The hotel also has a lovely restaurant Funktionærmessen which offers innovative cuisine prepared with local ingredients. Make sure to join also a wine or champagne tasting in this interesting environment (pre-booking required)!
Day 2: Journey to Coal Mine Number 3 and Dog Sledding
Our day began with a journey to Coal Mine Number 3, a historic site that offers insight into Svalbard’s coal mining heritage. Led by a knowledgeable guide, we first learned about the history of the mine and the harsh working conditions the miners faced each day. Then it was time to descend into the depths of the mine while learning about the interesting geology and the challenges faced by miners in this rough environment. The tour provides a fascinating glimpse into Svalbard’s industrial past and its significance in shaping the region’s history and culture today.
Afterwards we headed to Coal Miners’ Cabin to enjoy a delicious burger lunch which is also very popular amongst the locals. Make sure to also try their delicious hot chocolates!
Our day continued with an exhilarating outdoor adventure as we embarked on dog sledding across the Arctic landscape. After we had been properly kitted up for the cold weather, we had a chance to greet the dogs before helping the handlers harness the dogs and take them to our sledges. The excitement of the dogs was palpable just minutes before we took off, and as soon as the dogs started to run, you could only hear the crispy snow underneath the sledge and running paws. As we traversed the pristine wilderness pulled by the energetic dogs, the day started to turn into an evening, and we experienced the most surreal blue and white light which I have never seen anywhere else before. It was difficult to distinguish the snow-covered mountains against the white sky, and it definitely was a scene I will never forget.
After the tour we thanked the dogs for their hard work, and helped them back to their huts. The cherry on the top was when we also got to meet some of the newest additions to the pack! The young, chunky husky puppies were a hit amongst the group and such a joyful ending to the delightful afternoon.
Day 3: Snowmobiling in Elveneset
Today we hopped on snowmobiles for an adrenaline-fueled ride through Svalbard’s icy terrain. Led by experienced guides, we zoomed across frozen fjords and snow-covered valleys, marvelling at the stunning views that unfolded along the way. The 70-kilometre return drive included some of the most pristine nature we had seen, as well as information about the archipelago’s culture and sightings of the adorable Svalbard reindeer! At the turning point at Elveneset we were greeted by the incredible sea views filled with ice and the Tempelfjorden in the background. This action-packed day surely was filled with unforgettable memories and countless stunning photo opportunities.
In the evening, we got to participate in a dinner experience at the famous Huset Restaurant. The restaurant has one of the biggest wine cellars in Scandinavia, but moreover the building has a vast history as it’s served the community as a airport terminal, bridge room, hospital and school, just to name a few functions! Part of the extensive dinner, you get the chance to speak with your host and hear more about the fascinating history.
Day 4: Snowcat Tour to Ice Cave
To conclude our Svalbard adventure, we hopped on a snowcat which took us up to the fascinating ice cave nestled within a glacier. The 45-minute drive up the mountain allowed us to take in some panoramic views of snow-capped mountains and Longyearbyen behind us. Upon reaching the ice cave, we were kitted up with helmets and lamps, and then we were already climbing down to discover a dazzling world of shimmering ice formations sculpted by nature’s hand. The ice cave changes each year as the melt water rushes inside, and is therefore truly a unique experience offering a glimpse into the geological wonders of Svalbard’s frozen landscapes.
As our journey in Svalbard came to an end, we departed with cherished memories of snowy landscapes, interesting stories and amazing adventures. From delving into the region’s history at Coal Mine Number 3 to experiencing the thrill of dog sledding and snowmobiling, this trip offered an unforgettable blend of adventure, culture, and natural beauty. If you would like to see this unforgettable destination yourself, please get in touch with us and we’ll help you to take the first steps towards an amazing winter adventure!
By Laura Halmela
Baltic Travel Company (all rights reserved)
This entry was posted on Thursday, March 14th, 2024 at 2:24 pm; on the subject of Nordic, Norway, Svalbard.