Arctic Kingdom

Itinerary

Day 1: (Fixed departures Monday):

Arrival by flight from mainland Norway and accommodation at Basecamp Hotel. Today you can explore Longyearbyen, the northernmost permanent settlement in the World. Overnight at Basecamp Hotel.

Day 2: 

Meeting in the reception at your hotel at 10 am. Here you will meet our guide and get short briefing about winter clothing, snowmobiling and the program for next few days. Based on current weather and snow conditions, the guide will pick the best route for us. We will drive through unspoiled nature and do many exciting stops along the way. We will enjoy expedition lunch on the way. We will cross the frozen Tempelfjorden and pass the mighty Temple Mountain. We drive further north towards the glaciers in Olav V land. Arriving to the Nordenskiöld Lodge, we will get settled into our rooms, start the preparations for today’s dinner and just enjoy the beautiful scenery around us.

Day 3:

After a tasty breakfast it’s time to sit back on our snowmobiles and head out into the beautiful scenery of Spitsbergen. We drive over glaciers, mountains and frozen fjords, miles from civilization in a landscape of white and blue colours. If the weather and ice conditions are favourable, we head out to the abandoned Russian mining town, Pyramiden. We will get a tour around the town. In the old days before the evacuation, they had kindergartens, schools and even the world’s northernmost swimming pool. The Russians took nothing with them when they abandon the city in 1998 and almost everything lies as it was back then. We will enjoy expedition lunch on the way. During the afternoon, we return back to the cabin. And after a long day on the scooter we fire up the sauna and enjoy tasty dinner.

Day 4:

Breakfast is served at. 08:00. After the breakfast it is time once more to start our snowmobiles and head back to the civilization. Based on current weather forecast and resent snow conditions, we will pick the best route back. We will enjoy expedition lunch on the way in the middle of the white landscape surrounded by arctic silence. If we are really lucky, we might catch a glimpse of the King of the Arctic, polar bears before arriving to Longyearbyen in the afternoon. Check in to Basecamp Hotel, dinner on your own in the evening

Day 5: 

Breakfast at the Hotel. You have the morning on your own before departure to the airport with the public shuttle bus.

Day 1: Welcome to Svalbard 

Arrival by flight from mainland Norway and accommodation at Basecamp Hotel. Today you can explore Longyearbyen, the northernmost permanent settlement in the World.

Accomodation at Basecamp Hotel.

Day 2: Snowmobile Expedition: Von Post Glacier & Nordenskiold Glacier

Today your arctic expedition by snowmobile starts! The guide will pick you up from your hotel at 8:30 and take you straight to our expedition center in Longyearbyen. There, we’ll review the planned route to Nordenskiöld Lodge, which is adjusted based on the day's weather and snow conditions. Before setting off, everyone will receive thorough instructions on snowmobile operation and Arctic safety. You'll then gear up with warm suits, boots, mittens, and helmets.

The adventure begins as we leave Longyearbyen behind and head into the Arctic wilderness. We’ll traverse glaciers and frozen fjords, pass through valleys and moraines, and pause at a scenic spot chosen by the guide for lunch.

After hours of exploring this breathtaking landscape on snowmobiles, the impressive Nordenskiöld glacier comes into view. We’ll follow the edge of the ravine to reach the secluded cabin, nestled between rugged crags. Our welcoming hosts will greet you with the cozy atmosphere of the lodge.

Once everyone is settled, it’s time to enjoy a delicious dinner accompanied by an unforgettable view of the stunning surroundings.

Accomodation at Nordenskiold Lodge.

Day 3: Scenery of Spitsbergen

After a delicious breakfast, it’s time to plan the day’s adventure with your guide and venture into the stunning landscapes of Spitsbergen. Together, we’ll explore glaciers, mountains, and frozen fjords, far from civilization, surrounded by a serene palette of white and blue. Along the way, our guides will share fascinating tales of Spitsbergen’s trapper history, as well as insights into the region’s geology, wildlife, and ecosystems, deepening your appreciation of this remarkable Arctic environment.

An expedition lunch will be enjoyed amidst the wilderness. In the afternoon, we’ll make our way back to the cabin. After an exciting day outdoors, we’ll unwind with a warm sauna session before savoring a hearty dinner.

Accomodation at Nordenskiold Lodge.

Day 4: Last day in the Arctic Wilderness

Breakfast is served at 8:00. Once we’ve finished, it’s time to fire up the snowmobiles again and begin our journey back to civilization. Taking into account the latest weather forecasts and snow conditions, we’ll choose the optimal route for the return trip. Along the way, we’ll pause to enjoy an expedition lunch, surrounded by the serene Arctic silence of the white landscape. With a bit of luck, we might even catch sight of the Arctic’s majestic ruler, the polar bear, before arriving in Longyearbyen later in the afternoon.

Accomodation in Basecamp Hotel.

Day 5: Farewell Svalbard

Breakfast at the hotel. You have the morning on your own before departure to the airport with the public shuttle bus.

This map uses Google Maps, so you can zoom and interact with it as we hope it is familiar to you.

For a larger version of this map which opens in a new window, click here

The lines shown give you an indication of our destinations and are not the exact route used.

You'll see...

• Northern Lights »
• Tromso snowmobile safari attraction »
• Svalbard – Attractions And Activities »
• Svalbard – History »
• Svalbard – Polar Bears And Other Wildlife »

Will I see the Northern Lights?

Please scroll down to see the specifics for the country you wish to visit:

Iceland:
The Northern Lights are in the Northern sky from September through April but are only visible when the sky is clear and free of clouds. Like many of natures wonders, it’s ephemeral – they may be visible, they may appear for a bit and then be gone. But it’s worth it to be patient. Because they’re a winter event, you need to be prepared to wait outside, while looking for them. It’s best to dress very warmly, in layers, with good footwear, gloves, hats and whatever else will make you comfortable while you await this truly amazing event. The Northern Lights can be pretty spectacular, and for the best photos we recommend using a tripod. Much of Iceland offers a very a good chance to see the Northern Lights when conditions are right. Remember – the Northern Lights are natural phenomena, not guaranteed, but appreciated all the more for their elusive qualities.

Norway:
Northern Norway is one of the world's best places to experience the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis). In Northern Norway, Northern Lights occur in up to 90% of every clear night in the period from late September to late March. Most Northern Lights occur in the time span from 6pm to slightly after midnight, with an absolute peak at around 10-11pm. 

In Norway, the area north of the Arctic Circle is prime aurora territory. The various destinations in the High North have a distinct personality, and are well worth exploring. Major places in Northern Norway are Tromsø, Kirkenes, Alta, Bodø, Lofoten and Vesterålen Islands and Svalbard.

Finland:
The best place to see the Northern Lights in Finland is in the Northern Lapland region, which is almost entirely located within the realm of the Arctic Circle. During the dark winter months here, when the sun rarely peaks its head over the horizon, you can expect to see the Finland Northern Lights with regularity, and other peak seasons include February through March and September through October. The most common colours of the Northern Lights are greenish-yellow and red.

The Finnish term for the Northern Lights, Revontulet, meaning fox fire, comes from an old tale where the fox was believed to swish its bushy tail on the snowy fell landscapes, throwing sparks into the air.

As mentioned, Lapland is the best place to see the Finland Aurora Borealis, with the Kilpisjarvi area offering the most abundant opportunities. The best time of the day to see the Finland Northern Lights is between 9 pm and 11:30 pm, though they are certainly not restricted to this time frame.

Sweden:
In Northern Sweden, the Northern Lights usually occur during the winter months through late March or early April, but they can be spotted as early as September in the Northernmost parts. Your best chance of catching a glimpse of the Northern Lights is on cold winter nights when the sky is clear and cloudless. You need to be away from city lights, which dilute the effects of these natural phenomena, so head out into the countryside. On clear nights, the Northern Lights can be visible from most locations in Swedish Lapland, occurring between 6 pm to and 2 am, with the strongest shows happening between 10 pm and 11 pm. For those willing to brave the cold on winter nights, here are some of the best locations in Swedish Lapland for viewing these phenomena:

Abisko National Park
Abisko National Park, a couple of kilometers north of Kiruna, is a prime location for viewing the Northen Lights. The scientifically proven “blue hole” — a patch of sky over the Torneträsk lake that usually remains clear despite overcast weather in surrounding areas — gives Abisko its own micro-climate, which is suitable for catching the lights.

Jukkasjärvi and the Torne Valley
Not only does the village of Jukkasjärvi (population roughly 541) boast the world’s first ice hotel (rebuilt ever year from Torne River ice), it’s also one of the best regions to view the Northern Lights. ICEHOTEL organizes guided tours for guests which takes the to the Esrange Space Center located 30 minutes from Kiruna. You can dine at a wilderness camp and get the chance to scan the Arctic winter sky for aurora borealis.

Other regions in Swedish Lapland
As mentioned earlier, if weather conditions are just right (clear, dark, cold, and cloudless), you might catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights from any location within subarctic and arctic Sweden — even close to larger towns such as Luleå, Jokkmokk, Arvidsjaur, and Gällivare.

Greenland:
The northern lights - or Aurora Borealis as it is officially known - actually occur all year round, but cannot be seen during the summer months in Greenland due to the midnight sun. The phenomenon is often seen around midnight and is best experienced on a dark, clear night in the period from September to the beginning of April. If you are travelling during this period, you can see the Northern Lights from anywhere in the country, whilst in South Greenland the northern lights can be seen from as early as the end of August.