Take a short break from the stresses of modern life and escape to the Arctic, where the only “rush” you will feel is that of a speeding snowmobile or gliding dog sled! This short yet action-packed getaway in Svalbard is a winter lover’s dream come true. Experience the snowy landscapes with vast glaciers and frozen fjords, unique wildlife and nature, cosy accommodation, and hearty Arctic cuisine along with breathtaking activities like snowmobiling, dog-sledding, and ice-caving.
Who is this tour for?
This tour is intended for active travellers who want to experience the Arctic way of life without sacrificing all modern comforts or those who just need a short break in nature.
Book now and save 5% on arrivals in April through May 2012 - offer expires 29th of February 2012. Click here for details.
Day 1: Welcome to the Arctic!
Arrive at Longyear Airport in Svalbard followed by a private transfer to your accommodation for the night. After check-in, the rest of the day is free time to explore Longyearbyen as you wish, perhaps with a visit to the Svalbard Museum to learn more about Svalbard‘s history as a hunting and mining outpost. For a fantastic dining experience this evening, we recommend the charming Restaurant Kroa or the lovely Huset Restaurant. Spend the night in Longyearbyen.
Highlights: Longyearbyen.
Day 2: Huskies & Ice Caves
Enjoy a good breakfast at the hotel before you are picked up by your guides and taken to the husky kennel in Bolterdalen, where 90 Alaskan huskies eagerly await to take you on a thrilling sled ride! After a brief lesson on how to handle your sled and team of huskies, it’s time to mush into the snowy wilderness towards the Scott Turner glacier. Along the way, there is a good chance of seeing reindeer, ptarmigan, and Polar foxes. Upon arrival to the glacier, you are equipped with a headlamp and helmet for a guided ice cave tour through frozen melt-water channels surrounded by bizarre shapes of ice and stone and amazing ice crystals. Lunch is served outside the ice cave before heading back to Bolterdalen. Back at the kennel, un-harness your hard-working dogs and enjoy a hot beverage and light snack before returning to Longyearbyen in the afternoon. Spend the night in Longyearbyen. 
Highlights: husky safari, Scott Turner glacier, ice cave tour, refreshments at the husky kennel.
Day 3: Snowmobile Safari to Pyramiden
Enjoy a hearty breakfast in preparation for a full day of snowmobiling! After being picked up at the hotel, you are provided with additional warm outerwear and safety equipment followed by a brief introduction by the tour leader on how to drive a snowmobile. Then the adventure begins as we head to Pyramiden, a Russian mining settlement that was previously the largest town in Svalbard with around 1,500 inhabitants before it was abandoned in 1998. After a look around and an outdoor lunch, the journey continues past the magnificent mountain of Tempelfjellet and the Nordenskiöld glacier. The next highlight of this tour is a visit to the Noorderlicht, a Dutch sailing ship frozen in the ice at Tempelfjorden. Here, you are tr
eated to some cake and warm drinks before returning to Longyearbyen later in the afternoon. Spend the night in Longyearbyen.
Highlights: Snowmobile tour, Pyramiden, Tempelfjellet, Nordenskiöld glacier, expedition-style lunch, Noorderlicht Ship in the Ice at Tempelfjorden.
Day 4: Departure
Before departing this amazing place, the early part of your day is free for a stroll around Longyearbyen, a visit to the Svalbard Gallery, or some last-minute souvenir shopping. In the afternoon, take the airport bus to Longyear Airport for your return flight to Oslo, from where you will continue onwards to your final destination.
Use the arrows to scroll through the images and click on an image to enlarge it.
To view this page you need to have Flash Player 9, and JavaScript turned on. Please upgrade you player - it is free, and takes only a few moments. If you belive you do have Flash Player 9 installed, you may bypass the detection if you wish.
Accommodation Details
We have one category for accommodation on this tour: Comfort.
Comfort
![]() | These are in well-appointed comfort hotels. All rooms are with private shower or bath and WC. Breakfast is always provided and is included in the price. Many have their own restaurant. |
Seasons
Seasons From 15 March - 15 May
Duration
4 Days / 3 Nights
Optional
• Upgrade to a solo snowmobile (recommended).
• Additional nights in Longyearbyen.
Booking
• Our travel consultants can assist with booking air travel between Oslo or Tromsø and Longyearbyen. If needed, we can also book accommodation in Oslo or Tromsø.
• Advanced booking of at least three weeks prior to departure is recommended.
• This tour can be customized, including additional nights in Oslo, Tromsø, or Longyearbyen on request. We can also combine this tour with other tours in Norway. Contact us for details.
Other
• Due to flight times between Svalbard and Norway, travellers are urged to spend the night in either Oslo or Tromsø before and after the trip.
• Average temperatures in Svalbard between March and May are -3 to -12° Celsius but can reach as low as -30° Celsius. More information on climate and weather in Svalbard
• Travellers should bring warm, weatherproof outerwear along with thermal layers and insulated boots. Sunglasses and thick moisturizer for the face are also recommended. A list of necessary personal equipment will be provided before arriving. More information on what to pack for Svalbard
• If conditions are right, the northern lights can be seen until the end of March.
• Norwegian traffic law also applies to snowmobiling in Svalbard, so drivers must carry a valid driver’s license at all times. It is recommended that the participants upgrade to a solo snowmobile and drive themselves, which is actually easier and more comfortable than being a passenger for several hours.
• The itinerary can change without notice due to Arctic weather conditions.
• Children under 15 not allowed on this tour.
• Minimum number of participants: 2
• Participants should be in good general health for this tour.
Environmental protection and tourism in Svalbard:
“You are welcome to return to Svalbard when no one has noticed you’ve already been here.” Svalbard’s vegetation is very exposed, particularly due to the permafrost, and destruction of flora can leave a lasting scar on the landscape. All vegetation is therefore protected and all traces of human activity up to 1945 are regarded as cultural monuments. Svalbard’s Environmental Act strictly regulates travel on Svalbard, so if you are planning a trip alone outside of Administration Area 10 (central parts of Spitsbergen), you must inform the Ombudsman and show proof of insurance.
Polar bears and visitor safety in Svalbard:
The polar bear is probably the foremost symbol of Svalbard’s wildlife and it is a truly exhilarating experience to see them in their natural habitat. Keep in mind that Svalbard prohibits coaxing, pursuing, or disturbing polar bears in such a way that endangers humans or the bears themselves. Attacks on humans, though rare, can be lethal. Therefore, on all guided tours and activities, visitor safety is overseen by experienced guides who carry shotguns at all times and let off warning shots if needed. The authorities in Svalbard, together with the joint travel industry, encourage participation in organised, guided activities in order to protect both visitors and polar bears.
The example prices in the tables below are listed as per person and in Euros (€/EUR). You can use our Currency Calculator to convert the price.
Your total package price will be determined by your preferred level of accommodation (e.g. budget, comfort, etc.) and number of travellers as well as by travel season (e.g. high, low, shoulder) and choice of rental car (Types A, B, C etc.) if applicable.
(See information about children's prices below price tables.)
Note: You can also check prices for your exact specifications by clicking "book now" and completing the first step.
EXAMPLE PRICES
Comfort
| 1 Adult | 2 Adults | |
|---|---|---|
| € 1714 | € 1210 |
Children
Children age 12+: Full Price
Rooms
1 Person = Single room
2 Sharing = One twin/double room
3 Sharing = Triple room
4 Sharing = Two twin/double rooms
If you do not find prices for your ideal room combination by clicking book now then please contact us with your requirements and full details of your party.
An unforgettable travel experience