We recommend that you read carefully through the following information before booking this Svalbard tour. We’ve included crucial information here so you know what to expect. You’ll also find more practical advice and attraction recommendations in our online Svalbard Travel Guide.
INFORMATION ABOUT SVALBARD TOURS
Your accommodation and excursions are booked by Nordic Visitor for a self-guided travel experience. That means you’ll enjoy some free time to explore on your own as well as planned, guided tours.
Each activity is run by a different tour operator, so you’ll get to meet a few local guides throughout your trip.
You can rest assured that Nordic Visitor only works with a small number of handpicked suppliers that meet our high standards. The activities you’ll participate in are all extremely well rated so you’re sure to have a memorable time.
During your tour, we’re with you every step of the way. You’ll always be able to reach us on your trip by calling our 24/7 helpline.
MINIMUM AGE & FITNESS LEVEL
Please note that there is a minimum age of 15 years old to travel on this package. Participants should also be in good physical health for this tour, especially to take part in the dog-sledding and snowmobiling excursions.
ABOUT THE DOG SLEDDING TOUR
On this excursion, you’ll share a sleigh with another person and you’ll both take turns driving.
Dog sledding is an active excursion and so requires a good level of fitness. You will be supervised by a professional guide. This tour is not suitable for people suffering from back pain or those who are pregnant.
SNOWMOBILING
On this excursion there will be one person per snowmobile. To drive, you must present a valid driver’s licence before the tour starts. Drivers must carry their licence on them throughout this tour.
ISFJORD RADIO ADVENTURE HOTEL
Isfjord Radio is a wilderness hotel, located far from civilisation on the outermost part of the Isfjord on the Nordenskiöld coast. This is the ideal place to enjoy Svalbard’s serenity and natural beauty.
Once a radio station, this refurbished hotel offers 22 charming double rooms with shared bathrooms, a dining room, and lounge with a fireplace.
Please note that to walk around outside the hotel you need a guide with a rifle for polar bear protection.
Pack as little as possible when staying over at the Isfjord Radio Adventure Hotel. We recommend a waterproof backpack of around 35-42 litres. Your larger luggage can be stored at your hotel in Longyearbyen while you are out exploring.
FLIGHTS TO SVALBARD
The flights to and from Svalbard are not included in the tour package. That said, we would be happy to assist you with the flights from Oslo or Tromsø. We can also help you secure nights in either of these cities before or after your Svalbard tour.
Due to the flight schedule between Svalbard and Norway, we highly recommend you spend a night in either Oslo or Tromsø before and after the trip. The weather can also be unpredictable, so extra nights are always recommended to be more flexible.
VISITING NORWAY TOO?
This tour can be customised to include additional nights in Oslo, Tromsø, or Longyearbyen on request. We can also combine this tour with other packages we offer in Norway. Check out our Norway website to find a tour you like or contact us for more details.
WINTER CLIMATE & DAYLIGHT
The winter in Svalbard is unlikely to be similar to anything you’ve experienced before, due to its location close to the North Pole. But don’t let that scare you, it is sure to be an adventure you will remember forever.
Here are a few things to keep in mind before travelling to Svalbard at this time of year:
Between February and April, the average temperature is likely to be around -8 to -10°C (14-17°F). That said, you may experience temperatures as low as -30°C (-22°F). Please come prepared and packed for winter conditions. By May, temperatures may hover around 0°C (32°F).
Because of its northerly location close inside the Arctic Circle, Svalbard’s winter offers low daylight. In fact, between late October and mid-February the sun doesn’t rise at all. This is a phenomenon called the “polar night”.
From mid-February, daylight returns and days get longer fast. By mid-April the sun doesn’t set at all, the opposite phenomenon to the polar night called the “midnight sun”.
Please note that your itinerary in Svalbard is dependent on weather conditions. This means that your itinerary might need to be altered without notice if these conditions are not favourable during your visit.. In the unlikely event that an activity is cancelled due to the weather, an alternative will be offered.
NORTHERN LIGHTS
In Svalbard, northern lights activity is strongest between November to mid-February. This far north northern lights are usually at their most active between 6 AM and 6 PM when clear conditions are possible.
That means that Svalbard’s polar night and following low daylight are ideal to catch sight of the aurora borealis in February and early March.
Please note that sightings cannot be guaranteed as northern lights are a natural phenomenon. If you visit once the midnight sun sets in, you will not be able to witness the aurora due to the daylight.
WHAT TO PACK
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Water and windproof jacket and trousers
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Warm wool or fleece jumper
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Several insulated layers of clothing
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Thick gloves and mittens
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Warm hat and scarf
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Woollen underwear
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Thick and warm woollen socks
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Thin woollen socks
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Hiking boots
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Indoor shoes
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Small backpack for personal essentials (waterproof recommended)
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Lip balm and moisturiser
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Sunglasses and sunscreen
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Binoculars
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Camera
CURRENCY RATE
All bookings are charged in Euros (EUR). Prices displayed in other currencies are indicative only and based on the daily exchange rate. This means, conversions from EUR to other currencies will fluctuate from day to day.
AFTER BOOKING WITH NORDIC VISITOR
After booking your tour package online, you will be contacted within 2 business days by your own dedicated travel consultant. They will be your point of contact for all your travel needs before, during and even after your trip.
At that time, they’ll confirm the availability of your tour. Then the booking process starts, which may take a few weeks. Once this is done, your travel consultant will provide you with all the details of your trip. You will also receive more information about what to expect during your trip.
