Experience the sheer magic of summer in Svalbard, when this remote Norwegian archipelago is bathed in the endless light of the Midnight Sun. You’ll fly out to Longyearbyen, the world's northernmost town, for a three-night stay at the stylish Funken Lodge, where a blend of cultural exploration and wilderness experiences await. Alongside an included evening at Camp Barentz, a traditional wilderness experience with local food, you'll choose from a number of optional activities including museum visits, wildlife boat tours in search of walruses and puffins, glacier hikes, kayaking and even summer dog sledding.
Your Arctic adventure begins as you board your flight, via Oslo, to Longyearbyen, the world's northernmost town. A former coal-mining town, Longyearbyen now thrives as a centre for Arctic research and tourism, showcasing colourful buildings against a backdrop of dramatic mountains. It's here that you’ll spend your night at the delightful Funken Lodge, a modern, but small and intimate hotel on the edge of town. After your private transfer arrival and check in at the hotel, settle in and explore the town, where the Nordpolet Liquor Store is a highlight, not least for its champagne tasting evenings, which our specialists will be happy to arrange. The day concludes with dinner at a choice of local restaurants or the hotel's stylish Funktionærmessen, where you can sample Arctic specialties.
Longyearbyen, Svalbard
Funken Lodge (Credit: Agurtxane Concellon)
Following a delightful hotel breakfast, the day unfolds with a wealth of optional excursions, allowing you to craft your perfect Svalbard experience. We highly recommend a visit to the captivating Svalbard Museum, where the compelling tales of early explorers, resourceful trappers and pioneering miners come to life. Alternatively, embark on a scenic boat tour, where you might encounter walruses and puffins, or explore the breathtaking landscapes with invigorating hikes across the tundra and glaciers. For a more intimate encounter with nature, consider a scenic kayak adventure. As evening descends, we've arranged a truly memorable wilderness experience at the foot of Breinosa mountain. Upon arrival at the charming wooden cabins, nestled far from the town's lights, you'll be warmly welcomed by your hosts. They'll serve traditional drinks and a sumptuous homemade reindeer bidos, followed by campfire coffee and dessert. After your tasty dinner, it is time to learn more about the King of the Arctic. With everyone sitting around the open fire in the cabin, the host will share information and photos about Svalbard's most famous residents. This wilderness evening at Camp Barentz is a quintessential Svalbard encounter, and during the experience Svalbard reindeer, and even grouse and foxes are often spotted. The knowledgeable hosts are also on watch, should a polar bear appear.
Breakfast included
Church in Longyearbyen
Camp Barentz in Summer
The Arctic's seasons offer dramatically different experiences, and with the unpredictable nature of weather in this part of the world, we've built flexibility into today's schedule to let you explore them. During May's "light winter," you can still embrace the thrill of snowmobiling, the excitement of a husky safari, or the wonder of walking inside a glacier. Summer unlocks a world of boat trips to spectacular glaciers and hiking trails which showcase the archipelago's unique ecosystem. Remarkably, dog sledding is also possible in summer, adapted for the warmer weather via a cart with wheels. Contact our specialists for a comprehensive list of excursion options. For those wanting a special dining experience this evening, we recommend booking the tasting menu at Huset. Pre booking is essential, so speak with our specialists should you wish to include this.
Breakfast included
Boat tour to glacier
Dog sledding in summer
Walrus safari
Check out of your hotel this morning and take your private transfer back to the airport in time for your flight to the UK, again via Oslo.
Breakfast included
"While Svalbard is rightly famed for its winter adventures and spectacular Northern Lights displays, I wanted to put together this itinerary to showcase the region's summer credentials. To help get a sense of the islands' history and remoteness, I've included a must-do wilderness evening at Camp Barentz. Throw in some outdoor adventure in the form of optional boat tours and dogsledding trips and you've got the quintessential Svalbard summer adventure."
Sue McAlinden
Destination Specialist
LOW SEASON: MAY & SEP from: £1,145 pp
HIGH SEASON: JUN - AUG from: £2,105 pp
Flight schedules to Longyearbyen vary tremendously. It may be that you have to overnight in Oslo or extend your stay depending on when you are travelling. Supplement applies.