This 4-night trip will first take you to Oslo before heading further North - almost 1500km away from the Northern Pole in a place called Svalbard, the perfect place to hunt for the Northern Lights.
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The Aurora Nights Svalbard Adventure
Credit Marcela Cardenas
Credit Marcela Cardenas
This is the perfect location for trying to spot the Northern Lights, as in the height of winter the hours of light are much shorter, in fact in some months there is practically 24 hours of darkness – ideal for spotting the Northern Lights in the morning, afternoon, and evening!
We’ve compiled the perfect Aurora Nights adventure here in Svalbard, where you will truly feel like a real explorer!
Location
Norway
Duration
4 Nights
Available dates
Jan - Mar
Price per person (excl. flights)
from £2,000
Overview
Highlights
- 5-star hotel stay in Oslo with transfers to/from the airport
- 3 nights in the boutique hotel Funken Lodge – 1500km from the North Pole!
- Electric snowmobiling searching for the Northern lLghts
- Dog sledding to a magical ice cave
- Experience a snowcat on a trip to search for the Northern Lights
What’s included
- 1 night accommodation in Oslo with breakfast
- 3 nights accommodation in Svalbard with breakfast
- All excursions listed above
- Oslo transfers
A note on flights
While flights are not included in the holiday price, our team will happily provide a quote and arrange them for you. Simply ask one of our Travel Experts for details of the available options.
Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive in Oslo
Arrival into Oslo where you will get the train into the city and overnight in a cental Oslo hotel. From here you will get the opportunity to explore the city which has plenty to offer when it comes to food and culture.
Day 2
Fly to Svalbard, transfer to Funken Lodge Hotel
Today you head back to Oslo airport to catch your flight up to Svalbard, travelling almost 1500km from the North Pole. Depending on the time of year, you might encounter nothing but darkness for 24 hours. This might not sound a lot of fun but if you want to maximise your chances of seeing the Northern Lights, then darkness is essential!
You’ll get your transfer (locally) to your property for the next three nights, staying at the boutique hotel Funken Lodge. Spend the evening settling into your new hotel and winter environment.
Day 3
Dog Sledding, Ice Caves and Northern Lights Adventure
After breakfast you will meet your guide and then head out for a day of husky sledding with a visit to an ice cave too! Before joining the guide to prep the dogs, you’ll gear up in an exposure suit, boots, and mittens. Amidst the initial chaos of barking and howling, a remarkable shift occurs once the sled starts moving. The once-noisy huskies transform into a quiet, determined team, wholly absorbed in pulling the sled through the snowy terrain. As they pick up speed, the surrounding landscape unveils its enchanting beauty. Your destination: the ice cave at Scott Turner Glacier, promising an otherworldly encounter with a frozen wonderland.
Then in the evening you will head out on a Snow Cat Northern Lights Adventure – a vehicle that you certainly won’t miss as it comes to pick you up from your hotel. From there you will head off into the wilderness leaving the town far behind you as you look out for the Northern Lights.
Day 4
Northern Lights hunting on snowmobiles
During the day you will have time to explore a bit of the town and visit the polar musuem. Then get ready for an exciting excursion as your head out hunting for the Northern Lights with snowmobiles. These particular vehicles are very special – they are electric snowmobiles meaning they are better for the environment and much, much quieter when heading out into the peaceful arctic night searching for the Northern Lights!
Day 5
Return Home
After breakfast you will transfer back to the airport to fly home – your journey doesn’t have to end here through as you can look at options to extend your stay either in Svalbard or flying to a new destination such as Tromso. Just speak to one of our experts who will be able to assist you in putting together a tailored itinerary to fit your requirements.
Where You'll Stay
Grand Hotel Oslo
Step into the timeless elegance of Grand Hotel Oslo, Norway’s most iconic establishment since 1874. A harmonious blend of sophistication and comfort, the hotel has played host to international guests, celebrities, and Nobel Peace Prize laureates throughout its illustrious history. Strategically located on Karl Johans Gate, Oslo’s main street, this historic landmark is at the heart of the capital city. A mere stroll away from attractions, Grand Hotel Oslo stands as an ideal base to explore all that Oslo has to offer.
With 283 rooms, including 54 modern suites, Grand Hotel Oslo offers a distinctive experience. Enjoy a meal or afternoon tea in the restaurant, sip on a cocktail in one of the stylish bars, rejuvenate at the spa, or engage in a workout at the fitness room.
Funken Lodge
This luxury lodge is an Arctic haven of 88 fully renovated rooms, all en suite and all suitably stylish. All rooms benefit from TV, complimentary internet, coffee machines, bathrobe and slippers and full buffet breakfast; suites also have their own private sitting area, ideal for groups or families. Perched on a hillside in Svalbard, it offers unparalleled views over Longyearbyen and the adjacent glaciers. Amidst the backdrop of thrilling nature encounters, you can relax and indulge in exclusive international cuisine and beverages within a luxurious and laid-back ambiance.
From the elegant lobby onward, Funken Lodge ensures a premier stay, providing everything essential for an exceptional experience. Recharge in the expansive rooms and suites, boasting deluxe amenities and heavenly beds. Delight in handcrafted cocktails and inventive cuisine at Funken Bar, where the connected lounge area features an open fireplace, an extensive library of polar literature, and ample workspace.
Revitalize your body with a visit to the gym and sauna, explore Spitsbergen’s famed wilderness, and try some outdoor activities like dog-sledding or ice caving. Funken Lodge has plenty to enjoy indoors too. Relax in the stylish lounge, eat freshly baked waffles by the fireplace, or try the pub for a light meal. For a special treat, try the more formal and Funktionærmessen restaurant which offers a tasting menu and French-inspired cuisine as well as Arctic dishes, all served with fabulous views of the Hiortfjellet mountains.
The hotel also boasts a well-stocked wine and champagne cellar, which can even be enjoyed during a private tasting with their highly knowledgeable sommeliers. A truly unique and exceptional place to stay.
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Reviews
See what our clients say
This vacation has without without doubt, has been the best experience we have ever had. The organisation from the minute we landed in Kiruna until we departed at the close of our trip was second to none. The transition between hotels was always seamless and punctual. Everywhere we stayed was beautifully clean and the meals were top quality. Every driver was polite, entertaining and very knowledgeable, furnishing us with invaluable information about Sweden and the activities in which we were to participate. The snowmobiling was wonderful giving access via our guide, to stunning panoramic views of the mountain whilst viewing reindeer in their natural habitat.
Our guide demonstrated how to use the snowmobile safely he was pleasant and informative. When visiting the reindeer on the Sami reservation; we found the brother and sister team who hosted lovely. Again they were so hospitable and helpful and feeding the reindeer up close was a wonderful experience.
They provided additional activities for us to try and we were treated to a traditional Sami lunch in their hut. They provided us with invaluable information appertaining to their culture and caring for their reindeer. The reindeer were in superb condition and happy in their environment. Similarly, when out with the dog sleds the experience was magical. Two hours of beautiful scenery, and frozen lakes, finishing with a one-on-one experience massaging the dogs. Magic! We were so impressed with the care that was placed upon ensuring the dogs were comfortable, well-nourished and so loved by their owners/handlers.
Now to the photographic experience. A large group of us were treated to a demonstration of how to operate some serious camera equipment with tripod. Each of us was loaned the camera and given assistance setting up the camera on a frozen lake in preparation for the appearance of the Northern Lights. We were taken to this lake on large wooden sleighs pulled by a snowmobile. We cannot speak too highly of the two young men who accompanied us on this experience. They could not do enough for us. They were there to offer assistance with our cameras throughout the two-plus hours we were on this beautiful lake.
They advised where to position the camera and when the Lights appeared, what a performance. We had a two-hour display of this most breathtaking phenomenon. We were so fortunate to be able to experience this once-in-a-lifetime occurrence for which we are so grateful. We will never forget this memorable holiday and cannot thank you and everyone who assisted in making a lifetime dream come true. Karen & Andrew Adamson
Andy Adamson
1. Gourmet Cabins was excellent and Johan was a friendly and knowledgeable host. The food, cabins, hot tub and sauna were brilliant.
2. Dog sledge was a fantastic experience and we were given the opportunity to drive our own sledge
3. Snow Mobile – really got off the beaten track and into the spectacular mountains
4. Saw the Northern Lights twice in two days. There is no description that can really do them justice
Nigel Longton
What a fantastic trip! I booked this for myself and my husband to celebrate my 40th birthday and it didn’t disappoint! Booking was simple and we were kept up to date with all the details from the office team in the UK.
From the moment we arrived at Kiruna airport all the staff we encountered were so friendly and couldn’t do enough for us. We opted for the upgraded room at the Abisko Mountain Lodge which I would highly recommend. The cold weather clothing which was supplied was fantastic and kept us really warm in the sub-zero temperatures. The dog sledging, snowmobiling and the Northern Lights photography were all superb and the staff leading the trips were really friendly and so knowledgeable. Even though we weren’t able to do the sky station trip because of the weather, there was a lovely alternative evening organised for us which included a traditional dinner and a walk to the lake where we were able to see the lights. The food at the lodge was also exceptional and showcased some lovely traditional dishes using Moose and Reindeer which were wonderful to try.
I would like to send a massive thank you to all the staff at The Abisko Mountain Lodge as well as the guides we used for our guided walks, dog sledging and snowmobiling. I’d highly recommend the trip, it was our first visit to Sweden and we would definitely return. Thanks again to everyone (including the huskies) who made it so memorable!
Carly Webster
My wife and I had an awesome and memorable trip to Iceland thanks to Alex at Aurora Nights. Alex tailored the itinerary to exactly what we wanted to see and chose excellent hotels to stay at. We totally enjoyed the city of Reykjavik and the many beautiful waterfalls. He went above and beyond to not only recommend sights to see around the Golden Circle and Ring Road, but also mapped it out so we were prepared to drive through the country during unpredictable weather and road conditions. And we were especially pleased to see the Northern Lights on our visit. Alex was very flexible to make changes to our plans and choosing the wonderful Sky Lagoon to replace our tickets for the Blue Lagoon due to the closure from the volcanic activity. We highly recommend Alex and Aurora Nights.
Lisa Kovens-Harris
Superb holiday to Iceland, well organised, advice regarding trips informative and far exceeded our expectations (Glaciers and ice Cave) run by South Coast. Hotel Ranga is a lovely hotel, perfect to see Northern Lights (which we did see on our 3rd night), very comfortable, food excellent, staff helpful and informative. SouthCoast Adventure tour company were excellent, guides knowledgeable, and clearly very experienced.
Helen Middleton
We have never before experienced such friendly and simultaneously professional service! Alex’s communication was super prompt, questions encouraged and welcomed and attended to with great care and detail. Everything was well organised and available on beautifully designed and very useful platforms. Our destination (Mattarahkka Northern Lights Lodge) was fabulous on so many different levels – exquisite views, friendly interactions from everyone on the team, great food, exciting activities, perfectly situated to see the northern lights (seen twice in 4 nights’ stay), a great fire place, and not to mention our fantastic guide Fabio. Their provision of winter kit (hats, down jacket, snow trousers, leather gloves and boots) offered everything we needed to be comfortable outside. All we needed to have packed really were base layers, a few layers of clothing and woollen socks. Defintely somewhere we would highly recommend and return to when possible!
Inge Elliott
My daughter and I had an amazing time on our trip, we didn’t want it to end! Everything went according to plan, each excursion was well organized and everyone involved with each activity, as well as everyone at the lodge was kind, friendly, positive and happy, which makes such a difference to your whole experience. The food at The Abisko Mountain Lodge was also incredibly good. Our room was large, comfortable and well-furnished. The bathroom too was also spacious and well-equipped. The outdoor clothing provided was of very good quality which kept us warm, and the staff members are happy to change items if they are not quite the right size for you. This is my second trip with Weekend a la carte and I’m sure there will be more as I have complete trust in them. I highly recommend Aurora Nights, it was fabulous.
Jane Ashworth
We enjoyed both the hotels that were arranged by weekend a la Carte Aurora nights. The Porsmork trip was very enjoyable, both guides were fantastic and informative.
The Northern Light hunt trip out of Reykjavik with Superjeep was an adventure and we got to see the lights, worth braving the cold at -6.
David Rogers