Description
This safari combines the peaceful fjords of the Lofoten Islands with the dramatic glaciers and mountains of Svalbard, while the mystical Aurora Borealis illuminates the night skies. Experience dog sledding and snowmobiling across vast snowy plains, keeping an eye out for polar bears and other Arctic wildlife.
Overview
Discover the tranquil fishing villages of the Lofoten Islands and traverse the icy wildernesses of Svalbard by snowmobile and dogsled, travelling at the best time of year to witness the natural phenomena of the Aurora Borealis. On this safari, you will have the opportunity to see the best of the Arctic on foot, via snowmobile and from the back of a dog sled, travelling from mainland Norway to the Svalbard Archipelago for an adventurous journey exploring ice caves by day and looking out for the spectacular Northern Lights by night.
WHAT MAKES THIS TRIP EXTRAORDINARY
- Dog sled and snowmobile through the Arctic landscapes.
- View the beautiful mountains, fjords and villages of the Lofoten Islands.
- Look out for Svalbard reindeer, Arctic foxes, polar bears and other wildlife.
- Explore the glistening ice caves of Svalbard and the fascinating formations within them.
Itinerary
Arriving in in Oslo, you will catch a flight to Bodo where you will transfer to your connecting flight to Svolvaer in the Lofoten Islands (flight not included). This is a beautiful scenic flight over the sea and islands of the Norwegian coast. Upon your arrival to the stunning Lofoten Islands, you will be met by our local representative and transferred to your lodge. Staying in a comfortable cabin overlooking the sea, this is the perfect location for watching the Northern Lights.
Overnight: Nyvagar Rorbu Hotel
(D)
After breakfast at your lodge, you will embark on a boat trip exploring the Lofoten Islands by sea. Sail past the impressive mountains of the Vest Fjord towards Trollfjord, one of the most beautiful and renowned places on the islands, looking out for local wildlife such as the protected white-tailed eagle. Continue on to Henningsvaer, a unique Arctic fishing village spread across several islands linked by bridges. Enjoy a traditional lunch in a local restaurant, before returning to your lodge to relax in the outdoor hot tub and sauna before dinner. After dinner, you’ll be on the lookout for the Northern Lights!
Overnight: Nyvagar Rorbu Hotel
(B, L, D)
Today you will take another scenic tour of the islands, this time exploring on land. Travel along the panoramic coastal roads of the islands, stopping to admire the pristine beaches, glacier valleys and granite mountains. Visit the small picturesque fishing village of Nusjford, partially built on wooden platforms over the sea in the foothills of the mountains, and enjoy lunch in a local restaurant. After lunch, head back towards your hotel along the scenic route, discovering new stops on the way.
Overnight: Nyvagar Rorbu Hotel
(B, L, D)
After breakfast, head out to explore the hills by snowshoe! Snowshoes have been used for centuries by the Indigenous communities of the Arctic territories, who have to survive long winters in the snow; the modern versions you’ll be using are made of lightweight aluminium and fit any walking boots. The activity will be an easy hike lasting around 2-3 hours. Head back to the lodge for lunch, before transferring to the airport for your flight to Tromsø via Bodo. Around 4 pm, you’ll arrive in Tromsø and transfer to your hotel by the harbour, with time to explore the city, before enjoying dinner at one of the best restaurants in town to sample the local Arctic specialities!
This morning, you will continue your journey north as you leave Tromsø behind and head up to the Arctic archipelago of Svalbard. Transfer to the airport to fly the 1 hour and 45 minutes before landing in Longyearbyen in the High Arctic. As you land at 78 degrees north, you’ll transfer to the northernmost town on the planet, where you can settle into your hotel and enjoy a light lunch in one of the small local restaurants. After a free afternoon, head out this evening on a snowmobiling experience. You will leave about 7pm to travel by snowmobile to the nearby mountains, accompanied by an expert guide, in the hope of sighting the Aurora Borealis, or Northern Lights. Travel across the icy landscapes searching for these mystical lights, and enjoy dinner out in the wilderness, before returning to your hotel around midnight. Please note that to participate in the snowmobile tour you must have a valid driver’s licence.
Overnight: Basecamp Hotel
(B, L, D)
After breakfast, you will head out again on your snowmobiles. Make photographic stops along the way and look out for the wild Svalbard reindeer often seen on the route. The mountains at this time of year are covered in snow, and the landscape is spectacular. You will have your own snowmobile, and you’ll drive across the snow in the long-vanished footsteps of the old hunters and trappers as you stop at their abandoned cabins. Enjoy a remote expedition packed lunch. After an afternoon heading back to your hotel, make use of a free evening to explore the town on your own.
Overnight: Basecamp Hotel
(B, L)
This morning you will head out on a dog sledding expedition to the fascinating Svalbard ice caves. Meeting your team of huskies at Trapper's Station, you will learn how to prepare the sleds before setting off through the mountains of Bolterdalen Valley. After several hours of sledding across the snow, you will arrive at the ice caves. Explore the glistening caverns, filled with intricate ice formations that are illuminated by the light from your headtorch. After an expedition lunch, return to Trapper's Station to bid farewell to your dogs and enjoy a well-deserved cup of tea around the bonfire, sharing stories and anecdotes from the day's adventure.
Overnight: Basecamp Hotel
(B, L, D)
After breakfast, bid farewell to your guides and fellow travellers and have a last wander through the town, before being transferred to the airport for your flight to Oslo (Flight included) in time to meet your international flight home (flight not included).
Accommodation
- Nyvagar Rorbu Hotel
- Basecamp Hotel
- Svalbard Hotel Polfareren
Cancellation Policy
Life is unpredictable and we understand that sometimes you have to cancel or change your trip dates and it is our endeavor to make it as easy as possible for you. However, please understand that we plan everything including guide fees, permits, accommodation and ration in advance. Therefore, any cancellation means inconvenience and certain losses to the people involved in various stages of the program. Keeping that in mind, our cancellation charges are as below,
- Cancellations prior to 30 days from the start of the event: Full refund as cash.
- Cancellations between 30 days and 15 days to the start of the event: 50 % refund as cash.
- Cancellations less than 15 days to the start of the event: No refund.
- Cancellations will be accepted only by email.
Note: We reserve the right to cancel a program before departure in the event of logistical problems arising due to natural calamities, strikes, wars or any other circumstances that make the event inadvisable. In this case, we will refund 50% of the event fees.
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