Visit Ice Caves of Longyearbyen

There are approximately 4,500 polar bears in Spitsbergen-more than the resident human population-and beyond town, this lord of the Arctic roams free.

On this short break, you'll spend three nights at the SAS Radisson Polar Hotel in Longyearbyen, where you'll have time to join a wide range of optional excursions and visit the Ice Caves of Longyearbyen. This visit to the glacial caves known as the "ice grotto" or a tour of a mine is included, and the rest of the time you're free to choose from a selection of excursions, listed at right.

Day 1 Flight to Oslo.*
Day 2 Arrive Olso. Overnight at airport hotel.
Day 3 Fly to Longyearbyen, stay three nights at the SAS Radisson Polar Hotel [B].
Day 3–7 Join the Ice Grotto tour or mine visit (included). Other optional Longyearbyen excursions are available, as described at right [B].
Day 7 Transfer to airport for return flight to Oslo [B].
Day 8 Arrive Oslo and transfer to downtown. Free time to explore Oslo. Overnight [B].
Day 9 Transfer to airport. Return flight to U.S.* [B].

*Not included in vacation price. For airfare information, please contact us.

Meal codes: [B] Breakfast [L] Lunch [D] Dinner

FOR ROUTE MAP, CLICK HERE.

6 March 2008 Experience the Return of the Sun and the dawn of a New Year with the people of Spitsbergen. Following a long, cold winter, with many months of darkness and polar twilight, this special departure coincides with the first dawn of spring, when the inhabitants of Spitsbergen receive their first direct sunlight of the year. After months of Arctic twilight, the sun is welcomed back to Longyearbyen with a week-long festival that includes concerts, exhibitions and outdoor events. Although this is mainly organized for the local population, you will be able to join in and experience the community's spirit reinvigorated by the reappearance of sunlight. Following the Polar Nights of Spitsbergen itinerary, this is a unique opportunity to witness a time of local celebration and fabulous skies in these incredible Arctic lands.

The 'Ice Grotto' Glacial Caves: Travel by tracked-vehicle to a glacier just outside Longyearbyen. All participants will be equipped with helmet and headlamp before descending into tunnels formed by the glacial water. Your guides will lead you through caves with fascinating rock and ice formations.

Longyearbyen's Mining Heritage: Discover the history of coal mining in Spitsbergen. Donning overalls, helmet and headlamp, you'll embark on a three-mile drive into the heart of this operational mine, where you'll see coal being extracted. Alternatively, you may visit the last mine in Spitsbergen, where coal was mined by hand. In the footsteps of the miners, this tour offers an introduction to the history of mining and, suitably equipped for the excursion, you'll set off into the mountain to experience what it was like to work in the narrow tunnels.

Dogsledding: Join a team of huskies on an unforgettable trip through the Arctic wilderness. Bookable locally.

Snowmobile Daytrip: Drive across snowy plains and through narrow valleys during this exhilarating 28-mile round trip. After a brief orientation, you will venture out of Longyearbyen and explore the mountain area beyond. Driver's license required, bookable locally.

Polar Evening in the Wilderness: Travel by tracked-vehicle to a permanent camp outside Longyearbyen. In the heart of the wilderness, under the shelter of a large heated tent, a traditional dinner will be served. Here you'll cozy up to hear tales of Spitsbergen's fascinating past and learn more of day-to-day life in Norway's most northern territory. Bookable locally.

Other excursions may be available locally.

Pricing is valid for North American residents only.

* This departure includes an extra night in Longyearbyen
Outside cabin supplement $59 per day, per person.
All prices quoted are in USD per person and based on two people traveling together sharing a twin cabin.
Rates for single occupancy available upon request.

Special Occasion Voyages Includes Christmas, New Year, Valentine’s Day, and Easter