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Svalbard in the north pole

Why Winter in Svalbard Should Not be Missed

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By Nadia Roche


We love to share experiences had by Trailfinders staff on their personal holidays. Whether it’s a unique place to stay or an interesting region to visit, you’ll get inspiration from those who have been.

Here, Nadia Roche shares her insights and travel tips from her journey into the snowy surrounds of Svalbard's frozen wilderness - a breathtaking Arctic landscape of untamed beauty.

Where?

Svalbard is a remote archipelago located between mainland Norway and the North Pole and is a magical destination! From the stunning Fjords and deep valleys to the incredible wildlife, this awe-inspiring land is full of endless adventure. This is a special destination that I’d recommend to anyone wanting a unique and unforgettable experience.


I visited in February when for a few weeks the sun is just below the horizon at the beginning and end of polar night. This creates the most spectacular colours, light pinks and blues against the white snow. A magnificent backdrop for your Arctic adventure.


 

Why go?

Located in the heart of the Arctic with wonderful wildlife and scenery, Svalbard has always sparked curiosity. When we began offering these amazing holidays, I knew I had to go! Our Svalbard in Winter package includes a variety of exciting activities including Northern Lights by Snowcat, dog sledding and a Northern Lights evening at Camp Barentz. All activities were well organised and the guides were excellent. 


This was such an incredible experience and I loved every moment; we’re already looking to book again!


 

Highlight?

With the wealth of activities on offer it’s hard to pick a highlight, but dog sledding in the beautiful valleys of Bolterdalen took the top spot. 


We began the day early to meet the dogs and get prepped for the sled journey ahead. Our guide was excellent and made us feel very safe; you can encounter a polar bear anywhere on Svalbard, so all activities are organised to ensure safety is top priority. I’m rarely speechless, but there really are no words to describe the wonder that lay before us as we traversed the magical valleys while passing the magnificent fjords. The area is filled with Arctic reindeer and Arctic fox and has the most amazing photo opportunities. You are out on the sled for approx. 75 minutes before returning for waffles, hot drinks and puppies!


 

Top tip?

Each season in Svalbard brings a variety of different activities and experiences. As Longyearbyen town is small with limited things to do, I’d recommend booking some of the extra activities on offer to make the most of this amazing destination.


 

For more inspiration, take a look at our Svalbard Holidays pages.

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Written by Nadia Roche

Nadia is a Content Supervisor in our Kensington head office. Nadia has worked at Trailfinders since 2018 and has travelled to 35 countries. Her favourite destinations include South Korea, Vietnam and Svalbard.

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