Northern lights evening - Hurtigruten Svalbard

Experience the magic of the Aurora Borealis at 78 degrees north! A northern lights evening at Camp Barentz is a must-do experience whilst visiting Longyearbyen. As we leave town and drive into the Advent the mountains on both side of the valley loom over us like giants, hardly visible in the polar night - or bathed in moonlight and the green glow of the aurora.

The discoverer of Svalbard

Camp Barentz boasts an amazing location right below the last operating coal mine, at the foot of the mountain Breinosa. One of the buildings at the camp, Barentz House, is a copy of the cabin that the discoverer of Svalbard, Willem Barentz, overwintered in on Novaya Zemlya in 1596. Here, far from town, there is little light pollution, and perfect conditions for hunting the northern lights. What’s more, at Camp Barentz we often see Svalbard reindeer, and even grouse and foxes if you are lucky. Our knowledgeable hosts are also prepared in the unlikely event that a polar bear should appear.

As we arrive at the cosy wooden cabins we will be met by the evening’s host. Good drinks and a delicious homemade reindeer stew will be served, together with campfire coffee and dessert.

Learn about the aurora

After the delicious dinner, it is time to learn more about the green veil in the sky. We come together around the fire, while our host shares information and photographs explaining the incredible phenomenon of the northern light. If lady Aurora appears, we will round off the evening by watching the display with our own eyes outside the cabin. During the polar night (from mid-November to late January), the northern lights can appear at any time of day - a spectacular experience, unique to the polar regions.

Practical information

The price includes transport to a from your hotel, reindeer stew, drinks (beer, wine, soft drinks), campfire coffee, homemade cake and a presentation about the northern lights.

We recommend wearing comfortable, warm outdoor clothing and warm shoes, since there can be a cold draught from the floor. Remember that we will spend some time outdoors also. Clothes may smell of smoke after the tour.

Language

Safety is our highest priority, and the guide needs to be able to give directions you understand. To participate on one of our excursions, it is required that you speak and understand English or one of the Scandinavian languages.