Leading Arctic travel specialist Discover the World is hoping to inspire more Brits to venture north for a Polar holiday this summer with the introduction of two new summer holidays in Svalbard, combining unique activities and excursions with new accommodation options.
The unspoilt archipelago of Svalbard is the northernmost outpost of Norway, located midway between the mainland and the North Pole and better known for its winter holiday offering or as a starting point for Arctic summer cruises. However, land-based holidays during the summer are growing in popularity and offer so much for outdoor enthusiasts, with the Midnight Sun allowing plenty of time to explore its rugged landscapes and fjords teaming with migrating birds, walruses, seals and whales.
New holidays include a Wildlife Safari by Authentic Wooden Schooner (with the chance to sail around Isfjorden aboard a beautiful three-masted boat) and a longer Svalbard Summer Adventure that offers activities as diverse as kayaking under the Midnight Sun, electric fatbiking in the world’s northernmost city and mushing huskies on wheels along the Arctic Coast.
More details on the operator’s new holidays, hotels and activities are below, with further information found here.
Wildlife Safari by Authentic Wooden Schooner
Explore the ocean like a true Arctic Explorer on this new summer sailing experience aboard a small traditional three-mast wooden schooner; SV Linden. The three or five-night trips start in Longyearbyen and sail around Isfjorden before heading towards Spitsbergen where guests can search for wildlife on deck and sail ashore via zodiac to learn about the biology, geology and history of the area. Plus (if they dare) they can climb the 33m mast in search of whales.
3x night trips (with 2x nights on board) available from £2,068pp and 5x night trips (with 4x nights on board) available from £3,131pp based on two sharing a cabin on a full board basis, including return flights from the UK.
Adventurous Svalbard Summer Holiday
Explore Svalbard’s impressive landscapes and remarkable wildlife on this new five-night independent tour; with a range of thrilling outdoor pursuits on offer under the Midnight Sun and the chance to stay in cool coal miners’ cabins or one of Longyearbyen’s newest hotels; Funken Lodge. As well as heading out on mountain hikes and discovering the archipelago’s own wildlife and plant species, hop aboard electric fatbikes to explore the town’s new 25km biking trail, kayak on the scenic Adventfjord and enjoy unusual husky sledding on wheels along the Arctic Coast (detailed below).
5x nights from £1,114pp based on two sharing a double room in one of the Coal Miners Cabins or from £1,576pp based on two sharing a double room at the new Funken Lodge on a B&B basis including flights from London Heathrow to Longyearbyen via Oslo with Scandinavian Airlines.
Newly Refurbished Luxury ‘Funken Lodge’- Longyearbyen
Originally known as the Spitsbergen Hotel (built in 1947 for employees of the Store Norske Spitsbergen Coal Company) Funken Lodge offers a more luxury experience. After its renovation in late 2017 it now boasts the title of the grandest building in Longyearbyen; with views of the Lars and Longyear Glaciers from its bedrooms as well as a restaurant that was listed as the best dining experience in Longyearbyen by the prestigious Nordic White Guide in 2016.
Cool Coal Miners Cabins – Longyearbyen
Once home to the miners of the second world war, these cabins are some of the oldest in Svalbard and have only recently been restored to a very high standard. Its 76 rooms span three buildings and boast stylish communal kitchens, bathrooms and cosy lounges (although some rooms have private facilities) plus fun touches such as metal serving trays in the restaurant and ancient oil lamps in the bedrooms.
Dog Sledding on Wheels on the Arctic Coast
Even though the snow will have melted away in the valley, you can still drive a dog sled along the Arctic Coast to Bjorndalen via a six-seated wagon on wheels, taking in fantastic fjord and mountain views across Longyearbyen. Alternatively, you can mush a team of dogs along the Adventdalen Valley via a special wheeled sled; speeding towards the old Northern Lights research station (spotting reindeer, foxes and flights on migratory birds en-route) before visiting the puppy yard for cuddles.
4x hours (11 June- 01 November 2018) available from £87pp with hotel transport, padded clothing and hot drinks.
Fjord Kayaking Under the Midnight Sun
Make the most of long daylight hours by joining an evening kayak trip on the Adventfjord; a great way to explore the local area under the light of the Midnight Sun. Paddle alongside dramatic mountains and glaciers whilst spotting rare migratory birds soar overhead and the occasional bearded seal pop up beside you.
4x hours (01 June- 30 September 2018) available from £94pp with hotel transport and warm kayak clothing.
Adventurous Bike Rides on Electric Fatbikes
Explore Longyearbyen with the added help of a Hailbike Electric Drive Fatbike! The new 25km circular route winds its way east along the old Burmaroad towards Hotelneset (stopping for snacks) and onto Adventvalley; known for its rich coal mining history. Along the way, learn all about the history of the area and its unique flora and fauna, specifically its birdlife.
5x hours (18 May- 15 September 2018) available from £82pp with hotel transport, all cycle equipment and a light lunch.
For more information visit www.discover-the-world.co.uk or call 01737 886 131.
