Dark Season Offer
Three nights in Nybyen, a trip inside a glacier ice cave and a panoramic hike over Longyearbyen. From 3995 NOK per person, breakfast included.
November – January
The polar night, up close
From November the sun stays below the horizon, and Svalbard turns into a world of moonlight, starry skies and snow that glows blue in the middle of the day. It’s quiet, it’s beautiful, and on a clear night the Northern Lights can dance right over the mountains.
Our Dark Season Offer gives you three nights in our old miners’ barrack in Nybyen and two guided trips that show you the best of the season: a sparkling ice cave hidden inside a glacier, and the big view over Longyearbyen from Plateau Mountain.
It’s the easiest way to see Svalbard in winter without spending a fortune.
At a glance
- Stay: 3 nights with us, breakfast every morning
- Trips: Ice cave hike and a panoramic hike up Plateau Mountain
- Season: November to January (not valid 27 December – 1 January)
- Price: 3995 NOK per person in a shared twin room (2 people per booking), or 5095 NOK in a single room
- Bonus: 5% off extra tours with our partners when you book direct
Your stay
Four days, day by day
Two guided trips, plenty of free time, and a warm house to come home to.
01Arrival
Welcome to the polar night
From the moment you land, you’re in for a few nights without the sun. That means moonlight, stars and, if you’re lucky, the Northern Lights.
The airport shuttle bus waits outside the terminal after every arrival, so there’s no need to book. It costs 125 NOK per person each way, and a return ticket works out cheaper. Gjestehuset 102 is the last stop.
After a warm hello at reception, the rest of the day is yours. Visit Svalbard Museum, walk down to town for the shops and restaurants (we have maps at reception), or settle into one of our lounges. Want to squeeze in a short trip? Check our activity calendar.
02Day 2
Ice cave hike into the frozen world
Deep inside Longyearbreen glacier lies a hidden world of frozen tunnels and sparkling ice. Meltwater carves the channels in summer, and in winter they freeze into natural ice caves you can explore.
The trip starts right here in Nybyen with a two-hour uphill hike, about 350 metres up. At the cave entrance you’ll gear up with a helmet, crampons and a headlamp (and snowshoes if conditions need them). Inside, you’ll crawl through narrow passages, admire walls of crystal-clear ice, and enjoy a hot drink and a snack in a place few people ever see.
Good to know: this trip is moderately challenging (4 out of 5) and not recommended if you have back problems or claustrophobia. Bring a backpack with water, extra warm layers and room for safety gear, and wear sturdy winter hiking boots. More about the ice cave trip
03Day 3
Panoramic hike to Plateau Mountain
Just outside town, this hike gives you the best view over Longyearbyen. It’s a local favourite for exactly that reason.
Yes, the trail is steep. But after about 350 vertical metres you reach the viewpoint, where you can catch your breath and look out over the town lights, the fjord and the surrounding glaciers. If time and conditions allow, the group often continues higher onto the plateau. More about the Plateau Mountain hike
04Departure
Until next time
One last breakfast and the shuttle bus takes you back to the airport. Not ready to leave? Add extra nights at our direct rate and book more trips with 5% off.
Svalbard’s weather decides the plan, so the trip days can be swapped around depending on conditions and tour availability.
Prices
What’s included
Included
- 3 nights at Gjestehuset 102, in a twin or single room with your own sink
- Breakfast buffet every morning
- Guided ice cave hike with helmet, crampons, headlamp and a hot drink
- Guided panoramic hike to Plateau Mountain
- 5% off extra tours with our partner operators
Not included
- Flights to and from Longyearbyen
- Airport shuttle bus (125 NOK per person each way, no need to book)
- Lunches and dinners
- Travel insurance
Shared twin room
3995 NOK
per person · 2 people per booking
Single room
5095 NOK
for one person
Valid November to January, except 27 December – 1 January. Want to stay longer? Extra nights can be added at our normal direct rate.
Good to know
Practical info
Still wondering about something? Send us a message and a real person at reception will get back to you.
Cancellation policy
- 22 days or more before arrival: full refund
- 8–21 days before arrival: 50% refund
- 0–7 days before arrival: no refund
Svalbard is beautiful but unpredictable. For your safety, the guides may move a trip to another day or swap it for a different trip if conditions don’t allow the original plan. In rare cases a trip may have to be cancelled because of the weather, and then you get a full refund for that trip. Your safety and comfort always come first.
What’s the weather like in the dark season?
It’s the polar night, so the sun doesn’t rise. Expect very cold weather, usually between -8 °C and -20 °C, and colder with the wind. Conditions change fast: clear skies, heavy snow and strong wind can all happen on the same day.
What should I wear?
Dress in layers. It’s better to be too warm than too cold, and as we say up here, there’s no bad weather, only bad clothing.
- Warm, waterproof hiking boots that cover your ankles
- Wool base layers (skip the cotton)
- A windproof jacket and outdoor trousers
- An extra warm layer, like a thick sweater or a puffy jacket
- Insulated gloves or mittens, a warm hat, a buff and wool socks
What’s smart to bring?
- A small backpack for snacks, water and spare clothes on the trips
- A reusable water bottle. Our tap water isn’t for drinking, but you can fill up at the filtered drinking-water tap on the 2nd floor
- Hand and foot warmers
- A power bank, since batteries drain fast in the cold
How do I get from the airport?
The airport shuttle bus waits outside the terminal after every arrival, so there’s no need to book. It costs 125 NOK per person each way, and Gjestehuset 102 is the last stop.
Dark Season Offer
Ready for the polar night?
Three nights, two guided trips and breakfast every morning, from 3995 NOK per person. Valid November to January, except 27 December – 1 January.