Northern lights hunting tour

The Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon caused by solar activity and atmospheric conditions. This cannot be scheduled or guaranteed to see which is a part of the magic. We will never be able to guarantee that the northern lights will show but our guide will always make sure you go home with new memories and knowledge of this Svalbard and Longyearbyen. The weather can change from hour to hour and while 2026 is a period of high solar activity (near the solar maximum), the local weather remains the deciding factor for visibility.

The best time to see northern lights on Svalbard is from November to February because we have darkness all day due to the polar night. This will get you a better chance as the sun stays below the horizon, creating perfect darkness for aurora watching – day and night.

You can spot the green curtains in October as well as the beginning of March as well. This year the northern lights possibiities are even bigger than previous because of the increased solar activity.

We will be driving in a heated car BUT we have to get out to enjoy the show.

Dressing for Arctic requires a three-layer system combined with high-quality insulation. The key is regulating your temperature to prevent sweating and freezing.

We recommend packing and wearing the following layers:

• Base layer (For moisture)
  100% merino wool underwear (top and buttom). Avoid cotton completely, as it retains moisture and cools you down.
• Mid Layer (weather protection)
  A breatable fleece or wool jacket or a lightweight active-insulation jacket to trap heat while moving.  
• Outer Layer (Weather protection)
  Warm winter jacket – and pants to shield you from the harsh Arctic wind. 
• Accessories 
  Two pairs of gloves (lightweight, heavy/windproof), a wool beanie (Balaclava) and 100% wool socks. 

By packing specialized layers, you can easily adapt to Svalbard’s rapidly changing weather and stay comfortable throughout the day. 

You need a basic fitness level as we will be driving around in a car you need to be able to get in and out of the van yourself. If you have limited mobility this tour might be a possibility as well.

We will assess the weather conditions on the departure day as weather forecasts on Svalbard can change from hour to hour.

If the guide decides to cancel the tour we will contact you as soon as we have made the decision and offer you a date change or full refund. We therefore recommend you to have some flexibility in your program and place the expedition in the beginning of your stay.

Often the tour will run even if it looks cloudy in Longyearbyen as the sky  aurora can appear in the valley even when the sky looks partly cloudy from town. This can also change very quickly on Svalbard and as you have time for the tour we need to patient as well. Your guide will use local knowledge and forecasts to find the most promising spots. This is a hunt, and not a given. Besides northern lights hunting the guide will show you spots and give you more knowledge about how to spot the lights for the remaining part of your stay. 

All our guides are professionals with extensive experience in Arctic terrain and safety.

Every guide has completed specialized Arctic safety training, such as the ANG (Arctic Nature Guide), Svalbard Guide Training (SGO) program or equivalent guide certifications. 

All guides are fully certified in firearms handling due to polar bears and Arctic wildlife safety regulations. 

Our team also have avalanche safety training, glacier rescue skills and wilderness first-aid training. 

Absolutely! You are welcome to bring the equipment you need for taking a photo of the lights. 

Actually we have dark season which means we also have daytime northern lights. This is normally not a powerfull as night time northern lights through. The best time for spotting the northern lights in the evening is from apporx 19:00 until 02:00am. The Northern Lights are most active between 08:00 p.m. and 01.00 a.m. 

Yes! Many guests choose this experience for proposals, anniversaries, birthdays, or photography adventure. We recommend to do it privately though. Let us know your plans in advance, and we can help make the moment unforgettable. 

This tour offers flexibility, more comfort and a deeply personal experience.

Since we are a small group we don’t need to have a lot of waiting time for going in and out of the vehicle. We will travel at our own pace, without waiting for others. 

The guide tailors the route to the best conditions that evening. 

You can stop almost whenever you like for photos, stories or just hearing the silence under the stars. 

This is ideal for couples, families, or anyone seeking the above.

Unlike bigger group tours, this northern lights excursion from Longyearbyen allows you to have the guide to yourself for understanding the Arctic. This often results in better photos, warmer conversations and memories that feel uniquely yours.