Northern Lights Adventure by Car

Northern Lights Adventure by Car is an evening aurora tour from Longyearbyen. A minivan or car takes the group out of the settlement and into Adventdalen, away from artificial light. The route goes by Mine 3 and the Svalbard Global Seed Vault, then continues toward Mine 7 or other dark locations. The guide follows weather, cloud cover and solar activity and moves the group between viewing points as conditions change.

Guests make two to three stops under the open sky, stepping out of the vehicle to let their eyes adjust to the dark. One stop is near the seed vault, with a short talk on its history. The guide also tells stories about Northern Lights mythology and science and about life in Svalbard. Between stops everyone stays inside the vehicle. The tour lasts approximately three hours, including driving and stops, and departs in the evening, starting around 19:00. The group is limited to a maximum of six guests.

Hotel pickup and drop-off in central Longyearbyen are part of the tour. Included are a guide with local knowledge, hot drinks, cookies and photo tips. Guests bring windproof and waterproof winter clothing, such as a jacket, pants, a warm midlayer, a hat and mittens, plus sturdy shoes or boots, a thermos and extra batteries. A camera and tripod are optional. Without one, the guide takes photos that can be bought afterward in digital format.

The level is easy and suits most ages and fitness levels. All ages are welcome, and anyone under 18 must come with an adult. Arctic Footsteps' page gives the season as usually late September to early March, and also lists it as November to mid March.