Northern Lights Chase by car

The Northern lights chase by car is an evening drive in the area around Longyearbyen, run by Frostbite Expeditions. A guide takes the group by vehicle through the surrounding terrain in search of clear weather and dark skies, and the route is adjusted to the current weather and aurora forecasts. Stops include the Northern Lights Observatory, Mine 5 and several viewpoints below the mountains. The guide tells stories about polar history, mining heritage and the science of the aurora, and helps guests photograph the night sky. The operator states that sightings cannot be guaranteed.

The tour lasts three hours. Departures run 18:30 to 21:30 and 22:00 to 01:00, and the season is October to February. The group has 2 to 8 participants. Frostbite Expeditions' page lists difficulty 1 and no minimum age.

Included are pick-up and drop-off at the hotel, safety equipment carried by the guide, hot drinks and snacks, and liability and SAR insurance. Guests bring warm boots, wool base layers, a windproof jacket and outdoor pants, an extra warm layer such as a sweater or puffy jacket, a hat, a buff, windproof mittens or gloves, and a water bottle.