Encounter
Into the Arctic Wild
8 to 16 March 2027
9 Days / 8 Nights
At the very edge of the Arctic lies Svalbard, a remote world of frozen landscapes, endless wilderness and extraordinary stories.
As daylight returns to the High Arctic while winter still holds the landscape in snow and ice, we’ll journey across vast frozen valleys by snowmobile, explore hidden worlds beneath ancient glaciers, mush through the wilderness with Arctic sled dogs and venture deep into Svalbard’s remote East Coast.
From ice caves and glacier valleys to quiet moments beneath the Arctic sky, Encounter Svalbard is about experiencing one of the world’s most extraordinary places together while embracing the unknown, sharing the adventure and returning home with stories we’ll carry long after the journey ends.
Journey to Tellbreen Ice Cave and explore extraordinary frozen passages and ice formations hidden beneath the Arctic landscape.
Meet Svalbard’s sled dogs, learn the art of mushing and travel through the wilderness behind your own dog team.
Travel towards Mohnbukta through sea ice, glaciers and some of Svalbard’s wildest landscapes, keeping watch for Arctic wildlife.
Experience the history, mining heritage and fascinating way of life of one of the world’s northernmost communities.
Discover Blomsterdalshøgda and the story behind one of Svalbard’s most remarkable landmarks.
Gather around the fire for an Arctic meal, stories of exploration and the chance of Northern Lights above the wilderness.
Monday 8 March
Arrive in Oslo and ease into the adventure with a free day to wander, explore and soak up the winter charm of Norway’s capital before our journey north into the Arctic begins.
Tuesday 9 March
Fly north to Longyearbyen, where our Arctic adventure begins. After settling into our hotel, we’ll head out with our local guide to discover this remarkable Arctic community, exploring its mining heritage, unique way of life and iconic landmarks, including the exterior of the Global Seed Vault.
Wednesday 10 March
Set off by snowmobile across Svalbard’s frozen wilderness towards Tellbreen Glacier. Leaving our snowmobiles behind, we’ll switch on our headlamps and step beneath the glacier into a hidden world of frozen passages, shimmering formations and ancient ice.
Thursday 11 March
Meet our team of eager Arctic sled dogs and learn the art of mushing before setting off through Svalbard’s snow-covered valleys. Tonight, we’ll gather for dinner at historic Gruvelageret, surrounded by stories from Svalbard’s mining past.
Friday 12 March
Today we venture deep into Svalbard’s remote East Coast on a full-day snowmobile expedition towards Mohnbukta, crossing frozen valleys and vast glacier systems along the way.
Saturday 13 March
Enjoy a relaxed morning in Longyearbyen before climbing aboard a snowcat and journeying towards Longyearbreen. Beneath the glacier, we’ll explore an extraordinary frozen world of ice formations and hidden passages.
Sunday 14 March
Hike towards Blomsterdalshøgda and the Global Seed Vault, then journey into Adventdalen for a special evening at Camp Barentz, sharing an Arctic meal around the fire before stepping outside to search the skies for the Northern Lights.
Monday 15 March
Enjoy a relaxed final morning in Longyearbyen before visiting the Svalbard Museum. Later, we’ll bid farewell to Svalbard and fly back to Oslo, carrying with us the adventures, stories and friendships of an unforgettable Encounter.
Tuesday 16 March
Enjoy breakfast and some final free time in the heart of Oslo before beginning your journey home, bringing our Arctic Encounter to a close.
Postcards from Svalbard
Included
Not included
Is this Encounter for you?
Moderate to active
This is an active Arctic Encounter involving snowmobiling, dog sledding, hiking and ice-cave exploration in true winter conditions.
You should be comfortable spending extended periods outdoors in sub-zero temperatures and walking over snow, ice and uneven terrain. No previous Arctic experience is required, but a reasonable level of fitness, mobility and comfort with outdoor adventure is expected.
Good to know
Arctic conditions
March falls within Svalbard’s Sunny Winter, when daylight has returned while the landscape remains firmly in winter. Expect sub-zero temperatures, snow, ice and potentially strong winds, with conditions changing quickly.
Snowmobile driving
To drive a snowmobile, bring your original physical driving licence valid for a passenger car (Class B). Further requirements are in your Encounter Guide.
Wildlife
Svalbard is home to polar bears, Arctic foxes and Svalbard reindeer. Wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed.
Northern Lights
There may still be chances to see the Northern Lights on dark March evenings, depending on weather and solar activity. Sightings cannot be guaranteed.
Weather and itinerary
Arctic activities depend on weather, snow, ice and local safety conditions. Routes, timings and activities may be adjusted, with safety always first.
Getting there
The Encounter begins and ends in Oslo.
Recommended flight options are shared upon registration.
Your Encounter Guide
Once your place is confirmed, you’ll receive your Encounter Guide: everything you need to prepare, from recommended flights and packing to practical information and important trip details. We’ll keep updating you as the Encounter approaches, so you’ll always know what you need, when you need it.
Encounter
Svalbard
The dates are set, the price is being finalised
Register your interest and you’ll hear before anyone else when places open.
