Off the Map Travel has launched a new five-day, four-night Arctic cabin experience where you’ll get as close to the North Pole as possible without actually going on an expedition.
Dreams of experiencing the Northern Lights will now come true in this brand new adventure that provides guests with an increased chance of catching the Aurora, with 24 hours of darkness and no light pollution courtesy of its remote location.
The five-day Polar Night adventure in Svalbard, Norway, has been curated by specialist travel company Off the Map Travel, taking visitors further North than any other itinerary, transporting guests to the comfort and isolation of the new Juva Lodge.
The secluded Juva Cabin connects guests with the spectacular wild landscape of Svalbard and is perfectly positioned to deliver the best possible views of its magnificent surrounding scenery.
A traditional log cabin, Juva comes equipped with comfortable beds, a warm fireplace, a Scandi-styled lounge room, a kitchen and a brand new barrel sauna with a glass front so guests can experience the wilderness in comfort.
Designed by Off the Map Travel’s Aurora experts, the big draw for this new itinerary is the dark Arctic skies and zero light pollution to heighten your chances of seeing the fantastic colours of the Northern Lights.
“The Northern Lights are on so many people’s bucket lists, but as they are a natural phenomenon, they are never guaranteed,” says Jonny Cooper, Arctic travel expert and founder of Off the Map Travel.
“To have the best chance of seeing them, you need clear, dark skies. When the sun never rises, you will more than double your chances of seeing them.
“We are also taking guests as far north as you can possibly get and away from any light pollution – all adding to their Northern Lights hunting experience.”
Available from January to May, start your adventure with a night in Norway’s capital, Oslo, before heading north to Svalbard, a Norwegian archipelago between mainland Norway and the North Pole.
The ‘polar’ part of the adventure starts with a night at Funken Lodge, a luxury accommodation located in Longyearbyen, a small coal-mining town on Spitsbergen Island.
That evening, guests will take a panoramic snowcat tour to hunt for the Aurora, all the while taking in the incredible views of the varied, icy landscape.
Cooper adds: “Svalbard is an authentic wilderness providing the best possible opportunity to catch the Northern Lights with breathtaking geography and wildlife and fascinating culture.
“At one time, it was reserved for the true arctic adventurer, but new experiences and luxury accommodation have now opened the region up for those looking for an adventure without losing their home comforts.”
From Funken Lodge, meet your dog sledge team that will guide you over snow-covered terrain to the next accommodation, Juva Lodge.
Juva Lodge is the most remote tourist accommodation in Svalbard and is only accessible in the snow during the winter months. Once there, cosy up beside the fire or head to the barrel glass-fronted sauna providing exceptional panoramic views of the mountains.
Eat breakfast under the Aurora before mushing your way back to the kennels and head back to Funken Lodge for your final night. Have dinner at the lodge’s exceptional Funktionaermessen Restaurant and reflect on your once-in-a-lifetime Northern Lights experience.
The five-day, four-night Polar Night itinerary costs from £2699 per person, on a full board basis, based on two people travelling, not including flights. As with any itinerary from Off the Map Travel, each can be tailor-made to fit the wishes and requirements of the guest.
This includes one night in Oslo, two nights at Funken lodge and one night at the Juva Cabin in between, private transfers, all activities and all meals.
For more information, visit www.offthemap.travel, call 0800 566 8901 or email info@offthemap.travel.
The main image is courtesy of Hurtigruten Svalbard second image is courtesy of Agurtxane Concellon, the third image (aurora) is courtesy of Jeppe Kuld, and the final image is also by Agurtxane Concellon.
Read more travel news and features here.