New Arctic accommodation launched for this winter is the closest you can get to the North Pole – without going on an expedition.
Perfect for anyone who has dreamed of experiencing the Northern Lights, this new adventure also gives guests an increased chance to catch the Aurora, with 24 hours of darkness and no light pollution thanks to its remote location.
The five-day Polar Night adventure in Svalbard, Norway, launched this week by specialist travel company Off the Map Travel, takes visitors further North than ever before, transporting guests to the comfort and isolation of the new Juva Lodge.
The seclusion of the new Juva Cabin allows guests to experience a connection with the spectacular wild landscape of Svalbard, positioned strategically to deliver the best possible views of its magnificent surrounding scenery.
The traditional cabin comes equipped with comfortable beds, a warm fireplace, a Scandinavian-styled lounge room, a kitchen, and a brand new barrel sauna, delivering a wilderness experience in comfort.
A big draw for the new itinerary is the dark Arctic skies and the Northern Lights.
Designed by Off the Map Travel’s Aurora experts, the location, 24-hour-long polar night, and no light pollution gives guests the best possible opportunity to witness the spectacular 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, the adventure begins with a night in Norway’s capital, Oslo, before heading north to Svalbard, a Norwegian archipelago between mainland Norway and the North Pole.
The Arctic 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.
In the evening, guests will head out on a panoramic snowcat tour on an Aurora hunt whilst taking in the incredible views of the varied and 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, guests meet a dog sled team, that will take them to the new accommodation, Juva Lodge.
Only accessible in the snow during the winter months, Juva Lodge is the most remote tourist accommodation in Svalbard. Once there, guests can cosy up beside the fire or head to the barrel glass-fronted sauna with exceptional panoramic views of the mountains.
After breakfast under the Aurora, mush your way back to the kennels before returning for a final night at Funken Lodge and dinner at the lodge’s Funktionaermessen Restaurant while reflecting 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, private transfers, all activities, and all meals.
For more information visit www.offthemap.travel, call 0800 566 8901 or email info@offthemap.travel
