Norway’s spectacular Svalbard archipelago in the polar north is populated by polar bears and Arctic foxes, along with myriad bird and marine life.
A new tour from Simply Sweden aims to highlight the remote region’s natural wonders during the longer days of the midnight sun with boat and walking trips, mixing stays in characterful hotels with nights in the capital Oslo and lively Tromsø.
Two nights are spent at the Isfjord Radio at Cape Linne on the Isfjord’s southernmost tip, 80km from Longyearbyen, the archipelago’s main community and the northernmost town in the world. This 23-room historic radio station turned boutique hotel, reached by boat across Isfjorden in summer (by dog sled or snowmobile in winter), was established in 1933. Arctic-chic interiors feature blueish-grey hues, goatskin blankets and driftwood sculptures. For full immersion in the local culture, raw whale and reindeer and lentils are on the menu.
An eight-night Magic of the Arctic — Svalbard trip costs from £2,295pp B&B, based on two sharing, including return flights to Oslo and out of Tromsø, internal flights, airport transfers in Longyearbyen and Tromsø, some meals and boat safari, simplysweden.co.uk
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