January 2027 – 9 days

Register for 2027 and we will contact you when details including dates and prices are confirmed.

Join a thrilling Arctic adventure in Norway, combining the wonder of astronomy with the science of glaciology. Delve into the science behind the northern lights, Arctic ecosystems and human adaptation to extreme northern environments. From the fjords and coastal life around Tromso to the research-rich expanse of Longyearbyen, this expedition offers an unforgettable blend of natural beauty, wildlife and cutting-edge science. 

Norway boasts some of the most beautiful natural experiences and a rich diversity of marine life along its striking coastline. On this New Scientist Discovery Tour, you will gain in-depth insight into the science behind the aurora borealis, the ecology of whales and many other Arctic phenomena, along with how humans have adapted to life so far north.

Accompanied throughout by New Scientist's Rowan Hooper, you will explore the picturesque city of Tromso and its surrounding fjords and coastal life. You will then travel north to Longyearbyen in the archipelago of Svalbard, host to a vast amount of Arctic and atmospheric research, and a great base from which to explore Svalbard above the 78th parallel of latitude.

The adventure will include two marine safaris, a dog sled journey to explore an ice cave under a glacier, many opportunities to enjoy the aurora borealis and a plethora of Arctic science. 

In partnership with Intrepid Travel.

DAY 1: ARRIVE INTO TROMSO

The tour begins in Tromso, the gateway to the Arctic.

After checking in to the four-star Radisson Blu Hotel, you will meet your tour leader and have the first of four talks from New Scientist editor, podcast presenter and author Rowan Hooper. He will accompany you during the entire tour and his talks will cover such subjects as why the Arctic is crucial to the planet’s well-being, how we could refreeze it, the science of the aurora borealis, regrowing the global whale population and re-engineering marine ecosystems to draw down carbon.

Afterwards, you will share dinner together at the hotel.

DAY 2: MARINE SAFARI AND CABLE CAR

After breakfast, board a boat in the nearby harbour for a wildlife and fjord safari. As you pass through the frozen coastline, you will get an opportunity to look for sea eagles, seals, elegant cormorants and whales. Your boat's expert crew will help you spot them during the day, while giving you marine insights and regaling you with local tales. The safari will take up to 5 hours.

Back on land, you will take the cable car from the harbour to the Storsteinen mountain ledge, 421 metres above sea level for a panoramic view of Tromso and (weather permitting), a near endless view of the islands, fjords, mountains and open sea.

DAY 3: TROMSO AND THE NORTHERN NORWEGIAN SCIENCE CENTER

Today you will enjoy a guided tour of Tromso including a visit to the Northern Norwegian Science Center and its planetarium (Norway’s largest) based on the Tromso campus of the Arctic University of Norway. At the planetarium you will watch their northern lights documentary and a stunning full-dome visual show.

DAY 4: TRAVEL TO SVALBARD

In the morning, a private transfer will take you to the airport, from where you will fly to Longyearbyen in Svalbard. If the weather is cooperative, you will enjoy stunning views of the archipelago as you fly into Longyearbyen.

After checking in to the four-star Radisson Blu Polar, the world’s northernmost full-service hotel, you will have the rest of the day at leisure.

As you are now almost 1000 kilometres north of Tromso and above latitude 78 degrees, be prepared to pop outside at a moment's notice in the evening as the chances of the northern lights putting on a show are significantly increased.

While here, Rowan’s talks will cover the plethora of research and scientific undertakings in the region including the Global Seed Vault, the Zeppelin Observatory and the Svalbard Satellite Station.

DAY 5: MARINE CRUISE TO VISIT THE ESMARK GLACIER AND BARENTSBURG

After breakfast, you will enjoy a fjord cruise visiting the Esmark glacier and the settlement of Barentsburg. You will explore the bays and inlets of Isfjorden, passing mountains and plenty of wildlife. If you’re lucky, perhaps you will even spot a polar bear! You will get up close to Esmark Glacier’s towering wall of ice, then dock at the remote settlement of Barentsburg for a guided tour of the town with just 300 inhabitants. While on board you will enjoy a traditional lunch and the ship's guide will recount tails of glaciers and Arctic wildlife.

DAY 6: DOG SLEDDING, THE SCOTT TURNER GLACIER AND CAMP BARENTZ

Today you will visit a beautiful ice cave in the Scott Turner glacier and you’ll get there by dog sled. Don’t worry if you have never been on a sled before – this experience is designed to be highly accessible for all regardless of ability, physical prowess or affinity for dogs.

You will start the day being kitted out in an exposure suit with mittens and boots. You will find the dogs eagerly waiting for a run in the wilds. An experienced musher drives you safely through the gorgeous landscape and you can have a go yourself. The actual sledding is surprisingly quiet, which allows you to enjoy the magical landscape as you journey towards the glacier surrounded by mighty mountains.

Sixty per cent of Svalbard is covered in glaciers, and when you visit the Scott Turner glacier, you will descend into it. Here you will see 1000-year-old remnants of frozen plant and ice formations.

In the evening, you will travel into Advent valley for a northern lights evening at Camp Barentz. The camp is a former mining village at the foot of Breinosa mountain, far away from light pollution and often frequented by reindeer, grouse and Arctic fox. A delicious campfire dinner and further insight into the aurora phenomena make it an ideal setting for enjoying the northern lights if they appear.

DAY 7: SVALBARD MUSEUM AND BREWERY

Today, you are back on land for a more leisurely day, starting with a visit to the nearby Svalbard Museum where you will see exhibits on 400 years of Svalbard’s history with a focus on the relationship between land, sea and nature.

We are also trying to arrange a visit to the Svalbard Science Centre next door, with talks from the Norwegian Polar Institute and UNIS, the University Centre in Svalbard, but these activities are still to be confirmed.

In the evening we will have a sociable visit and tour of the world’s northernmost brewery, where their beers are enriched with Arctic minerals from 2000-year-old glaciers.

DAY 9: DEPART FOR OSLO

After checking out of your Arctic outpost, you will take a flight from Longyearbyen to Oslo to connect with your onward journey. Once again, if the weather is compliant, you are in for some stunning views as you leave.

OSLO EXTENSION

Oslo is a fascinating city, so should you wish to extend your stay, we have arranged a two-night extension. Discover the largest collection of Edvard Munch’s paintings, the museum of the famous expedition vessel Fram and a host of other interesting museums.

You will be staying at the four-star Thon Hotel Opera, set in the heart of the city on a bed and breakfast basis. On your first morning, a walking tour is included. Plus, private transfers from and returning to the airport are included. The price is £300 per person based on two sharing a room. If you would like a room to yourself, the supplement is £190.

PLEASE NOTE

Icy conditions and weather may impact the cruises and some of the other outdoor activities. We cannot guarantee the aurora borealis will make a showing. However, we have designed the itinerary with some flexibility to allow us to move activities between days. We believe our guests will get the most out of the tour if they also approach it with a flexible attitude.