Svalbard After Dark
The following is a sponsored destination post brought to you by Private Jet Charters.
In November 2012, a total solar eclipse will clip some islands along the northern coast of Australia. After that, the next chance to experience a total eclipse will be on March 20, 2015 in the Faroe Islands, Svalbard, and the North Pole. Trips to the North Pole are available to civilians and it would be amazing to see a total solar eclipse from the North Pole. Unfortunately such trips cost about $20,000.
I will be in Svalbard for the solar eclipse. Svalbard is an archipelago north of, and possessed by, Norway. Spitsbergen is the main and only inhabited island. Longyearbyen is the capital and largest settlement.
I have already witnessed one eclipse in Shanghai in 2009. There, I saw half of the event before rainclouds moved in and obscured the view. Svalbard, with its cold-induced clear skies, will be ideal for not only a total solar eclipse, but heavens-watching in general. It is said that Svalbard is the world’s best location for catching a glimpse of the rare daytime aurora.
Flights within Norway are operated by SAS. The eclipse is on a Friday so it is convenient that flights between Oslo and Longyearbyen are cheapest on Thursdays. The least expensive flight option would be to spend a full week in Longyearbyen, Thursday to Thursday.
Most flights to Longyearbyen go through Tromso, which is worth stopping to visit for at least a day or two. In the 19th century, Tromso was known as “the Paris of the North.” Today, it is known for its techno music scene, stunning vistas, and the distinctive Arctic Cathedral. Perhaps more importantly, Tromso is in the middle of the Aurora Borealis zone. Catching sight of the Northern Lights is quite possible in Oslo, but in Tromso your odds are 50-50 on a night in March.
Flights aren’t booked more than a year in advance and things change. It is possible that more flights will be scheduled to accommodate the increased demand. Then again, perhaps not, since hotel accommodations will be limited. There are several small lodges. The only full size hotel (and the northernmost in the world) is the Radisson Blu Polar Hotel Spitsbergen. They are very aware of the upcoming event. Rooms are already in high demand and could become difficult to find soon. As far as the flights go, you can check back with SAS in 2014 or with Private Jets Charter.
There is plenty to keep you busy in Svalbard during a visit to witness the solar eclipse. For example, you can go dog sledding, tour a coal mine, or visit a few of the museums. Animal lovers will enjoy catching a glimpse of seals, whales, reindeer and polar bears.
March 2015 may seem far away at the moment, but the total solar eclipse will be here before you know it - it never hurts to plan ahead!
Leah on Mon, 6th Jun 2011 8:12 am
I really enjoyed reading your post. I am thirty-two soon and have itchy feet that are ready to try out foreign soils.
It is a fear of leaving the security of the day to day grind of paying the bills and living a safe and non-challenging way of life that has put me on hold for some time.
I hope (as it has I) your post will inspire others to go and follow their bliss – Leah 🙂
Patricia GW on Mon, 6th Jun 2011 8:54 am
Travel and experiencing a new culture really has put it into perspective, and filled that void with purpose (and joy).
In three weeks I’ll be moving to Paris myself for one month. I have the same feeling – the incredible surreal realization that I’m going to be living there…. it’s thrilling!!
Abby on Mon, 6th Jun 2011 2:11 pm
Oh, Jenny! Escargot isn’t palatable — it’s delicious! I love your writing style; it’s so fun and energetic. Can you believe how far we’ve come? Everyone, Jenny and I were in the exact same industry and have known each other online and via work emails for years and years. But we’ve only met once, many, many years ago. And one of those jobs she was sleeping next to her BlackBerry for was one I’d just left. And now she’s 33 and living abroad, just like I was last year. Kindred spirits. Jenny, you’re a true inspiration — I can’t wait to see how your adventure unfolds!
Debbie Beardsley on Mon, 6th Jun 2011 3:22 pm
Your life in Paris sounds ideal. It is nice to read about people who follow their dreams instead of wishing they had! Enjoy the rest of your journey.
Terriaw on Tue, 7th Jun 2011 1:40 pm
Wow, fabulous and well said! I love your new outlook on like. After experiencing career burnout and feeling a little lost and purposeless lately, you have encouraged me. I look forward to seeing Paris someday!
Jenny on Tue, 7th Jun 2011 6:50 pm
merci for all the sweet comments! @abby we are soooo kindred spirits! well except when it comes to our differing feelings on escargot…;) and congrats patricia on the move! thrilling indeed!
shawna on Thu, 9th Jun 2011 1:32 am
you’ve reawakened my travel bug. must. return. to. france. (someday.) eat a croissant for me!
Weekly Travel Blog Links — LandingStanding on Mon, 13th Jun 2011 6:16 am
[…] how badly I want to go to Paris… If only we could afford living there for an extended period of time during our travels! Any […]
G. Michael Schneider on Sun, 19th Jun 2011 3:36 pm
I am a firm believer in living and working overseas, just as you described. However, many of us actually like our jobs and our homes and are simply looking to renew and refresh our lives, not change it. However, you can have the same type of cultural experience without having to reach into your own wallet and without having to quit your day job–by taking what I call a “working vacation.” My wife and I have done this 15 separate times, from Australia to Zimbabwe, Turket to Tibet, Mauritius to Mongolia. I describe how to do it in my blog otherguysdime.wordpress.com and via Twitter at @otherguysdime. Learn how to have fun without having to have burn any of your bridges behind you.