Svalbard Winter Glow
Svalbard Winter Glow Photo Expeditions from mid-April to mid-May offer stunning light conditions as the Midnight Sun returns. The winter snow glows under the golden light, creating dreamlike conditions for photographers. This is the perfect time to capture the ethereal beauty of Svalbard’s glaciers, mountains, and frozen fjords, all illuminated in soft orange and red colours.
The delicate light of the Arctic’s late winter also creates stunning conditions for wildlife photography. Iconic polar bears roam across the sea ice or wander on snow-covered land, set against the dramatic backdrop of the winter landscape. Walruses and seals rest on the sea ice, while Arctic foxes and reindeer provide excellent photo opportunities on land. Though it's still winter, the presence of 24-hour sunlight makes photography more accessible and rewarding.
If you dream of photographing wildlife in the winter landscape with the glow of the Midnight Sun, this expedition is perfect for you!
Return of theMidnight Sun to the High Arctic
• Amazing light for photography
• Stunning yellow, orange and red colours
• 24-hours light for photography
The Midnight Sun returns to Svalbard in mid-April, providing 24 hours of stunning golden light in orange and red colours — perfect for photographing wildlife and landscapes.
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PhotographingPolar Bears on Winter Sea Ice
• Polar bears in the pack ice
• Great winter light
• Possibilities for polar bear cubs
Polar bears can be found on drifting sea ice, fjord ice, or along the shoreline. In April, polar bear mothers with cubs can hopefully be seen on the fjord ice after leaving their dens.
Click on the image below to read the trip report from the WildPhoto Winter Glow expedition to Svalbard 17-25 April 2022. See where we have been, what we have photographed, and some behind-the-scenes images.
PhotographingWalrus & Seals in Midnight Sun
• Walrus & seals on drifting sea ice
• Great light conditions
Walruses and seals can be found resting on ice floes at sea or in the fjords. In late winter, when sea ice is not blocking the beaches, walruses may also rest on land in the snow.
Available spots on Svalbard Winter Glow
Below is a list of available cabins for our Svalbard Winter Glow expeditions onboard our expedition ship MS Virgo (maximum of 12 guests). The price displayed for each cabin is per person (in USD), not for the entire cabin. To inquire or book a spot, simply click the button under your preferred cabin, and you’ll be directed to an email to booking@wildphoto.com, where you can provide more details about what you are interested in or request further information. If your desired cabin or availability isn't listed, please let us know. We can add you to the waiting list and notify you if spots become available later.
Itinerary Svalbard Winter Glow
DAY 1 Departure from Longyearbyen through Isfjorden.
DAY 2-4 Northwestern coast of Spitsbergen, with possible visits to Kongsfjorden, Magdalenefjorden, Smeerenburgfjorden, Raudfjorden, Liefdefjorden and other areas. Here we have possibilities to have great landscapes with glaciers and sharp mountain ridges, as well as chances for wildlife encounters.
DAY 5-7 Southwestern coast of Spitsbergen with Bellsund and Hornsund, where there are also great snow-covered mountains and chances for wildlife on the sea ice. The weather and ice conditions have to be in our favour to get into both the northwestern and southwestern areas of Spitsbergen in winter.
In May it might be possible to visit Hinlopen, if the sea ice allows for it, giving us more opportunities on the western side of Nordaustlandet.
DAY 8 Returning to Isfjorden arriving in Longyearbyen port late in the evening.
DAY 9 Disembarking the ship after breakfast and preparing for the travel home.
The map below illustrates a possible itinerary for a Svalbard Winter Glow photo expedition.
FAQ - Good to know about Svalbard late Winter
Click on the frequently asked questions below to learn more about our Svalbard Winter Glow photo expeditions.
Other Svalbard seasons for photographers
Not interested in a Winter Glow expedition in late April or May? No problem! We offer four other exciting seasonal options for travelling to Svalbard. Click on any of the images below to explore more about our other seasons with photography expeditions to Svalbard.
Please click on one of the buttons below to request more information about Svalbard Winter Glow expeditions or if you want to reserve a spot.
WildPhoto Travel is a leading photo expedition company - specialized in polar regions. Since 2006, we have offered great photo opportunities for our guests and partners.
