Svalbard
 Winter Glow
Svalbard Winter Glow Photo Tours & Expeditions
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, with great opportunities to photograph polar bears, walruses and seals on the sea ice. Though it's still winter, the presence of 24-hour sunlight makes photography more accessible.
The first migratory birds return to Svalbard in late winter to prepare for the spring, while seals and walruses rest on the sea ice or land with their young pups and calves. This is a special time when the polar bear mothers lead their young and inexperienced cubs onto the sea ice in search of a fresh seal meal.
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 the
Midnight Sun
to the High Arctic
• Amazing light for photography
• Stunning yellow, orange and red colours
• 24-hour light for photography
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 may be seen on the fjord ice after leaving their dens.
Itinerary Svalbard Winter Glow
Svalbard is located about 80 degrees north, so we plan our Svalbard Winter Glow expeditions in accordance with prevailing weather and ice conditions. It might also be possible to go further east with our expedition ship, into the Hinlopen Strait and northeast. A possible itinerary for a Svalbard Winter Glow expedition could be:
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 5-7Â - 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 some years, it might be possible to visit Hinlopen and the western side of Nordaustlandet, if the sea ice allows for it.
Day 8 - Returning to Isfjorden, arriving in Longyearbyen port late in the evening.
Day 9 - Disembarking the ship after breakfast and preparing for the journey home.
Svalbard Winter Glow Dates
Below is a list of our Svalbard Winter Glow expedition dates onboard MS Virgo – with max 12 guests. To inquire or book a spot, simply click the "Available Spots" button, and you will be directed to where you can find more information about which cabins are available and pricing.
Svalbard
Winter Glow
09 MAY - 17 MAY 2026 9 Days
from USD 10,995 per person
Svalbard
Winter Glow
15 APR - 23 APR 2027 9 Days
from EURO 9,995 per person
Svalbard
Winter Glow
15 APR - 23 APR 2028 9 Days
from EURO 10,495 per person
Do you need help to book?
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.
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, if sea ice is not blocking the beaches, walruses may also rest on land in the snow.
Other Seasons in Svalbard
Not interested in a Winter Extreme expedition? No problem! We offer other exciting seasonal and specialized options for photographers to Svalbard. Click on any of the images below to explore more about photography expeditions to Svalbard.
Svalbard Winter Extreme
Photo Expeditions to Svalbard in March and early April with amazing light conditions.
Svalbard Spring Awakening
Photo Expeditions to Svalbard in May and June when Arctic birds and wildlife are preparing for the Summer.
Svalbard Summer Dream
Photo Expeditions to Svalbard in July and August enjoying Summertime in the Arctic.
Svalbard Autumn Magic
Photo Expeditions to Svalbard in September and October with Magic Autumn Light.
Svalbard Below Surface
Underwater Photography & Snorkeling Expeditions to Svalbard in June.
Do you need more information?
Learn more
Below is a selection of some WildPhoto Expert Tips to help you learn more about Svalbard photography. These tips are ideal for preparing for an upcoming WildPhoto trip, or if you are seeking information and inspiration about Svalbard.
Photography
Polar Bear Photography
Learn more about where, when and how to photograph polar bears in Svalbard, and what is the recommended photo gear to bring on a polar bear photography expedition.
Travel preparation
Wildlife & Nature
Arctic Birds of Svalbard
Learn about bird species, camera gear, and tips for photographing Arctic birds.
Travel preparation
Svalbard Weather
Learn about sea ice, wind, and waves in Svalbard to better understand and forecast Arctic weather conditions.