The Svalbard Islands, Norway – Arctic wilderness, wildlife

Dynamic Variation:

The Svalbard Islands are located in the Arctic Ocean, halfway between Norway and the North Pole. Here, you will find untouched arctic wilderness and unique wildlife in a setting that is both rugged and fragile at the same time.

Dynamic Variation:

Arctic food is served at a wide range of places to eat and drink of higher standards than you might expect from a small community, among them the world's northernmost sushi restaurant. Svalbard also has a local beer brewery.

Dynamic Variation:

Historically, both whaling and trapping have been major activities in the archipelago, but now sustainability is the guiding principle in every way: Nearly two thirds of the surface of Svalbard is protected and consists of several nature reserves, national parks, bird sanctuaries and even a geotopical protected area.

Find more inspiration on Svalbard’s official website.

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visitsvalbard.com

Colored houses in Longyearbyen.
Photo: Visit Svalbard

Svalbard.
Photo: Ole Jørgen Liodden/Naturfokus/ www.nordnorge.com/Longyearbyen

Polar bear in Svalbard.
Photo: Ole J Liodden/Naturfokus/ www.nordnorge.com/Longyearbyen

Reindeer grazing in front of the seed vault at Svalbard.
Photo: Renato Granieri/Visitnorway.com

Dog sledding in Longyearbyen.
Photo: Björn Klauer / www.nordnorge.com/Longyearbyen

Towards sustainability

The certification Sustainable Destination is a seal of approval given to destinations that work systematically to reduce the negative impact of tourism. In addition to providing visitors with enjoyable experiences, the destination must preserve the local nature, culture and environment, strengthen social values, and be economically viable. The municipality and the travel industry must cooperate closely to assure that the destination is a great place both to live in and to visit.

Find out more about sustainability in Norway

Sustainable destination

Plan your trip

Where to stay in the Svalbard Islands

Get inspired

Svalbard now: travellers’ own pictures

Getting here and around

Remember that Svalbard is not part of the Schengen area, so passports must be brought by all non-Norwegian visitors. Get in-depth travel information on Svalbard’s official website.

Statens Kartverk, Geovekst og kommuner - Geodata AS

By snowmobile

There are only about 46 kilometres of road on the Svalbard Islands. Driving off-road is strictly prohibited.

There are no roads between the various settlements. Instead, locals use boats in summer and snowmobiles in winter. Snowmobiles can be rented in Longyearbyen.
By boat

There is no regular boat transportation between the Norwegian mainland and Svalbard.

Several companies offer Svalbard safaries and round trips, but these do not offer passage to and from the mainland. You have to make your way to Svalbard through other means.

Check out ferry and cruise companies in Svalbard.
By plane

There are daily flights to and from Svalbard throughout the year, and frequency increases in the summer.

Flight time is around 3 hours from Oslo and 1,5–2 hours from Tromsø.

An airport shuttle service is available for all scheduled flights and takes you to most hotels and guest houses for a fee.