Plan your trip to Svalbard

A short flight from Norway’s main land, takes you to the mighty and arctic landscape at the Svalbard Islands. Explore raw wilderness adventures, the unique animal life, and eat and live well in the lively city of Longyearbyen.

The polar climate, rich wildlife, wild nature and old mining towns of Svalbard have fascinated travellers for a long time. Longyearbyen is an international city with many cultural events, such as concerts, festivals and exhibitions. Dine on arctic food traditions like seal, whale, reindeer, grouse and Arctic char at one of the many restaurants. Svalbard also has a local beer brewery and one of Norway’s greatest selections of Champagne.

From the city of Longyearbyen you can go on exciting trips by boat, kayak, snowmobiles or dog sledding. You can go hiking or skiing, just don’t venture anywhere outside the city border without a professional guide, because in addition to the 3,000 people living there, Svalbard is also home of the mighty polar bear.

«Svalbard is as close as most mortals can get to the North Pole and still capture its spirit.»
— Lonely Planet

“Svalbard” means “cold coasts”, however, the archipelago has a relatively mild climate compared to other areas at the same latitude. The constant midnight sun in the summer and the dark period during winter make for two entirely different experiences. The polar night is special to Svalbard – it’s the darkest time of the dark period from mid November to the end of January. It gets dark enough that you can see the striking northern lights during the day.

Historically, both whaling and mining have been major industries at the archipelago, but now polar exploration and tourism are the main focus. Svalbard’s nature is unforgiving, but fragile. Nearly two thirds of the surface of Svalbard is protected, and it’s crucial to show caution for the wild animals living there.

Longyearbyen has achieved the certification Sustainable Destination. Although this does not mean that the destination is sustainable, it does mean that it has made a commitment to work systematically to reduce the negative effects of tourism, while strengthening its positive ripple effects

The most common way to travel to Svalbard is by plane. Find more inspiration on Svalbard’s official website.

visitsvalbard.com

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Things to do| Where to stay| Food and drink| Getting here and around

Dog sledding and activities

Stay active and explore Svalbard by dog sledding, skiing or hiking!

Safaris and sightseeing

Join guided tours to learn about the culture, see the nature and the animals living there!

Where to stay

From comfy hotels to cosy cabins. Find your home away from home at Svalbard.

Food and drink

From local food gems to high-end restaurants. Get a taste of what Svalbard offers.

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.

Featured

Activities at Svalbard

Photography hiking tour around Longyearbyen - See & Explore

Our primary focus, on this tour, is nature photography and wildlife and to find the good views for eyes and / or camera. Our focus depends on the… Read more

Photography hiking tour around Longyearbyen - See & Explore

Bespoke ski touring in Svalbard with certified Svalbard guides - Backyard Svalbard

Have you ever dreamt of doing ski touring in Svalbard? Our bespoken ski touring tours in scenic Svalbard nature are unique. Backyard Svalbard is a… Read more

Bespoke ski touring in Svalbard with certified Svalbard guides - Backyard Svalbard

Nordenskiöldtoppen Trekking - Poli Arctici

This challenging day hike is a local favourite. Climb to the top of the highest peak near Longyearbyen (1051m above sea level) for an unforgettable… Read more

Nordenskiöldtoppen Trekking - Poli Arctici

Platåfjellet: Hike with panoramic view of Longyearbyen - Svalbard Wildlife Expeditions

Join us for a trip to the summit of Platåfjellet and get the beautiful panorama view of Longyearbyen, 424 metres above sea level! Read more

Platåfjellet: Hike with panoramic view of Longyearbyen - Svalbard Wildlife Expeditions

Maybe Aurora Borealis? Dog sledding- with overnight at dog yard - Svalbard Villmarkssenter

Dogsledding with an overnight in a hut by the dog farm. The silence will reign all night, depart from possible interruptions by an amazing concert… Read more

Maybe Aurora Borealis? Dog sledding- with overnight at dog yard - Svalbard Villmarkssenter

Longyearbyen City Walk - Rana Itinerans

From fundation to nowadays : how to live in a remote and inhospitable place : a 2h30 entertaining stroll around Longyearbyen Read more

Longyearbyen City Walk - Rana Itinerans

The Ultimate Svalbard Experience - Dog Sledding with Ice Cave Visit - Arctic Husky Travellers

Together with our 45 eager huskies we will travel though the beautiful valleys in our local area and choose an ice cave to visit. Read more

The Ultimate Svalbard Experience - Dog Sledding with Ice Cave Visit - Arctic Husky Travellers

Arctic Dog Sledding - Svalbard Husky

The best way to experience the beauty and endlessness of the Arctic landscape is on a dogsled. During this time, the light has returned from the long… Read more

Arctic Dog Sledding - Svalbard Husky

All in one - Sightseeing, Bird watching and Husky Visit - Discover Svalbard

This is a tailor-made trip, if you would like to have it all in one package. After picking you up from your accommodation, we will start with a… Read more

All in one - Sightseeing, Bird watching and Husky Visit - Discover Svalbard

Dog sledding on wheels - Basecamp Explorer Spitsbergen

Basecamp Explorer have a 90 huskies that are eager to take you out on a trip while in Svalbard. On this adventure you will learn how to handle your… Read more

Dog sledding on wheels - Basecamp Explorer Spitsbergen

Arctic sauna – Private group - SvalBad

Take a time-out and find inner peace at SvalBad, our floating, wood burning sauna. Here you can enjoy the view of Hiorthfjellet or, if you're lucky,… Read more

Arctic sauna – Private group - SvalBad

Safaris and sightseeing

Coal Mine 3

Have you ever been in a coalmine before? Join us today and dig deep in the history of Longyearbyen, the miners, all the coal dust and their life in… Read more

Coal Mine 3

Walrus safari - Two tons of happiness - Better Moments

Svalbard's wildlife is unique and fascinating. Join us on our day trip to experience it from up close! Every day we use our closed and comfortable RIB… Read more

Walrus safari - Two tons of happiness - Better Moments

Wildlife and Glacier Cruise - Hurtigruten Svalbard

Join Hurtigruten Svalbard on a boat tour with a hybrid-electric catamaran. With this new vessel, an exciting and more environmentally friendly boat… Read more

Wildlife and Glacier Cruise - Hurtigruten Svalbard

Whale Safari - Polar Charter

Join us on M/V "Polargirl" for an evening trip searching for the biggest animals on the planet the blue whale. Read more

Whale Safari - Polar Charter

Snowmobile Safari to Northern Ligths Camp - Svalbard Adventures

Join us by snowmobile into the polar night and let yourself be captivated by the unique blue light that characterizes the polar night. We hunt for the… Read more

Snowmobile Safari to Northern Ligths Camp - Svalbard Adventures

Where to stay at Svalbard

Radisson Blu Polar Hotel Spitsbergen

Welcome to the newly renovated Radisson Blu Polar Hotel, a family-friendly hotel in the heart of Longyearbyen. Read more

Radisson Blu Polar Hotel Spitsbergen

Funken Lodge

With modern comfort in historic surroundings, Funken Lodge offers a unique Svalbard experience. You stay at the top of "the Hill", and have great… Read more

Funken Lodge

Svalbard Hotel | Polfareren

We opened the doors to the newest department at Svalbard Hotell & Lodge in February 2015. With 31 brand new rooms, newer and better facilities, we… Read more

Svalbard Hotel | Polfareren

Svalbard Hotel | The Vault

Svalbard Hotel The Vault opened 1st of February 2018 and is the newest hotel in Longyearbyen. The hotel has 35 rooms in total, with 33 double rooms… Read more

Svalbard Hotel | The Vault

Basecamp Hotel

Welcome to Basecamp Hotel, an honest and authentic hotel concept that will set the perfect mood for your Svalbard adventure. Inspired by the… Read more

Basecamp Hotel

Isfjord Radio Adventure Hotel

Isfjord Radio Adventure Hotel is situated on the windswept grounds of Kapp Linné, at the edge of Svalbard's west coast. Who could imagine it would be… Read more

Isfjord Radio Adventure Hotel

Mary-Ann's Polarrigg

Created in 1999 by owner Mary-Ann Dahle, the hotel was transformed from its previous life as miners barracks carefully and lovingly into what we have… Read more

Mary-Ann's Polarrigg

Gjestehuset 102

Gjestehuset 102 is located in the heart of Nybyen, surrounded by glaciers, mountains, coal mines and wildlife. Located in the upper part of the… Read more

Gjestehuset 102

Haugen Pensjonat Svalbard

Haugen Pensjonat Svalbard is a small pension a 10 minutes walk from the centre of Longyearbyen. We have 9 identical rooms, all of 15 m². The… Read more

Haugen Pensjonat Svalbard

Longyearbyen Camping

There’s often much talk about sleeping peacefully under the starry night sky, but have you ever wondered what it’s like to snooze under… Read more

Longyearbyen Camping

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Seasons and climate

Due to the temperate waters of the Gulf Stream, Alta has a much milder climate than other parts of the world at the same latitude, such as Alaska and Greenland.

Alta has good climatic conditions – little precipitation, pleasant winters and relatively warm summers.

January and February are the coldest months, with an average temperature of -8°C.

July and August are warmest with an average temperature of 13°C.

April and May are the driest months, with an average 19 mm of rainfall. July is the wettest month.

Strong winds can occur.

Get the latest weather forecast on yr.no. Read more about the northern lights.

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Plan your trip to Svalbard

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Categories

Sub-Categories

Regions

Details

General

Accessibility

Age limit

Discount

Effort level

Landscape

Price range

Season

Accommodation

Camping

Hotel facilities

In-room facilities

Ski resorts

Outdoor Activities

Activities

Alpine Skiing

Biking

Canoeing & kayaking

Cross-country skiing

Fishing

Hiking

Wildlife safaries

Winter activities