Svalbard. An Arctic playground where polar bears outnumber humans. This is a land of glaciers, northern lights, midnight sun and frozen tundra. Svalbard may seem barren, but it is full of Arctic wildlife such as reindeer, walrus and polar bears. If you want to explore the wilderness, the possibilities are endless, both in winter and in summer.
SVALBARD TRAVEL GUIDE
WHY TO SVALBARD?
If you look at Svalbard on the globe, it looks like it is just a stone’s throw away from the North Pole. Longyearbyen, located at 78° north, is the northernmost municipality in the world.
This is the kind of place where the locals take their kayak, rifle, tent and dog and explore the icy landscapes for days on end. These people are tough as nails.
Many adventures await you in Svalbard. You can go on “gentle” adventures such as short hikes or boat tours. But you can also shift up a gear and kayak past glaciers or explore the snow-covered landscape by snowmobile. Or you can be a tough dog and go on multi-day snowmobile or sled dog expeditions. If you have plenty of time and money to spare, you can take a week-long cruise around Svalbard to see polar bears.
Svalbard stole my heart. And I was completely unprepared for it. I’m not the type of person who likes cold, treeless landscapes or the barrenness you find in Svalbard. And for some reason, that’s exactly why I fell in love with the island.
Svalbard feels like an adventure. New landscapes, new experiences… it could become your new favorite place
INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT SVALBARD
Around 2,100 people from 50 countries live on Svalbard. Norwegians are the largest group, but there are also many people from Sweden, Russia and Thailand.
The streets in Longyearbyen don’t have names, but numbers.
July is the warmest month with maximum temperatures averaging 7°C (45°F). The coldest months here are from January to March, with highs averaging -13°C (9°F). While this is cold, it’s probably not what you’d expect from a town this far north. The west side of Spitsbergen is bathed by the warm Atlantic current, which helps to moderate the temperatures in Longyearbyen.
Cats are prohibited in Svalbard as they hunt and kill the native birds.
It is “illegal” to die in Svalbard. Actually, it’s not really illegal to die here, but if you die, you won’t be buried here. The ground is permafrost, so bodies that are buried here do not decompose. Yes, there are still perfectly preserved bodies from 100 years ago in the Svalbard cemetery.
Giving birth is also out of the question. Three weeks before the due date, a woman has to return to the mainland to give birth. The medical facilities on Svalbard are not prepared for an emergency during childbirth.
In Longyearbyen, it is customary to take off your shoes when entering hotels, stores and restaurants. This tradition dates back to the coal mining era to prevent coal dust from being carried into the buildings.
If you plan to leave town, you should have a rifle with you just in case you come across a roaming polar bear.
SVALBARD GEOGRAPHIE 101
Before we get into what we should do and where we should go, it’s helpful to have a quick lesson in geography.
SVALBARD
Svalbard is a Norwegian archipelago located in the Arctic Ocean. The name Svalbard refers to this entire archipelago.
SPITSBERGEN
Spitsbergen is the largest island of Svalbard. This island takes up more than half of Svalbard and almost all towns and settlements are located here, with the exception of a few meteorological outposts.
Before the Svalbard Treaty was signed in 1920, the entire archipelago was known as Spitsbergen. In the 1920s, Norway renamed the archipelago Svalbard, but even today this land mass is sometimes referred to as Spitsbergen.
The smaller islands are called Nordaustlandet and Edgeøya.
LONGYEARBYEN
Longyearbyen is the largest settlement in Svalbard. It is also the northernmost town in the world. This is a town where the streets have no names, reindeer wander through the town and there are more snowmobiles than people. If you want to visit Svalbard, you will eat, sleep and spend your time between Arctic adventures in Longyearbyen.
PYRAMIDEN
Pyramiden is an abandoned Russian mining town near Longyearbyen and is one of the most popular excursion destinations in Svalbard. According to National Geographic, Pyramiden is one of the ten best ghost towns to visit in the world.
BARENTSBURG
Barentsburg is the only Russian settlement since Pyramiden was abandoned. It is primarily a mining town, although there is a hotel and a few stores for the tourists who come here from Longyearbyen.
A popular day trip from Longyearbyen is a full-day cruise to Barentsburg and Pyramiden.
NY-ÅLESUND
Ny-Ålesund is a settlement that is primarily a research facility. The town is owned and operated by Kings Bay, which provides the facilities for the research institutes.
BEST TIME TO TRAVEL TO SVALBARD
Svalbard can be visited all year round, and the time of year has a big influence on what you can do.
There are three main seasons on Svalbard. In the summer months, from mid-May to the end of September, the temperatures are relatively warm (up to 10 °C, 50 °F). This is the time of the midnight sun, and if you haven’t experienced it yet, it’s a great feeling to see the sun shining at 1 am! The summer months are the best time for hiking and kayaking. However, there is no snow on the ground then, so you can’t go snowmobiling.
In the winter months, from the beginning of October to the end of February, it is dark and cold on Svalbard. The advantage of 24-hour darkness is the opportunity to see the Northern Lights day and night. Wouldn’t that be great… to see the Northern Lights at noon!
The spring months from March to mid-May are a wonderful time to visit Svalbard. The sun comes out again, it gets a little warmer and there is enough snow to go snowmobiling and dog sledding.
We visited Svalbard at the end of June 2018, with temperatures hovering around 45°F. It’s high season, so expect higher temperatures and bigger crowds. Still, Longyearbyen feels almost empty compared to pretty much any other place in Europe in summer.
THE BEST THING TO DO IN SVALBARD
So what can you do in Svalbard? Quite a lot. You will be surprised by your choice.
SUMMER MONTHS (MID-MAY THROUGH SEPTEMBER)
- Kayaking
- Hiking
- Boat tours
- Walrus safari
- ATV safari
- Fishing trips
- Fat tire cycling
- Dog sledding (on wheels)
WINTER MONTHS (OCTOBER TO FEBRUARY)
- Northern Lights expeditions
- Exploring an ice cave
- Full moon snowmobile tours
- Dog sledding
SPRING MONTHS (MARCH TO MID MAY)
- Hiking
- Snowmobile excursions
- Boat tours
- Walrus expeditions
- Northern Lights expeditions (until March)
- Ski expedition
A full list of activities and excursions in Svalbard can be found on the official Visit Svalbard website. It can be a little overwhelming
WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO SEE A POLAR BEAR?
It is estimated that there are 3,000 polar bears on Svalbard. That may sound like a lot, but you have to be very lucky to see one of these guys.
There are no “official” polar bear expeditions. You just have to hope that you will see a polar bear on another expedition.
The best chance of seeing a polar bear is if you take a cruise around Svalbard lasting several days, usually in the summer months. But even then there is no guarantee.
HOW TO GET TO SVALBARD
You can reach Svalbard by plane or on a cruise.
SAS offers daily flights to Longyearbyen via Tromsø. Norwegian offers flights from Oslo several days a week.
Hurtigruten offers cruises to and from Svalbard. For a complete list of offers, click here.
Svalbard is outside the Schengen zone. You must bring your passport with you.
HOW TO GET AROUND IN LONGYEARBYEN
To get from the airport to the city, you can either take the airport shuttle (NOK 170 return) or a cab (more expensive). Click here for the bus timetable.
Longyearbyen is a small town and it is easy to walk everywhere. Transportation is usually included in the price of all excursions you sign up for.
WHERE TO STAY OVERNIGHT IN LONGYEARBYEN
👉 Basecamp Hotel. The warm, cozy and rustic hotel is exactly how you would imagine an Arctic hotel to be. The hotel offers many different excursions, the included breakfast is great and the hotel has a fantastic location right in the city center.
We spent two nights here and stayed in the family room. We had two bedrooms, a loft, a bathroom and a small living area. We loved it here.
👉 Radisson Blu Polar Hotel. The Radisson Blu is the largest hotel in Longyearbyen. The atmosphere here was completely different to that of the Basecamp Explorer. All the tour groups seemed to be accommodated here. It didn’t have that quiet, cozy, rustic atmosphere like the Basecamp Explorer, but our room was fantastic.
We stayed in the Ulf Prytz Suite. The apartment was huge and the view across the Adventfjord to Hiorthfjellet was spectacular. Tyler and Kara slept on pull-out sofas in the living room and Tim and I slept in the bedroom. Breakfast was also included.
We didn’t like the crowded, touristy feel of this hotel. If it hadn’t been for our fantastic suite with its breathtaking view, we probably wouldn’t have liked it here either. Our hotel room was in a separate building, so we only had to mingle with the crowds at breakfast.
👉 Svalbard Hotell. This modern hotel is located in the center of Longyearbyen. The rooms are nicely furnished and a free breakfast is offered. The hotel is also home to Polfareren, a gourmet restaurant that we really enjoyed.
👉 Coal Miner’s Cabins. If you’re looking for budget accommodation, this is a good choice. Many rooms have a shared bathroom, but there are also a few rooms where you can pay more for a private bathroom. The hotel is located outside the city center, so you will have to walk about 20 minutes into town.
👉 Gjestehuset 102. This youth hostel is another affordable option. It is located very close to the miners’ cabins. All rooms have a shared bathroom.
👉 Funken Lodge. This newly renovated hotel is one of the most expensive options on this list. The rooms are large and modern and there is a French restaurant on the premises. The Funken Lodge is a short walk outside the center of Longyearbyen.
👉 Mary-Ann’s Polarigg. This quirky hotel has converted the miners’ old wooden shacks into hotel rooms. Prices vary greatly, from cheaper rooms with shared bathrooms to very expensive suites.
OUR RECOMMENDATIONS
If you are looking for a small, rustic hotel, choose the Basecamp Explorer.
If you are looking for a modern hotel that gets good reviews and is located in the city center, you should stay at Svalbard Hotell.
If you don’t want to spend a fortune, choose the Coal Miner’s Cabins or Gjestehuset 102.
And if you want a room with a view, you should book the Ulf Prytz Suite at the Radisson Blu.
PRO TRAVEL TIP: Book your hotels and excursions as soon as you know the dates for your trip. We booked our hotels back in early February for our trip at the end of June. We weren't able to get four consecutive nights in one hotel for our dates, so we stayed in two different hotels.
Websites that I use to book my trips
- 👉 Agoda is my favourite site for booking hotels and unique stays.
- 👉 GetYourGuide is my top pick for booking tours and activities worldwide.
FAQ
What are the most important sights in Svalbard?
When visiting Svalbard, top attractions include the Svalbard Museum, where you can learn about the archipelago’s history and wildlife; the North Pole Expedition Museum, showcasing the history of Arctic exploration; and the Svalbard Church, offering insights into local spiritual life. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy activities like dog sledding with Green Dog Svalbard or exploring the ice caves for a unique adventure.
How can I safely observe polar bears in Svalbard?
To safely observe polar bears in Svalbard, it is recommended to join organized tours led by experienced guides who are prepared for polar bear encounters. These tours often take place on boats or snowmobiles and offer a safe distance while allowing the observation of polar bears in their natural habitat.
What unique experiences does Svalbard offer for adventure seekers?
Svalbard offers unique experiences for adventurers, including kayaking in Arctic waters, exploring vast ice caves and snowmobile expeditions through the frozen landscape. For those interested in wildlife, Svalbard offers the opportunity to observe polar bears, reindeer and various seabirds in their natural environment.
Are there any cultural experiences in Longyearbyen, Svalbard?
Yes, Longyearbyen offers several cultural experiences, including visits to the Svalbard Museum and the North Pole Expedition Museum, which provide an insight into the history and exploration of the region. The Svalbard Church hosts community events and services that reflect the local culture. The Svalbard Brewery also offers guided tours and tastings showcasing the locally brewed beer.
Which accommodations in Svalbard are recommended for travelers?
Recommended accommodations in Svalbard range from luxury hotels like Funken Lodge to budget accommodations like Coal Miners Cabins. The Radisson Blu Polar Hotel and Svalbard Hotell – Polfareren offer comfortable accommodation with easy access to the sights of Longyearbyen. Mary-Ann’s Polarrigg offers a unique experience with its quirky and cozy atmosphere.
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