Svalbard

One of the most challenging things about traveling to Svalbard is knowing which tours and excursions are worth the money they charge.  In order to see the landscape and its otherworldliness, you really need to take a tour in Svalbard. 

This is my list of the best Svalbard tours and excursions that are good value for their money… and they will help show you one of the most magical places on Earth.

Best Svalbard Tours

There are few places left on this planet that really feel unexplored and Svalbard is one of those places.  But, while it feels unexplored, that is part of its charm and mystery and parts of the archipelago should stay that way.

Svalbard is an Arctic archipelago made up of nine islands and one of them happens to be Spitsbergen (many people confuse Svalbard and Spitsbergen thinking they are the same thing… they aren’t).  For millennia, the rugged and bleak landscape was only home to polar bears and ocean-dwelling animals.  Eventually, European whalers arrived chasing the whales north.

Today, Svalbard tourism has started to take over as one of the main industries on the islands (research and mining being the other two) and tour companies are beginning to pop up to help you see as much as possible and explore the area with expert guides.

While I don’t usually give a lot of background on tour guides I write, I felt it was important to detail a bit more about Svalbard below to show why organized tours with sustainability in mind are extremely important.  For centuries, animals were disregarded in the region.  Today, numbers are starting to rise in some species and then climate change is killing others.

About Svalbard

Svalbard was believed to have been discovered by Norsemen in the 12th-century but they are unable to confirm whether this references Jan Mayen or another landmass in the far north.  The first confirmed reports of the islands are from Dutch explorers who settled at the end of the 16th-century while searching for northern shipping routes.

The first documented discovery of the shores led to a turbulent time when seafaring Europeans headed north to hunt whales and walruses with a lack of laws in the area. Competing countries used force to insert their dominance over the hunting grounds.

Over the years, settlements popped up on the islands and they were mainly inhabited during the summer months although, Russian settlers were hardy enough to overwinter on the islands.  They kept alive from hunting polar bears and Arctic foxes.

Over the following centuries, settlements and populations on the archipelago fluxed and waned, depending on the stability of mainland Europe. However, by 1890, tourism started to reach the islands with daring explorers making their way to the North Pole. 

Today, Arctic tourism has been growing in the region, with people looking to experience the wonders of the high Arctic and possibly catch a glimpse of some of the world’s most elusive species. Despite tourism’s growth on the islands, its remote location and wild ways mean that settlements are rarely connected by roads, but rather with all-terrain vehicles and boats needed to connect settlements on the three main islands (Spitsbergen, Nordaustlandet and Edgeøya).

Along with a lack of infrastructure, Svalbard is fraught with dangers and leaving the comforts of settlements requires a gun for protection to ward off hungry polar bears, one of the few animals on the planet known to actively hunt humans (they are still super cute).

Despite their ferocious reputation, polar bears rarely attack humans and are mainly only found on the archipelago during the winter months. 

Why Should You Take a Tour of Svalbard?

To be honest, you can’t really see Svalbard without a tour.  There are a few reasons for this:

The first reason you need to book a tour of Svalbard is that the terrain is treacherous and can’t be explored independently without getting a permit to carry a weapon, and so forth.  And, carrying a weapon is mandatory.  If you’re just heading to Svalbard for a few days, this poses a huge problem.  

The second reason you need to book a tour is that this is not an area you want to see without an expert or guide.  Just trust me on this.  You will have so many questions and concerns and it is really important to know what you’re marveling at because this place looks like NOWHERE else you’ve been!

The third reason is the most important.  You really need a guide because this is a sensitive ecosystem.  It is the breeding ground of many endangered and vulnerable species.  Climate change is wreaking havoc on Svalbard.  And not many people know how to ethically and sustainably visit Svalbard.  

But, if you take a tour with a certified guide and one that is recognized as a partner of Visit Svalbard, they will know what they are doing and you will be leaving the less of a footprint in Svalbard than you would if you were to go independently or with a company that is not adhering to the strict rules on the islands.

Which Svalbard Tour Companies Meet Standards?

Well, you can find them all on Visit Svalbard’s website, but the following tour providers are ones that meet the tough standards up there.  Please, please, please… don’t book a tour with anyone that is not listed here or on their website.  It is really crucial that we explore Svalbard in a sustainable manner.

Polar Bears on Svalbard

Many people who visit Svalbard set their hopes and dreams around seeing the beautiful polar bears that call the archipelago home.

Polar bears are incredibly dangerous but also relatively elusive, spending the majority of their time out on the sea ice where hunting is easiest. During the winter months, there are around 3,000 bears on the islands but there is still not a great chance of seeing one.

With that being said, leaving settlements without a gun is illegal since the bears are a constant danger year-round and are one of the few species that hunt humans. This apex predator has suffered greatly over the years due to interactions with humans and bear populations have suffered over the years and since 1973, they have been a protected species.

Since polar bears are protected, there are no true ‘polar bear safaris’, however, there are tours that will take you to areas that they are known to inhabit during the winter.

During the summer months, polar bear populations on the islands drop since the bears follow the sea ice north to the polar ice caps where sea ice remains year-round. There is a small population that sticks around, however.

In abandoned towns and settlements, you need to be extra careful since bears are known to take refuge in derelict buildings. That being said, the opportunity to see one of these bears should not be passed but should be done at a respectful distance that is both safe for you and the bear. 

To help you make the most of your trip to Svalbard, I have compiled a list of the best tours that exist there. I have chosen a wide range of tours that cover each of the seasons, so no matter when you plan your trip, you will be able to make the most of it in this magical wonderland.

Svalbard Winter Excursions

Northern Lights Hunt by Snowcat

Tour Operator:  Hurtigruten Svalbard AS

Season Available:  Winter

⇒ Click here for rates and availability

One of the top winter activities in Svalbard is to chase the magical northern lights. With 84 days of complete darkness and many more with extended nights, the chances of seeing the aurora borealis are high if conditions are right.

This Svalbard northern lights tour will take you out in the wilderness in a specially-designed, all-terrain vehicle where expert guides will take you to the best spots to see the magic unfold. Thanks to the Caterpillar track,s the vehicle can take you to areas normally only accessible by more versatile methods, such as snowmobiles, skis, or even dog-sleds.

The Svalbard excursion will pick you up from the Radisson Blu in the center of Longyearbyen and head to the Advent Valley away from light pollution caused by the town.

The tour lasts around 2.5 hours and you will be supplied with hot drinks and biscuits along the route. If you wish to photograph the lights, you will need to bring along a tripod and the guide will help you set up your camera correctly.

It is important to note that seeing the northern lights is not guaranteed and largely depends on how clear the sky is, in addition to the amount of solar activity that night. Tours are only available throughout the winter months until around mid-March. 

Northern Lights Evening with Dinner at Camp Barentz

Tour Operator:  Hurtigruten Svalbard AS

Season Available:  Winter

⇒ Click here for rates and availability

Seven and a half miles outside of Longyearbyen is Camp Barentz- located at the very end of one of the island’s few roads. The Advent Valley is one of the best places to see the lights and the chance of seeing them during the dark winter nights is relatively high if conditions are right.

You will be taken out to the camp by a bus that will pick you up from outside of your hotel. Once you arrive, you will be greeted by the local hosts who will offer you a shot of Norway’s famous Aquavit.

During your time at the camp, you will be fed a delicious two-course meal. The first course comprises of Bidos, a traditional Sami stew made of reindeer meat and root vegetables and one of my personal favorite northern Norwegian dishes.

The Bidos will be followed by a delectable chocolate brownie and throughout the meal, a range of alcoholic and soft drinks will be on offer. As you eat and drink, your hosts will talk you through the history of Svalbard and some of the science behind the northern lights.

Outside spotters will wait for the lights to appear and once they arrive to the party, you will be taken outside to watch the magic unfold. The trip lasts around 3 hours and you will need to bring warm clothes and any equipment you need with you.

At the beginning of the tour, you will be given a safety talk. It is imperative to pay full attention to the talk as the valley is inhabited by polar bears throughout winter. 

Dog-Sledding Experience Under the Northern Lights

Tour Operator:  Green Dog

Season Available:  Winter

⇒ Click here for rates and availability

During the winter months, snow and ice make much of Spitsbergen completely inaccessible and people need to revert back to more traditional ways to travel.

One of the best ways to navigate the icy wilderness is by sled pulled by a team of trusty dogs. On this Svalbard winter tour, you will venture into the wilderness in and around Bolterdalen where you’ll have the chance to view ptarmigan and reindeer.

The route and trip are suitable for those who have never been dog-sledding before.

Taking it in turns with your partner, you will guide your pack of huskies along the path. As the musher (the person who stands at the back operating the sled) you will control your team of 5-6 dogs and gawk at the otherworldly scenery.  You will also be waiting for the northern lights to dazzle the skies!

Prior to setting off, you will be given a tutorial on how to operate the sled and keep safe out in the wilderness and you will also have the opportunity to greet the playful dogs who will all be raring to go.

The tour is only available during the winter months when snow and ice cover the tundra and it lasts for about 4 hours.

Spring Svalbard Excursions

‘Spring’ is a rough word here as some of these tours cross over from Svalbard in February into the late spring.  But, most will run during March, April, and possibly into May.

Snowmobile Trip to the Land of the Polar Bear

Tour Operator:  Better Moments Svalbard

Months Available:  February – May

⇒ Click here for rates and availability

Svalbard’s most famous winter resident is the majestic polar bear that spends the dark cold nights hunting and breeding on the islands before heading north with the receding sea ice during the warmer months.

There are around 3,000 bears on Spitsbergen, outnumbering the human population, but these animals are elusive and not always easy to find. On this snowmobile tour, your expert guides will take you out of Longyearbyen into the Arctic in search of these amazing creatures.

If you are lucky enough to find a bear, you will remain at a safe distance away and spend time observing them in their natural habitat. The journey to the bears is exhilarating and outstandingly beautiful, as you work your way to and along the eastern coast of the island.

On the trip, you will need to bring some binoculars to fully appreciate the beauty of these animals because getting too close is very dangerous. I also recommend purchasing a zoom lens for your camera so that you can attempt to photograph the bears.

To take this tour, you will need to hold a valid driving license. The tour is only available during the early part of the year while there is some light but still enough snow and ice to keep the bears in Spitsbergen. 

Snowmobile Trip to Barentsburg (Little Russia)

Tour Operator:  Spitzbergen Adventure

Months Available:  March – April

⇒ Click here for rates and availability

Take a trip to the Russian side of Svalbard with an amazing snowmobile excursion from Longyearbyen to Barentsburg.

Setting off from the base in Longyearbyen, you will head through the valleys, mountains, and over the glaciers of the island to the Russian town of Barentsburg. Once you arrive in Barentsburg, you will enjoy a hearty Russian lunch followed by a guided tour of the town where you will learn about Russia’s influence on the Spitsbergen.

To and from the town, you will make periodical stops to take in the awe-inspiring scenery and your guide will tell you all about the land you are traversing. There will be plenty of opportunities to see wildlife along the way, including Svalbard reindeer, a much smaller subspecies of the common reindeer that has inhabited the islands for over 5,000 years.

If you are super lucky, you may get to see a polar bear searching for food. The tour lasts around 10 hours and although no snowmobile experience is necessary prior to the trip, you will need to hold a full driving license. 

Pyramiden & Glacier Snowmobile Excursion (2 Days)

Tour Operator:  Spitzbergen Adventure

Months Available:  March – April

⇒ Click here for rates and availability

Lose yourself in the Arctic on this two-day adventure to Pyramiden.

Traveling on snowmobiles, you will explore imposing glaciers and the stunning nature that surrounds Pyramiden, a former Soviet mining town that used to be home to about 1,000 people. Along with taking in the island’s nature, you will be guided around Pyramiden, which is now a ghost town where houses are no longer inhabited by humans but more commonly used by polar bears and arctic foxes for refuge. 

Due to safety reasons, exploring Pyramiden on your own is not possible and during this time, your guide will take you around the town under the watchful eye of the world’s northernmost Lenin statue.

The tour takes place over two days and includes an overnight stay in Hotel Pyramiden and all meals and hot drinks. To take part, you will need to hold a full and valid driving license. 

Wilderness Evening with Dinner at Camp Barentz

Tour Operator:  Hurtigruten Svalbard AS

Months Available:  March – September

⇒ Click here for rates and availability

From early spring to early autumn, the ice and snow release much of its grip on the archipelago and briefly exposes the tundra where only the hardiest types of vegetation survive.

Head out to the fantastic Camp Barentz, named after the explorer who officially discovered the islands, to learn all about the wildlife that calls the islands home. You will enjoy a steaming hot bowl of Bidos, a reindeer stew, cooked over an open fire, followed by a chocolate brownie.

As you eat, your hosts will talk you through Spitsbergen’s history and conclude with a fantastically informative presentation about polar bears, the world’s largest land predator that hunts and breeds on these very islands.

There will be a choice of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks available while you’re learning more about the region on this Svalbard tour. The evening lasts around three hours and includes hotel pickup and drop off. Tours are only available from mid spring to mid autumn. 

Summer Svalbard Tours (into Autumn)

The next group of tours are mostly summer tours but some run into early autumn.

Svalbard Boat Trip to Ny-Ålesund

Tour Operator:  Better Moments Svalbard

Months Available:  May – August

⇒ Click here for rates and availability

Surprisingly, it is somehow possible to venture further north than Longyearbyen. Take a boat tour to Ny-Ålesund, the northernmost town in the world and a former mining town.

Departing from Longyearbyen, you will sail north, taking in the mesmerizing Arctic scenery along the way. You will pass close by an island that is known to host a colony of walruses. If the fantastic animals are on the island and the weather permits, the boat will stop and allow you to observe the tusked giants of the sea.  As you carry on north, you will see further natural beauty spots that will be sure to take your breath away.

Once you reach Ny-Ålesund, there will be time to explore the town, a place where you will find the world’s most northern functioning post office.

Lunch will be available in the town, followed by more time to explore and get yourself some souvenirs from this truly unique town.

The tour only runs during the summer months but you should still dress for cold weather.

Nature and Wildlife Svalbard Boat Tour

Tour Operator:  Better Moments Svalbard

Months Available:  May – October

⇒ Click here for rates and availability

Svalbard is home to some of the Arctic’s most pristine nature spots, where dramatic landscapes and rich waters are home to some of the world’s most beautiful animals.

This Svalbard nature and wildlife tour will take you along the coast to some of the most remote areas where you will get the opportunity to take in the breathtaking views and hopefully see some of the animals that call the region home. In the comfort of a closed and heated RIB boat, you will bounce along the Arctic water, stopping at various points to check out the area.

As the seas open up, there’s a chance to see giant blue whales or humpback whales feeding in the nutrient-rich waters. Looking towards the land, it is possible to see polar bears who haven’t followed the sea ice north, instead preferring to stay and hunt on the coastal edges of the island.

During the spring months, sea birds take over the high cliffs that tower out of the sea to breed. The tour in Svalbard runs from May onward, once the sea ice opens up and you can easily maneuver through the water. 

Svalbard Kayaking Along Glacier Fronts

Tour Operator:  Better Moments Svalbard

Months Available:  June – August

⇒ Click here for rates and availability

Svalbard is made up of three core terrain types: vegetation, barren rock, and glacial ice.

Glacial ice makes up about 60% of the landscape and the slow-moving rivers of ice crawl towards the sea where huge chunks break off and create illuminating icebergs. One of the best ways to see these giant ice structures is by kayaking to them.

Head out into the calm waters of the Isfjord with your fully qualified guide and paddle between giant icebergs that float gracefully in the fjord. Starting in the bay around the Nansen Glacier, you work your way to the Glacier Terminus where it reaches out into the sea. As you paddle around the calm fjord, you might be lucky to see seals lying around on floating ice sheets.

If you’re really fortunate, you might witness the glacier calving and a new iceberg being formed. After spending a few hours enjoying the waters, the group will head back to shore to warm up with hot soup. The tour is only available during the summer months and requires no previous kayaking experience. 

Visit a Walrus Colony by Speed Boat

Tour Operator:  Better Moments Svalbard

Months Available:  May – August

⇒ Click here for rates and availability

There are many animals that call Svalbard and its surrounding areas home. From Atlantic puffins and ringed seals to majestic polar bears, the nature is super diverse. One of the most prominent animals in Svalbard is the walrus.

On this seven-hour boat ride, you will head away from Longyearbyen in the comfort of an enclosed speed boat, taking in the majestic views and looking out for a vast array of wildlife on the way. You will venture to Poolepynten, part of Prins Karls Forland island, a favorite spot amongst the walruses.

Once you reach the island, you will hopefully find a colony of around 30 walruses who are jostling for the best position on the beach. How close you get to the walruses will depend on the weather.

If it is on your side, you will be able to disembark from the boat and see these magnificent creatures from the beach (although always keeping a respectful distance as not to disturb them in any way). If the weather is bad, you will stay aboard the boat and watch the walruses from the water. After observing the walruses, you will enjoy a light lunch on board the boat before heading back to Longyearbyen.

The tour is only available during the warmer months. 

Year-Round Excursions in Svalbard

Historic Coal Mine Tour at Gruve 3

Tour Operator:  Gruve 3

Months Available:  Year-round

⇒ Click here for rates and availability

After the collapse of the hunting industry in the islands, people started to utilize the islands for its natural reserves of coal that are harbored deep underground.

Mining is the largest of the three main industries in the worlds most northern settlement, bringing in much of the wealth of the archipelago, followed by tourism and scientific research.

This three-hour tour will take you to a now-defunct mine on the edge of Longyearbyen. You will spend three hours exploring the mine and learning all about the special techniques that were used to mine here as the coal seams were much thinner than are normally found in mines across the world.

You will get to explore the huge coal tunnels and crawl through the tiny seams that miners had to endure every day. Your expert guides will teach you about how miners survived life at the top of the world where they had to endure brutal seasons and dangerous animals.

On the way to the mine, you will pass the Global Seed Vault, a building that holds examples of a million different seeds that can be used to repopulate plants that have suffered due to man-made or natural disasters.

The tour runs twice a day and is available year-round. 

Where to Stay in Svalbard

If you’re looking for the best places to stay in Svalbard, you can check out our Svalbard hotels guide here.  It lists our top picks and details where they are located.

If you have any additional questions, please reach out to us and we will do our best to answer!  I hope this guide helps you plan your visit to Svalbard!

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE:

• Where to stay in Longyearbyen and Svalbard
• Things to know before you travel to Svalbard
• What to wear for winter in Norway
• Svalbard during winter guide
• How to go to Pyramiden
• Things to do in Svalbard
• All about Adventfjorden
• Best northern lights tours in Svalbard

There are many things to do in Svalbard for those visiting this majestic, Arctic wonderland.  This is a guide of what to do in Svalbard for those visiting this part of Norway.

Things to do in Svalbard: Where Polar Bears Outnumber People

For those of you who follow me on the various social media channels that I’m lousy at updating, you know that I went to Svalbard back in May.  Svalbard is a group of islands in the Arctic that belong technically to Norway, but also have many Russian residents and some interesting Soviet history.  

The main city up there is Longyearbyen, a city of around 2,000 people that is situated on the island of Spitsbergen (check out this site for more facts about Longyearbyen).

Most residents are up there working, whether it be for oil companies, research assignments, or at the few bars and hotels in the city (residents pay little to no tax while living in Svalbard).  Svalbard has, in recent years, started to accept tourism.  I knew right after moving to Norway that I wouldn’t leave this country without seeing this magical place.

There are surprisingly many different ways to get to Svalbard. You can turn the trip into a boat trip, like with Oceanwide-Expeditions.com, or you can fly.  Due to time constraints, I chose to fly.  The flight with Norwegian Airlines took around three hours in total directly from Oslo.  

Anyone who has flown over Norway knows that it is imperative to grab a window seat for the flight as the views of the country are jaw-dropping.  And once you’re hovering over Svalbard, you won’t be able to stop gazing out that window.

In Svalbard, there are 3,000 polar bears.  There aren’t even 3,000 residents.  Don’t worry, this doesn’t mean that I was fortunate enough to see even one polar bear.  But I also never made an attempt to see one.  I think I subconsciously wanted to return at some point.

<NOT a real polar bear as much as it may look like one>

<That is a real reindeer though>

I was there in late May and the midnight sun was doing its thing.  It definitely gave me a guilty feeling as I would leave the bars at 2am and the sun would be beaming in my face as if it were 8am.  And sleeping?  

Let’s just say that most sleep was alcohol-induced because there was no way I was actually going to catch any zzzzs by laying there without having my windows boarded up.  My Svalbard hotel was definitely not giving me the sleep I wanted and needed.

 To be honest, Longyearbyen is boring.  If you don’t get out into nature or explore Spitsbergen further, Longyearbyen may leave you disappointed if you’re there for too many days.  

I was there a total of two full days (and spent another day on a boat on a disaster trip getting to Pyramiden which I need to discuss at some point on my blog) and was pining for stuff to do after one.  It’s beautiful but small, and the only thing there is to do is go to the bar.  Okay, so I wasn’t left that disappointed…

Where to Stay in Svalbard

I wrote an entire guide to where to stay on Svalbard that you can check out.

I stayed at the Coal Miner’s Cabin (formerly known as the Spitsbergen Guesthouse).  I quite liked the room.  It was a private room with two twin sized beds (used to be a mining dorm back in the day, hence the name) and a community bathroom.  It includes a typical Norwegian breakfast and they will arrange any of your excursions for you. Prices are seasonal  My only tip is for you to ensure you do NOT leave your shoes in the public commons area.

In Svalbard, you’re required to remove your boots/shoes before going into some establishments or hotels.  Take them off, but keep them with you.  The person I was traveling with had theirs stolen.  The guesthouse is slightly outside of the center of Longyearbyen and is about a thirty-minute stroll into the actual town.  While I thought this would be annoying, it was actually quite nice and relaxing.  The views didn’t suck, either.

Click to check rates and availability at the Coal Miner’s Cabin.

If you are looking for other options, some recommended ones are:

Budget

Longyearbyen Camping.  This is a full-on nature experience at the top of the world.  

You will not be based in Longyearbyen, however, but about 4km outside of it as you get to experience Norway camping as wild as it can get!  Prices are 120 NOK per person per night and up.  Click to check rates and availability at Longyearbyen Camping.

Mid-range

The place I stayed above is considered mid-range accommodation and starts at 340 NOK a night for a shared room (3 person room).  You can also get a single for around 610 NOK a night.

Gjestehuset 102.  This guesthouse is in the same area as the Coal Miner’s Cabin and is very affordable.  You can get a dorm for around 300 NOK a night and a single for 475 NOK and a double for around 850 NOK a night.  Click to check rates and availability at Gjestehuset 102.

High-end

For those who like high-end living, you can find a couple of places in Longyearbyen worth staying at.

Radisson SAS Polar Hotel.  This hotel claims to be the world’s northernmost full-service hotel and offers an array of amenities to its guest.  The Radisson will run one about 1450 NOK during high-season.  Click to check rates and availability at Radisson SAS Polar Hotel.

Funken Lodge.  This hotel is seasonal and slightly more expensive than the Radisson.  It is located on Haugen in Longyeardalen and offers awesome views of the valley (‘dalen’ means valley in Norwegian).  It was formerly the Spitsbergen Hotel.  Click to check rates and availability at Funken Lodge.

Where to Eat in Longyearbyen

Like there were even options.

Svalbard is cheaper than mainland Norway, but it’s not actually cheap.  I would go to Svalbardbutikken (a store that has groceries and everyday household items, as well as a liquor/beer store) and stock up on beer knowing I could hang it out my window at the guesthouse and it would stay cold.

<Beer at the guesthouse>

Fruene.  For lunches, I went to a cute and cozy cafe called Fruene.  The cafe is located alongside the main shopping center in the town called Lompensenteret and had really good lunch options.  One day I ordered their pasta salad and another day I had a salmon and egg sandwich.  Both were delicious and accompanied by a Mack beer.

Kroa.  For dinner, I went to Kroa one night.  I ordered a pizza there.  It was okay.  The atmosphere and service were exceptional though.

Taste of Thai.  Another night, I made the mistake of actually thinking there would be edible Thai food in Longyearbyen given there are a decent amount of Thai people living there.  

Taste of Thai is a restaurant/cafe in the shopping plaza and I think I may have just had a hankering for something with flavor (Norwegian food is often bland) and thought I’d give it a shot.  Eating my own toenails would have been a better choice, looking back on things.  Don’t go there.

Huset Cafe.  Huset is kind of like a little cultural center.  They have evening events and offer good food, cinema, drinks, etc. There is also a Huset Restaurant that is more gourmet and fine dining.

Mary Anne’s Polarrig.  I never actually ate here but they mix Arctic food with Thai food for some interesting combinations.

Where to Drink

Svalbard has the luxury of having cheaper alcohol than the Norwegian mainland and I knew I was going to take advantage of that as soon as I landed up there.  The taxes are non-existent and the alcohol flows to show just that.

Karlsberger Pub.  I only went to two bars while in Svalbard.  I’d like to think that I probably covered 2/3 of the bars in the entire city of Longyearbyen, however.  The first bar I went to was the Karlsberger Pub.  This place is a whiskey pub with ridiculous amounts of the spirit.  

I really enjoyed the place.  The crowd tended to be a bit older and more relaxed.  Service is slow as hell in here though, and often times I wanted to scream and walk out.  Knowing that I didn’t exactly have an array of other options when it came to bars, I refrained from doing so.  This pub is not open during the day.

Svalbar.  The other bar I went to was called Svalbar.  With a crowd more my age, I enjoyed this place much more.  It is a mixture of a bar, restaurant, and sports bar.  The bartenders are cordial and attentive and look like they genuinely enjoy their job and living in Longyearbyen.  

They also have a decent selection of craft beer available.  I had a hamburger here, as well, and it was delicious and cooked exactly as I wanted it to be.

Nordpolet.  I actually found the alcohol shop inside of the Svalbardbutikken to be one of my favorite places as I would stock up on things and bring it back to my room and drink from inside of there.  I would take a bag and hang everything outside of my window to keep it cold.  

The alcohol was cheaper than on the mainland and I definitely took advantage of this!  Nordpolet’s hours are 10am to 6pm on weekdays, 10am to 3pm on Saturdays, and they are closed on Sundays.

More Svalbard Travel Tips

Bring a book or something to do.  Things don’t open early and you will have a bit of downtime if you’re in Longyearbyen for more than a day.  I walked around the area a lot, but once I was done, there was not much left to do except chill out and enjoy my surroundings.

Dress warm, but the temperatures may be warmer than you anticipate.  I was there at the end of May and I always had to wear a coat, but I was never cold.  I brought my winter parka and it was actually a bit too much, so I switched to something lighter.  

I can’t speak for the rest of the year, but if you’re there during the summer months, you may run into similar temperatures as I did.  But, if you do take a boat trip (as I did), it will be quite cold.  So bring some heavy clothing that day.  This ultimate Iceland packing list for men is a great starting point for the guys.

Your chances of seeing a polar bear in Longyearbyen is slim to none.  Book a snowmobile trip somewhere if you want to increase your chances.  You will also need to take a gun with you on a trip like this.

Watch your belongings! It says that crime is basically non-existent up in Svalbard, but apparently, shoe thieves do exist.  The place really is safe, though… and the shoe thief probably didn’t have any ill-will… likely just a mix-up.

Bring a sleeping mask just in case your guesthouse/hotel has crappy curtains that allow light to escape through.

An ATM and a bank do exist.  You can check inside of the post office for the bank itself (Sparebank1).

All in all, Svalbard and Longyearbyen were exceptional.  It was a landscape so unique and majestic and I feel so lucky to have witnessed it with my own eyes.  Pictures just do not do the place justice.  

There were many things I missed while there due to some unfortunate events, so I definitely need to plan a trip back that way at some point.  I just hope I have a chance to do it before tourism destroys the place and its pristine offerings.

You might also like:  Tromso Northern Lights Tours   /   Whale Watching in Tromso   /    Hotels in Svalbard   /   Guide to Moving to Norway   /   Bergen Day Trips   /   What to do in Bergen   /   Taking the Hurtigruten   /   Svolvær in Winter   /   Adventfjorden   /   Trip to Pyramiden   /   Hotels in the Faroe Islands

One of the coldest and remotest places on earth, Svalbard is a land of ice and rock. Despite this, it’s also one of the most hauntingly beautiful places you’ll ever visit.

Thanks to its incredible wildlife and unique landscape, Svalbard is now becoming one of the most popular Arctic destinations available.

Within easy reach of Norway, the archipelago of Svalbard offers a wide array of incredible sights. From polar bears and walrus to seed vaults and dog sledding to the majestic Adventfjorden, Svalbard has something for everyone.

So, if you want to forget the hustle and bustle of modern life and escape to somewhere peaceful and otherworldly, Svalbard is the place for you! To help you get the most out of your visit, I have listed the 6 best things about Svalbard.

The Wildlife of Svalbard

When most people think of Svalbard, the polar bear comes to mind. The biggest carnivore on the planet is truly something to behold.

Stalking the ice in search of prey, these gorgeous creatures are most commonly seen on Svalbard cruises. Whilst they can also be seen on land tours, you’ll want a good guide who knows the best spots!

Polar bears are not the only wildlife on offer though. Walrus, Arctic foxes, and reindeer are fairly common, as are whales.

In fact, the Svalbard archipelago is one of the best places to see beluga and narwhal! If you are a wildlife lover though, I seriously suggest taking an expedition cruise as this will allow you to visit the wildlife hotspots that are inaccessible by land.

The Northern Lights

Nature’s great illumination has fascinated mankind for generations. Whilst there are many histories and myths surrounding the lights, scientists to this day still can’t predict when and where they will appear. The good news though is that Svalbard, thanks to its remote location, is a great place to see the Aurora borealis!

If you want to see the spectacular Northern Lights, you will have to visit in winter when the days are long and dark. There are special light tours given by experts on Spitsbergen that will get you to the best lookout points. If you’re a photography newbie like me, they will also help you with the best camera settings!  

Explore Adventfjorden and the Other Fjords

There is no escaping the fact that the fjords of Svalbard are simply stunning. Some of the best include Magdalenefjord, Krossfjorden, and Adventfjorden.

Towering peaks surround the beautiful blue-green bay of Magdalenefjord, whilst the 30km long Krossfjorden takes you to the world’s most northerly town – Ny Ålesund.

For activity lovers, you can take a 7-hour kayak trip through Adventfjorden. Paddle all the way from the capital of Svalbard to the ghostly town of Hiorthhamn. Keep your eye out for marine life and polar bears!  Exploring Adventfjorden is a must for anyone visiting Svalbard.

The Activities

For adventure lovers, Svalbard is teeming with new and invigorating activities to suit every kind of person. A favorite of many, especially speed junkies, is snowmobiling.

With few roads and lots of snow, most people own a snowmobile and you’ll see them parked outside every house. With just a standard driver’s license, you can zoom across the snow at 60km!

Another of my absolute favorites activities is dog sledding! Admittedly I am a dog lover, but still, this is super fun. It’s also the traditional mode of transport on Svalbard and most long-term settlers have a sleigh and pack of huskies. Take a guided tour and meet the beautiful dogs before you head out onto the snow for a fun day of sledding.  

Visit the Global Seed Vault

The most valuable vaults in the world do not contain gold or diamonds, instead, they contain seeds. Grains and grasses from all over the world that can be modified and developed in times of need.

With global warming on the horizon, seeds that can withstand heat will become incredibly valuable and the Svalbard Seed Value understands this. It’s essentially a modern-day Noah’s Ark – but for crops!

Located on a hill above Longyearbyen, the seed vault lies deep below the permafrost to protect the valuable goods the lie within. This is one place that is definitely worth visiting if you get the chance.

The History of Svalbard

There is a wealth of history when it comes to Svalbard and the Spitsbergen museum is a great place to start. The archipelago was known for its whaling and coal mining. The latter is still produced here, whilst whaling has ceased thankfully.

The Russian coal-mining town is an interesting place to visit as it’s all but abandoned nowadays. Remnants of the communist era remain and the whole place is incredibly well-preserved thanks to the low temperatures.

The museum itself tells the history of the islands really well considering its size and budget. There is also a great taxidermy section with a number of polar bears. So if you want a photo next to one, this is your big chance!

There are so many spectacular things to do in Svalbard, but exploring the Adventfjorden and unique wildlife, along with the other things listed above, are six amazing things to get you started!  Click here for the best Svalbard accommodation options.