Svalbard vacations

Experience polar Norway in Longyearbyen, the main hub of the Svalbard archipelago. It’s the perfect base for glacier tours, dogsledding and viewing the Northern Lights.

One of the best things to do in Svalbard is to take a boat tour deep into the archipelago’s untouched landscapes. Trips range from whale and walrus safaris to sunset dinner cruises, with most leaving from Svalbard’s main town, Longyearbyen. For a total wilderness immersion, opt for a multiday trip with glacier hikes and stays at remote lodges.

Svalbard’s seasons offer immense contrasts. Between April and August, the ‘Midnight Sun’ bathes the archipelago in endless daylight. This surreal phenomenon gives you extra time for outdoor adventures like hiking, kayaking and wildlife safaris. From November to January, the region enters the ‘Polar Night,’ when the sun never rises, and you might spot the Northern Lights at any time.

Svalbard’s unreal landscapes are the perfect setting for thrilling adventures. You could be hiking through a vivid blue ice cave one moment and riding a snowmobile to a glacier or dogsledding through the snow the next. Due to extreme conditions (and the risk of encountering polar bears), it’s best to book a guided tour to explore beyond Longyearbyen.

Celebrate daylight’s return in early March with ‘Solfestuka’ (Sun Festival Week), when locals gather to watch the sunrise with cultural events and concerts. In October, enjoy local produce and reindeer sausages at Taste Svalbard, the world’s northernmost food festival. October also brings Dark Season Blues, a festival celebrating blues, soul and jazz music during the ‘twilight period,’ known for its inky-blue skies.

Svalbard’s epic scenery transforms with the seasons. In winter, snow-capped peaks and vast tundras are bathed in the immense darkness of Polar Night. In summer, the snow melts to reveal lichens, mosses and wildflowers, ideal for guided mountain hikes. Svalbard is one of the few places to see polar bears in the wild — take a boat tour for the best chance of a sighting.

One of Svalbard’s most popular meats is ‘ptarmigan,’ a bird known for its gamey flavor. Look out for other local specialties like reindeer, Arctic cod and seal on menus at the restaurants in Svalbard. In Longyearbyen, fine-dining hotspots showcase classic Nordic flavors alongside impressive Arctic views. There’s also a surprising range of international options, from tacos and pizza to sushi.

One of the most fascinating museums in Svalbard is Pyramiden, a Soviet mining outpost established in the 1920s after coal was discovered. Today, the eerie ghost town offers a unique glimpse into this period. Don’t miss the Svalbard Museum in Longyearbyen for an overview of the archipelago’s history, from scientific exploration to coal mining and whaling.

The best time to visit Svalbard depends on your plans. The snow melts in summer, offering ideal conditions for hiking, nature cruises and wildlife spotting. If you can handle winter’s endless nights and extreme temperatures, this is the best time to see the Northern Lights. Spring combines frozen scenery with long sunrises and sunsets — perfect light for photography.

Cheap trips to Svalbard aren’t impossible. Save money by looking for tour deals and staying in budget accommodations. A cheap meal is around 210 Norwegian kroner (kr), while a beer or coffee costs less than kr70. A short taxi ride around Longyearbyen is about kr60.