BEST Things To Do In Svalbard: 2024 Travel Guide

Looking for the best things to do in Svalbard? This is the only guide you’ll need!

Svalbard is one of the most unique travel destinations with stunning snowy landscapes, iconic Arctic cruises, and wildlife you can’t see anywhere else in the world.

In this Svalbard travel guide, discover what to do in Svalbard, the best time to visit, and everything else you need to know to plan the perfect trip!

THINGS TO DO IN SVALBARD – OVERVIEW

Let’s start this guide with the essentials about Svalbard, such as the location, getting there, and the best time to visit.

WHERE IS SVALBARD?

Svalbard is an archipelago located in the Arctic Ocean, midway between Norway and the North Pole.

This Norwegian territory comprises several islands, with Spitsbergen being the largest. It’s a place of untouched arctic wilderness, where polar bears roam, and the midnight sun illuminates icy landscapes.

HOW TO GET TO SVALBARD?

The most common way to get to Svalbard is by flying. Regular flights with SAS or Norwegian Airlines are available from Oslo or Tromsø, Norway, to the archipelago’s main airport in Longyearbyen on Spitsbergen.

The flight from Oslo takes about three hours, offering a swift transition from urban Norway to the arctic wilderness.

Upon landing at Svalbard Airport in Longyearbyen, it’s a short 15-minute bus or taxi ride away from Longyearbyen town.

BEST TIME TO VISIT SVALBARD

The best time to visit Svalbard depends on what you want to experience. For polar bear sightings and midnight sun, visit from late April to August. The endless daylight offers ample time for glacier hikes and wildlife tours.

For the northern lights, aim for dark, clear nights between September and March. This is also a great period for snowmobile and dog-sledding tours, some of the unmissable things to do in Svalbard.

BEST CRUISE IN SVALBARD & SPITSBERGEN

I personally joined an Arctic cruise with Oceanwide Expeditions and had an incredible time. They offer over 70 different expedition cruises that take place in different months.

The most popular cruises to Svalbard and Spitsbergen are the following:

• North Spitsbergen – Versatile landscapes, Sea Ice & wildlife
• Around Spitsbergen – In the realm of Polar Bear & Ice
• Alpine Peaks of Spitsbergen – Ski & Sail
• North and East Spitsbergen – Summer Solstice
• North Spitsbergen – Arctic Spring, Hike, Ski & Sail

If you’re considering an expedition cruise in Svalbard, you simply can’t go wrong with Oceanwide Expeditions.

Special Offer: Oceanwide Expeditions extends a 10% discount on their Arctic Expeditions to all my readers when you include the code MELONOEX during your booking inquiry.

BOOK NOW & GET 10% OFF

WHAT DO CRUISES IN SVALBARD INCLUDE?

Expedition cruises in Svalbard with Oceanwide Expeditions include the following;

• Accommodation in your selected cabin throughout the entire voyage
• All meals including snacks, coffee, and tea
• All shore excursions by Zodiac including guided hiking tours
• Lectures and leadership by the experienced expedition staff
• Free use of rubber boots and snowshoes
• Transfers and baggage handling between the airport, hotels, and the ship in Longyearbyen
• All port charges, AECO fees, and governmental taxes

In addition, the expert guides provide insights into Svalbard’s ecology and history, and countless opportunities to see the Arctic wildlife like seals, walruses, polar bears, whales, arctic foxes, and much more throughout the voyages.

SVALBARD VS LONGYEARBYEN

Svalbard and Longyearbyen are not two separate destinations; rather, Longyearbyen is the administrative center and the largest populated area within the Svalbard archipelago.

While Svalbard represents the entire group of islands in the northernmost part of Norway, Longyearbyen is the hub from which most tours around the islands start.

In comparison, Svalbard offers a broader scope of the Arctic wilderness, whereas Longyearbyen provides a glimpse into the daily lives of locals here, along with access to amenities like hotels, shops, restaurants, and cultural sites.

WILDLIFE IN SVALBARD

In Svalbard and its largest island, Spitsbergen, the wildlife is as unique as the icy lands, and you’ll love the experience.

Polar bears, the big, white bears of the Arctic, are often seen near the ocean shores or on ice sheets. The cold seas are home to walruses with their long tusks, different kinds of seals, and lots of sea birds that nest on the cliffs.

On land, small Arctic foxes and the Svalbard reindeer, which you won’t find anywhere else, wander around, and this is your best chance to spot them.

Sometimes, if you’re lucky, you might even spot whales like the white belugas or the huge blue whales. Needless to say, the captain and tour guides at Oceanwide Expeditions know the best places to spot the wildlife in the Arctic.

BEST THINGS TO DO IN SVALBARD

We discussed the wildlife in Svalbard, but this isn’t the only factor why you should visit the archipelago. Below we’ll go through the best things to do in Svalbard for all seasons.

BEST THINGS TO DO IN SVALBARD IN SUMMER

The summer season in Svalbard is from May to September, and it’s when I joined my Arctic cruise around Spitsbergen.

Here are the best things to do in Svalbard in summer:

• Kayaking
• Dog sledding
• Winter Fat Biking
• Take an ATV safari
• Join a boat cruise
• Go on a walrus safari
• Take a long hike in Spitsbergen

Summer in Svalbard is an exciting season filled with endless daylight, which means more time for adventures. You can go paddling through the icy waters on a kayak, getting up close to the towering glaciers and even spotting some marine wildlife.

If you prefer staying on land, hiking through the rugged terrain gives you breathtaking views of the untouched wilderness.

Boat cruises offer a relaxing way to see the coasts and glaciers, while ATV safaris are great for getting around the arctic tundra or on a fishing trip.

BEST THINGS TO DO IN SVALBARD IN WINTER

The winter in Svalbard is from October to February, and it’s a great alternative to visit, with great activities such as:

• Dog sledding
• Explore an ice cave
• Go on a Northern Lights trip
• Join a snowmobile trip at midnight

The winter months in Svalbard are quieter, but that doesn’t mean you won’t find fun activities to join.

Take the reins of a dog sledding team and glide on the snow or go explore an ice cave, which Svalbard is so famous for.

Then, as the skies darken, take a Northern Lights trip, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that you’ll never forget!

BEST THINGS TO DO IN SVALBARD IN SPRING

The spring in Svalbard is from March to mid-May and it’s also a good time to visit. Here’s what to do in Svalbard in Spring for a great trip:

• Go for a hike
• Walrus watching
• Join a snowmobile tour
• Take a boat cruise around Svalbard

Spring in Svalbard is a good time of transition when the sun begins to reappear, casting long hours over the landscape, and that’s ideal for several activities.

If you enjoy active trips, going on a hike is a nice option, with stunning views of the arctic environment.

Boat cruises during spring are particularly special, as the melting ice allows for closer exploration of the coastline and its wildlife. And of course, going on a walrus expedition to see them in their natural habitat.

SVALBARD TRAVEL TIPS

Now that you know all the things to do in Svalbard, let’s cover some more details of this Svalbard travel guide such as the Northern Lights, the best places to stay and eat, how much to budget for Svalbard, and more.

IS SVALBARD WORTH VISITING?

Absolutely, Svalbard is worth visiting! This unique destination offers a glimpse into the Arctic’s natural beauty and wildlife.

Whether you’re here to see the glaciers, spot polar bears and reindeer, or see the stunning Northern Lights, Svalbard is an incredible destination to visit.

The small settlements like Longyearbyen are charming, and you can join a cruise to see more of the Arctic.

BEST TIME TO SEE THE NORTHERN LIGHTS IN SVALBARD

The best time to see the Northern Lights in Svalbard is during the polar night, from late October to February. This period provides nearly 24 hours of darkness, creating optimal conditions for observing the auroras.

Since the Northern Lights can be unpredictable, staying for a few days can increase your viewing chances.

BEST TIME TO SEE POLAR BEARS IN SVALBARD

If you want to see polar bears, the best months to visit Svalbard are from May to July. During these months, the ice starts to melt, making it easier for boats to get to places where they can be found.

Also, ice melts, polar bears move around more, and that means you’re more likely to see them.

RESTAURANTS IN LONGYEARBYEN

There are a few restaurants in Longyearbyen where you can have lunch or dinner, and these are my top picks:

• Huset Restaurant: Premium restaurant offering an exquisite menu that blends Scandinavian techniques with local ingredients in a sophisticated setting.
• Restaurant Polfareren: If you’re after a traditional meal, Restaurant Polfareren has got you covered, where traditional dishes meet contemporary culinary artistry, all served with views of the polar landscape.
• Vinterhagen Restaurant & Peisen Bar: Relax in the garden-styled environment of Vinterhagen Restaurant and enjoy a diverse menu or a drink by the fireplace at Peisen Bar.
• Restaurant Kroa (Steakers Svalbard AS): Restaurant Kroa is an excellent option for a hearty meal, known for its signature steaks and casual atmosphere, perfect for a fulfilling dinner after a day around Svalbard.

BUDGET FOR VISITING SVALBARD

Planning a trip to Svalbard can fit different budgets, but you should prepare for some key expenses. Flights to Longyearbyen usually connect through Oslo and can vary in price depending on when you book.

For places to stay, options range from simple guesthouses to more comfortable hotels, but I recommend planning between $150 and $300 per night.

Eating out can be expensive, so set aside a good amount for meals. Also, joining a cruise around the Arctic will significantly increase the budget needed.

The cost of Svalbard cruises varies greatly depending on the type of cruise and the level of luxury you opt for.

Visit the Oceanwide Expeditions website to view all available Arctic cruises, prices, and dates of departure.

Special Offer: Oceanwide Expeditions extends a 10% discount on their Arctic Expeditions to all my readers when you include the code MELONOEX during your booking inquiry.

BOOK NOW & GET 10% OFF

WHAT TO PACK FOR SVALBARD

Heading to Svalbard means preparing for its unique and often harsh conditions. Whether you’re planning to take a cruise or observe the incredible wildlife, packing right is crucial.

Here’s what you should include in your packing list:

• Warm Clothing: Pack plenty of warm layers like thermal shirts, fleece jackets, and a good quality insulated coat. Don’t forget a warm hat, scarf, and gloves!
• Waterproof Gear: Bring waterproof pants and a jacket. Svalbard can be wet, and staying dry is key to keeping warm.
• Sturdy Footwear: Waterproof boots are essential for walking through snow and wet terrain. Make sure they are insulated and comfortable.
• Sun Protection: Even in cold weather, the sun can be strong. Include sunglasses, sunscreen, and a lip balm with SPF.
• Day Pack: A small backpack is useful for carrying snacks, water, extra clothing, and your camera gear.
• Camera and Batteries: Capture the stunning scenery and wildlife. Remember extra batteries as the cold can drain them quickly.
• Binoculars: Great for wildlife watching, helping you see animals from a safe distance.

Packing these essentials will help ensure you have a comfortable and memorable visit to Svalbard. While this may sound like a lot, they’re essential to make the overall trip as smooth and enjoyable as possible.

CONCLUSION – SVALBARD TRAVEL GUIDE

I hope you enjoyed reading this travel guide for Svalbard, and if you have any questions about what to do in Svalbard, please leave a comment below this post and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.

For a quicker response, be sure to join Jonny Melon’s Travel Tribe on Facebook and post your questions or recommendations to our awesome community.

THANKS FOR READING

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