Svalbard
Norway · 15 m
Description
Svalbard is a remote Arctic archipelago between mainland Norway and the North Pole and one of the world’s northernmost permanently inhabited regions. The largest island, Spitsbergen, and Longyearbyen form the heart of the archipelago, known for spectacular glaciers, snow-covered valleys, and Arctic wildlife. Dog sledding and snowmobile excursions, boat trips to walrus colonies and glacier fronts, as well as the polar night and midnight sun, make Svalbard a unique destination. The archipelago is also home to the Svalbard Global Seed Vault, an underground facility safeguarding seed samples from around the world. Its pristine wilderness makes Svalbard especially appealing to nature and adventure travelers.
Length of stay
Recommended length of stay: 4 to 7 days (optimal 5 days)
Travel season
Best time to visit: March – April or July
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Highlights
- Polar bear safari
- Svalbard Global Seed Vault (exterior view)
- Svalbard Museum
- Walrus and glacier front boat safari
- Dog sledding across the Svalbard valleys (November - April)
- Snowmobile glacier expedition (March - May)
- Ice caving (March - May)
- Northern lights (October - February)
- Midnight sun (April - August)
- Pyramiden abandoned mining settlement(Day trip)
- Barentsburg Russian mining settlement(Day trip)
- Nordenskiöldbreen glacier
- Monaco Glacier(Day trip)
- Longyearbyen
- Svalbard Church
- Svalbard reindeer watching
- Arctic fox watching (June - August)
- Svalbard kayaking (June - August)
- Multi-day wilderness expedition (June - August)(Multi-day trip)
Getting there
- Airports:
- LYR
- Seaport:
- Reachable by ship or ferry