Ultimate Svalbard Travel Guide: Explore the Arctic Wilderness of Norway

Welcome to Svalbard, Norway’s last frontier—a dramatic Arctic archipelago located halfway between mainland Norway and the North Pole. Remote, icy, and captivating, Svalbard is a place where polar bears outnumber humans, glaciers dominate the landscape, and the sun never sets during summer months. It's one of the northernmost inhabited places on Earth, offering a rare opportunity to explore the raw power of nature in one of its purest forms.
 

This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know to plan an unforgettable trip to Svalbard—from things to do and see, wildlife and climate, to travel tips and sustainability practices.

🌍 Where is Svalbard?

Svalbard is an archipelago in the Arctic Ocean, situated about 1,000 kilometers north of mainland Norway and roughly 1,300 kilometers from the North Pole. It belongs to Norway and is governed under the unique Svalbard Treaty, which allows citizens of over 40 countries to live and work there visa-free.

The largest island is Spitsbergen, home to the main settlement, Longyearbyen. Other islands include Nordaustlandet, Edgeøya, and Barentsøya, most of which are uninhabited and protected as nature reserves.

❄️ A Land of Extremes

Svalbard’s appeal lies in its Arctic extremity—an untouched land shaped by glaciers, frozen tundra, icebergs, and jagged mountains. Yet despite its harsh conditions, life thrives here, from walruses and Arctic foxes to seabirds and polar bears.

Key Features:

60% of the land is covered in glaciers

No trees—just moss, lichens, and hardy Arctic flowers

Midnight Sun from April to August

Polar Night from late October to mid-February

🐻 Iconic Wildlife in Svalbard

1. Polar Bears

Known as the “King of the Arctic,” the polar bear is the symbol of Svalbard. There are around 3,000 polar bears in the region—more than the human population.

Safety Note: When traveling outside settlements, it's mandatory to carry a rifle for self-defense against polar bears.

2. Walruses

These massive, tusked mammals can often be seen lounging on beaches or bobbing in the icy water. Popular viewing spots include Ny-Ålesund and Edgeøya.

3. Arctic Foxes

Small, quick, and well-camouflaged, Arctic foxes are often spotted near settlements scavenging for food.

4. Seabirds & Reindeer

Svalbard is a birdwatcher's paradise, home to puffins, guillemots, and Arctic terns. Svalbard reindeer are a subspecies adapted to the cold, with thick fur and short legs.

🧭 Top Things to Do in Svalbard

1. Explore Longyearbyen

The world’s northernmost town is charming, functional, and surprisingly vibrant. Despite its isolation, it features:

Museums (Svalbard Museum, North Pole Expedition Museum)

Art galleries and cafes

Boutique shops and restaurants

The Svalbard Church – the world’s northernmost church

2. Go on a Polar Bear Safari

Join a guided expedition by boat, snowmobile, or even dog sled to search for polar bears in the wild. Popular routes include the East Coast of Spitsbergen.

3. Visit an Ice Cave

Explore frozen underground worlds formed in the glacier ice. Tours depart from Longyearbyen and require thermal suits and headlamps.

4. Cruise to Pyramiden or Barentsburg

Pyramiden: A Soviet ghost town frozen in time, abandoned in 1998.

Barentsburg: A still-functioning Russian mining town, complete with Lenin statues and Cyrillic signage.

5. Hike to Plateau Mountain (Platåfjellet)

One of the most popular hikes near Longyearbyen, offering panoramic views of the Isfjord and the surrounding glaciers.

6. Experience the Midnight Sun & Polar Night

Midnight Sun (April–August): Enjoy 24-hour daylight and surreal photo opportunities.

Polar Night (November–January): A time of magical darkness, ideal for northern lights viewing.

📅 Best Time to Visit Svalbard

Each season in Svalbard offers unique experiences:

❄️ Winter (February to May)

Activities: Snowmobiling, ice cave exploration, dog sledding

Highlights: Polar night, northern lights

Temperatures: -25°C to -10°C

☀️ Summer (June to August)

Activities: Hiking, kayaking, wildlife cruises

Highlights: Midnight sun, bird cliffs, walrus colonies

Temperatures: 0°C to 10°C

🍂 Autumn (September to October)

Shoulder season with fewer tourists

Great for photography and calm landscapes

Increasing chances to see aurora borealis

🧳 What to Pack for Svalbard

Thermal base layers

Windproof and waterproof jacket and pants

Insulated boots and wool socks

Gloves, scarf, and warm hat

Sunglasses and sunscreen (yes, even in winter!)

Camera with spare batteries (cold drains power quickly)

🏨 Accommodation in Svalbard

Most accommodations are located in Longyearbyen and include:

Hotels

Radisson Blu Polar Hotel – the world’s northernmost full-service hotel

Funken Lodge – upscale lodge with gourmet dining

Svalbard Hotell – modern, centrally located

Guesthouses & Cabins

Coal Miners’ Cabins – budget-friendly with historical charm

Gjestehuset 102 – cozy and affordable option

Wilderness Lodges (Seasonal)

Located in remote areas, only accessible via snowmobile or boat

Great for experiencing solitude and Arctic wildlife

🍽️ Where to Eat in Svalbard

Surprisingly for such a remote location, Svalbard offers some unique culinary experiences.

Top Restaurants:

Huset Restaurant – fine dining with one of Norway’s best wine cellars

Fruene Café – great coffee and fresh pastries

Kroa – rustic atmosphere with local Arctic dishes like reindeer stew

Arctic Specialties:

Reindeer and seal meat

Arctic char

Local berries (lingonberries, cloudberries)

🚗 How to Get to and Around Svalbard

✈️ By Air:

Daily flights to Longyearbyen from Oslo and Tromsø

Airlines: SAS and Norwegian

Flight duration: 3–4 hours from Oslo

🚙 Getting Around:

No roads connect settlements outside Longyearbyen

Transportation options include:

Snowmobiles (winter only)

Boats and cruise ships (summer)

ATVs and dog sleds

Note: Travel outside Longyearbyen requires a certified guide and proper safety equipment due to polar bear risks.

🧊 Arctic Cruises & Expeditions

Many visitors explore Svalbard as part of Arctic cruises that may also include Greenland, Iceland, and Franz Josef Land. These cruises offer:

Guided wildlife viewing

Zodiac boat landings

Glacier hiking and photography tours

Popular cruise operators: Hurtigruten, Quark Expeditions, Oceanwide Expeditions

🔬 Svalbard Global Seed Vault

A fascinating and symbolic stop is the Svalbard Global Seed Vault—an underground facility that stores duplicates of seeds from around the world, acting as a global backup in case of agricultural disasters.

Though not open to tourists, you can view the entrance on a guided tour.

🌱 Responsible Travel & Sustainability

Svalbard is incredibly fragile, and climate change is visible here more than almost anywhere else on Earth. Visitors play a crucial role in preserving its pristine environment.

Guidelines:

Stick to marked trails

Avoid disturbing wildlife

Use eco-friendly tour operators

Respect cultural and historical sites

Never leave trash behind—everything must be packed out

⚠️ Important Travel Tips

Travel insurance is mandatory

Outside Longyearbyen, travelers must carry:

A rifle (for polar bear protection)

Flare gun

Communication device

Guided tours are strongly recommended

Health facilities are basic—major emergencies require evacuation

📸 Most Instagrammable Places in Svalbard

Ice Caves beneath Longyear Glacier

Pyramiden Soviet Ghost Town

Svalbard Church at dusk

Panoramic views from Platåfjellet

Polar bears or walruses in the wild (from a safe distance!)

🧭 Final Thoughts: Is Svalbard Worth Visiting?

Absolutely—Svalbard is one of the most unique and thrilling travel destinations on Earth. It offers a raw Arctic experience, deep wilderness, rich wildlife, and a surreal landscape that feels more like another planet than a part of Europe.

Whether you’re chasing the northern lights, hiking among glaciers, or just sipping coffee in the world’s northernmost café, Svalbard is a place you’ll never forget.