Did you know that Svalbard has more polar bears than human residents? With approximately 3,000 polar bears roaming this Arctic archipelago compared to just 2,500 people, this remote northern territory offers one of the world’s most extraordinary wilderness experiences. Located between mainland Norway and the North Pole, Svalbard and Jan Mayen present a pristine Arctic landscape where adventurers can witness glaciers, spot rare wildlife, and experience phenomena like the midnight sun and northern lights. Let’s explore the most remarkable things to do in this frozen frontier.
Longyearbyen Airport – Your gateway to Arctic adventures
Getting to Svalbard and Jan Mayen
Reaching these remote Arctic territories requires some planning. Svalbard is accessible via regular flights to Longyearbyen Airport (LYR) from Oslo and Tromsø in Norway. SAS and Norwegian Air operate these routes, with increased frequency during the summer tourist season. Flight time from Oslo is approximately 3 hours.
Jan Mayen, being even more remote, has no regular commercial flights and is primarily accessible by special charter or research vessels. Most visitors reach Jan Mayen as part of an organized expedition cruise that includes Svalbard in its itinerary.
Ready to Start Your Arctic Adventure?
Find the best flight options to Longyearbyen and begin your journey to the Arctic wilderness.
Best Time to Visit Svalbard and Jan Mayen
Summer (May-August)
Summer brings the magical midnight sun, with 24 hours of daylight from mid-April to mid-August. This is the most popular time to visit, with temperatures ranging from 3°C to 7°C (37°F to 45°F). Wildlife is highly active, and most outdoor activities are available. Summer is ideal for hiking, kayaking, and wildlife spotting.
Winter (November-February)
Winter brings the polar night, when the sun doesn’t rise above the horizon from mid-November to late January. Temperatures drop to between -20°C and -14°C (-4°F to 7°F). This season offers the chance to witness the spectacular northern lights and participate in unique winter activities like dog sledding and snowmobile safaris.
“The best time to visit depends entirely on what you want to experience. Come in summer for wildlife and hiking, or winter for northern lights and snow adventures. Each season offers something completely different.”
Top 10 Things to Do in Svalbard and Jan Mayen
1. Polar Bear Safaris
Svalbard is one of the best places in the world to observe polar bears in their natural habitat. Join a guided expedition cruise along the coast to spot these magnificent creatures hunting on sea ice. For safety reasons, polar bear viewing is only permitted with professional guides, as these animals are both protected and dangerous. The north and east coasts of Spitsbergen (Svalbard’s largest island) offer the highest chances of sightings.
2. Dog Sledding Adventures
Experience the traditional Arctic mode of transportation with a thrilling dog sledding tour. Local operators like Svalbard Husky offer excursions ranging from short 1.5-hour trips to multi-day expeditions. You’ll learn to handle your own team of eager huskies as you glide through the pristine snow-covered landscapes. Winter tours often include northern lights viewing, while summer offers unique “wheels” dog sledding on specially designed carts.
3. Snowmobile Expeditions
Snowmobiling is the most efficient way to explore Svalbard’s vast wilderness during winter months. Join guided tours that take you across frozen fjords, through valleys, and up to panoramic viewpoints. Popular routes include trips to the abandoned Russian mining town of Pyramiden, the East Coast, or multi-day expeditions to Barentsburg. No previous experience is required for most tours, though you’ll need a valid driver’s license.
4. Kayaking in Arctic Waters
During the summer months, sea kayaking offers a peaceful way to explore Svalbard’s dramatic coastline. Paddle among floating ice, past towering glaciers, and alongside curious seals. Guided kayaking tours range from half-day excursions in sheltered bays to multi-day camping expeditions. Most operators provide all necessary equipment, including dry suits to keep you warm in the frigid Arctic waters.
5. Hiking the Arctic Tundra
Summer in Svalbard reveals a surprisingly colorful landscape as the Arctic tundra blooms with hardy wildflowers. Guided hiking tours explore areas like Adventdalen, Bjørndalen, and Plateau Mountain, offering chances to spot reindeer, Arctic foxes, and diverse bird species. Due to polar bear risks, hiking independently beyond settlement areas is not recommended. Most tours include necessary safety equipment and transportation from Longyearbyen.
6. Arctic Expedition Cruises
An expedition cruise is the most comprehensive way to experience Svalbard and potentially reach Jan Mayen. These specialized voyages navigate remote fjords and islands inaccessible by other means. Trips range from 6-day Svalbard explorations to 14-day journeys that may include Jan Mayen and Greenland. Onboard experts provide insights on wildlife, geology, and history, while daily Zodiac excursions bring you close to glaciers, wildlife, and historic sites.
Cultural Attractions and Museums
Svalbard Museum
Located in Longyearbyen, this comprehensive museum showcases 400 years of Svalbard history through exhibits on wildlife, mining, trapping, and exploration. With over 1,700 artifacts, photos, and books, it provides fascinating insights into human adaptation to Arctic conditions. The museum is open year-round with extended hours during summer.
North Pole Expedition Museum
Formerly known as the Spitsbergen Airship Museum, this fascinating collection focuses on historic Arctic aviation expeditions. Exhibits detail the dramatic stories of airships like the Italia, Norge, and America that attempted to reach the North Pole. Located in Longyearbyen, the museum opened in 2008 to commemorate significant Arctic exploration anniversaries.
Svalbard Global Seed Vault
This remarkable facility serves as humanity’s backup plan for crop diversity, storing nearly one million seed samples from around the world. While the interior is not open to the public, organized tours take visitors near the distinctive entrance structure embedded in the mountainside. The vault’s striking architecture and crucial mission make it a must-see landmark near Longyearbyen.
Where to Stay in Svalbard
Colorful houses of Longyearbyen – the northernmost settlement with hotels
Accommodation options in Svalbard are primarily concentrated in Longyearbyen, with a few choices in the Russian settlement of Barentsburg. Jan Mayen has no tourist accommodation. Here are your best options:
Luxury Options
- Funken Lodge – Renovated historic building with panoramic views and fine dining
- Radisson Blu Polar Hotel – World’s northernmost full-service hotel with comfortable rooms and excellent amenities
- Mary-Ann’s Polarrigg – Unique converted mining barracks with a glass-roofed restaurant
Budget-Friendly Choices
- Coal Miners’ Cabins – Renovated miners’ quarters offering basic but comfortable rooms
- Gjestehuset 102 – Simple guesthouse with shared facilities and reasonable rates
- Basecamp Hotel – Trapper-style lodge with rustic charm and central location
Find Your Arctic Basecamp
Book your stay in Svalbard’s unique accommodations and prepare for the adventure of a lifetime.
Practical Tips for Visiting Svalbard and Jan Mayen
Safety Considerations
Polar bear safety is paramount in Svalbard. Never leave settlements without an experienced guide carrying appropriate deterrents. Weather conditions can change rapidly, so always dress in layers and carry emergency supplies. In winter, be aware of avalanche risks in mountainous areas.
What to Pack
Even in summer, temperatures rarely exceed 7°C (45°F). Pack thermal base layers, waterproof outer layers, insulated boots, and multiple pairs of gloves. Don’t forget sunglasses and strong sunscreen for summer (24-hour daylight causes intense reflection), and a headlamp for winter’s polar night.
Currency and Payments
Norwegian Kroner (NOK) is the official currency. Credit cards are widely accepted in Longyearbyen, but carry some cash for smaller establishments. Prices are significantly higher than mainland Norway due to import costs. ATMs are available in Longyearbyen but not in smaller settlements.
Important: Visa Requirements
Svalbard operates under a unique treaty that makes it visa-free for citizens of all signatory countries. However, you’ll likely transit through mainland Norway, which is part of the Schengen Area and may require a visa depending on your nationality. Jan Mayen visits require special permission from Norwegian authorities.
Getting Around Svalbard
Snowmobiles – the preferred winter transportation in Svalbard
Transportation options in Svalbard are limited but unique to the Arctic environment:
Within Longyearbyen
- Walking is practical as the town is compact
- Taxis are available but limited in number
- Airport shuttle buses connect with all flights
- Rental bicycles available in summer months
Exploring Beyond Settlements
- Guided tours are mandatory due to polar bear risks
- Snowmobiles are the primary winter transportation
- Boat tours operate during the ice-free summer season
- Dog sledding tours available year-round (wheeled sleds in summer)
Need Transportation in Svalbard?
While traditional car rentals are limited in Svalbard, you can book specialized Arctic transportation through our partners.
Food and Dining in Svalbard
Arctic char – a local delicacy in Svalbard restaurants
Svalbard’s isolated location creates a unique food culture that blends Norwegian traditions with international influences and locally sourced Arctic ingredients:
What to Try
- Reindeer – Lean, flavorful meat often served as steak or in stews
- Arctic Char – Delicate fish similar to salmon but with a milder flavor
- Seal – Traditional protein source sometimes available in specialized restaurants
- Cloudberry Desserts – Arctic berries used in jams, sauces, and cakes
- Svalbard Beer – Local brewery producing unique Arctic-inspired craft beers
Top Dining Spots in Longyearbyen
- Huset – Fine dining restaurant with an extensive wine cellar
- Funktionærmessen Restaurant – Upscale dining at Funken Lodge
- Gruvelageret – Historic mining warehouse converted to a restaurant
- Kroa – Casual pub-style restaurant popular with locals
- Svalbar – Relaxed bar and grill with good burgers and local beers
Wildlife Viewing Opportunities
Arctic fox in winter coat – one of Svalbard’s charismatic wildlife species
Svalbard offers exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities throughout the year. Here’s what you might encounter:
Land Mammals
- Polar Bears – Best spotted on expedition cruises along the east coast
- Svalbard Reindeer – Smaller than mainland reindeer, often seen near Longyearbyen
- Arctic Foxes – Change from brown to white coat in winter
Marine Life
- Walruses – Often seen hauled out on beaches during summer
- Seals – Several species including ringed, bearded, and harbor seals
- Whales – Beluga, minke, and blue whales visit during summer months
Bird Watching
Svalbard hosts millions of migratory birds during summer. Visit bird cliffs like Alkefjellet to see thousands of Brünnich’s guillemots, little auks, and puffins. The archipelago is also home to Arctic terns, snow buntings, and the rare ivory gull.
Experience Arctic Wildlife Up Close
Join specialized wildlife tours led by experienced guides who know the best locations for animal sightings.
Ready for Your Arctic Adventure?
Svalbard and Jan Mayen represent some of Earth’s last truly wild frontiers. From the thrill of spotting a polar bear on sea ice to the otherworldly beauty of blue glaciers and the magical light of the midnight sun, these remote Arctic territories offer experiences that can’t be found anywhere else on the planet.
Whether you’re drawn to wildlife encounters, Arctic history, outdoor adventures, or simply the profound silence of pristine wilderness, Svalbard and Jan Mayen will leave you with memories to last a lifetime. Pack your warmest clothes, bring your sense of adventure, and prepare to be amazed by the raw beauty of the High Arctic.
Start Planning Your Arctic Journey Today
From flights and accommodations to unforgettable activities, we can help you create the perfect Arctic adventure.
The above is subject to change.
Check back often to TRAVEL.COM for the latest travel tips and deals.
