Polar bear in south Spitsbergen.

Svalbard

THE CAPITAL OF THE ARCTIC

Halfway between the Norwegian mainland and the North Pole rises Svalbard. The destination tops many adventurous travellers' and wildlife lovers' bucket lists. It is like another world. The scenery is fascinating, and Svalbard offers unique experiences that few other destinations can compete with: the chance to witness the northern light at midday and observe polar bears in the wild.

Svalbard is an all-year destination. In the summer, 24-hour daylight allows one to enjoy outdoor activities under the midnight sun. In contrast, the 24-hour darkness of the polar winter boosts the chances of seeing the northern lights considerably. Svalbard is an Arctic archipelago with nine larger islands, several smaller ones, glaciers and solid rock. On the most significant island, Spitsbergen lives 2000 inhabitants. The easiest way of getting to Svalbard is by plane. There are regular flights from Oslo (3 hours) and Tromso (-2 hours). In summer, you can also visit Svalbard by cruise ship.

Note: When exploring Svalbard, we recommend doing it only with an experienced local.

 

WHY VISIT SVALBARD

  • To see wild polar bears, walruses, humpback whales, and orcas. 
  • For its spectacular Arctic landscapes.
  • To marvel at the Northern Lights around the clock.
  • To experience the Polar Night in winter.
  • To do unique experiences such as a Wildlife tour.

 

 

TOP EXPERIENCES IN TROMSÖ

DISCOVER THE MIDNIGHT SUN

Stay out all night under the midnight sun. The reddish-yellow light is magical. It triggers you in a way that you have probably never experienced before.

Midnight sun in north Norway.
TOP EXPERIENCES IN TROMSÖ

JOIN A REINDEER RIDE

Get to know the sami culture and feed the reindeers.

Discover more
Reindeer ride in northern Norway.
TOP EXPERIENCES IN TROMSÖ

TAKE AN ARCTIC ROAD TRIP TO LYNGEN ALP

A 2 hours drive from Tromsö you´ll find one of the most beautiful areas outside of Tromsø. Stay in an igloo or glas cabin.

Lyngen close to Tromsö, Norway.
TOP EXPERIENCES IN TROMSÖ

GO DOG SLEDDING

Race across the landscape on a dog sled led by happy huskies.

Dog sledding with Husky dogs in Norway.
TOP EXPERIENCES IN TROMSÖ

SEE THE NORTHERN LIGHTS

For the best experience book a tour with a local guide that knows the best spot to catch the magical lights.

Northern lights over Tromsö, Norway.
TOP EXPERIENCES IN TROMSÖ

SLEEP IN A IGLOO HOTEL IN ALTA

This is the perfect location for an exotic winter adventure. Truly an adventure out of the ordinary.

Ice hotel in Alta, Norway.
TOP EXPERIENCES IN TROMSÖ

TRY LOCAL TREATS

Grilled stockfish, reindeer sirloin, or even seagull eggs?

Reindeer sirloin dinner.
TOP EXPERIENCES IN TROMSÖ

SIGHTSEEING CRUISE AROUND TROMSÖ ISLAND

Learn about the sights and landmarks of Tromsö, its surrounding nature and wildlife.

Sightseeing cruise around Tromsö Island, Norway.
TOP EXPERIENCES IN TROMSÖ

NORDLYSFESTIVALEN

Listen to a symphonic orchestra inside a cathedral at The Northern Lights Festival.

Northern Lights Festival in Tromsö Norway.

 

FAQ

If  your goal is to see the northern lights, you should consider visiting between October and March, when darkness reigns. 

From late October to mid-February the sun does not rise above the horizon. From mid-November to the end of January, Longyearbyen is in total darkness aside from moonlight. 

While this does limit the activities on offer, it’s a genuinely fascinating time to visit.

The months between mid-March and May in Svalbard come with increased light hours throughout the day as opposed to drastically increased temperatures and during these months the region sees a more normalized pattern of light hours during the day and darkness overnight.

While there is a slight temperature increase, the landscape is still draped in beautiful ice and covered in snow as far as the eye can see. The increased light can make for much better wildlife viewing and day time activities and the benefit of darkness overnight is that there are still amazing opportunities to chase the Northern Lights! Spring time could be the best time of year to visit Svalbard to get the full Arctic experience.

If you want to see as much of Svalbard as possible, you should visit between May and August. Thanks to the midnight sun you’ll have 24 hours of daylight, making it the ideal time to visit if you’ve only got a few days. 
 

Northern Lights season: X
Whale season: X
Midnight sun season: X
Skiing season: X
 

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