Highlights of Svalbard

The Svalbard Islands are located in the Arctic Ocean, halfway between Norway and the North Pole. Here, you will find untouched arctic wilderness and unique wildlife in a setting that is both rugged and fragile at the same time.

Landscape
During the winter months the snow protects the wilderness of Svalbard. Underneath is one of the most spectacular scenes imaginable: glacial plateau groaning against a mirrored sea, jagged mountain peaks, vast icebergs and a barren ground where lichen and delicate tundra flowers grow.

Polar Bears
Synonymous with the Svalbard archipelago is the polar bear and approximately 3000 individuals live here. These large white mammals spend more time on the ice than on the mainland and as such are predominantly spotted from a boat during the summer months.

Fossils
For the amateur-fossil hunter the shoreline of the archipelago can be very rewarding; it is possible to take any uncovered fossil home as a souvenir. Excavations at Deltaneset have found fossils over 150 million years old including three specimens of prehistoric reptiles – two Plesiosaurs and one Icthyosaur.

Aurora Borealis
At the time of the Polar Night, an atmospheric period when the sun does not rise above the horizon, there is double the chance to see the colourful waves of the Aurora Borealis – Day and night! With low light pollution you do not have to leave Longyearbyen to enjoy a wondrous display.

Longyearbyen
The capital of Svalbard is a colourful multi-national community with a raison d’etre of its own. Throughout the year the town hosts an array of events and celebrations including the Polarjazz festival (05-08Feb); return of the sun (08Mar), Octoberfest and, in November, Art Break.

Five seasons
Stretching from 74°N and 80°N, the Svalbard archipelago enjoys five distinctive seasons – light winter (Mar-May), spring (May), summer (Jun-Aug), autumn (Sep-Oct) and dark winter (Nov- Feb). Whether soaked in mystical darkness or bathed in the warm summer sun, this destination cannot fail to impress.

Boat excursions
From rib boat safaris to see the bird cliff s and glaciers of the Isfjord to boat excursions to the mining settlements of Barentsberg and Pyramiden and expedition voyages around the archipelago there is a trip on offer for all.

Pyramiden
The Russian coal mining settlement is situated at the end of the Isfjord and is accessible by snowmobile and boat excursion from Longyearbyen. Evacuated in 1998, Pyramiden is a ghost town trapped in time, slowly decomposing. Visit the former culture house, sawmill, radio station and workshops.

Svalbard Museum
Discover the history and traditions of the archipelago at Svalbard Museum. Exhibitions cover a range of topics including geography, climate, geology, flora, wildlife, polar expeditions and hunting. An excellent introduction to the islands.

Fauna
Marine species are plentiful in Arctic waters and include Minke, Beluga and Fin whales, seals and walruses. Inland, the Svalbard reindeer and Arctic fox can be spotted.

Peace and tranquillity
Svalbard is alluring in part because of its sheer remoteness: Wherever you are – whether by zodiac boat, snowmobile or on foot – your group and your guide are likely to be the only humans there. In Europe, this being alone is all too rare an experience.

Ice caving
Ice caves are a mesmerising wonder of nature and a glittering and fascinating formation. From February to May it is possible to explore the caves created by the melt water channels of the Longyear glacier on a guided tour. The crystal world beneath the glacier is unlike anything seen before.

Birdlife
Migratory birds flock to Svalbard during the summer months. Arctic tern, Ivory gulls, common eider ducks, kittiwakes, guillemots, puffins, northern fulmars and Brent geese can all be spotted in the lakes, lagoons and surrounding waters of the fjords.

Winter activities
The snow starts to fall in the archipelago in October and it is a constant sight until April, when the white-blanket begins to thaw around Longyearbyen. For winter activities – snowmobile safaris, wilderness evenings, snow cat trips and dog-sled tours - Nov-May is the height of the season.

Hiking
Under the long, summer daylight hours it is possible to explore the lofty mountain peaks that surround Longyearbyen on foot with a local guide. From the tall summits you can see for miles around.