Holidays to Svalbard

Advent Valley Dog Sled Tour On Wheels

Eager polar dogs pull the wheeled carts and you can enjoy the views and wildlife of the Advent Valley up close. Your guide will drive the first cart, with space for 2 guests in the cart.  The other participants follow in carts for 2-3 people.

The dogs will make good speed as you follow the road towards the old northern lights research station.  On the way there is a good chance that you will see svalbard reindeer, arctic foxes and flocks of migratory birds.  Several stops will be made along the way to give the dogs a drink.

This tour will take you along the track into Endalen, past the cableway turning station and towards the old Gruve 5 mine.  The colours of the vegetation in contrast to the mountains and sky are amazing and the clean Arctic air is refreshing for both body and soul!

•  Duration: 4 hours
•  Departure: Daily (11Jun-01Nov) 
•  Price: £111.00 per adult / £56.00 per child (8-12 years old)

 Notes:

•  Pick up: Outside the main entrance of your hotel.  Please arrive 10 minutes prior to excursion time.
•  The carts accommodate 2-3 people.
•  Warm clothing and boots provided.
•  Hot drinks and biscuits included after the tour.
•  Minimum child age is 8 years.
•  Minimum participants 1.  Maximum 21 guests.  

Adventfjord Kayak Tour

Kayaking is a great way to explore the Arctic, and our knowledgeable guides will soon make you feel at home in the sturdy double kayaks.  After a safety briefing, you will head away from Longyearbyen and paddle across the Adventfjord.  During the summer over 100 species of migratory birds visit these islands, and they can often be seen in this area.  Lunch and a visit to the ghost town of Hiorthhamn included.

•  Duration: 7 hours
•  Departure: Daily (1Jun-30Sep)
•  Price: £137.00 per person

 Notes:

•  Pick up: Outside the main entrance of your hotel.  Please arrive 10 minutes prior to excursion time.
•  Includes experienced guide, with all necessary safety equipment.
•  Dry-suit and life vest included.
•  Hot drinks, lunch and snacks included.
•  Minimum participants 2.  Maximum 12.
•  Minimum age is 15 years.. 

Arctic Fat Bike Tour

Buckle up, get on your haibike Electric Drive bicycle and follow the trail through Longyearbyen, where you will learn about the local history and the town itself.  Follow on to Burnaveien, taking in great views over the fjord.  Follow down to sea level, to Hotellneset, before heading back to Longyearbyen.  The journey provides breathtaking views, and with any luck the Northern lights will show themselves.

•  Duration: 3 hours
•  Departure: Daily (01Oct-23Nov)
•  Price: £81.00 per adult 

 Notes:

•  Pick up: Outside the main entrance of your hotel.  Please arrive 10 minutes prior to excursion time.
•  Includes experienced guide, with all necessary safety equipment.
•  Helmet provided.
•  Hot drink included.
•  Warm, windproof clothing and shoes recommended.
•  Minimum participants 2.  Maximum 8.
•  Minimum child age is 14. 

 Arctic Sea Fishing

There’s plenty of fish in the Isfjord on Svalbard, and over the last few years, Longyearbyen has had an abundance of large cod during late summer and early autumn.

Just outside the city, reached by Polarcirkel boats you will find the perfect spot.  Each guest may catch two or three fish, and if you choose, you can have our fish prepared by the chefs at Restaurant Nansen, later that evening (for an extra fee).  Guests staying at the Coal Miners’ Cabins can make use of the shared kitchens to prepare their own catch.

•  Duration: 4 hours
•  Departure: Daily (24Aug-30Sep)
•  Price: £111.00 per adult / £56.00 per child (8-14 years old) 

Notes:

•  Pick up: Outside the main entrance of your hotel.  Please arrive 10 minutes prior to excursion time.
•  Includes a certified guide and necessary safety equipment.
•  Immersion suites, life vests and fishing equipment included.
•  Minimum participants 2.  Maximum 8.
•  Minimum child age is 8 years old.

Arctic Wilderness Evening

This experience is based at Camp Barentz, 10km from Longyearbyen, in Advent Valley.  Here, your hosts will serve a hot and tasty reindeer dish, bonfire coffee and cake while they entertain you with a presentation on polar bears and stories from Spitsbergen.  This far from town, you can really feel the wilderness and experience what it was like for explorers here before the towns were built.  This cosy, authentic experience, with good food and good cheer will leave you with warm, long lasting memories to treasure. 

•  Duration: 3 hours
•  Departure: Daily (15Mar-30Sep)
•  Price: £116.00 per adult / £56.00 per child (2-12 years old)

Notes:

•  Pick up: Outside the main entrance of your hotel.  Please arrive 10 minutes prior to excursion time.
•  Dinner, drinks and presentation included.
•  Comfortable outdoor clothing and warm clothing is recommended, as although this is an indoor activity, you may wish to spend some time outdoors looking at the Northern Lights or the midnight sun!
•  Minimum participants 6.  Maximum 50.
•  No minimum child age, children must be accompanied by an adult.

Barentsburg by Catamaran

Sail on a hybrid catamaran towards Barentsburg, the Russian capital of Svalbard.  During the trip, your guide will point out the highlights and provide you with an excellent introduction to the settlement.  After your 1.5 hours with a local guide, it will be time to embark on your return to Longyearbyen.  Enjoy the views from the deck or the panoramic windows whilst keeping warm and cosy.  The scenery is truly mesmerising, providing you with a unique experience.

•  Duration: 5 hours
•  Departures: Daily (01May-31Oct)
•  Price: £161.00 per adult / £81.00 per child (4-12  years old)

Notes:

•  Pick up: Outside the main entrance of your hotel.  Please arrive 10 minutes prior to excursion time.
•  Includes experienced onboard guide and local guide in Barentsburg.
•  Minimum participants 8, Maximum 70.
•  Coffee, tea and biscuits included.

 Barentsburg Snowmobile Tour

This tour takes you to the Russian mining town of Barentsburg.  Climb on your snowmobile and head west through Nordenskiold Land and during the trip, make several stops when the guide will explain the local landscape, fauna and history. Once in Barentsburg, enjoy a guided tour and lunch from the Russian Kitchen.  Return back to Longyearbyen on a different route and enjoy the amazing scenery.

•  Duration: 8-9 hours
•  Departures: Daily (10Feb-16May)  
•  Price: £343.00 per driver / £161.00 per passenger

Notes:

•  Pick up: Outside the main entrance of your hotel.  Please arrive 10 minutes prior to excursion time.
•  Previous snowmobile experience recommended.
•  Drivers must show a valid driving licence and be aged 18 years or older.
•  Minimum age for passengers is 14 years old.
•  Snowsuit, boots, outer mittens, helmet and balaclava included.
•  Includes experienced guide and sightseeing in Barentsburg.
•  Russian lunch included.

Beer Tasting at the Svalbard Brewery

Enjoy tasting different varieties of beer at the Svalbard Brewery.  Get an insight into the fascinating story of how the world’s northernmost brewery got started.  Svalbard Brewery was established in 2011 and tapped its first beer in August 2015.  Six years of effort went into changing the law from 1928, banning the production of alcohol in Svalbard.   Where else can you taste locally manufactured beer that uses 2000 year old glacial water in its production? 

•  Duration: 1-1.5 hours
•  Available: Monday, Wednesday and Saturday (All year)
•  Price: £43.00 per person

Notes:

•  Minimum participants 4, Maximum 30.
•  Minimum age is 18 years old.
•  Transfers to the Brewery are not included.

Pyramiden by Catamaran

Svalbard is known for its Arctic silence, and on this silent electric catamaran you will experience this in the best possible way.  Your destination is Pyramiden, a Russian mining town that was abandoned in 1998.  Everything in Pyramiden remains intact even if the streets are deserted. During the cruise, your guide will be a fountain of knowledge, explaining the local geography, history and wildlife, as you head through Isfjord, into Billefjord and towards the majestic Nordenskiold Glacier.  This amazing wall of ice becomes the backdrop for your lunch, before heading into the ghost town. Your guide will show you some of the fascinating Soviet era buildings and surroundings. 

•  Duration: 6 hours
•  Departures: Daily (01May-31Oct)
•  Price: £191.00 per adult / £91.00 per child (4-12 years old) 

Notes:

•  Pick up: Outside the main entrance of your hotel.  Please arrive 10 minutes prior to excursion time.
•  Onboard guide and local guide in Pyramiden.
•  Lunch included.

Boat trip towards Von Post Glacier

Power through the majestic fjords of Spitsbergen and marvel at the mighty Tuna and von post glaciers as they grow from a tiny white-blue line to a towering wall of sparkling ice.

This tour takes you deep into Tempelfjorden, towards the magical glaciers but also to historical sites like the home of the famous hunter Hilmar Nois, and past teeming bird cliffs and towering mountains.

You will make a quick stop at Diabas - a bird cliff inhabited until mid-August. - Before arriving at Sassenfjord and heading towards the glacier front.  Enjoy an expedition lunch ashore in Bjonahamma, a historic hunting area, with magical views over the fjord.  

• Duration: 6 hours
• Departures: Daily (18May-13Sep)
• Price: £172.00 per person

Notes:

• Pick up: Outside the main entrance of your hotel.  Please arrive 10 minutes prior to excursion time.
• Average degree of physical fitness required.  
• Polarcirkel boats are used for the tour.
• Flotation suit provided.
• Lunch included.
• Hot drinks provided.
• Minimum participants 2, maximum 11.
• Minimum age: 14.

Bolterdalen Dog Sled Tour

Dog sledding is an amazing and authentic way to experience the Arctic, and this tour will give you an excellent introduction to mushing techniques and great interaction with the Polar dogs.  The guide will drive first along with two guests, and the following sleds will each be driven by two guests.  After helping to harness the dogs, you will head off, following the riverbed towards Bolterdalen.  Svalbard reindeer are often seen, along with grouse and Arctic foxes.  You will have opportunities to take pictures of the scenery along the way.

• Duration: 4 hours
• Departures: Daily (10Feb-25May)
• Price: £161.00 per adult / £81.00 per child (8-12 years old)

Notes:

• Pick up: Outside the main entrance of your hotel.  Please arrive 10 minutes prior to excursion time.
• Winter clothing and boots included.
• Experienced guide included.

 East Coast Snowmobile Tour

The East Coast is known as the realm of the Polar bear, due to the huge ice-covered expanse of the Storfjord being a favoured hunting ground for the world’s largest carnivore.  Set off through open plains and over mighty glaciers and, after a few hours, arrive at Storfjorden ‘the big fjord’. Enjoy an expedition lunch, with a breathtaking backdrop of majestic scenery.

• Duration: 10 hours
• Departures: Daily (17Feb-10Mar) and Wednesday, Friday & Sunday (11Mar-16May)
• Price: £394.00 per driver / £168.00 per passenger

 Notes:

• Pick up: Outside the main entrance of your hotel.  Please arrive 10 minutes prior to excursion time.
• Previous snowmobile experience recommended.
• Drivers must show a valid driving licence and be aged 18 years or older.
• Minimum age for passengers is 14 years old.
• Winter clothing included.
• Expedition lunch included.
• Hot drinks and biscuits included.

Fossil Hunting at Deltaneset

Ever wondered what life was like in the ocean, 150 million years ago? On Svalbard you can see it with your own eyes.  Start your hunt for fossils at Deltaneset, in the same area that Oglegraverne, a team from the Natural History Museum in Oslo, have uncovered three specimens of prehistoric reptiles during their excavations - two plesiosaurs and one Ichthyosaur.

Making a steep hike up to the fossil area, you will reach an area where it is not permitted to pick flowers, but can take away any found fossils as a lasting souvenir from the trip.  Enjoy a light meal and hot drink before returning to the boat with your new treasures. 

• Duration: 6 hours
• Departures: Daily (22Jun-23Aug)
• Price: £156.00 per adult / £71.00 per child (8-13 years old)

Notes:

• Pick up: Outside the main entrance of your hotel.  Please arrive 10 minutes prior to excursion time.
• Transport with Polarcirkel boat to and from Deltaneset.
• A good degree for physical fitness required (1 hour steep hike involved).
• Floatation suits provided.
• Good hiking boots recommended.
• Minimum participants 2, maximum 11.
• Minimum age requirement: 8 years old, children must be accompanied by an adult.
• Expedition lunch included.
• Hot drinks and experienced guide included.

Fossil Hunting Hike with Dogs

Looking at taking home some unusual souvenirs?  Well, how does a fossil from 40-60 million years ago sound?  On this tour you will set off towards the Longyear valley, there are two glaciers, Larsbreen and Longyearbreen.  Longyearbreen has, over thousands of years, eroded the mountains and pushed rocks into a huge moraine at the front of the glacier.  It's in these rocks that we find 40 to 60 million year old plant and animal fossils.  

On Svalbard, it is illegal to pick flowers.  However, if you find a 60 million year old plant, you can keep it!  Finding these is great fun, especially with the company of a husky dog.  Start the hike from Nybyen with your friendly polar dogs, aided with hammers and safety goggles, you will be in for a treat.

• Duration: 3 hours
• Departures: Daily (20Jun-30Sep)
• Price: £50.00 per adult / £25.00 per child (8-11 years old)

 Notes:

• Pick up: Outside the main entrance of your hotel.  Please arrive 10 minutes prior to excursion time.
• Average degree of physical fitness required for a hike.
• Drinks and biscuits required.
• Minimum participants 1, maximum 8.
• Minimum age requirement: 8 years old, children must be accompanied by an adult.
• Good hiking boots recommended

 Gruve 3 Tour

When old Mine No. 3 was still in operation, workers were collected from their nearest bus stops in Longyearbyen and transported to the mine.  Hop on, just as the miners did, and step into history as you start the journey to become a miner yourself.

Learn how the company town has grown into its modern form and take a short sightseeing trip around it, before heading down to the mine.  Upon arrival at Mine 3, we will head through the same entrance the miner’s did back in the day.  From here you will head into the outer parts of the mine, where the mechanical workshop and loading areas are located.  With your headlamps, you can peek around corners and look for forgotten memories.  A unique and memorable experience.

• Duration: 3 hours
• Departures: Daily (All year)
• Price: £73.00 per adult / £40.00 per child (2-14 years old)

Notes:

• Pick up: Outside the main entrance of your hotel.  Please arrive 10 minutes prior to excursion time.
• Overalls, headlamp and helmet provided.
• Coffee, tea and snacks included.
• Minimum participants 2, maximum 14.

Ice Cave Dog Sled Tour

Experience being inside a fantastic glittering ice cave, hidden within a glacier.  Combine two of the Arctic’s most amazing experiences in one spectacular tour!  Using the traditional method of transport for the North Pole area you and you sled partner will mush through winding valleys and up onto a glacier, where you will leave the dogs to rest as you enter the amazing frozen crystal world.  Lunch will be provided in either a tent or igloo.  After the meal the tour will set off again at high speed down the glacier and back towards the dog yard, where you and the dogs will be welcomed back with rousing canine chorus.

• Duration: 6-7 hours
• Departures: Daily (10Jan-29May)
• Price: £282.00 per adult / £141.00 per child (8-12 years old)

Notes:

• Pick up: Outside the main entrance of your hotel.  Please arrive 10 minutes prior to excursion time.
• Average degree of physical fitness required.
• Winter clothing and boots provided.
• Expedition lunch included.
• Minimum participants 1, maximum 12.
• Minimum age: 8 years old

Ice Cave Tour with Snowcat

Walk through the heart of the glacier and into the crystal world beneath.  The light from your headlamp will reveal a glittering cave with fascinating formations in the frozen walls.

Your guide will bring the snowcat right up to your hotel, and drive you up onto the Longyearbyen Glacier in this tracked all-terrain vehicle.  With headlamps to lead the way, you will head into the meltwater channels within the glacier - an experience that will take your breath away.  

• Duration: 3 hours
• Departures: Daily (17Jan-16May)
• Price: £91.00 per adult / £46.00 per child (8-13 years old)

 Notes:

• Pick up: Outside the main entrance of your hotel.  Please arrive 10 minutes prior to excursion time.
• Average degree of physical fitness required (not suitable for those who suffer from claustrophobia).
• Helmet, headlamp and ice spikes provided.
• Solid winter shoes and waterproof outdoor clothing required.
• Minimum participants 2, maximum 12.
• Hot drinks and biscuits provided.

Longyearbyen in a Nutshell Sightseeing Tour

This is the perfect way to get an introduction to Longyearbyen and the surrounding area, with a knowledgeable local guide.  The tour begins in Longyear valley and explores the town before heading out to Adventdalen and Mine 7.  During the drive through the valley, you may be rewarded with a view of the local Svalbard reindeer, and during the summer months thousands of migratory birds converge on the delta.  Next on the tour is the area around the airport and Hotellneset, and a visit to the site of the Global Seed Vault.  The guide will talk about the attractions, fauna, flora and landscape throughout the tour. 

• Duration: 2 hours
• Departures: Daily (All year)
• Price: £37.00 per person 

Notes:

• Pick up: Outside the main entrance of your hotel.  Please arrive 10 minutes prior to excursion time.
• Minimum participants 1, maximum 50.
• Suitable for all ages.

Northern Lights Dog Sled Tour

The Northern Lights season is a particularly atmospheric time of year, and dog sledding under starry skies, dancing aurora or glittering moonlight is an experience not to be missed.

The tour starts with you harnessing the dogs with your guide, before they lead the way out from the yards.  The eager dogs will set off at a cracking pace, but after a couple of kilometres, they will settle into a comfortable speed.  The guide will drive first with two guests in their larger sled, and the group will follow in two person sleds.  You will be able to swap between mushing and enjoying the scenery from the sled.  With your headlamps switched off, gaze into the sky and you may just be lucky enough to witness the dancing lights, that are Aurora Borealis.  After the trip, you will enjoy a hot drink and biscuits in the heated log cabin.

• Duration: 4 hours
• Departures: Daily (01Nov-10Feb)
• Price: £151.00 per adult /  £76.00 per child (8-12 years old)

Notes:

• Pick up: Outside the main entrance of your hotel.  Please arrive 10 minutes prior to excursion time.
• Average degree of physical fitness required.
• Winter clothing and boots included.
• Minimum participants 1, maximum 12.
• Minimum age is 8 years old.

Northern Lights Evening at Camp Barentz

The Northern Lights can be seen 24 hours a day during the Polar Night.  Camp Barentz is located 10km from Longyearbyen, well away from the light pollution of the town, giving you an even greater chance of seeing this amazing display.   During this all-inclusive evening, you will enjoy a fascinating presentation on the aurora borealis, as well as a hearty dinner and drinks.  

This is an indoor activity, however, we recommend comfortable outdoor clothing and warm shoes as you may wish to spend time outdoors looking at the northern lights. 

• Duration: 3 hours
• Departures: Daily (01Oct-15 Mar)
• Price: £116.00 per adult /  £56.00 per child (8-11 years old)

Notes:

• Pick up: Outside the main entrance of your hotel.  Please arrive 10 minutes prior to excursion time.
• Suitable for most people (although, not wheelchair accessible).
• Minimum participants 6, maximum 25.
• Minimum age: 8 years.
• Dinner, drinks and presentation are included.

Northern Lights Hunt by Snowcat

Tonight you will be driven out of Longyearbyen into the darkness by snowcat.  Listen to the tracks crunch over the snow as you head out to the frozen Advent Valley. The tour includes several stops to look for the aurora borealis, and your guide will choose the best route based on the weather and conditions on the day. Before you head back to town, your guide will serve hot drinks and biscuits outside under the dark sky as they explain how the aurora is formed and also share stories about Longyearbyen while you keep your eyes to the sky.

• Duration: 3 hours
• Departures: Daily (20 Nov-15 Mar)
• Price: £81.00 per adult / £41.00 per child (2-13 years old)

Notes:

• Pick up: Outside the Radisson Blu Polar Hotel. Please arrive 10 minutes prior to excursion time.
• Minimum participants 2, maximum 20.
• Minimum age: 2 - children must be accompanied by an adult.
• Suitable for most abilities.
• Warm drinks and biscuits included.
• Winter clothing is not included.

Northern Lights Snowmobile Safari

While the sun is hidden under the horizon, Longyearbyen becomes a magical place lit only by the street lamps, the Northern Lights and the moon which glitters on the snow. You will head away from the lights of town and into the dark wilderness in search of the Aurora Borealis.  During the tour you will stop for hot drinks and biscuits 

• Duration: 3 hours
• Departures: Daily (20 Nov-28 Feb)  
• Price: £182.00 per driver / £101.00 per passenger 

Notes:

• Pick up: Outside the main entrance of your hotel.  Please arrive 10 minutes prior to excursion time.
• Drivers must show a valid driving licence and be aged 18 years or older.
• Minimum age for passengers is 14 years old.
• Snowsuit, boots, outer mittens, helmet and balaclava included.

Who does Svalbard belong to?

Svalbard is a Norwegian archipelago in the Arctic Ocean.

Are Spitsbergen, Svalbard and Longyearbyen the same place?

The town of Longyearbyen is situated on the island of Spitsbergen which is the largest island in the Svalbard archipelago.

Where can I stay in the Svalbard Archipelago?

Sunvil are able to assist with stays in the town of Longyearbyen and Cape Linné, on the island of Spitsbergen, where we feature one property - Isfjord Radio Adventure Hotel, 90km away from Longyearbyen.

How far is mainland Norway from Svalbard?

Svalbard is a 90-minute flight from Tromso and a 3-hour flight from Oslo.

How do I reach Svalbard from the UK?

To reach Svalbard from the UK you will need to fly via Oslo and/or Tromso and connect from either city to Longyearbyen. There are no direct flights to Svalbard from the UK. Scandinavian Airlines and Norwegian Air operate flights from Oslo and Tromso to Longyearbyen. Flight schedules from the UK can change from one year to the next and sometimes an overnight stay in Tromso or Oslo is required, before or after your stay on Svalbard. A Sunvil destination specialist will be able to assist with flight schedules for your preferred dates of travel at time of enquiry.

Do I need a Visa to visit Svalbard?

British citizens do not currently need a visa to visit Svalbard. Svalbard is not part of the Schengen area, so foreigners do not need a visa, work permit, or residence permit to stay there. However, if you need a visa to enter mainland Norway or the Schengen area, you will need a visa to travel through Norway or the Schengen area to get to Svalbard. You should make sure your visa allows you to enter and exit twice so you can return to the Schengen area after your stay in Svalbard.

Do I need to clear customs when travelling to/from Svalbard?

All travellers must clear customs and immigration when travelling between Svalbard and mainland Norway. Although belonging to Norway, Svalbard is considered a separate customs territory and you will need to go through passport control and custom procedures (to declare any goods) on mainland Norway. With same day connections from/to the UK, you will need to clear passport control and immigration in Oslo and/or Tromso before and after visiting Svalbard. Some flights between Oslo and Svalbard stop in Tromso and when this happens all passengers will need to disembark the aircraft and go through passport control and customs, collect their luggage and re-check this back in before continuing through security and re-boarding the aircraft with those passengers who are joining the flight in Tromso.

Where is Longyearbyen located?

Longyearbyen is located at latitude 78˚ North on the island of Spitsbergen, situated in a valley on the shores of the Adventfjord.

How far from the North Pole is Longyearbyen?

Longyearbyen is 1,316km from the North Pole.

Is Longyearbyen the world’s northernmost settlement?
Longyearbyen is the world’s northernmost settlement with a permanent population of more than 1,000, however Svalbard has another settlement even further north – Ny-Ålesund, which is the world’s northernmost year-round research station, found at latitude 79˚ North.

What scenery surrounds Longyearbyen?

The town is surrounded by steep mountains and several glaciers.

How big is the town of Longyearbyen?

Several areas make up Longyearbyen and include the town centre and Nybyen (New Town). Nybyen is located 2km south of the town and is where you will find miners barracks, guest houses, a gallery, a restaurant and the Hiorthfjellet mountain. The majority of shops, restaurants, pubs and hotels are located in the town centre. Longyearbyen has approximately 40km of roads and around 2,400 residents from almost 53 different countries.

Can I venture outside of Longyearbyen on my own?

You should not venture outside Longyearbyen, nor any other settlement in Svalbard, without being accompanied by a professional armed guide to ensure your safety in case of a Polar bear encounter. You will see Polar bear warning signs around the town limits in Longyearbyen and further information concerning the boundary can be obtained from the tourist office.

How far is Longyearbyen airport from the town centre?

The airport is located c.5km northwest of Longyearbyen.

How do you get from the airport to the accommodation in Longyearbyen?
The airport shuttle bus departs from the airport as soon as all passengers have collected their luggage and stops near to all of the hotels in Longyearbyen. Tickets (card payment) can be purchased onboard – c.75,00 NOK per adult one way. The journey time takes approximately 15 minutes. The bus back to the airport operates in-conjunction with all flight departures and it is recommended to check locally, with hotel reception, for the timetable and departure point for the bus back to the airport. A taxi service is available at the airport during opening hours and the journey time to Longyearbyen takes c.5 minutes and costs approximately NOK 150-200,00 (one way) during the day.

Is there a taxi service in Longyearbyen?

Yes and these need to be pre-booked. Hotel reception will be able to assist with pre-booking a taxi.

Does Longyearbyen have shops, bars and restaurants?

The town has various cafes, bars, restaurants and shops. Restaurant reservations are recommended, especially in popular restaurants such as Gruvelageret, Huset and award-winning Funktionærmessen, which is located within the Hotel Funken Lodge. Huset has an impressive wine cellar and is one of Norway’s best restaurants. If you would like to make any dinner reservations please enquire at time of booking. Note: Gruvelageret and Huset are located in Nybyen (New Town) – taxi transfers will be required.

There is one supermarket in Longyearbyen, Coop Svalbard, that offers a wide range of groceries, fresh produce, gifts and souvenirs, perfume, cosmetics and electronics. Longyearbyen’s only alcohol outlet is adjacent and visitors must produce their travel documents in order to make a purchase. Further information can be viewed here. A rule still in place from Svalbard’s coal mining days is a monthly alcohol quota for residents and long term visitors, which is in place to regulate the amount of alcohol that can be purchased each month due to Svalbard’s remote location and harsh climate.

Will I be able to see the Northern Lights from Longyearbyen?

The Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon and cannot be guaranteed but the season for a potential sighting in Longyearbyen is from late September to mid-March.

How do I get to Isfjord?

Access to Isfjord varies depending on season, during the winter (mid-February to April), the property is reached by snowmobile or dog sled (approx. 6 hours with stops en-route) and in the summer (May to September) arrival is by rib boat (approximately 1½ hrs), across the Isfjord.

Can I visit Ny-Ålesund whilst on Svalbard?

Ny-Ålesund is the world’s northernmost year-round research station and it is only possible to visit the area on a pre-booked excursion during summertime. There are no tourist services or accommodation except for a store and a museum. Ny-Alesund is a radio silent community (no Wi-Fi and no Bluetooth). Very strict rules apply to all visiting this area.

What wildlife can I see in Svalbard?

Although a sighting is never guaranteed, a variety of wildlife can be spotted in Svalbard including, reindeer, whales, Arctic foxes, walruses, seals, birds, fish and Polar bears.

Although Polar bear sightings are more common on the islands east of Spitsbergen, you should always be prepared for a potential encounter. Polar bears are incredibly strong and can be aggressive and may see humans as prey, therefore all visitors and locals need to be cautious. Polar bears on rare occasions have wondered into settlements, in search of food, but are soon scared away. They roam freely and can cover long distances fast and therefore it is prohibited to leave the boundary of a settlement without an armed guide (you will see Polar bear warning signs).

Polar bears are an endangered species, protected by law, therefore excursions/safaris/chases are not offered nor can be arranged. A pre-booked boat excursion may enhance your chances of a potential sighting but please note this would normally be a sighting far in the distance.

What is the temperature in Svalbard?

Svalbard experiences significant temperature variations throughout the year but as a guideline, Winter (December to February) temperatures range from -15°C to -20°C (but can drop lower); Spring (March to May) temperatures are around 0°C; Summer (June to August) temperatures average around 3-7°C (sometimes slightly higher); whilst Autumn (September to November) temperatures start to drop again to around 0°C. The archipelago's unique location and polar climate means that weather in Svalbard can experience sudden changes in wind conditions and temperature.

What language do they speak in Svalbard?

The official language is Norwegian but English is widely spoken.

Can I visit the Global Seed Vault?

The Global Seed Vault is not open to visitors but organised trips, with a guide, that take you close to the entrance can be arranged. The vault is located outside of the town safe zone, in the permafrost near to Longyearbyen and is the world’s largest secure seed storage. Permafrost is any ground that remains completely frozen, 0°C, or colder for at least two years straight. Permafrost is found throughout the archipelago (except for areas beneath large glaciers) which is why this location was chosen to facilitate the Svalbard Global Seed Vault, preserving duplicates of over a million seed samples from food plants, from all over the world, in the event of a global crisis.

When is the best time to visit Svalbard?

When to visit really depends on what it is you want to experience during your holiday:

- May to September is known as Polar Summer and this is the time to visit for the Midnight Sun (April to August), wildlife, flora, boat trips, kayaking and many other activities. As the end of August approaches Summer turns into a mini Autumn and the days start to get darker again and migratory birds prepare for their long journey south.
- October to February is Winter and this is the time to visit to try and get a sighting of the Northern Lights and for winter activities. Days are darker during these months, with the darkest period being from mid-November to late-January, known as the Polar Night when there is no difference between day and night. The weeks either side of the Polar Night period you can experience what is known as the Twilight period, when the sun is positioned below the horizon but its light still reaches the earth’s atmosphere, interacting with air molecules creating a scattering that causes the sky to appear blue – Svalbard’s famous Blue Hour, a popular time for photographers. 
- March to mid-May is technically Spring but in Svalbard it is known as Sunny Winter as the landscape is still covered in snow and ice. This is a good time to travel for those wanting to experience some daylight as well as winter activities.

How long should I stay?

For a quick taste of Svalbard then two to three days is generally fine and will allow you to experience Longyearbyen and have time for an activity or two. Four to five days offers more flexibility to explore and experience Svalbard, allowing for longer hikes and/or excursions. Six days or longer is ample time to immerse yourself and include a multi-day expedition. Length of stay is often determined by interests/activities, flights and budget. Weather disruptions can impact activities so having a day, or a few days, extra can be beneficial in case of any delays/cancellations.

Is there a university in Svalbard?

There is a university (UNIS) in Longyearbyen, with around 300 students, offering courses in Arctic biology, geology, geophysics, Arctic safety and technology.

Do I need to take my shoes off indoors?

On entering hotels, homes and restaurants it is custom to take off your shoes. This is a tradition that dates back to the coal mining days of Longyearbyen, due to the coal dust, and is still in force today. Sunvil recommends packing a pair of slippers for indoor use during your stay in Longyearbyen. If staying at Funken Lodge, the hotel provides slippers (found in the shoe storage area opposite the hotel entrance) for hotel and restaurant guests.

What winter clothing should I pack?

Dress in layers so you can adjust your clothing to the changing temperatures. Consider packing the following:

• Base Layer: Thermal underwear (long johns and long-sleeved top) made of wool, silk, or polyester, Merino wool socks (several pairs).
• Mid-Layer: Fleece sweaters (thin and thick), loose-fitting walking trousers or joggers, scarf or neck warmer, woollen or fleece hat.
• Outer Layer: Winter jacket (down or ski jacket), ski or over trousers, waterproof gloves or mittens, balaclava (optional but highly recommended).
• Footwear: Warm snow boots, thick wool socks.

What activities can I do on Svalbard?

There are a wide range of activities that can be done whether as a first-time experience, or as a nature enthusiast or an adventure seeker. The activities on offer will vary depending on the time of the year you are travelling but include: snowmobiling, dog sledding, ice cave exploring, Northern Lights hunting, hiking and trekking, kayaking, boat trips, birdwatching, biking, ATV safari and coal mine visits.

Can I book excursions locally or should I book them in advance?

Excursions can be booked locally if preferred but Sunvil would recommend pre-booking to avoid any disappointment in resort should your activity not be available, especially during busy months such as winter and summer.

Can I see the Midnight Sun?

The Midnight Sun can be experienced in Svalbard from around 19 April to 23 August. Due to the earth’s tilt, making the North Pole face the sun during these dates, it means that the sun is up for 24 hours a day. During this time, it is not unusual to see locals and visitors enjoying time outdoors at midnight!

How dark does Svalbard get?

From around mid-November to late January Svalbard experiences a period which is known as the Polar Night, when the sun does not rise above the horizon. This is the darkest period and a magical time to visit – the light conditions create great photo opportunities! March and September are the twilight periods where you experience the transition between the midnight sun and polar night period, with some daylight hours. For further information concerning sunrise, sunset and daylight in Longyearbyen please visit: https://www.timeanddate.com/sun/norway/longyearbyen

What currency can I use in Svalbard?

The currency in Svalbard is Norwegian Kroner (NOK) and credit card is the preferred payment method. You cannot exchange currency in Svalbard. There is no bank or ATM on Svalbard.

Is there a medical centre or a hospital on Svalbard?

There is a hospital in Longyearbyen which has a team of doctors and other healthcare professionals, providing emergency and basic medical care to residents and visitors. The hospital is not equipped to handle complex medical conditions and patients will need to be transferred to a hospital on mainland Norway. Pregnant woman on Svalbard travel to mainland Norway to give birth and the deceased, due to the permafrost conditions of Svalbard, are taken to the mainland for burial.