About Svalbard
Svalbard is one of the northernmost inhabited territories. The archipelago features towering glaciers, Arctic tundra, and wildlife adapted to extreme cold. Polar bears outnumber humans. Arctic wildlife tours offer encounters with bears, walruses, and Arctic foxes. In summer, the midnight sun bathes the landscape in perpetual daylight. In winter, northern lights dance overhead. The small settlements — Longyearbyen being the main one — feel like frontier outposts.
Gallery
Highlights
- 01Polar bear safaris
- 02Glacier hiking
- 03Northern lights (winter)
- 04Midnight sun (summer)
- 05Walrus watching
Location
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Quick Info
Best Time to Visit
June–August (midnight sun) or November–January (lights)
- Avg Temp
- -16°C / 3°F (winter)
- Language
- Norwegian
- Currency
- Norwegian Krone (NOK)
- Timezone
- UTC+1
Travel Tips
rifle may be required
for hiking outside settlements for polar bear protection
Extreme clothing essential
temperatures can drop to -30°C
Book polar bear tours
months in advance
Flights are expensive
budget accordingly
