Everything you need to know when visiting Svalbard for the first time

AnneMarie McCarthy

Sep 15, 2022 • 10 min read

Holiday travel in Arctic, Svalbard, Norway. People on the boat. Winter mountain with snow, blue glacier ice with sea in the foreground. Blue sky with white clouds. Snowy hill in ocean. Travel in sea.

Visiting Svalbard is a proper Arctic adventure © Ondrej Prosicky / iStockphoto / Getty Images

Your first visit to Svalbard may seem a bit daunting. Midway between Norway and the North Pole, this remote Norwegian island is a land of extreme climate, glaciers and polar bears. This, combined with Svalbard's unique laws, can make it feel far removed from the rest of the world.

The Svalbard archipelago consists of three islands: Spitsbergen, Edgeøya and Nordaustlandet. Most of the tourist activity takes place on Spitsbergen, centered on the settlement of Longyearbyen . Accommodation is limited to mostly traditional hotels, although a small number of hostel rooms and self-catering apartments are available near Longyearbyen. 

If you feel up for the adventure, here's what you need to know about visiting Svalbard for the first time.

Why you should visit Svalbard

If you’ve ever dreamed of waking up to a view of glaciers glittering in a sun that never sets or dog-sledding under the northern lights, Svalbard is the destination for you. Accessible from mainland Norway, this archipelago retains a real sense of adventure, and its main town, Longyearbyen, is a frontier outpost, poised on the edge of one of the harshest – and most awe-inspiring – wildernesses in the world.

Realistically, this is the farthest north most of us are ever likely to get. If you’re intrigued by the polar north, Svalbard should definitely be on your list. Wrap up and spend as much time as you can out in the wild landscape. Wildlife watching and glacier-spotting cruises or kayak trips are great in the summer or you can go on a hike with the proper safety precautions (remember, this is polar bear country). You can hop on a snowmobile or take a ride on a dog-sled at any time of year.

The wilderness and wildlife are the big lures, but there are some conventional sights to see too. Unfortunately, you can’t visit Svalbard's remarkable Global Seed Vault without special permission, so you’ll have to make do with snapping a picture from afar. The fascinating Svalbard Museum is well worth a couple of hours of your time, with its displays on the life formerly led by whalers, trappers, seal and walrus hunters and miners.

For something a bit different, head to Svalbard Bryggeri , the northernmost brewery in the world. A tour with tastings costs 429 NOK and you can book in advance. If you can’t make it to the brewery, not every bar stocks the local beer, but you will be able to pick up some cans in a grocery store.

A blue iceberg in Nordfjorden, Svalbard

Do I need a visa for Svalbard?

You do not need a visa to travel to Svalbard, though you may need a Norwegian visa to reach the islands. In fact, you do not even need a visa to work here! If you are truly captivated by your trip and wish to move north, it’s legal for anyone of any nationality to immigrate – you just need to acquire employment and housing prior to arriving.

Note that you will most likely be traveling to Svalbard via mainland Norway so you must meet the visa requirements for Norway if you’re passing through.

How do I get to Svalbard?

Both Norwegian Air and SAS fly from Oslo to Longyearbyen, and between the two carriers, you’ll be able to get a flight most days of the week. You can also get a flight from Tromsø – in fact, even if your flight says it is direct from Oslo, it may stop at Tromsø and you’ll have to disembark for passport control.

If you are connecting directly to Svalbard via Oslo airport, you should also be careful to check ahead to see if you need a Schengen visa for Norway as Svalbard is not part of the Schengen area.

Arctic fox in a tundra landscape, Svalbard

The best time to go to Svalbard

Most people visit Svalbard in the summer season (May to September). The snow starts to melt in May, making it easier to get around, and it’s a busier time for tourism, with more flights from Oslo and more cruise ships docking at Longyearbyen.

This is also the best time of year for wildlife watching. Come in June and you’ll have a good chance of spotting walrus, polar bears and even whales on a cruise. You’ll also be experiencing this under 24 hours of daylight until the end of August when the sun begins to set again. Overall, it’s an easier experience to visit during the warmer months.

That being said, Svalbard was made for adventurous travel. Some are drawn to Svalbard by the endless polar nights. The sun disappears entirely from the end of October to February but that doesn’t mean that Svalbard comes to a standstill – you can still enjoy activities such as snowmobiling and dog sledding, and there's a good chance of spotting the northern lights. Just be sure to pack for the conditions – winter temperatures can drop as low as −20°C (−4°F).

Is it easy to get around Svalbard?

Public transport is almost non-existent in Svalbard, with the exception of the shuttle bus to Longyearbyen from the airport. The journey takes just minutes, and the bus is timed to coincide with all arrivals and departures and will drop you straight to your accommodation. A return ticket costs 170NOK.

Most visitors explore the area outside Longyearbyen on guided excursions, which often include transfers to and from your accommodation. For the most part, if you leave Longyearbyen, you’ll probably be with a tour guide, using their transport and following their safety precautions.

Arctic Autorent is the biggest car rental company in Svalbard and has an office at the airport. You can book ahead online , and prices start from 1090 NOK a day. However, you should note that roads are limited once you leave Longyearbyen; you will not be able to get to other settlements like Barentsburg or Ny-Ålesund by car. There are also two taxi services in Longyearbyen; call ahead and book if you want to get a lift somewhere.

The most common form of transport you’ll see in Svalbard is the snowmobile; one (or two!) of these vehicles are parked outside practically every home in Longyearbyen. Plenty of tour operators can arrange a rented snowmobile if you’d like to drive one yourself (electric models are often available). Guided tours can take you to ice caves, fjords and the active mining settlement of Barentsburg to see the industry that shaped Svalbard. There are also northern lights tours in winter.

Don’t let the Arctic weather stop you from exploring Longyearbyen on foot – the locals don’t! Getting hold of some crampons for your shoes will make this an easier endeavor.

Polar Bear walks across sea ice at entrance to Woodfjorden as midnight sun lights up distant mountains

Safety precautions when leaving Longyearbyen

As you approach the town limits of Longyearbyen, you’ll notice striking road signs with a polar bear on them. Go past these signs and you’ll be required to take safety precautions in case you encounter a polar bear.

At the very minimum, you should have equipment that will scare off polar bears, such as a flare gun with multiple flares. However, a rifle – and the necessary firearms safety experience – is safer still. If you’re leaving on a guided excursion, you won’t need to worry about safety protocols as your guide will have all the necessary equipment.

It’s always wise to have a professional guide with you whenever you leave the town limits. If you are planning to travel independently, you’ll need to familiarize yourself with the extensive safety precautions and regulations from the Governor’s office far in advance.

Ensure that you bring or rent all the necessary equipment, including an emergency beacon, map and compass – and that you have the skills to use them. You also need to alert the Governor's office of your trip beforehand.

Bring your good socks!

Leave your worn, tired socks at home, because in Svalbard, your shoeless feet will be on show…a lot! Svalbard was dominated by coal mining for a long time and workers were required to leave their boots at the door to avoid bringing the black dust inside. Coal mining is dwindling on the islands but the tradition remains; you’ll be required to remove your shoes in your accommodation and in restaurants and bars (though not in shops).

Most accommodation places provide you with slippers, but you might want to bring your own for comfort. At the very least, bring decent, warm socks.

Man hiking in the Spitsbergen Mountains in Svalbard

How to keep well in Svalbard

If you’re coming from somewhere with a more temperate climate, conditions in Svalbard can feel extreme, even in the summer. You might experience some sleep disruption – it can be difficult to wind down in 24-hour daylight, and tough to wake up at the right time due to the constant darkness in winter.

Unless you’re visiting at the very height of summer – when temperatures can reach a balmy 10°C (50°F) – it will likely be very, very cold. A heavy-duty moisturizer and lip balm will help protect your skin from getting too dry. Carry some Vaseline and apply a thin layer just inside your nostrils to protect your sinuses from the sudden change to cold, dry air.

For the summer, a good eye mask is essential and a medicinal supplement such as melatonin may help you drift off to sleep at the right time. Try to maintain a good sleep routine, and use your accommodation’s black-out curtains to relax for a couple of hours before attempting to sleep. If your sleep is disrupted, don't worry – the sun will probably give you enough energy during the day to make it through your activities, even if everything seems difficult when you first get up.

How to protect the landscape in Svalbard while you explore

Although you should be careful when traveling through any natural landscape, even stricter rules apply in Svalbard due to the fragile nature of the High Arctic environment. Don’t disturb the birds or other animals and familiarize yourself with the no-go areas for vehicles and snowmobiles if you are traveling independently. It’s prohibited to actively lure or pursue polar bears, both for their safety and your own. Rabies is also a risk; the disease can be carried by reindeer and Arctic foxes.

If you visit Svalbard in the summer, don’t pick the flowers. And, of course, don’t leave any evidence of your trip behind in the form of litter or other waste.

Houses in Longyearbyen in the snow, Svalbard

What to pack for the Svalbard weather

Here's a packing list to make sure you're prepared for the Svalbard climate.

  • Long wool underwear
  • Wool socks and gloves
  • Fleece layer
  • Outer wind-proof layer 
  • Waterproof boots
  • Comfortable indoor clothes for your hotel
  • A camera with a long lens

There are some extra seasonal items you'll need. For winter, bring a down jacket, crampons for your shoes, a headtorch and a reflective vest. For summer, bring high-factor sunscreen, good-quality sunglasses and an eye mask.

Mother walrus and her cub on the ice in Svalbard

How much money do I need in Svalbard?

As most visitors pack their days with costly excursions, Svalbard isn’t a cheap destination to visit, though you’ll probably pay for many of these activities in advance. However, unless you’re planning on taking a hardcore, multi-day trek across the archipelago, you can experience the highlights in a short trip of 2 to 3 days.

For day-to-day living, Svalbard has the same high costs as other Scandinavian destinations. All food has to be imported, which increases the cost of meals and provisions. However, this is offset slightly by the fact there is no VAT in Svalbard. In fact, if you need to stock up on outdoor gear or clothing, it will probably be cheaper to get it here than in mainland Norway.

Average daily costs in Svalbard:

  • Hostel room – 1000–1900 NOK
  • Basic room for two – 1900–3100 NOK 
  • Self-catering apartment (including Airbnb) - 1500–3000 NOK 
  • Coffee – 40 NOK
  • Dinner for two – from 300 NOK for pizza to 900 NOK for steaks 
  • A pint of beer at the bar – 80 NOK

AnneMarie traveled to Svalbard at the invitation of Volvo Penta. Lonely Planet staff members do not accept freebies in exchange for positive coverage.

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Full Suitcase Travel Blog

How to Visit Svalbard: Travel Guide, Essential Info for First Trip & Fun Facts

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: January 20, 2023

How to Visit Svalbard: Travel Guide, Essential Info for First Trip & Fun Facts

Are you thinking of visiting Svalbard but are not sure what to expect and how to plan your trip? In this article, you can find all the essential tips and information that you may want to know when traveling to Svalbard for the first time .

Why visit, interesting facts, how to get to Svalbard, what to see and do, where to stay, how expensive is it, packing tips, and more. Find out!

Svalbard Travel Guide – OVERVIEW:

  • How to get to Svalbard
  • Introduction to towns and settlements
  • Interesting facts
  • Getting around
  • Best time to visit
  • What to wear & what to pack
  • Things to do (per season)
  • How much time do you need in Svalbard
  • Where to stay
  • Where to eat
  • Shopping & supermarket
  • Budget & money
  • WiFi & roaming

Why Visit Svalbard

Svalbard, also known as Spitsbergen, is a Norwegian archipelago located just over 1050 km (652 miles) from the North Pole. It’s the world’s northernmost place that you can easily visit.

If you like unique places, majestic endless landscapes, untouched nature, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences, but prefer places that are not overrun with tourists, are simple to plan a trip to, and easy to visit on your own, then Svalbard might just be the destination for you.

Incredible scenery, amazing wildlife, majestic mountains, impressive glaciers, beautiful fjords, and unique towns – these are just a few reasons to visit Svalbard.

If you come here in summer, you can experience the midnight sun and endless days. If you travel here in winter, you’ll experience polar night , northern lights, and frozen landscapes that will take your breath away. There is one thing common throughout all the seasons, however, and that’s the unparalleled offer of amazing outdoor adventures .

While there is plenty on offer for the most adventurous, Svalbard is an ideal destination for those of us who prefer soft adventures. Here, lots of bucket-list-worthy experiences await, in combination with all the modern facilities, comfortable hotels, and great restaurants. A trip to Svalbard is exciting, it’s different, but it’s also really simple and easy to plan.

Svalbard travel guide and tips

How to Get to Svalbard

Svalbard is not as far or inaccessible as it might look at first sight. It’s actually really easy to get to with direct flights from Norway.

The only difficulty might be flight schedules, meaning that you’ll need to plan a layover in Oslo or Tromso. It was the case for me and I had to spend a night at a hotel in Oslo airport twice – on my way there and on the way back.

The easiest way to get to Svalbard is by plane . There are regular direct flights to Oslo and also to Tromso, with FlySAS  or  Norwegian . It takes just 3 hours to get to Svalbard from Oslo and less than 2 hours from Tromso.

In summer, you can also visit Svalbard by cruise ship . There are actually quite some amazing trips to be found, but they are usually really expensive (and you have to be willing to live on an Arctic ship for a few days).

Good to know: Even though you don’t need a visa to visit Svalbard, you might need one for a stopover in Norway. So – depending on your nationality – make sure to check what the requirements are. As already mentioned, you always need a passport for Svalbard (even EU citizens) and they check it several times before you even board your flight.

How to get to Svalbard

Towns & Places

To avoid confusion, I want to clarify some of the names that you’ll hear most often when visiting Svalbard.

Svalbard is an island archipelago that consists of many islands. Svalbard is located between mainland Norway and the North Pole and used to be a no man’s land. The Svalbard Treaty, signed in 1920, recognizes the sovereignty of Norway over Svalbard.

Norwegian law applies in Svalbard, but there are some special rules and stipulations. Basically, any country that has signed the treaty, might come and do business in Svalbard. It’s also a visa-free zone and people from all over the world can live and work here without any special visa.

Spitsbergen

The largest island of Svalbard is Spitsbergen , where most tourists visit. Other bigger islands are Nordaustlandet, Edgeøya, and Barentsøya.

In the past, Svalbard used to be known as Spitsbergen. Even today, many people, tours, and even travel guides refer to Svalbard as Spitsbergen.

Mountain landscape of Spitsbergen island in Svalbard

Longyearbyen

Longyearbyen is the largest settlement in Svalbard. About 2,400 people of over 50 different nationalities live here. That’s the town where you’ll find an international airport, most hotels, restaurants, and shops. This is where most tourists stay when they visit Svalbard.

Barentsburg

Barentsburg is the second-largest settlement of Svalbard. It’s has a Russian-Ukranian community of over 400 people. There is a hotel and a restaurant in town, but most people just visit it as a day trip from Longyearbyen.

Pyramiden is a real ghost town. It’s an old Russian coal mining community that used to be home to over 1,000 people. The town has been abandoned at the end of the 20th century and a trip there is like going back in time, back to the USSR… Nowadays, most people visit Pyramiden as a day trip from Longyearbyen, but there is also a hotel there. If you go here, you’ll need cash as no credit cards are accepted.

Ny-Ålesund

Ny-Ålesund is the world’s northernmost settlement. It’s not really a town, but a scientific research center with scientists from several different countries living and working there.

There are about 40 people living there year-round. In summer, the population often grows to about 120. Ny-Ålesund has its own airport (Hamnerabben), harbor, a small café, the world’s northernmost post office, and a souvenir shop. It can be visited as a day trip from Longyearbyen – usually in summer, by boat.

There are also several other smaller settlements in Svalbard. Most of them are old abandoned mining communities or serve as scientific research stations and aren’t often visited by tourists.

Barentsburg - one of the biggest settlements in Svalbard

Interesting Facts about Svalbard

With a surface of over 61,000 km 2  (23,550 sq mi), Svalbard is about twice the size of Belgium. Glaciers cover about 60% of Svalbard’s landmasses, barren stone – 27%, and just 13% is vegetation.

Based on the earlier mentioned Svalbard Treaty , you don’t need a visa to live and work in Svalbard. Norwegian law is applied here, but people cannot be discriminated against based on their nationality in any way.

Svalbard is not part of Schengen and you always need a passport when traveling to Svalbard . Even the EU citizens who can normally travel to Norway using just their European ID card, need a travel passport for Svalbard.

Longyearbyen is the world’s northernmost town . It is closer to the North Pole (1,338 km – 831 miles) than it is to Olso (2,313 km – 1,437 miles).

In Longyearbyen, the midnight sun lasts from 20 April until 23 August, and the polar night lasts from 26 October to 15 February. Still, not the entire period of the polar night is completely dark. I visited at the beginning of February and there was some light from about 9 AM to 3.30 PM.

They say that you can’t be born or die in Svalbard , but it’s not entirely true. Pregnant women have to travel to the mainland (usually Tromso) about 3 weeks before their due date and give birth there. However, in case of emergency, Svalbard hospital will, of course, help deliver the baby.

It’s now forbidden to be buried on Svalbard (due to permafrost). However, it’s allowed to have your remains cremated and buried in Svalbard if you lived here for a long time and made important contributions to the community. All other people have to be buried elsewhere.

Svalbard is one of the few easily accessible places in the world where you can see daytime auroras (during the polar night when it’s pitch dark during the day).

Because Svalbard is so high in the North, it’s located above the Aurora Oval (or Aurora Belt). So if auroras aren’t very strong, you usually have to look for them in the southern direction.

Northern Lights Svalbard

There are more polar bears in Svalbard than people and it’s illegal to leave town without carrying a gun and knowing how to use it. It is also illegal to kill bears, unless absolutely unavoidable. The chances of running into a polar bear in town or on one of the tours aren’t big, but it does happen.

It’s an old custom not to lock your house in Svalbard . That way, if a bear shows up in town, people can always find a place to hide.

There are no street names in Svalbard. There are also just about 40 km (25 miles) of paved roads .

They say that there are more snowmobiles in Svalbard than people. In winter, it’s the main means of transportation for the locals.

It’s obligatory to take off your shoes in most places in Svalbard – hotels, offices, museums, the church… The shops don’t have this rule and most restaurants either. Places that oblige you to take off the shoes, always offer slippers. This tradition is said to date back to the times of the coal mines in order to prevent coal dust inside. But since it’s also a common custom in Iceland, I think it has more to do with the mud and the snow on your shoes than with anything else.

Cats are forbidden in Svalbard in order to protect birds. From what I understood, there are still some cats that live here, but – in principle – no new ones are allowed.

There is a dog hotel just outside of Longeayrbyen, where people who live in apartments, can keep their dogs. Most huskies and sled dogs aren’t used to living inside and they would also be too warm.

Basket of slippers at Svalbard Hotel - it's forbidden to wear your outdoor shoes inside many places in Svalbard

Is Svalbard Safe?

With almost non-existing crime, Svalbard is a very safe place to travel . I visited Svalbard in the darkest winter months as a solo female traveler and never felt unsafe for a minute.

The biggest danger is wandering out of Longyearbyen on your own and getting lost or running into a polar bear .

Svalbard is a place you have to visit with local guides . Summer or winter – there are plenty of tours available and you have to take them. Going out on your own is very dangerous and it’s not allowed. Not only because of the polar bears but also because of the rapidly-changing weather with incredibly strong winds and the mist that can come up out of nowhere… So while you can rent a rifle in Svalbard, it’s really not a good idea to explore outdoors on your own.

Another potential danger is slipping on ice in winter. I wore spikes on my shoes and it was a big help. You don’t absolutely need them, but it sure helps if you are planning to walk around a lot. Walking to the church and back was particularly slippery because it’s quite steep there.

Good to know: Longyearbyen has a hospital.

Bear warning sign on the road out of Longyearbyen in Svalbard

Getting Around Svalbard

You can rent a car in Longyearbyen, but there is really not much you can do with it (see above). In town, you can walk everywhere. And there are also taxis available.

From the airport, you can take a bus to Longyearbyen. This  airport bus  runs before and after every flight and stops at all the bigger hotels in town. Here you can find more information about  Svalbard Flybus .

There are also private airport transfers available , but they are quite expensive compared to the bus.

When you take tours , they’ll usually pick you up at your hotel or at one of the hotels nearby.

Svalbard bus

Best Time to Visit Svalbard

I always thought that the best time to visit Svalbard was in summer, but after my recent trip in February, I’m convinced that every season and each month has its charms. The best time to visit Svalbard depends on what you want to experience. If you can, it’s a place that you should visit at least several times – during the dark polar night and also in the light warmer season…

Here’s a short overview of what you can expect:

  • October, November, December, and January are the darkest winter months. Visit for polar night, northern lights, outdoor activities in the moonlight, ice caves, and lots of local events and celebrations.
  • February is the blue season and one of the most beautiful times to be in Svalbard for the gorgeous blue light. There is no sun at the beginning of the month yet, but it’s light for about 6-7 hours and that light is dazzling. It’s a great time to experience the best that Svalbard has to offer in winter.

LEARN MORE: Svalbard in February

  • March and April are the sunny winter months. There is more light and so you can embark on longer day trips and excursions with dog sleds or snowmobiles. The nights in March are still dark enough to see auroras.
  • May is a bit of a shoulder month. It can still be very cold, but the days are endless and you can see and do a lot. Some winter activities are still available (for example, you can go snowmobiling on a glacier), but boat trips are also starting to run and so you can experience summer activities as well. You can also see the walrus already.
  • June, July, and the first half of August are the busiest months to travel to Svalbard. The days are long and everything is much easier accessible. It’s the best time to come for wildlife, boat tours, kayaking, and hiking. It’s also the most expensive time to travel and it’s essential to book everything in advance.
  • End August, September, beginning of October is a bit of a shoulder season and a very good time to visit Svalbard too. You can experience pretty much everything as in summer, but with fewer people and somewhat lower prices. From about half September, you might also see the Northern Lights.

Stunning blue light in Svalbard in February

Svalbard Weather

In summer, you can expect temperatures around 0-10°C (32-50°F), whereas in winter it can get as cold as -30°C (-22°F). Keep in mind that it might feel much colder because of the windchill factor.

The warmest month in Svalbard is July, with temperatures around 5°C (40°F), and the coldest month is February with an average temperature of -15°C (5°F).

In summer temperatures don’t fluctuate that much, but the weather is much more unpredictable in winter. To give you an idea, just before I arrived in Svalbard in February, they had temperatures of -25°C to -32°C (-13 to -26°F), but just a few days later when I was there, it was just -6°C to -10°C (14 to 21°F).

Svalbard landscape in summer

What to Wear & Packing Tips

Locals say that Svalbard only has two seasons – winter (October to May) and summer (June to September). However, if you read information about Svalbard weather above, you already know that ‘summer’ is a relative term. Our Belgian winters are warmer than summers in Svalbard…

So no matter when you travel to Svalbard, make sure to pack really warm, waterproof, and windproof clothing. Layers and quality materials are the two keywords to remember.

LEARN MORE: What to pack for Svalbard in winter (October to May)

Practical tips for visiting Longyearbyen and Svalbard

Things to Do in Svalbard

No matter when you visit, there is a lot to see and do in Svalbard. While some things can be done year-round, some other activities are season-related.

Below is a short overview per season, but keep in mind that some tours run in the shoulder season as well. So for example, most boat tours run in summer, but some start already in March, etc.

Because there is so much to see and do in Svalbard and because some tours only run in certain periods, it’s important to do some research for your travel dates. I recommend that you check the  Visit Svalbard website , where all available tours are listed. You can filter the search for your travel dates, interest, as well as difficulty level and choose tours that interest you the most.

Year-round Activities

  • Longyearbyen: museums, art gallery, brewery, shopping, and dining
  • Coal mine tour
  • Boat trips (except in the darkest winter months)
  • Fat tire biking
  • Wildlife photography (not in the darkest months)
  • Visit Barentsburg or Pyramiden (not in the darkest months)

Summer Activities

  • Wildlife viewing – walrus, polar bear
  • Dog ‘sledding’ on wheels

Winter Activities

  • Northern Lights tours
  • Snowmobiling
  • Dog Sledding

LEARN MORE: Best Things to Do in Svalbard in Winter

Visit Svalbard for stunning landscapes and amazing outdoor activities

How to See Wildlife

Svalbard is a great place to see some incredible wildlife that you can only find close to the North Pole: polar bears, walrus, Arctic Fox, Svalbard reindeer, but also whales and some bird species.

The best time to see wildlife in Svalbard is in the summer months and the best way to do it is by joining wildlife viewing boat trips. That’s the least intrusive way to enjoy wildlife without bringing people or animals in danger.

Svalbard Reindeer

Svalbard reindeer is a unique reindeer species that can only be found here. They are much smaller, thicker, and have shorter legs than other reindeer – qualities they need in order to survive the harsh Arctic winters.

Since they have no natural predators in Svalbard, they are not afraid of anything or anyone and roam freely all over Svalbard. The reindeer are easy to spot in any season. That’s also one of the few animals that you can expect to see when visiting Svalbard in winter.

Svalbard reindeer

Polar Bears

Polar bears are an endangered species, protected by Norwegian law. This means that there are no polar bear safaris in Svalbard. That being said, bears are free to roam anywhere and so you never know when and if you’ll see one.

The chances of seeing   polar bears in Svalbard without going on a boat tour aren’t as high, but it does happen. Polar bears don’t hibernate in winter and so, in principle, they can also be seen in all seasons.

In winter, polar bears can be found throughout the entire Svalbard. In summer, the bears usually follow the sea ice and migrate northeastwards. If you really want to see a polar bear in Svalbard, it’s probably best to visit Svalbard in the warm season and book a multi-day boat expedition. They go to the more remote areas that aren’t easily reachable by taking day trips and allow you to watch polar bears from the safety of the boat and without bothering them.

Polar bears are huge and they attack without warning. Therefore, safety should always be your number one priority. No tour guide will ever put people in danger just so that you can attempt to take a picture of a bear. If there’s a bear spotted anywhere near town or people, every effort is made to avoid encounters and the bear is usually chased away by a helicopter.

Polar bear in Svalbard

Walrus is another species of wildlife that can be found in Svalbard. They usually live in big groups. In summer, they come closer to shore and the best time to see walruses in Svalbard is from May to mid-August.

There are boat trips available from Longyearbyen that focus on walrus viewing. Since they have to travel to the more remote areas where walrus is known to be found, these boat trips usually take an entire day.

Walrus in Svalbard

How Much Time Do You Need in Svalbard

If your budget allows it,  I suggest planning at least 4 days for Svalbard . This will give you enough time to see Longyearbyen, visit the museums, do the coal mine tour, and also join a few day tours, outdoor activities, or longer excursions to Barentsburg or Pyramiden.

If you can stay for 5-7 days, you’ll be able to do a big variety of tours and get a much better idea of what Svalbard is about.

If you visit for just 2-3 days, you’ll probably leave feeling that you missed too much. I really think that Svalbard deserves a longer trip, no matter in which season you travel.

TIP: If you have the time and the money, you may want to consider the multi-day boat cruises in Svalbard. That’s a great way to experience the archipelago and see lots of wildlife. Note that this is only possible in summer.

My experience: I visited Svalbard in February and stayed for 4 nights. Because I arrived at around noon and left in the afternoon, I had 3 full days and 2 half days in Svalbard. This was sufficient for a winter trip, but it was really intense. I was so tired after full-day snowmobiling and dog sledding trips that I couldn’t force myself to stay awake and go looking for auroras at night… So if you want to take it easier, I really recommend staying a bit longer.

Longyearbyen street art - polar bear graffiti in Svalbard

Where to Stay

The main town where most people stay during their entire visit to Svalbard is Longyearbyen . There are several accommodation options in town:

  • Budget: Coal Miner’s Cabins or Gjestehuset 102 – both a bit further away from the town center (about 2km, 30 min walk). Haugen Pensjonat Svalbard  is another popular budget accommodation, somewhat closer to town.
  • Lower mid-range: Mary-Ann’s Polarrigg – a quirky place within a short walking distance to the town center.
  • Mid-range: Radisson Blu Polar Hotel , Svalbard Hotell Polfareren , and Svalbard Hotell The Vault . All excellent options right in the town center.
  • Higher budget: Funken Lodge – a beautiful hotel, some 15 min walk to the town center. Svalbard Hotell Lodge – a centrally located hotel with 1- and 2-bedroom apartments.

There is also a hotel in Barentsburg , a hostel in Barentsburg , and also a hotel in Pyramiden, but staying there would require a bit more planning.

LEARN MORE: Complete Guide to Svalbard Hotels

Svalbard Hotell in Longyearbyen

Where to Eat

There are so many restaurants and cafés in Longyearbyen that you really have nothing to worry about when it comes to where or what to eat.

My favorite places for  dinner  were Kroa restaurant in Longyearbyen town center and the Coal Miner’s Bar and Grill (about 2 km from the town center). Excellent food, cozy atmosphere, and reasonable prices.

Other good restaurants in Longyearbyen are hotel restaurants . You can dine at most hotel restaurants even if you are not staying there. Check out Restaurant Polfareren at the Svalbard Hotell, Funken Restaurant at the Funken Lodge, Barentz Gastropub inside the Radisson Hotel, and Vinterhagen Restaurant & Peisen Bar (Winter Garden) at Mary-Ann’s Polarrigg.

Gruvelageret and Huset Svalbard are considered some of the best restaurants in town – places for fine dining with a higher price tag.

For  lunch , check out Fruene Café that’s located inside the shopping center ( Lompen Senteret ) or Rabalder Cafe & Bakery at the library and cultural center ( Kulturhuset Longyearbyen ). Both are excellent choices and very popular among the locals.

Fruene Cafe in Longyearbyen, Svalbard

Shopping & Supermarket

There are lots of different shops in Svalbard. Most of them sell clothing, such as wool sweaters, but also all kinds of outdoor clothing and gear, and also souvenirs.

There is one big supermarket in town, Svalbardbutikken. It’s the place to be for food and drinks and you can find everything here – from fresh fruit to fresh-baked bread to dairy products, and also alcoholic beverages.

Since this supermarket serves as the main shop for local residents as well, you can find pretty much everything here, not just food. From household appliances to souvenirs, but also photography gear, linen, etc. So if you forgot to pack something, this is the place to be.

The supermarket is open daily, but on the weekends, opening hours are shorter than on weekdays.

Longyearbyen town also has a pharmacy .

Souvenirs for sale at Svalbardbutikken - a supermarket in Longyearbyen

Money Matters & Travel Cost

Svalbard is part of Norway, so the currency used is the Norwegian Krone (NOK). That being said, you don’t really need cash in Svalbard and can simply use credit cards everywhere. Except in Pyramiden, where you will have to pay cash. From what I saw, most places in Barentsburg accept credit cards, but it might be useful to have some cash there too.

TIP: If you are traveling from outside of Europe, make sure that you have a credit card with a chip and a 4-digit pin. You’ll need that type of card everywhere in Europe. Ideally, you take Visa or Master Card as these cards are accepted everywhere.

One of the first questions I got from our readers about my trip to Svalbard was how expensive is it . However, this is also the most difficult question to answer. So much depends on the season when you’re traveling, how long in advance you book, and obviously on your choices (accommodation, restaurants, tours). Nevertheless, below is a short overview that should give you at least an idea of what to expect.

As you can imagine, Svalbard is not a cheap destination. The biggest costs are your flights, hotels, and tours.

  • Flights . That depends so much on when you’re flying and from where. My return flights from Belgium to Svalbard in February were about 400 EUR.
  • Hotels . Expect to pay about 200-300 EUR for a night at a good hotel in Longyearbyen (2 people, breakfast included). The cheapest hostel accommodation will cost at least 100 EUR for 2 people per night.
  • Tours. This is what will make your trip to Svalbard really expensive because you can’t explore much on your own and always have to take tours. Count around 100-300 EUR per person per day.
  • Food. Food prices are somewhat lower in Svalbard than in mainland Norway. Expect to pay about 20-30 EUR for the main course at dinner.

Glaciers in Svalbard

WiFi and Roaming Charges

You’ll be glad to know that Longyearbyen hotels provide free WiFi .

Furthermore, Svalbard uses the Norwegian cell phone network , which means that European roaming tariff regulations apply here as well. For me, it meant that I could use my Belgian SIM card just as I would at home or anywhere else in the EU, without any extra charges.

So, this is our travel guide with tips for visiting Svalbard. I hope that this article helped you form a better idea of what it’s like to visit Svalbard and what to expect. If you have any questions, leave a reply below.

If Svalbard is part of a longer trip to Norway, please check our Norway travel guide for more destination guides and practical information. We also have guides to Northern Norway , mostly Tromso and Lofoten .

Visit Svalbard: FAQ

The easiest way to get to Svalbard is by plane. There are frequent direct flights from Oslo and Tromso in Norway. In summer, you can also visit Svalbard on an Arctic cruise.

As an absolute minimum, we recommend at least 3 full days (4 nights) in Svalbard. This will give you enough time to explore Longyearbyen and do a few day tours to explore the stunning nature and wildlife. If your time and budget allow it, definitely stay a few days longer.

Svalbard is one of the most unique destinations in the world, so yes, it’s absolutely worth visiting. With vast landscapes, pristine glaciers, and a big variety of Arctic wildlife, Svalbard has a lot to offer. Plus, in winter you can experience the polar night and Northern Lights, and in summer – the midnight sun. It’s truly a bucket-list destination.

The best time to visit Svalbard depends on what kind of activities you are looking for. For the warmest weather, wildlife, hiking, and boat trips, visit between May and September. This is when the biggest majority of tourists visit Svalbard. However, winter months have a lot to offer too. If you want to see the Northern Lights – come between late September and mid-March. March-April are the best months for winter activities with enough hours of daylight to enjoy Svalbard to the fullest.

The best time to see the Northern Lights in Svalbard is from late September to mid-March. If there are no clouds and aurora activity is high, you can see the Northern Lights anywhere, also in Longyearbyen town. The biggest chance to see auroras is in the evenings, from 6 pm to midnight, but it remains a natural phenomenon so you never really know in advance.

With almost non-existing crime, Svalbard is a very safe place to travel. The biggest danger is wandering out of Longyearbyen on your own and getting lost or running into a polar bear. Svalbard is a place you have to visit with local guides.

Yes, you can walk around the main towns in Svalbard on your own, definitely in Longyearbyen. It’s normally safe and there is no need for special equipment for polar bear protection within town limits. However, always stay alert, and remember that most locals keep their houses unlocked so that you can always hide inside in case a polar bear would wander into town.

More tips for your trip to Svalbard:

  • Activities: Things to Do in Svalbard in Winter
  • Packing: What to Pack for Svalbard in Winter (October to May)
  • Hotels: Where to Stay in Svalbard – Longyearbyen Hotels & Accommodation
  • Snowmobile Tour in Svalbard: Review & Tips
  • Svalbard Boat Trip
  • Svalbard Dog Sledding & Ice Caves

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Visiting Svalbard - travel guide and useful tips

Image credits: personal collection and Depositphotos.com

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Wednesday 26th of July 2023

Loved reading this as I am about to take off from Australia to embark on a voyage from Longyearbyen to the East Coast of Greenland , then on to Iceland. Your travel information is the best I have found so far. Thank You

Friday 28th of July 2023

Glad to help and thanks for your kind feedback, Christine. Have a wonderful trip!

Sunday 4th of June 2023

Were you able to spot Whales & walk in the ice caves too? :) Would love to hear from you.

Wednesday 7th of June 2023

Hi Aditi, I visited Svalbard in February. We went inside ice caves as part of a dog sledding tour - you can read all about it here. As for whales, the best time to see whales in Svalbard is in the summer - May to September. But you won't be able to visit any ice caves at that time of the year. Hope this helps.

Thank you for your detailed write-up, Jurga! :)

Glad to help.

Friday 9th of July 2021

Very informative and good details. Your travel blogs are fantastic and always pleasure to read through. Keep up the good work. Hoping to read many more. Thank you

Wednesday 21st of July 2021

Thank you, Mayur. Hope we can inspire you to visit some new places - Svalbard is truly one of a kind! Happy travels!

Tuesday 2nd of March 2021

Can I come to Svalbard without visa with a somali passport?

Thursday 4th of March 2021

Hi Cabdi, this is a travel blog so we cannot give you any advice in regards to visas or travel documents. Even if you don't need a visa for Svalbard, you'll probably need one for the countries that you pass in order to get there. Since most flights arrive via mainland Norway, you'll probably need valid visa for Norway. But I really don't know how it works for your country. For that, you should reach out to the official government sources. Good luck!

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British Wildlife is the leading natural history magazine in the UK, providing essential reading for both enthusiast and professional naturalists and wildlife conservationists. Published eight times a year, British Wildlife bridges the gap between popular writing and scientific literature through a combination of long-form articles, regular columns and reports, book reviews and letters.

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travel books on svalbard

Spitsbergen - Svalbard: A Complete Guide Around the Arctic Archipelago

Spitsbergen - Svalbard: A Complete Guide Around the Arctic Archipelago

About this book

The fifth edition of this guide sees updates and new information for all chapters. All maps have been improved and come in colour print now. Furthermore, the colour photos have been updated and are now not organised in separate sections anymore, but all photos are located in the text, exactly where it makes the most sense. This book does not only cover comprehensive information concerning all fields of possible interest but is at the same time a photo book containing many colour images to illustrate many wildlife and flower species and to document landscapes and places from all over the archipelago. Spitsbergen – Svalbard has detailed information about the flora and fauna of Spitsbergen, its nature and human history and detailed chapters about all regions, fjords, islands and settlements. A total of 14 mammal species, 26 bird species and 29 flower species are described in detail and illustrated with colour photographs. Many sketch maps within the text provide geographical orientation. Furthermore, this book will answer questions concerning practical issues, how to travel in Spitsbergen, which seasons are good, relevant legislation, hazards out in the field and more. Popular routes (hiking, snowmobile tours, cruises) are described in detail.

Foreword 1. Preface 2. Introduction 3. Travelling in Svalbard: Useful, practical and important information 3.1 Seasons 3.2 How to travel 3.3 Tour operators 3.4 Clothing, hygiene & the environment, photography 3.5 Getting to Spitsbergen 3.6 Conservation, cultural heritage, protected areas, safety 3.7 Longyearbyen 3.7.7 From coal to space research: Longyearbyen through 100 years 4. Natural history 4.1 Geology 4.2 Geography, glaciers, permafrost 4.3 Oceanic currents 4.4 Sea ice 4.5 Driftwood, plastic pollution and environmental toxins 4.6 Climate and weather 4.7 Mammals 4.8 Birds 4.9 Plants 5. History 5.1 Vikings 5.2 Pomors 5.3 Willem Barentsz 5.4 Whaling in the 17th century 5.5 Early expeditions and science 5.6 Attempts to fly to the Pole: Virgohamna and Ny-Ålesund 5.7 Trappers 5.8 Whaling in the early 20th century 5.9 The Spitsbergen Treaty 5.10 Mining 5.11 The Second World War 5.12 Spitsbergen after the war 6. Fjords and islands, settlements and stations: The regions of Svalbard 6.1 Isfjord 6.2 Forlandsund east side 6.3 Prins Karls Forland 6.4 Kongsfjord 6.5 Krossfjord 6.6 The northern west coast 6.7 Northwestern Spitsbergen 6.8 Raudfjord 6.9 The Woodfjord area 6.10 Moffen 6.11 Wijdefjord 6.12 Ny-Friesland, Verlegenhuken 6.13 Sorgfjord 6.14 Hinlopenstretet 6.15 Nordaustland 6.16 Storøya, Kvitøya 6.17 Kong Karls Land 6.18 Spitsbergen's east coast, Storfjord 6.19 Barentsøya 6.20 Edgeøya 6.21 Tusenøyane, Halvmåneøya, Ryke Yseøyane 6.22 Hopen 6.23 Bjørnøya 6.24 Sørkapp Land 6.25 Hornsund 6.26 Hyttevika, Dunøyane, Isøyane, Kapp Borthen 6.27 Bellsund 7. Arctic environmental problems

Customer Reviews

Rolf Stange , a physical geographer, has built up a thorough knowledge of all aspects of Spitsbergen during more than 20 years of extensive travelling throughout the archipelago. This book is a labour of love and it has become a life's work for the author since the first edition on 2007. Rolf lives in Longyearbyen and Dresden.

New and Forthcoming Books

Bookings & Enquiries

travel books on svalbard

Scandinavian Travel - our suggestions for great reads

Jayde Kincaid

Before departure, or while dreaming of a Scandinavian adventure, get your fill of inspiring travel books here.

There is nothing more inspiring than a well-written book & luckily; there are lots to read from our region . We have listed some of our favourite books – historic novels, Scandinavian/Nordic Noir and loads more. We have tried to narrow down books that shouldn’t be too hard to find in your local library. Nordic Noir is a complete genre to itself – hence, the separate section for each region listing some options.

Hopefully, there is enough to fill you with awe, knowledge, and wanderlust. This is an evolving list – please connect up with us on social media to suggest your favourites.

So without further ado, the books:

Out Stealing Horses - Per Petterson

It is hard to put this one down – ageing, childhood, memory and family, this novel is overwhelming beautiful and graceful. Get ready with some tissues.

The Ice Museum: In Search of the Lost Land of Thule - Joanna Kavenna

Vividly capturing our fascination with the Arctic north, with some outstanding sections on Norway, this novel is a good companion for a trip to Svalbard & Greenland. Academic.

Norway: The Northern Playground - Cecil Slingsby

This is a classic early- 20th-century account of climbing in the Norwegian mountains; it’s a gripping account that will appeal equally to nonclimbers.

Fellowship of Ghosts: A Journey Through the Mountains of Norway - Paul Watkins

travel books on svalbard

Summer Light: A Walk Across Norway - Andrew Stevenson

An affectionate and luminous account of a walk from Oslo to Bergen that captures the essence of Norway.

Arctic Dreams - Barry Lopez

A classic, haunting treatment of Arctic regions, with many references to Sami culture.

Norwegian Noir:

New novels to try include The Human Flies by Hans Olav Lahlum and The Hunting Dogs by Jørn Lier Horst

Popular authors: Anne Holt, Karin Fossum & Jo Nesbø

Stolen - Ann-Helén Laestadius

Ann-Helén Laestadius is an author and journalist from Kiruna, Sweden. She is Sámi and of Tornedalian descent, two of Sweden’s national minorities. Stolen is her first adult novel and was named Sweden’s Book of the Year.

Hash - Torgny Lindgren

Get a taste of a thematic journey in the remotest parts of northern Sweden. Two odd characters set off on a motorcycle in search of the perfect, life-altering pot of hash (pölsan), a sort of potted-meat dish traditionally prepared in the rural north

100 Year Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window - Jonas Jonasson

Bestseller in 2012, you are probably familiar with the film that has been recently release. A very humorous book and as usual, best to read the book before seeing the film.

Jan Guillou’s epic tales about the Knight Templar Arn Magnusson are available in English and the most successful books of all time in Sweden.

A man called Ove by Fredrik Backman has also been recommended as a funny read.

Nordic Ways - Debra Cagan

A new anthology of essays, representative of all five Nordic countries. It describes life in the North from different perspectives.

Swedish Noir:

Godmother of modern Scandinavian crime fiction, Maj Sjöwall, co-author with Per Wahlöö of the Martin Beck series. I suggest reading these in order. Local libraries should have the complete series – 14 books by memory but they are mostly thin.

Falling freely, as if in a dream - Leif G W Persson

Popular authors: Stieg Larsson, Camilla Lackberg and Henning Mankell

For further information, read about the Petrona Award & the Scandinavian Crime club .

travel books on svalbard

The Year of living Danishly - Helen Russell

Hilarious and well written, this novel chronicles the author’s move to Denmark’s rural Jutland. She is persuaded to up sticks from north London, swapping a job editing for MarieClaire for a freelancer’s life so that her husband can take a job working for Lego, which is based in Billund, the town that bequeathed the plastic brick to the world. Russell makes it her mission to discover why the United Nations named Denmark the world’s happiest country. In a bold move, they start their new life in January. In Jutland, where locals could teach dormice a thing or two about how to hibernate.

Just As Well I’m Leaving - Michael Booth

Not strictly about travel in Scandinavia, but this funny travelogue follows the 19th century travels of Denmark’s favourite writer, Hans Christian Anderson.

Danish Noir:

The Keeper of Lost Causes – Jussi Adler–Oslen

House of Orphans - Helen Dunmore

A gloriously evocative historical novel, with excellent background on early-20th-century Finnish rural life, the class divide, workers’ movement and burgeoning nationalism, through the eyes of sympathetic characters. Interesting to read about the Finnish relationship and history with their neighbours, Russia.

Palace of the Snow Queen - Barbara Sjoholm

This is a winter travelogue that spends more time in Norway and Sweden, but is good on Lapland and the Sámi in general. It has much detail on the building of snow hotels, and pays a visit to Inari’s film festival.

Let the Northern Lights Erase Your Name - Vendela Vida

This is a woman’s voyage to discover her roots and evokes Finnish and Norwegian Lapland through her vulnerable visitor’s eyes. The emotional journey is powerful, but the setting’s just an exotic backdrop here and let down by inaccuracies, which is a shame. Only if you like an emotional, easy read.

Purge or When the Doves Disappeared - Sofi Oksanen

Sofi Oksanen is a Finnish contemporary writer. She is considered one of the most prominent contemporary authors of her generation as well as a global literary phenomenon.

Finnish Noir:

The Hummingbird by Kati Hiekkapelto

Travelling with your family - be sure to read some Moomin books before you leave. Originally written as fairy tales for childre, their philosophic nature is universal and makes the books enjoyable for people of all ages and from all backgrounds. The carefree and friendly Moomins provide a warm-hearted reading experience, and these books were an essential part of the childhood of every Finnish kid.

Independent People - Laxness

For a gritty glimpse of the Icelandic soul, Halldór Laxness’s humorous, heart-breaking, deep minded work Independent People is an absolute must.

The Geography of Bliss: One Grump’s search for the Happiest places in the world – Eric Weiner

New York Times bestselling humorous travel memoir by long time National Public Radio foreign correspondent Eric Weiner, he starts his journey in Iceland, one of the world’s happiest countries.

Names for the Sea: Strangers in Iceland – Sarah Moss

Sarah Moss had a childhood dream of moving to Iceland, sustained by a wild summer there when she was nineteen. In 2009, she saw an advertisement for a job at the University of Iceland and applied on a whim, despite having two young children and a comfortable life in Kent. The resulting adventure was shaped by Iceland's economic collapse, which halved the value of her salary, by the eruption of Eyjafjallajokull and by a collection of new friends, including a poet who saw the only bombs fall on Iceland in 1943, a woman who speaks to elves and a chef who guided Sarah's family around the intricacies of Icelandic cuisine.

Tales of Iceland – Stephen Markley

When American author Stephen Markley was a fresh-faced, impressionable university student in Ohio, he saw Quentin Tarantino describe a trip he’d taken to Iceland. “Supermodels working at McDonald’s,” said Tarantino of the Icelandic. Markley never forgot those words. Seven years later, Markley set out with two friends for Iceland, and adventure would ensue.

Other suggestions:

Burial Rites - Hannah Kent The Blue Fox – Sjón Iceland’s bell – Laxness The Pets – Bragi Ólafsson

Iceland Noir:

The Silence of the Sea - Yrsa Sigurðardottir Detective Erlendur series: Arctic Chill – Arnaldur Indridason Detective Erlendur series: Black Skies - Arnaldur Indridason Ashes to Dust - Yrsa Sigurðardottir

Smilla’s Sense of Snow – Peter Hoeg

A beautiful and technical book, it touches on issues such as European culture versus aboriginal culture (in this case Danish vs. Greenlandic) and the related issues of language and identity.

This Cold Heaven: Seven Seasons in Greenland - Gretel Ehrlich

For the last decade, Gretel has been obsessed by Greenland; it’s terrain, culture, and the treacherous beauty of a world that is defined by ice. In This Cold Heaven she combines the story of her travels with history and cultural anthropology to reveal a Greenland that few of us could otherwise imagine. It can get a little repetitive by the end.

An African in Greenland - Tété-Michel Kpomassi

Tété-Michel Kpomassie was a teenager in Togo when he discovered a book about Greenland—and knew that he must go there. Working his way north over nearly a decade, Kpomassie finally arrived in the country of his dreams. This brilliantly observed and superbly entertaining record of his adventures among the Inuit is a testament both to the wonderful strangeness of the human species and to the surprising sympathies that bind us all

Greenland Noir:

Yrsa Siguroardottir – some are set in Greenland – ‘The Day is Dark’ You will also find Arctic novels set in the Canadian Arctic that are interesting to read.

FAROE ISLANDS:

Fault Lines – Greenland, Iceland and Faroe Islands – by playwriter, Nicolas Billon.

True North: Travels in Arctic Europe - Gavin Francis (also covers Iceland, Greenland, Svalbard and Lapland)

ESTONIA & RUSSIA:

A Gentleman in Moscow - Amor Towles

A epic in its ambition, enthralling in its storytelling, entertaining in its humour and eloquent in its prose. The story is set amongst the socially chaotic birth of communist Russia, inspired by the Metropol Moscow.

Between Each Breath - Adam Thorpe

In this witty recent novel, Tallinn and the Estonian islands are the setting for a successful Englishman’s midlife crisis and infidelity, and the fallout from his actions.

Lost Cosmonaut, Strange Telescopes - Daniel Kalder

Both these books are both blackly comic and serious explorations of some of Russia’s quirkiest and least visited locations. In the Lost Cosmonaut, the ‘anti-tourist’ author puts Kalmykia, Tatarstan, Mary-El and Udmurtia under the microscope. In the latter, Kalder goes underground in Moscow, hangs out with an exorcist and extends his travels into Siberia to meet the religious prophet Vissarion.

Black Earth: A Journey Through Russia after the Fall - Andrew Meier

travel books on svalbard

The Man Who Spoke Snakish - Andrus Kivirähk

An exploration of alternative history by a well-loved contemporary author.

The Norway Guide

How To Travel To Svalbard (2022 Guide With Multiple Options)

There’s no place just like Svalbard, and this arctic island is a part of Norway. Despite this, Svalbard is located almost 1,000 km north of Norway, so getting to Svalbard from Norway is actually a bit of a challenge. So, what are the best options for traveling to Svalbard?

The by far best option of getting to Svalbard is to fly from either Oslo or Tromsø to the airport on Svalbard (Longyear Airport). Flight time is between 1.5 and 3 hours from Norway, and takes you very close to Longyearbyen, the main city on Svalbard.

Homes on Svalbard

So if you dream of seeing polar bears and arctic mountains, getting on a plane from Norway to Svalbard might be just what you need to make this dream come true! However, there are other options, although they are much more expensive and take much longer.

So, let’s take a deep dive into how to get to Svalbard by plane and other means!

Pyramiden at Svalbard

Table of Contents

Getting to Svalbard by plane from Oslo or Tromsø

99 % of all travelers who travel to Svalbard arrive by plane from either Oslo or Tromsø. Most days have several planes that travel between Svalbard Airport Longyear and these two airports.

This means that for most travelers, flying from your home airport to Oslo, then changing to a plane headed to Svalbard is the best option.

Airlines that operate the flights between Tromsø or Oslo and Svalbard are SAS, Enter Air, Transavia, and Titan Airways. You will usually find at least one daily flight to Svalbard, but some days have multiple departures.

Total travel time from Oslo Airport Gardermoen to Svalbard is 3 hours. The flight time from Tromsø is shorter with just 1 hour and 35 minutes in the air.

Svalbard airport

When arriving at Svalbard Airport Longyear, getting to Longyearbyen is about a 15 minute drive. Most people opt to use the Airport Express Bus for 100 NOK each to get to the city. There are also taxis available, which could save you some money if you are a party of three or four people.

If you want a more luxurious option, consider booking a private airport transfer to have a car waiting for you:

Read more : How to get from Svalbard Airport Longyear to Longyearbyen city .

The price for a plane ticket to Svalbard

Flights to and from Svalbard are not that expensive really, and you can get lucky and find tickets that are around 1,000 Norwegian kroner (about $100) each way.

However, it’s most common for the flight tickets to be in the 1,500 NOK to 3,000 NOK price range. This means that a ticket and a return ticket could cost as much as 6,000 NOK ($600) in total for each person . This adds up if you are a whole family of 4 or 5 traveling to Svalbard, so it might be worth trying to get your hands on one of the cheaper tickets.

PS. keep in mind that Svalbard is considered to be very expensive to visit as a tourist!

I always use Google Flights to find the cheapest tickets, but there are many other plane ticket aggregators that works just as good.

Longyearbyen on Svalbard

Riding a ship or ferry to Svalbard

It’s possible to get to Svalbard by ship or ferry, but there are no regular ferry service between mainland Norway and Svalbard . Your only option of getting to Svalbard by ferry is to book a multi-day cruise from other parts of the world.

There are cruise ships that operate between mainland Norway and Svalbard , but be aware that we are talking about a 4 – 7 day cruise in the arctic before arriving at Svalbard! Expect to pay premium (around 50,000 NOK) for such a cruise.

These cruises only operates in the summer, and tend to be fully booked many months in advance. They tend to start at Tromsø, so you will need to fly to Tromsø to begin the cruise.

Hurtigruten does offer a Svalbard cruise this summer, but you will need to fly to Longyearbyen to actually start the cruise.

Hurtigruten MV Spitsbergen

While a cruise to Svalbard might be ten tines as expensive, take much longer and be much more inconvenient, it might still be a great option for some people. Not only do you get a few days of complete cruise luxury, but you also get to the some incredible nature along the Norwegian coast!

So if you find that journey is more important than the destination, consider if you should travel to Svalbard by cruise next time.

Getting to Svalbard by private boat

You can in theory just drive your boat to Svalbard to visit the island, but this boat ride is considered difficult and dangerous for smaller boats. However, there are some sailboats that tend to stop by Svalbard every once in a while.

I don’t have much experience with sailing from Norway to Svalbard, so I’m not going to comment further on this, but please only attempt this route if you are knowledgeable enough about it.

Flying to Svalbard directly from France

There are a few flights from France to Svalbard for some reason, which is the only country besides Norway that fly to Svalbard directly. These lines tend to be during the summer only, and I have yet to find a winter flight between France and Svalbard.

ASL Airlines and EFT Airways operate the fights between France and Svalbard. There are flights from both Paris and Nice to Svalbard , but they are usually only once weekly, and cost more than flying from Oslo or Tromsø.

However, if you’re already in Paris and want to get to Svalbard, this might be a decent option if you don’t want to have a layover in Oslo.

A glacier on Spitsbergen

Anyone can visit Svalbard without a visa (in theory)

Most countries outside of EU and EEA requires a visa if you want to enter Norway, but Svalbard es exempt from this visa rule. Anyone can enter the island without a visa, but the problem is that you will need a visa if you want to go to Svalbard via a flight from Oslo or Tromsø.

In reality, this means that most people who want to visit Svalbard will need to get a visa for Norway before arriving at the island . Remember to make sure that the visa is good for two entries to Norway, since you will need another entry when you get back to Oslo or Tromsø from Svalbard.

In addition, remember to bring your airport when traveling to Svalbard. You are required to have this on you when entering the island unless you have another type of documentation that is accepted by the Norwegian government (which is pretty much only Norwegian National ID cards and Norwegian driver’s licenses).

PS. only people from outside of EU or EEA need a visa to enter Norway. So all you EU citizens can freely travel to Svalbard trough Norway.

Longyearbyen

Nicklas is the owner and editor of The Norway Guide, and is responsible for most of the content on the website.

He lives in Skien, Norway with his wife and two children. Nicklas is specialized in Norwegian ecology (including Norway’s geology, wildlife and flora) from his degree in Ecology And Nature Management at University of South-Eastern Norway, but has a particular interest in tourism and content creation.

His biggest hobbies are fishkeeping, going on hikes with his dog, and rooting for the local football team.

2 thoughts on “How To Travel To Svalbard (2022 Guide With Multiple Options)”

Great information – thanks

Looking at getting to Svalbard from Ireland. I try to go overland/sea as much as possble so my plan would be to get to Tromsø by boat/train/bus etc. and fly from there. I have plenty of time 🙂

That sounds like an incredible journey!

Best regards Nicklas

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travel books on svalbard

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SVALBARD, NORWAY TRAVEL GUIDE 2024: YOUR ULTIMATE TRAVEL COMPANION PACKED WITH HISTORY AND CULTURE, FOOD AND DRINKS, ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS, WHAT TO ... FOR FIRST TIME VISITORS (Voyaging the World)

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travel books on svalbard

SVALBARD, NORWAY TRAVEL GUIDE 2024: YOUR ULTIMATE TRAVEL COMPANION PACKED WITH HISTORY AND CULTURE, FOOD AND DRINKS, ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS, WHAT TO ... FOR FIRST TIME VISITORS (Voyaging the World) Paperback – December 1, 2023

Purchase options and add-ons.

  • Unlock the Secrets of History and Culture: Dive deep into the fascinating history of Svalbard , from its early explorers to its modern-day inhabitants, and uncover the rich cultural tapestry that makes this place truly unique.
  • Indulge in Arctic Gastronomy: Delight your taste buds with the flavors of the Arctic as you sample traditional dishes and local delicacies , from hearty reindeer stew to fresh-caught seafood.
  • Navigate Accommodation Options with Ease: Whether you prefer cozy guesthouse s or luxurious lodges , this guide has you covered with insider tip s on the best places to stay during your Arctic adventure .
  • Discover What to Do, Eat, and Where to Go: From dog-sledding across frozen fjords to hiking through pristine wilderness , this guide offers a wealth of activities to suit every traveler's taste.
  • Ensure Every Moment Counts: With practical advice and local insights , this guide empowers you to make the most of your time in Svalbard , leaving no stone unturned in your quest for adventure.
  • Book 8 of 19 Voyaging the World
  • Print length 134 pages
  • Language English
  • Publication date December 1, 2023
  • Dimensions 6 x 0.31 x 9 inches
  • ISBN-13 979-8870461670
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  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0CPB5W9V2
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Independently published (December 1, 2023)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 134 pages
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8870461670
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 9.1 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6 x 0.31 x 9 inches
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Svalbard (Spitsbergen)

Since 1999, we have taken adventurous travellers on once-in-a-lifetime trips to Svalbard. From May to September our three small expedition ships, carrying a maximum of only 12 and 50 passengers, explore this magnificent Arctic archipelago. Unpredictability and flexibility are the main keywords when you travel through Svalbard’s untamed wilderness with PolarQuest as the exact route depends on weather, ice conditions and wildlife encounters. Sometimes you might be woken up in the middle of the bright night if a polar bear has been spotted on the ice. Sustainability is at the heart of what we do, we measure all our emissions and invest in climate projects that effectively reduce emissions.

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Experience our trips to svalbard (spitsbergen).

Polar bears Svalbard

travel books on svalbard

Svalbard is an archipelago in the Arctic Ocean, located between 76° and 81° North. It lies directly north of North Cape on the Norwegian mainland. Spitsbergen is the largest island and occupies more than half of the area. Some of the other islands are Nordaustlandet, Edgeøya, Barentsøya, Prins Karls Forland, Kong Karls Land, Kvitøya/ White Island, and Bjørnøya/Bear Island. The total area is approximately 62,160 sqkm, roughly equivalent to the size of Ireland.

The name Svalbard is first mentioned in the Icelandic archives from the year 1194, "Svalbardr fundr" – Svalbard is found. It is uncertain, however, whether it was the land or the ice edge that had been discovered, since Svalbard can be interpreted as "cold coast" or "cold edge". It would take another several hundred years before any of the major nations in Europe discovered Svalbard. In 1596 two Dutch ships sailed north to round the tip of Norway, hoping to find a shortcut to China and India. On board one of the ships was the pilot Willem Barents, who is officially regarded as the discoverer of Svalbard. The Dutch were impressed by Svalbard's dramatic and mountainous landscape, and named the land Spitsbergen.

Svalbard soon became a natural starting point for several more or less successful attempts to reach the North Pole. Ice-free waters cannot be found this far north anywhere else on Earth. Nordenskiöld, Amundsen and Andrée are some well-known Arctic explorers who have attempted to reach the North Pole.  

Wildlife and nature

To most visitors, Svalbard is a life changing experience. It is a truly magic world with midnight sun and pack ice, glittering glaciers and exceptional wildlife – not far from the North Pole. The exact number of polar bears is hard to measure since the bears move across huge areas. During an expedition cruise, however, there are great chances to encounter some of them. The ice plays a central role in the Arctic ecosystem, which is both unique and vulnerable. In many ways, the mammals are Svalbard’s very soul. Half of the 22 species of mammal that live on land and ice and in the sea around Svalbard are whales. Svalbard reindeer and Arctic fox are the only mammals that live entirely on land.

Svalbard has a rich bird life, particularly sea birds that nest in large colonies. More than 200 bird species have been observed in Svalbard and its surrounding waters, but only a few species nest here. Four species account for 95% of Svalbard’s abundant bird life: Brünnich’s guillemot, the northern fulmar, the little auk and the black-legged kittiwake. Nowhere else on earth do you find birds in such impressive numbers this far north.

Glaciers and pack ice

Svalbard is still in the ice age. Glaciers cover 60% of the land and the ice can be up to 600 metres thick. There are more than 2,100 glaciers in Svalbard. Some of the mightiest and most well known include Monacobreen, Lilliehöökbreen and Bråsvellbreen. Austfonna on Nordaustlandet in the northeast part of the archipelago is an ice cap that is one of the largest in the World. Its ice front reaching into the sea is more than 130 kilometres long.

Anyone who is interested in geology will find Svalbard very exciting. The archipelago was formed on the northeast coast of Greenland a long, long time ago, and has since moved via continental drift to the other side of the equator where it turned and headed north. Just wait another 50 million years, and Svalbard will probably be at the North Pole!

Svalbard is not exactly a hothouse, the fact is that plants can only live on some 7% of the land area. There are approximately 164 species of native plants growing on Svalbard, plus at least 6-7 species that were introduced by man.

Seasons in Svalbard

During the winter, the Svalbard archipelago is covered in ice and snow. The midnight sun shines brightly between mid-April until the end of August. The average temperature in July is +6°C. Simply put, you can divide the year in Svalbard into two parts: The dark and the light season. In mid-February the first rays of the sun appear over the mountain peaks, and the midnight sun period in Longyearbyen is between 20 April and 22 August. The daylight completely disappears again in early November. The number of snowmobiles parked everywhere in Longyearbyen testify that the bare ground of the summer is only a brief interruption in an otherwise long winter landscape.

May and the beginning of June are characterised by a lot of snow and a wonderful purity. It is still spring in the Arctic. This year’s polar bear cubs are still small and sometimes can both bears and seals be seen on the fjord ice in front of the glaciers.

Summer arrives in late June. The ice thaws around the islands and this makes it possible to get further east. Whales are more frequently seen in the waters and more and more snow-free areas become accessible for longer walks. Colourful flowers are in bloom.

Autumn arrives in late August and it is now that the snow free landscape is most visible. The tundra is shifting in autumn colours and the midnight sun is getting closer and closer to the horizon, which offers wonderful red and pink skies at sunset, as well as a warm and soft light, perfect for anyone interested in photography. From mid-August you may be able to see the Ivory Gulls’ chicks, while some birds are preparing to migrate. Harp seals can be seen and female walruses with cubs are not an uncommon sight.

AECO – Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators – was founded in 2003 and has since become an important organization representing the concerns and views of arctic expedition cruise operators. AECO is dedicated to managing responsible, environmentally friendly and safe tourism in the Arctic and strive to set the highest possible operating standards.

The association’s   geographical range is considered to encompass the Arctic area north of 60 degrees north latitude. The core areas are Svalbard, Jan Mayen, Greenland, Arctic Canada and the national park “Russian Arctic”.

Read more:  www.aeco.no

Our ships in Svalbard (Spitsbergen)

A small and comfortable expedition ship with excellent service and a relaxed atmosphere. From the panorama lounge and the spacious observation decks you can enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. All cabins have windows and private facilities.

M/S Sjøveien

M/S Sjøveien (meaning the Seaway) was built in Bergen in 1964 for the Norwegian Government and she worked for them in various capacities. She is a true beauty with wooden decks and vintage details. There is a spacious outer deck from where you can enjoy the beautiful vistas.

M/S Stockholm

The M/S Stockholm is a classic vessel built in 1953 for the Swedish National Maritime Administration. She is a marvellous piece of maritime history with beautiful brass details and pine decks. With a maximum of only 12 passengers on board, this is like travelling on a private yacht.

Adrian Nordenborg

Adrian has spent most of his life adventuring in over 100 countries around the world. As expedition leader and guide, he has done almost everything – from leading treasure hunting in Morocco and skiing in Iran to walks in Turkey to kayaking outside Manhattan. Adrian has a great love for nature and wildlife.

Christian Engelke

Christian was born in Germany, but ever since his first vacation in Norway he has suffered severely from a “Scandinavia fever”. He has curiously explored the mountain and coastal regions of Norway, Sweden and Greenland. Since 2009 he works as a fulltime guide in the Arctic and Antarctic.

Elke Lindner

Always fascinated by cold and snow, Elke soon discovered the Polar Regions. This German scientist has spent extended periods of time in Svalbard and shorter periods of time in Greenland and in Antarctica as a student, field biologist and naturalist, working on various expedition-cruise ships.

Hannah Lawson

Hannah studied Zoology at the University of Liverpool and gained a Masters in Natural History Illustration from the Royal College of Art, London. After studying the parasites of mountain gorillas, she changed direction and worked as an artist and mural painter at Chester Zoo and in East Africa.

Malenthe Teunis

Malenthe has always had a fascination for the polar areas, thus when the University of Groningen offered classes about the Arctic she quickly signed up. Since then her love for the Arctic has only grown. She is a Master student in Marine Biology with a focus on the Arctic regions and new technologies.

Manda Lundström

In December 2015 Manda joined her first expedition as a team member off the west coast of the Antarctic Peninsula. She loves to travel and has spent several years abroad both working and studying. One of her biggest passions is marine mammals, which led her to Iceland to study marine biology.

Martin Berg

Martin’s passionate interest in birds and mammals has brought him all over the globe. He has always been drawn to adventures and has participated in several expeditions, for example to the Amazon rainforest, Caucasus and the Himalayas to study rare and endangered bird species.

Mia Lundqvist

In 2010 Mia started working at PolarQuest and she now works as Staff Manager, putting the guide teams on the ships together. The same year she visited Svalbard for the first time, and as for most visitors, it was love at first sight. Today she is splitting her time between the PolarQuest office, the Arctic and the Antarctic.

Nikita Ovsyanikov

Nikita has spent much longer time in the Arctic and around polar bears than most people on the planet. He is the Deputy Director for science and senior research scientist of Wrangel Island State Nature Reserve. On Wrangel Island, Nikita has in particular studied the polar bear population for decades.

Thérèse Horntrich

Thérèse is Swiss and grew up close to the Alps. She has a master degree in media and communication but her life changed direction when she visited Svalbard for the first time in 2010. Already the next summer she returned to Svalbard and worked as a trekking guide. In 2012 she left Switzerland and moved to Longyearbyen.

Zet Freiburghaus

Zet is a former successful member of the Swedish national kayak team who after his active career gained a Master's degree in Molecular Biology. He has also travelled around the world. His sharp eyes and great experience in nature implies he rarely misses an animal.

Åsa Lindgren

Normally Åsa's work consists of planning and conducting research expeditions to the Polar Regions; Antarctica, Svalbard and the Canadian and Russian Arctic. She previously worked for the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in Nairobi, with projects focusing on ecotourism.

Gunilla Lindh

Nilla started her career as a guide as her love for the white, remote and pristine places of the polar regions became too strong to materialise into anything but a lifelong passionate career as a polar guide. When not guiding expeditions, she is fond of skiing and photographing wildlife.

Beau Pruneau

Growing up in a log house in the Canadian wilderness in Northern Ontario, Beau understood at an early age to appreciate the great outdoors while learning wilderness skills such as survival, navigation, tracking, and firearms marksmanship. He is happiest out on deck searching for polar bears.

Johan Carlsson Tjernström

To become a Polar guide and walk in both his father's and grandfather's footsteps was an easy choice for Johan. On a trip with PolarQuest onboard M/S Stockholm he truly fell in love with the arctic wilderness of Svalbard.

Margherita Lucadello

Margherita fell in love with the Arctic while living at the Czech Research Station "Petuniabukta" in Svalbard for two months. She has also been living in Tromsø in Northern Norway and in the Maldives. Margherita has a master's degree in Marine Biology.

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Direct flights to Svalbard from Oslo and Tromsø

You are here: Information > Travel Information > How to travel to Svalbard

Both  Norwegian  and  SAS  offers flights to Svalbard. The flights from Oslo takes about 3 hours, from Tromsø about 1 ½ hours.

Passport or ID-card 

Due to Svalbard being outside the Schengen area, identity control is performed for all guests travelling to and from Svalbard. This also includes Norwegians. All guests, both Norwegian and foreign citizens, must bring their passport or national ID-card.

Read more about the rules and regulations for passport and visa  here .

Norwegian normally has weekly flights to Longyearbyen throughout the year, directly from Oslo. In peak season, March – August, the number of flights increases. Book your tickets with Norwegian  here .  SAS  normally has several flights a week to Longyearbyen throughout the year, both directly and via Tromsø. In peak season, March – August, the number of flights increases to several flights per day, some of them directly from Oslo. Book your tickets with SAS  here .

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Information about the various accommodation offerings in Svalbard can be found  here .

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Svalbard Tour Packages

An escape to Svalbard promises to be an adventure you’ll never forget! Journey to this Arctic archipelago in winter to chase the northern lights, or travel in summer for the midnight sun. These Svalbard tours include your accommodation, guided excursions and airport transfers, all arranged by your own dedicated travel consultant.

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About Your Svalbard Tour

Whether you’re whizzing across snow-dusted landscapes or learning to drive a dog sled, you can expect the extraordinary in Svalbard. What’s more, exciting activities like this are already included in your tour package. With insider knowledge from your local guides, you’ll get the most out of your trip to Arctic Norway.

When you book a partially guided tour of Svalbard with Nordic Visitor, you’ll get: • An authentic travel experience operated by a trusted company • A dedicated travel consultant who will arrange your entire trip • Excursions led by experienced professional guides • Handpicked accommodation for a relaxing stay • 24/7 phone support during your trip for peace of mind

Nordic Visitor has made it easy to plan your Svalbard holiday. Begin your adventure by following these simple steps: 1. Pick your favourite Nordic Visitor tour 2. Confirm your package 3. Check your confirmation email 4. Book your flights 5. Get ready for your trip

Why Choose Nordic Visitor

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Trusted local travel experts

Established in 2002, Nordic Visitor has been designing tours in Northern Europe ever since. Using their insider knowledge of Svalbard, your regional travel consultant will arrange your trip for you. What’s more, you can rest easy knowing that each part of your package is quality-tested by us.

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Great reviews

Nordic Visitor is dedicated to the best service quality, and this is reflected year after year when TripAdvisor awards us with their Certificate of Excellence . We also take great pride in our customer feedback: 97% of our travellers say they would recommend us to friends and family.

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You are in good hands

You can reach us 24/7 throughout your trip. If anything unforeseen crops up, get in touch and a travel expert will be available to assist you. This includes minimising any disruption to your itinerary. So you can explore with confidence, safe in the knowledge that support is just a call away.

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Hassle-free experience

Pick any of these Nordic Visitor Svalbard trips and we’ll take care of the details for you. Your dedicated travel consultant will book your accommodation, guided excursions and airport transfers before you get there. This means that from the moment you touch down, your experience will be seamless.

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Full financial protection

With Nordic Visitor, you have peace of mind knowing your tour arrangements with us are 100% financially protected. Your payments are safeguarded as we comply with European Union laws on Package Travel regulations. This guarantees you a refund in the unlikely event of insolvency.

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Customisable tour options

These Svalbard tours already include handpicked activities, but we know that your travel wish list is unique to you. So why not personalise your itinerary with optional extras, such as guided hikes or snowmobile rides? Plus, you’ll have the option to extend your stay with additional nights.

Customer Reviews

Nordic Visitor may be a new name in Svalbard tourism, but we’ve been around for a while in the Nordic countries. In Norway and beyond, we’ve established a great reputation with our local suppliers and guests from all over the world. It won't be long until you can read new reviews here! Maybe yours will be next?

Your Svalbard Vacation Highlights

Dazzling ice caps and rugged fjords are waiting for you in this remote archipelago where the polar bear is king. Visit Svalbard and you could…

  • Spend time in Longyearbyen , the most northerly town in the world
  • Chase enchanting and colourful displays of the northern lights in winter
  • Go wildlife-watching on Spitsbergen , home to Arctic foxes, polar bears and reindeer
  • Learn about the history and culture of these islands when you tour the Svalbard Museum
  • Soak up jaw-dropping scenery with endless daylight, thanks to summer’s midnight sun
  • Try your hand at mushing on a dog sledding excursion to the Adventdalen Valley
  • Join a guided snowmobile tour , where you’ll glide through untouched landscapes
  • Immerse yourself in nature when you stay at the remote Isfjord Radio Adventure Hotel
  • Find out why Svalbard is a perfect place for one of the world’s Global Seed Vaults

Frequently Asked Questions About Svalbard Tour Packages

If you want to know more before planning your trip to Arctic Norway, don’t miss the answers to these frequently asked questions about visiting Svalbard. For even more information, check out this handy Svalbard Travel Guide .

To learn about our booking process, payments and more, please read these FAQs and booking terms .

1. Where is Svalbard?

You’ll find the island chain of Svalbard located around halfway between Northern Norway and the North Pole. This Norwegian archipelago lies well within the Arctic Circle.

The region’s 9 main islands are scattered between latitudes of 74° and 81° N. Spitsbergen is the largest of these islands. And its capital, Longyearbyen, sits at a latitude of 78° N, making it one of the world’s northernmost settlements.

2. Is Svalbard a country?

Svalbard isn’t a country, but it’s been part of the Kingdom of Norway since the Spitsbergen Treaty came into effect in 1925. This connection is why all flights to Svalbard are via Norway.

3. Is Svalbard worth visiting?

If you love off-the-beaten-path adventures, Svalbard’s rugged landscapes should definitely make it onto your travel wishlist. Skip one of those expedition cruises, and instead choose to have an authentic travel experience organised by local experts. On our carefully curated trips, you’ll really get to know the region.

With around just 2,600 people making their home in Svalbard, much of the island chain is pristine wilderness. Think vast glaciers, Arctic tundra and wild fjords.

The archipelago’s fauna doesn’t disappoint either. Not only is this a land where polar bears roam, but you might also glimpse Arctic foxes, seals and reindeer. Come summer, migratory birds arrive and get ready to start nesting. Plus, take to the water and you could spy some of the whale species that swim in the seas around Svalbard.

Why not combine your Arctic escape with other regions of Norway? Get inspired by these top Norwegian vacation spots .

4. Are there polar bears in Svalbard?

Yes, polar bears live in Svalbard year-round. In fact, the islands, and surrounding Barents Sea, are home to about 3,000 of these majestic creatures. This is higher than the number of people that live in the area!

It’s worth remembering that these are wild animals, so you aren’t guaranteed to spot a polar bear. Of course, their presence here also means that outdoor excursions must be with a guide who knows what to do if you come across one. Read more about the measures to protect both polar bears and visitors in this Svalbard travel guide .

Choose a Svalbard tour with Nordic Visitor, and rest easy knowing that we only use handpicked local suppliers with experienced professional guides.

5. Can you see the northern lights in Svalbard?

Absolutely! Svalbard is one of the best places to see the northern lights in Norway . Why, you ask? Well, to see the aurora borealis you need darkness, clear skies, high solar activity, and low light pollution. With its remote position in the Arctic Circle, where there’s lots of solar activity, Svalbard ticks all of these boxes.

If you want to chase the aurora, then the winter months of February and March are an ideal time to visit. This is because the long polar nights mean you’ll have a greater chance of seeing the northern lights.

Find out more about hunting for the aurora in this guide to the northern lights in Norway .

6. Can you visit the Svalbard Global Seed Vault?

Svalbard’s Global Seed Vault is not open to visitors. But it is possible to join a sightseeing tour from Longyearbyen, which stops outside the entrance. From here, you can see how the structure is built into the permafrost. You’ll also be able to admire the art installation above the door into the vault.

7. What is there to do in Svalbard?

No matter when you visit, there’s plenty to see and do in Svalbard . But it’s worth bearing in mind that travelling in summer or winter will change the type of activities you can do during your trip.

For instance, from mid-Novermber to late-January the sun doesn’t rise, this is known as the polar night. And while this is great for spotting the northern lights, you’ll miss out on the epic views. Visit from February into spring though, and you can combine hunting for the aurora with other activities.

Come to Svalbard in winter and you could:

  • • Go on a snowmobiling expedition to a remote Arctic hotel
  • • Try husky sledding through snow-blanketed valleys
  • • Chase breathtaking displays of the northern lights

On the other hand, travel to Svalbard between mid-April and mid-August and you’ll experience the midnight sun. This natural phenomenon is when the sun doesn’t set near the poles.

The longer days and less snowy conditions of summer are best for:

  • • Taking boat trips along the rugged coastline
  • • Exploring the untouched wilderness on guided hikes
  • • Learning how to drive a dog sled with wheels

There are also a few things you can do year-round near Longyearbyen, Svalbard’s capital. Delve into the local culture when you visit Svalbard Museum or the North Pole Expedition Museum. Or take a guided day tour into the surrounding countryside to see key sights, such as the Svalbard Global Seed Vault.

You could also grab a pint at Svalbard Bryggeri AS, the most northerly brewery in the world. And there’s Camp Barentz, a restaurant designed to look like the cabin of William Barentz, one of the first people to discover Svalbard.

Check out these other top things to do in Svalbard. And find out more about the best time to visit Norway , with tips on what to do and where to go.

8. How do I get to Svalbard?

The easiest way to get to Svalbard is by getting to Oslo or Tromsø on mainland Norway and taking a connecting flight to Svalbard.

Your travel to and from Svalbard isn’t included in these packages, but we’d be happy to assist you with organising your flights from Oslo (3 hours) or Tromsø (1.5 hours). If you’d like to split your journey with nights in either of these cities, just speak to your travel consultant.

Oslo is the nation’s capital, so you’ll find there are direct flights here from several worldwide locations. Based on the flight schedule and time of year, you could fly direct to Oslo’s airport (OSL) from the likes of:

  • Amsterdam (AMS)
  • Dubai (DXB)
  • Dublin (DUB)
  • Edinburgh (EDI)
  • Fort Lauderdale (FLL)
  • London Heathrow (LHR)
  • Los Angeles (LAX)
  • New York City (JFK)
  • Paris Charles De Gaulle (CDG)
  • Keflavík, near Reykjavík (KEF)
  • Zürich (ZRH)

Tromsø is a smaller airport, which serves fewer destinations. But it’s handy for reaching Svalbard if you’re already in Norway, or are coming from elsewhere in Northern Europe. Depending on the time of year, there are nonstop flights to Tromsø from airports such as London Gatwick (LGW), Paris Charles De Gaulle (CDG) and Zürich (ZRH).

9. When should I organise my flights?

We recommend checking what flights are available before booking your Svalbard tour. But it’s best to wait until after your travel consultant has finalised the arrangements for your trip to purchase your flights.

Once they’ve been in touch with your tour confirmation, you can go ahead and make plans for getting to Svalbard.

10. How many days do you need in Svalbard?

To get the most out of your time in Svalbard, you’ll want to allow at least a few days here. Around 4 to 7 days is a good length of time for exploring the area.

With 4 days, you’ll have 2 full days for venturing out into nature. Plus, you might also have time for sightseeing in Longyearbyen on your travel days.

Meanwhile, a week will allow you to head even further off the beaten path. For instance, you could go on guided multi-day excursions by boat or snowmobile, depending on the season. And when you return to Longyearbyen, you’ll have time to see the local attractions and enjoy even more activities.

11. Do I need a visa to visit Svalbard?

Depending on where you’re travelling from, you might need a visa for your trip to Svalbard. This is because, although Svalbard isn’t in the Schengen Area, it’s part of the Kingdom of Norway, which is.

This means if you’re a resident of a country with a visa requirement for the Schengen Area, and you’re travelling to Svalbard via Norway, you will need a visa. Whether or not you require a visa, a valid passport, or other accepted form of ID, are needed to enter the region.

Before you travel make sure to check the rules for entry and residence on the Governor of Svalbard’s website.

12. Can I choose the arrival date?

Yes, you can pick the start date that works for you on these partially guided Svalbard packages.

You can begin summer tours, from May through September, on any day of the week. The tours from February to April or May aren’t available to start on any day, but there are still plenty of dates to choose from.

Each package has an online calendar where you can see up-to-date availability and take your pick from possible departure dates.

13. Can I customise my tour?

Of course, these Svalbard itineraries have been designed so you can tailor your getaway to suit you. When booking online, you can customise your own trip with optional activities and extra nights.

To find out what additional excursions are available, check out the tour page for the trip you’re interested in. Or ask your travel consultant about the activities that would work best for you.

Your options include snowmobiling and dog sledding. Plus, there’s a sightseeing tour from Longyearbyen where you'll see glaciers and some of Spitsbergen’s more historical sights. And why not extend your stay by adding extra nights to your trip?

If there’s something specific you’d like to arrange in Svalbard, just ask your dedicated travel consultant.

14. How should I dress in Svalbard?

When it comes to dressing for Svalbard, it’s worth knowing that the region's name means “cold coast” in Old Norse. Svalbard’s location within the Arctic Circle means that no matter when you visit, you're likely to experience unpredictable weather. And while it can be surprisingly mild on a calm summer's day, temperatures can also drop well below freezing at any time of year.

This means you’ll want to be prepared for all seasons, whether you’re travelling in summer or winter. Layering is the best way to dress for these varied conditions. And this way you can add and remove items as you need them.

Here’s an example of a packing list for Svalbard to get you started:

  • Warm and waterproof hiking boots with good grip
  • Waterproof and windproof jacket and trousers
  • Warm synthetic or down insulated jacket
  • Woollen or fleece jumpers
  • Thermal baselayers
  • Cosy hat, scarf/neck warmer and gloves
  • Thick hiking socks
  • Indoor shoes
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Travel adapter (type C or F)

For extra warmth, disposable hand warmers to put into your gloves are also a good idea. And if you need any special equipment for an excursion included in your tour package, it will be provided as part of the activity.

Get in touch with us and a regional travel expert will be able to answer any questions you might have about travelling to Svalbard. Now’s the time to start planning your dream Arctic getaway.

Our Scandinavian phone number is +46 8 666 23 30

How about a live chat with one of our local travel experts?

Blog Articles

7 top things to do in svalbard, 7 incredible things to see and do in norway, best time & place to see northern lights in norway, how to visit svalbard: layers, layers, layers.

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Best Places to See Northern Lights in 2024

Posted: March 11, 2024 | Last updated: March 11, 2024

<p>Aurora Borealis, otherwise known as the Northern Lights is a gorgeous natural phenomenon that captures the intrigue and excitement of people young and old. If the thought of seeing ribbons of green and pink dancing across the dark sky makes you want to book a flight, these are the top destinations for viewing the Northern Lights.</p>

Aurora Borealis, otherwise known as the Northern Lights is a gorgeous natural phenomenon that captures the intrigue and excitement of people young and old. If the thought of seeing ribbons of green and pink dancing across the dark sky makes you want to book a flight, these are the top destinations for viewing the Northern Lights.

he skies over Svalbard are painted with a brilliant display of green and purple auroras, shining over a vast snowfield with dark, rugged mountains providing a dramatic contrast.

Svalbard is one of the furthest north-inhabited places on Earth. Picture dramatic fjords, wild mountain peaks, Arctic animals like polar bears, and fluffy Arctic foxes. It’s also one of the best spots to see the magical Northern Lights, especially in winter when the nights are long.

The aurora borealis dances above a small Greenlandic settlement, casting a green light over the snow-covered houses and the icy terrain, with a backdrop of dark, starry skies.

Greenland, is a winter wonderland like no other! This huge island is a playground for adventure lovers. It’s got everything from massive icebergs floating in the sea to cozy little villages where you can chill with the locals. And let’s not forget the starry skies and the amazing Northern Lights that dance above.

A magnificent aurora display arches over an Icelandic winter landscape, where the ground is sparsely covered with snow and the mountains in the background are under a gradient of green and purple night skies.

Get ready to fall in love with Iceland, the land of fire and ice! It’s a place where volcanoes meet glaciers, and geysers shoot up next to beautiful waterfalls. And, oh, the Northern Lights here are simply out of this world!

Aurora Borealis, with vibrant green and faint purple colors, stretches across the night sky above a snowy and desolate landscape in Estonia. The ground is covered in snow, with subtle details of the terrain visible under the soft aurora glow, and the mountains in the distance are silhouetted against the illuminated sky.

Norway is a dream destination for anyone who loves breathtaking scenery. Think deep fjords, towering mountains, and quaint fishing villages that look like they’ve come straight out of a storybook. The Northern Lights here are just the icing on the cake. Imagine watching them from a cozy cabin or even while cruising along the coast.

The Northern Lights create a mystical green canopy over the dark silhouettes of Alaskan pine trees, with the stars gently dotting the night sky, suggesting a peaceful and remote wilderness setting.

Alaska is a land of endless adventure and awe-inspiring beauty! It’s a place where you can see glaciers up close, spot wildlife like bears and eagles, and fish in crystal-clear waters. And when night falls, get ready for a dazzling show, as the Northern Lights dance across the sky. Head to Fairbanks for one of the top Northern Lights viewing destinations in the world.

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Finland is like a page from a storybook, especially in winter. Imagine a landscape of snowy forests and frozen lakes, perfect for skiing, ice skating, or riding a sleigh pulled by huskies. And then there are the Northern Lights, shimmering over the peaceful countryside.

The night sky over Voyageurs National Park is alive with a spectacular display of the Northern Lights, casting ribbons of green and purple that shimmer above the dark, shadowy outlines of the boreal forest.

Minnesota, the ‘Land of 10,000 Lakes’, is so much more than just lakes! It’s a winter wonderland where you can ice fish, snowmobile, or just cozy up by a fire. The Northern Lights here are a special treat, adding a splash of color to the clear night skies. Voyageurs National Park is the prime spot for aurora peeping in Minnesota.

Bright green Northern Lights streak across the sky above a snowy Manitoba terrain, with the glow partially illuminating the small, distant structures and the winter road leading into the horizon.

Canada is a treasure trove of natural beauty and vibrant cities. In Yellowknife, you’re in the heart of Northern Lights territory – it’s one of the best places in the world to see this dazzling display. And Manitoba? It’s just as amazing, with its own spectacular light shows and the added bonus of adorable polar bears!

Vivid green and pink auroras stretch across the night sky over Estonia, painting a surreal scene above the dark silhouette of a forest, offering a stunning contrast between the natural light display and the earthly tranquility of the trees below

Estonia is a hidden gem in Europe, where medieval charm meets modern vibes. Its nights are lit by the mesmerizing Northern Lights, best viewed from the serene countryside. Estonia’s forests and national parks offer a peaceful escape, while the capital, Tallinn, is a fairy-tale city with cobblestone streets and historic buildings.

he Northern Lights appear as a celestial dance of vibrant greens and blues above a rugged Scottish coastline. The moon adds a bright focal point amidst the aurora's glow, while the silhouetted terrain and houses add a sense of solitude and wonder

Scotland is a land of legends, from its majestic castles to its mysterious lochs. The Northern Lights add to its magic, especially in the Shetland Islands where the skies come alive with color.

An ethereal panorama of the Northern Lights swirls above a snowy Faroese landscape, with the aurora's green hues reflecting off the snow-covered ground and the silhouettes of distant mountains.

Denmark is the epitome of Scandinavian cool, a country where design, history, and nature seamlessly blend. The Northern Lights here are just one of its many wonders, best enjoyed in the Faroe Islands.

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Travel Advisers: When to Let a Professional Plan Your Trip

An illustration of a person sitting on a folded-out map with books, papers and coffee laid out around the area. That person is inside the head of a beige-colored person wearing a teal telephone headset, and drawings of the Eiffel Tower, a compass, a signpost, a jet plane, mountains and other travel imagery are all around the head.

By Julie Weed

Decades ago, your vacation most likely began with a visit to a travel agent, who relied on a combination of expertise and connections to find the best deals on plane tickets, hotels, tours and more. Since then, the internet has turned most of us into our own travel agents, and artificial intelligence software is making research and self-booking even easier. But for some trips, that special insider knowledge can still make a big difference.

So when should you hire a professional, and how does it all work? Here are some tips.

Why should I consider a travel adviser?

It’s easy for a traveler to do the research for a standard trip, said Chris Anderson, a professor at the Cornell University School of Hotel Administration, “so they should look for a specialist for the type of tour they are looking for, say a bike trip in Ireland, who can really add value.”

The insider knowledge offered by a travel adviser can add the most value to trips that have multicity itineraries, involve a wide age range of travelers , are very significant (like an anniversary vacation) or are to destinations you are unfamiliar with, said Gary R. Johnson, who has run the travel agency Woodside Travel in Seattle for nearly 30 years. An adviser could help you decide, for instance, in which order to visit European cities based on local events and transportation options.

What can an adviser give me that a booking site can’t?

Travel advisers can help you research the best destinations, lodging, or activities for your particular group and travel goals, offering up specific advice that might be hard or time-consuming to find yourself. Those specializing in cruises might know which cabin to choose if you are prone to seasickness, while a safari planner could help you decide which park would be best for bird-watching or seeing specific animals, like rhinos.

Travel advisers typically have relationships with tour companies, hotels and cruise lines, sometimes through networks. Those connections can allow advisers to offer extra perks such as late checkout, free breakfast, airport transfers, a welcome basket or a credit to spend on a cruise ship.

“A good travel agent will be a better steward of your travel budget than you are,” said Guy Rubin, managing director of Imperial Tours , which arranges travel in China.

When bad weather or other circumstances disrupt your itinerary, travel advisers often have direct lines of communication with providers and can do the work of rebooking and changing plans, saving you time and stress.

OK, let’s say I need help. How do I find an adviser?

Networks like the American Society of Travel Advisors and Travel Leaders have websites that can help you start your search for a travel adviser by answering a few questions about your desired trip. Once you have a handful to choose from, get on the phone with them to talk about what they might do for you, how they charge and the level of service you can expect. Special trips can cost thousands of dollars, so it’s worth investing time up front, Mr. Rubin said.

Make sure to read over the travel agent’s reviews and any user-generated social content that mentions them, Dr. Anderson said. “If there is no external validation, that’s a red flag.”

How do advisers get paid, and how much will it cost me?

Advisers receive commission from suppliers, typically 10 to 15 percent of the price, when selling cruises, lodging and tours. They also sometimes charge travelers a planning fee, from a few hundred dollars, which may be credited to the final bill if the booking is completed, all the way up to tens of thousands of dollars annually for a luxury concierge travel planner they can call on all year. Mr. Johnson said that he charges a planning fee the first time he works with customers. If they return for other trips, he waives the fee.

Advisers may be tempted to sell you something that will earn them a higher commission, Dr. Anderson said. But, he points out, the same is true for the large online services, which promote hotels that pay them larger commissions. Travelers can ask advisers about specific commissions they receive or how they are affiliated with the products they are recommending, he said.

Sometimes a local tour company will package transportation, lodging and experiences for an adviser, who tacks on a percentage before passing it along to a client. But a bill that is not itemized can make it harder to make trade-offs — between a more expensive hotel and a special experience, for example. If pricing transparency is important to you, discuss it with the adviser up front.

How are A.I. and other technologies affecting travel advisers?

While new technologies are allowing do-it-yourselfers to create their own itineraries online based on individual preferences, and to type questions directly into travel websites, advisers are also taking advantage of those technologies to improve their services. Joan Roca, chief executive of the upscale travel planning company Essentialist said his team “uses technology to enhance the human touch,” employing artificial intelligence to choose options from a database of travel offerings selected by a human team. If a couple wants to take an after-dinner stroll, for example, Essentialist’s app will offer up ideas of where to go, based on what part of the city the travelers are in and conversations they’ve had with their travel adviser.

Open Up Your World

Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

Italy :  Spend 36 hours in Florence , seeking out its lesser-known pockets.

Southern California :  Skip the freeways to explore the back roads between Los Angeles and Los Olivos , a 100-mile route that meanders through mountains, canyons and star-studded enclaves.

Mongolia : Some young people, searching for less curated travel experiences, are flocking to the open spaces of this East Asian nation .

Romania :  Timisoara  may be the most noteworthy city you’ve probably never heard of , offering just enough for visitors to fill two or three days.

India: A writer fulfilled a lifelong dream of visiting Darjeeling, in the Himalayan foothills , taking in the tea gardens and riding a train through the hills.

52 Places:  Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

Claudia Looi

Touring the Top 10 Moscow Metro Stations

By Claudia Looi 2 Comments

Komsomolskaya metro station

Komsomolskaya metro station looks like a museum. It has vaulted ceilings and baroque decor.

Hidden underground, in the heart of Moscow, are historical and architectural treasures of Russia. These are Soviet-era creations – the metro stations of Moscow.

Our guide Maria introduced these elaborate metro stations as “the palaces for the people.” Built between 1937 and 1955, each station holds its own history and stories. Stalin had the idea of building beautiful underground spaces that the masses could enjoy. They would look like museums, art centers, concert halls, palaces and churches. Each would have a different theme. None would be alike.

The two-hour private tour was with a former Intourist tour guide named Maria. Maria lived in Moscow all her life and through the communist era of 60s to 90s. She has been a tour guide for more than 30 years. Being in her 60s, she moved rather quickly for her age. We traveled and crammed with Maria and other Muscovites on the metro to visit 10 different metro stations.

Arrow showing the direction of metro line 1 and 2

Arrow showing the direction of metro line 1 and 2

Moscow subways are very clean

Moscow subways are very clean

To Maria, every street, metro and building told a story. I couldn’t keep up with her stories. I don’t remember most of what she said because I was just thrilled being in Moscow.   Added to that, she spilled out so many Russian words and names, which to one who can’t read Cyrillic, sounded so foreign and could be easily forgotten.

The metro tour was the first part of our all day tour of Moscow with Maria. Here are the stations we visited:

1. Komsomolskaya Metro Station  is the most beautiful of them all. Painted yellow and decorated with chandeliers, gold leaves and semi precious stones, the station looks like a stately museum. And possibly decorated like a palace. I saw Komsomolskaya first, before the rest of the stations upon arrival in Moscow by train from St. Petersburg.

2. Revolution Square Metro Station (Ploshchad Revolyutsii) has marble arches and 72 bronze sculptures designed by Alexey Dushkin. The marble arches are flanked by the bronze sculptures. If you look closely you will see passersby touching the bronze dog's nose. Legend has it that good luck comes to those who touch the dog's nose.

Touch the dog's nose for good luck. At the Revolution Square station

Touch the dog's nose for good luck. At the Revolution Square station

Revolution Square Metro Station

Revolution Square Metro Station

3. Arbatskaya Metro Station served as a shelter during the Soviet-era. It is one of the largest and the deepest metro stations in Moscow.

Arbatskaya Metro Station

Arbatskaya Metro Station

4. Biblioteka Imeni Lenina Metro Station was built in 1935 and named after the Russian State Library. It is located near the library and has a big mosaic portrait of Lenin and yellow ceramic tiles on the track walls.

Biblioteka Imeni Lenina Metro Station

Lenin's portrait at the Biblioteka Imeni Lenina Metro Station

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5. Kievskaya Metro Station was one of the first to be completed in Moscow. Named after the capital city of Ukraine by Kiev-born, Nikita Khruschev, Stalin's successor.

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Kievskaya Metro Station

6. Novoslobodskaya Metro Station  was built in 1952. It has 32 stained glass murals with brass borders.

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Novoslobodskaya metro station

7. Kurskaya Metro Station was one of the first few to be built in Moscow in 1938. It has ceiling panels and artwork showing Soviet leadership, Soviet lifestyle and political power. It has a dome with patriotic slogans decorated with red stars representing the Soviet's World War II Hall of Fame. Kurskaya Metro Station is a must-visit station in Moscow.

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Ceiling panel and artworks at Kurskaya Metro Station

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8. Mayakovskaya Metro Station built in 1938. It was named after Russian poet Vladmir Mayakovsky. This is one of the most beautiful metro stations in the world with 34 mosaics painted by Alexander Deyneka.

Mayakovskaya station

Mayakovskaya station

Mayakovskaya metro station

One of the over 30 ceiling mosaics in Mayakovskaya metro station

9. Belorusskaya Metro Station is named after the people of Belarus. In the picture below, there are statues of 3 members of the Partisan Resistance in Belarus during World War II. The statues were sculpted by Sergei Orlov, S. Rabinovich and I. Slonim.

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10. Teatralnaya Metro Station (Theatre Metro Station) is located near the Bolshoi Theatre.

Teatralnaya Metro Station decorated with porcelain figures .

Teatralnaya Metro Station decorated with porcelain figures .

Taking the metro's escalator at the end of the tour with Maria the tour guide.

Taking the metro's escalator at the end of the tour with Maria the tour guide.

Have you visited the Moscow Metro? Leave your comment below.

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January 15, 2017 at 8:17 am

An excellent read! Thanks for much for sharing the Russian metro system with us. We're heading to Moscow in April and exploring the metro stations were on our list and after reading your post, I'm even more excited to go visit them. Thanks again 🙂

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December 6, 2017 at 10:45 pm

Hi, do you remember which tour company you contacted for this tour?

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The Moscow Metro Museum of Art: 10 Must-See Stations

There are few times one can claim having been on the subway all afternoon and loving it, but the Moscow Metro provides just that opportunity.  While many cities boast famous public transport systems—New York’s subway, London’s underground, San Salvador’s chicken buses—few warrant hours of exploration.  Moscow is different: Take one ride on the Metro, and you’ll find out that this network of railways can be so much more than point A to B drudgery.

The Metro began operating in 1935 with just thirteen stations, covering less than seven miles, but it has since grown into the world’s third busiest transit system ( Tokyo is first ), spanning about 200 miles and offering over 180 stops along the way.  The construction of the Metro began under Joseph Stalin’s command, and being one of the USSR’s most ambitious building projects, the iron-fisted leader instructed designers to create a place full of svet (radiance) and svetloe budushchee (a radiant future), a palace for the people and a tribute to the Mother nation.

Consequently, the Metro is among the most memorable attractions in Moscow.  The stations provide a unique collection of public art, comparable to anything the city’s galleries have to offer and providing a sense of the Soviet era, which is absent from the State National History Museum.  Even better, touring the Metro delivers palpable, experiential moments, which many of us don’t get standing in front of painting or a case of coins.

Though tours are available , discovering the Moscow Metro on your own provides a much more comprehensive, truer experience, something much less sterile than following a guide.  What better place is there to see the “real” Moscow than on mass transit: A few hours will expose you to characters and caricatures you’ll be hard-pressed to find dining near the Bolshoi Theater.  You become part of the attraction, hear it in the screech of the train, feel it as hurried commuters brush by: The Metro sucks you beneath the city and churns you into the mix.

With the recommendations of our born-and-bred Muscovite students, my wife Emma and I have just taken a self-guided tour of what some locals consider the top ten stations of the Moscow Metro. What most satisfied me about our Metro tour was the sense of adventure .  I loved following our route on the maps of the wagon walls as we circled the city, plotting out the course to the subsequent stops; having the weird sensation of being underground for nearly four hours; and discovering the next cavern of treasures, playing Indiana Jones for the afternoon, piecing together fragments of Russia’s mysterious history.  It’s the ultimate interactive museum.

Top Ten Stations (In order of appearance)

Kievskaya station.

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Kievskaya Station went public in March of 1937, the rails between it and Park Kultury Station being the first to cross the Moscow River.  Kievskaya is full of mosaics depicting aristocratic scenes of Russian life, with great cameo appearances by Lenin, Trotsky, and Stalin.  Each work has a Cyrillic title/explanation etched in the marble beneath it; however, if your Russian is rusty, you can just appreciate seeing familiar revolutionary dates like 1905 ( the Russian Revolution ) and 1917 ( the October Revolution ).

Mayakovskaya Station

Mayakovskaya Station ranks in my top three most notable Metro stations. Mayakovskaya just feels right, done Art Deco but no sense of gaudiness or pretention.  The arches are adorned with rounded chrome piping and create feeling of being in a jukebox, but the roof’s expansive mosaics of the sky are the real showstopper.  Subjects cleverly range from looking up at a high jumper, workers atop a building, spires of Orthodox cathedrals, to nimble aircraft humming by, a fleet of prop planes spelling out CCCP in the bluest of skies.

Novoslobodskaya Station

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Novoslobodskaya is the Metro’s unique stained glass station.  Each column has its own distinctive panels of colorful glass, most of them with a floral theme, some of them capturing the odd sailor, musician, artist, gardener, or stenographer in action.  The glass is framed in Art Deco metalwork, and there is the lovely aspect of discovering panels in the less frequented haunches of the hall (on the trackside, between the incoming staircases).  Novosblod is, I’ve been told, the favorite amongst out-of-town visitors.

Komsomolskaya Station

Komsomolskaya Station is one of palatial grandeur.  It seems both magnificent and obligatory, like the presidential palace of a colonial city.  The yellow ceiling has leafy, white concrete garland and a series of golden military mosaics accenting the tile mosaics of glorified Russian life.  Switching lines here, the hallway has an Alice-in-Wonderland feel, impossibly long with decorative tile walls, culminating in a very old station left in a remarkable state of disrepair, offering a really tangible glimpse behind the palace walls.

Dostoevskaya Station

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Dostoevskaya is a tribute to the late, great hero of Russian literature .  The station at first glance seems bare and unimpressive, a stark marble platform without a whiff of reassembled chips of tile.  However, two columns have eerie stone inlay collages of scenes from Dostoevsky’s work, including The Idiot , The Brothers Karamazov , and Crime and Punishment.   Then, standing at the center of the platform, the marble creates a kaleidoscope of reflections.  At the entrance, there is a large, inlay portrait of the author.

Chkalovskaya Station

Chkalovskaya does space Art Deco style (yet again).  Chrome borders all.  Passageways with curvy overhangs create the illusion of walking through the belly of a chic, new-age spacecraft.  There are two (kos)mosaics, one at each end, with planetary subjects.  Transferring here brings you above ground, where some rather elaborate metalwork is on display.  By name similarity only, I’d expected Komsolskaya Station to deliver some kosmonaut décor; instead, it was Chkalovskaya that took us up to the space station.

Elektrozavodskaya Station

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Elektrozavodskaya is full of marble reliefs of workers, men and women, laboring through the different stages of industry.  The superhuman figures are round with muscles, Hollywood fit, and seemingly undeterred by each Herculean task they respectively perform.  The station is chocked with brass, from hammer and sickle light fixtures to beautiful, angular framework up the innards of the columns.  The station’s art pieces are less clever or extravagant than others, but identifying the different stages of industry is entertaining.

Baumanskaya Statio

Baumanskaya Station is the only stop that wasn’t suggested by the students.  Pulling in, the network of statues was just too enticing: Out of half-circle depressions in the platform’s columns, the USSR’s proud and powerful labor force again flaunts its success.  Pilots, blacksmiths, politicians, and artists have all congregated, posing amongst more Art Deco framing.  At the far end, a massive Soviet flag dons the face of Lenin and banners for ’05, ’17, and ‘45.  Standing in front of the flag, you can play with the echoing roof.

Ploshchad Revolutsii Station

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Novokuznetskaya Station

Novokuznetskaya Station finishes off this tour, more or less, where it started: beautiful mosaics.  This station recalls the skyward-facing pieces from Mayakovskaya (Station #2), only with a little larger pictures in a more cramped, very trafficked area.  Due to a line of street lamps in the center of the platform, it has the atmosphere of a bustling market.  The more inventive sky scenes include a man on a ladder, women picking fruit, and a tank-dozer being craned in.  The station’s also has a handsome black-and-white stone mural.

Here is a map and a brief description of our route:

Start at (1)Kievskaya on the “ring line” (look for the squares at the bottom of the platform signs to help you navigate—the ring line is #5, brown line) and go north to Belorusskaya, make a quick switch to the Dark Green/#2 line, and go south one stop to (2)Mayakovskaya.  Backtrack to the ring line—Brown/#5—and continue north, getting off at (3)Novosblodskaya and (4)Komsolskaya.  At Komsolskaya Station, transfer to the Red/#1 line, go south for two stops to Chistye Prudy, and get on the Light Green/#10 line going north.  Take a look at (5)Dostoevskaya Station on the northern segment of Light Green/#10 line then change directions and head south to (6)Chkalovskaya, which offers a transfer to the Dark Blue/#3 line, going west, away from the city center.  Have a look (7)Elektroskaya Station before backtracking into the center of Moscow, stopping off at (8)Baumskaya, getting off the Dark Blue/#3 line at (9)Ploschad Revolyutsii.  Change to the Dark Green/#2 line and go south one stop to see (10)Novokuznetskaya Station.

Check out our new Moscow Indie Travel Guide , book a flight to Moscow and read 10 Bars with Views Worth Blowing the Budget For

Jonathon Engels, formerly a patron saint of misadventure, has been stumbling his way across cultural borders since 2005 and is currently volunteering in the mountains outside of Antigua, Guatemala.  For more of his work, visit his website and blog .

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Photo credits:   SergeyRod , all others courtesy of the author and may not be used without permission

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  5. SVALBARD by Carol Thoelen

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    6. Novoslobodskaya Metro Station was built in 1952. It has 32 stained glass murals with brass borders. Novoslobodskaya metro station. 7. Kurskaya Metro Station was one of the first few to be built in Moscow in 1938. It has ceiling panels and artwork showing Soviet leadership, Soviet lifestyle and political power.

  23. Elektrostal to Moscow

    Find the travel option that best suits you. The cheapest way to get from Elektrostal to Moscow costs only RUB 119, and the quickest way takes just 39 mins. Find the travel option that best suits you. ... Book at blablacar.co.uk. Taxi from Elektrostal to Moskva Yaroslavskaya Ave. Duration 1h Estimated price RUB 900 - RUB 1100.

  24. Elektrostal → Moscow Domodedovo Airport (DME)

    Book now. There are 3 ways to get from Elektrostal to Moscow Domodedovo Airport (DME) by train, taxi or car. Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2Rio's travel planner. Recommended option. Train • 1h 42m. Take the train from Fryazevo to Nizhegorodskaya;

  25. The Moscow Metro Museum of Art: 10 Must-See Stations

    Have a look (7)Elektroskaya Station before backtracking into the center of Moscow, stopping off at (8)Baumskaya, getting off the Dark Blue/#3 line at (9)Ploschad Revolyutsii. Change to the Dark Green/#2 line and go south one stop to see (10)Novokuznetskaya Station. Check out our new Moscow Indie Travel Guide, book a flight to Moscow and read 10 ...