Are you one of those who associate the concept of city breaks with skyscrapers, traffic noise and chaos? If so, we challenge you to try something completely different – a polar city break. In the small Arctic metropolis of Longyearbyen, you will find the best of both worlds: a wide selection of good restaurants, hotels and shopping – and magnificent nature-based experiences just a stone’s throw from the main street.
Longyearbyen, the main settlement in the Svalbard archipelago, has a population of around 2,400 who come from more than 50 different countries. These nature-loving people have tight bonds in harsh climatic conditions, with the Arctic wilderness right on their doorstep. The wilderness begins in the town centre – and it’s virtually endless!
However, the Polar Night is not the time to hike the length or breadth of Svalbard. The Polar Night, the time of the year when the sun is well below the horizon and it’s dark around the clock, is the time to enjoy, taste and see. You will be surprised by the excellent opportunities Longyearbyen offers for exploring and challenging your senses. Seal carpaccio at Huset? A vintage champagne from Funken’s wine cellar from the year you were born? Reindeer pizza at Barentz Gastropub? With some of Norway’s best restaurants, its own brewery and chocolaterie, you have many wonderful culinary experiences to look forward to in the far north.
Under the Polar City Break tab, you will find a range of experiences and activities that are perfect for those wanting to experience and get to know Longyearbyen during their visit to Svalbard. You will have plenty of time for socializing, excellent dinners and pleasant experiences in a place that is extremely different from other destinations. Although Svalbard is part of Norway, there is a lot about life in Longyearbyen that is different from the towns and cities in mainland Norway and other parts of Europe.
We encourage you to explore the distinctive features of Svalbard. Talk to the bartender, waiter or waitress about life in Longyearbyen, spend time in our wonderful library and read up on polar literature and everyday life in the Arctic or cheer on the local children on the ski slope (but please don’t photograph people without asking!). We encourage you to explore the distinctive features of Svalbard. Talk to the bartender, waiter or waitress about life in Longyearbyen, spend time in our wonderful library and read up on polar literature and everyday life in the Arctic or cheer on the local children on the ski slope (but please don’t photograph people without asking!).
Although the Polar Night has arrived and it’s dark in Longyearbyen, a wide range of activities awaits visitors, albeit just a bit more urban than during the spring and summer. We recommend visiting the Svalbard Museum! This is the place to immerse yourself in the history, wildlife and industry of Longyearbyen and the exciting exhibitions make it a fun place for children too! The gallery Nordover is also well worth a visit. After a visit at the gallery, why not head up up to Nybyen for a scenic walk with a delicious lunch waiting at Coal Miners’ Cabins.
You can experience the beautiful Northern Lights here until around mid-March. However, they are perhaps most spectacular from November to January when it’s dark around the clock and it’s possible to experience the Northern Lights during the daytime as well. Join a Northern Lights excursion involving dog sledding, a wilderness evening, a snowmobile safari or snowcat. You don’t need to venture far before the artificial light disappears and you can experience the magnificent natural light in the sky.
Regardless of whether the aim of your holiday is delicious food, wonderful nature-based experiences or simply recharging your batteries, you will find the answer in Longyearbyen – the small town with the big city feel, just a stone’s throw from the North Pole.
“Kosen is Norway’s most important and representative contribution to world culture." – Author Knut Faldbakken.
Number of results: 69
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Longyearbyen
From fundation to nowadays : how to live in a remote and inhospitable place : a 2h30 entertaining stroll around Longyearbyen
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486 reviewsLongyearbyen
Do you want to try an exiting and traditionell way of travelling in the Arctic? Join us for a kayak trip over the Advent Bay.
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486 reviewsTripAdvisor Traveller Rating
17 reviewsLongyearbyen
Come and join our chase for the dancing Aurora! Our warm and comfortable minibus will take you outside the city and the light pollution, to the best viewpoints for the ultimate kodak moments of the spectacular Northern Lights.
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17 reviewsTripAdvisor Traveller Rating
760 reviewsLongyearbyen
Few things in the world can match feeling the midnight sun warming your face! This tour takes you to a fantastic viewpoint over fjords and mountains, where you can marvel at the light in the middle of the night.
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760 reviewsTripAdvisor Traveller Rating
396 reviewsLongyearbyen
Join us for a tour outside the box. Amazing light conditions, great motives and time. Time you can use to take your perfect picture. The target for this tour is to take you on a scenic discovery journey were photography is our main purpose. We won't…
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396 reviewsTripAdvisor Traveller Rating
17 reviewsLongyearbyen
Start your stay in Svalbard with a pleasant and comfortable trip by minibus around Longyearbyen and in the surrounding areas with a local guide. This way you will quickly get to know all the wonderful places and attractions in the area and get the…
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17 reviewsTripAdvisor Traveller Rating
882 reviewsLongyearbyen
Get a taste of Svalbard and explore Longyearbyen’s backyard on this half-day excursion with plenty of opportunities to take photos of some of the best scenery in the area.
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882 reviewsTripAdvisor Traveller Rating
882 reviewsLongyearbyen
Let’s travel in time! During this guided tour we'll provide you with insights into the expeditions aimed at conquering the North Pole, as well as into the personal stories of fearless and enthusiastic polar explorers
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882 reviewsTripAdvisor Traveller Rating
760 reviewsLongyearbyen
A round trip with electric bikes enables you to experience a lot of Longyearbyen’s sights in a comfortable and efficient way, while getting close to nature. It is not uncommon to have to stop for reindeer and polar fox when you travel silently and…
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760 reviewsTripAdvisor Traveller Rating
760 reviewsLongyearbyen
Imagine life as a trapper in Svalbard: the loneliness, the challenges of a beautiful but harsh landscape.
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760 reviewsTripAdvisor Traveller Rating
1364 reviewsLongyearbyen
Enjoy the beautiful coastal landscape whilst the guide drives the large cart, pulled by strong sled dogs along Vestpynten, outside of Longyearbyen.
This tour start with a transfer out towards the coast, where the dogs eagerly await. Here we will…
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1364 reviewsTripAdvisor Traveller Rating
760 reviewsLongyearbyen
Join us on an exciting rib boat tour, that combines birds and wildlife with Svalbard’s rich cultural history.
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760 reviewsTripAdvisor Traveller Rating
80 reviewsLongyearbyen
Basecamp Explorer have a 90 huskies that are eager to take you out on a trip while in Svalbard. On this adventure you will learn how to handle your own team of six dogs. They all have their own names and a friendly personality.
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80 reviewsTripAdvisor Traveller Rating
79 reviewsLongyearbyen
Explore Longyearbyen's surroundings together with your Arctic nature guide. Experience Svalbard’s fascinating history and meet our beautiful, four-legged colleagues. An exciting trip in the polar night, and a visit to the charming Trapper’s Station.
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79 reviewsTripAdvisor Traveller Rating
97 reviewsLongyearbyen
Some drive guided tours by taxi or bus, why not try dog sledding on wheels?
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97 reviewsLongyearbyen
This Northern Light photo-safari takes us leisurely into Adventdalen, where we wait to hopefully with a little luck will be able to watch the colourful lights dancing in the sky.
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318 reviewsLongyearbyen
Svalbard Church located in Longyearbyen, is the world’s northernmost church.
Svalbard Church is part of the Church of Norway and organised by the Bishop in Nord-Hålogaland.
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318 reviewsTripAdvisor Traveller Rating
760 reviewsLongyearbyen
There's plenty of fish in the Isfjord in Svalbard. The locals in Svalbard have been able to harvest these resources for a long time, and now it's finally your turn to go fishing in the Arctic!
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760 reviewsLongyearbyen
Perfect for families or adding some fun to an easy hike for groups.
This is a family tour combining interesting activities for both adults and kids.
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760 reviewsLongyearbyen
Combine comfort and efficiency on our electric bike tour, which enables you to see a range of Longyearbyen’s sights while getting close to nature. The birdlife is at its best during the summer months, and silently moving through the wilderness with…
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760 reviews