Out of Town & the Seed Vault – Sightseeing by Car - Arctic Footsteps

About

Discover Longyearbyen and the surrounding Arctic landscape on this relaxed guided car tour through town, Adventdalen valley and out to the iconic Svalbard Global Seed Vault.
This is the perfect experience for guests who want to cover ground, take in dramatic scenery and hear local stories
- without any walking or large groups.

We leave the harbor behind and drive through Longyearbyen’s colorful streets, past the residential areas, the old mining cable car trestle and the landmarks that tell the story of how this remote community was built.
As we head out into the open valley of Adventdalen, the landscape opens up around you — wide, wild and unmistakably Arctic.

The highlight of the route is a stop at the entrance of the Svalbard Global Seed Vault, one of the world’s most important
- and most remote buildings.
Built into the permafrost of a mountain above Longyearbyen, the Vault safeguards over a million seed samples from crop plants around the world. Your guide explains why it was built here, how it works and what it represents for global food security.

Along the way there are photostops at key viewpoints, stories about the coal mining era, and local insight into how life in Svalbard has changed over the decades. No walking, no crowds — just stories, views and the raw Arctic landscape.

Itinerary
- Depart from Longyearbyen town center by car with your local guide.
- Drive through the streets of Longyearbyen with stops at key landmarks and historic mining structures.
- Head out into Adventdalen valley for panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and fjord.
- Stop at the entrance of the Svalbard Global Seed Vault - photo opportunity and explanation from your guide.
- Possible wildlife sightings en route (reindeer, polarfox, birds).
- Return to Longyearbyen with a warm drink.

What’s Included
- Transport by car throughout the tour.
- Professional local guide.
- Warm drink.
- Photo stops along the route.
- Visit to the entrance of the Svalbard Global Seed Vault.

Important Information
- Starting point: Longyearbyen town center.
- Duration: Approx. 2.5 hours.
- Group size: Small groups for a personal experience (up to 5 participants).
- The tour is entirely by car — no walking required.
- The Seed Vault is not open to the public; the tour includes a stop at the exterior entrance.

Suitable for guests who:
- Want to explore beyond Longyearbyen town center without a long hike.
- Are interested in Arctic history, geology and the Global Seed Vault.
- Prefer a relaxed, car-based experience with local stories and scenic stops.

Suitable for all fitness levels.

What to Bring
- Warm, layered clothing appropriate for the Arctic climate.
- Windproof jacket and hat.
- Camera or phone for photos at viewpoints.
- Water bottle.