Polar City Break

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.

  1. Learn more about Longyearbyen here
  2. Get a taste of what Longyearbyen has to offer

Want a city break with a difference? Head to Svalbard

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!).

  1. Christmas spirit in the Polar Night
  2. Meet the Svalbardian Guro who brought her family and moved to the Polar Night

Gain inspiration for your polar city break

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 where you can spot the remains from the old mining times in the mountain sides. 

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.

  1. Check out what's on in our Polar city!
  2. A city break is not complete without some sightseeing!

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Number of results: 75

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  1. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 1475 reviews1475 reviews

    Dogs & the Ocean - Along the Arctic coast by dog wagon - Green Dog Svalbard

    Longyearbyen

    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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    • 2 - Suitable for most

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    • Dog sledding

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 1475 reviews1475 reviews
  2. Private Guide - Svalbard Photography

    Longyearbyen

    A private guide is perfect for photographers, families, couples, small groups and people who want a tailor-made programme in and around Longyearbyen

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    • 1 - Suitable for all

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    • Handicap-friendly
    • Hiking
    • Photo safari
    • Sightseeing and lectures
  3. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 986 reviews986 reviews

    Northern Lights Safari by Electric Snowmobile - Hurtigruten Svalbard

    Longyearbyen

    Shh! What’s that sound? Nothing. It is just Arctic silence. As you press the gas, your snowmobile silently starts moving, while it lights up the dark polar night. No sound of a roaring engine. The only thing to be heard is "the Arctic silence".

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    • 2 - Suitable for most without any snowmobile experience. Very easy and flat terrain.

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    • Environmentally-friendly company
    • Snowmobile

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 986 reviews986 reviews
  4. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 189 reviews189 reviews

    Longyearbyen in a nutshell - sightseeing with the local expert - Svalbard Buss og Taxi

    Longyearbyen

    2 hour round trip to see the area around Longyearbyen and the driver will tell the story of how this society was built up while watching parts of the wonderful nature of Svalbard.

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    • 1 - 1 - Suitable for all

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    • Handicap-friendly
    • Sightseeing and lectures

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 189 reviews189 reviews
  5. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 240 reviews240 reviews

    Coal Mine 3 Visit - Gruve 3 AS

    Longyearbyen

    Step into the history of Gruve 3 and Longyearbyen’s coal mining industry.

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    • 2 - Suitable for most

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    • Mine visit

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 240 reviews240 reviews
  6. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 986 reviews986 reviews

    eBike sightseeing tour | Winter - Hurtigruten Svalbard

    Longyearbyen

    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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    Grading

    • 3 - Average physical fitness

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    • Biking
    • Environmentally-friendly company

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 986 reviews986 reviews
  7. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 392 reviews392 reviews

    Dogsledding on wheels - Arctic Husky Travellers

    Longyearbyen

    Explore the gorgeous tundra landscape in Adventdalen from a special-made wagon pulled by a husky team!

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    Grading

    • 2 - Suitable for most

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    • Dog sledding
    • Toilet

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 392 reviews392 reviews
  8. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 438 reviews438 reviews

    Platåfjellet - Longyearbyen with a view - Spitzbergen Adventures

    Longyearbyen

    We will pick you up at the hotel you're staying at and drive to "Taubanesentralen" the Cableway station: where we prepare for the hike and start on the ascent towards Varden and Platåfjellet

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    • 3 - Demands average physical fitness, not suitable if you have limited mobility (uneven and partly steep terrain)

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    • Hiking

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 438 reviews438 reviews
  9. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 438 reviews438 reviews

    The exclusive Northern Light chase - Spitzbergen Adventures

    Longyearbyen

    Come with us to chase the northern light. We pick you up from your hotel and will get into a comfortable minibus.

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    • 1 - Suitable for all

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    • Handicap-friendly
    • Sightseeing and lectures

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 438 reviews438 reviews
  10. Treasure and Scavenger hunt in Longyearbyen - Rana Itinerans

    Longyearbyen

    Looking for some fun while learning about the place? These games add some challenges to your stay and can be done at any time. 

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    • 2 - Suitable for most

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    • Sightseeing and lectures
  11. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 438 reviews438 reviews

    Bjørndalen walk with BBQ -Experience for everyone - Spitzbergen Adventures

    Longyearbyen

    Bjørndalen is a place which offers you several characteristics from Svalbard in one location. The surroundings offer both impressive mountains, fjord and wildlife. You will find everything in one valley. You can spend hours in this valley and keep…

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    • 2 - Suitable for most

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    Symbols

    • Food
    • Hiking
    • Sightseeing and lectures

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 438 reviews438 reviews
  12. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 1017 reviews1017 reviews

    Guided tour in the North Pole Expedition Museum - Poli Arctici

    Longyearbyen

    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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    • 1 - Suitable for all

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    • Handicap-friendly
    • Sightseeing and lectures

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 1017 reviews1017 reviews
  13. Cruise welcome - Nature & Wildlife experience - Snowfox Travel

    Longyearbyen

    We welcome you in Longyearbyen! This activity gives you both nature and wildlife experience when you arrive in Longyearbyen.

    Facilities

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    • 2 - Suitable for most

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    Symbols

    • Hiking
    • Sightseeing and lectures
  14. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 680 reviews680 reviews

    Halfday Kayak: Explore the fjord - Svalbard Wildlife Expeditions

    Longyearbyen

    We will use the kayaks as transport to get closer to the nature and birdlife in the fjord. There are qualified kayak guides joining so everything the tour fits for almost everyone that want to experience this adventure. 

    Facilities

    Grading

    • 3 - 3 - Average physical fitness

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    • Environmentally-friendly company
    • Kayak

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 680 reviews680 reviews
  15. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 986 reviews986 reviews

    Northern lights evening - Hurtigruten Svalbard

    Longyearbyen

    Experience the magic of the Aurora Borealis at 78 degrees north! A northern lights evening at Camp Barentz is a must-do experience whilst visiting Longyearbyen.

    Facilities

    Grading

    • 1 - Suitable for all

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    Symbols

    • Environmentally-friendly company
    • Food
    • Toilet

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 986 reviews986 reviews
  16. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 986 reviews986 reviews

    Longyearbyen at Sunset: Panorama Tour - Hurtigruten svalbard

    Longyearbyen

    Bring the family along on a fantastic snowcat tour to enjoy the view of Longyearbyen as the sun sets over the pointy mountains on the other side of Isfjorden.

    Facilities

    Grading

    • 2 - Suitable for most

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    Symbols

    • Environmentally-friendly company
    • Handicap-friendly
    • Snowcat

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 986 reviews986 reviews
  17. Visit the Cabelway Central - Day pass - Gruve 3 AS

    Longyearbyen

    Visit the Taubanesentralen, the beating heart of a well-established system which brought coal from the mines to the harbor and was last in use in 1987

    Facilities

    Grading

    • 2 - Suitable for most

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    Symbols

    • Sightseeing and lectures
  18. 4-day Northern lights adventure in Svalbard - Basecamp Spitsbergen

    Longyearbyen

    Longyearbyen is a perfect getaway for the Aurora season. A quiet small town surrounded by Arctic silence and northern lights.
    Package includes both accommodation and activities to give you the best chance to see the unique polar lights.

    Facilities

    Grading

    • 3 - Demands average physical fitness, not suitable if you have limited mobility (uneven and partly steep terrain)

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    • Bed accomodation
    • Dog sledding
    • Environmentally-friendly company
    • Hiking
    • Ice cave
    • Toilet
  19. Kids activities family tour - Rana Itinerans

    Longyearbyen

    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.

    Facilities

    Grading

    • 2 - Suitable for most

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    Symbols

    • Hiking
    • Photo safari
    • Sightseeing and lectures
  20. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 129 reviews129 reviews

    Brewery visit - Svalbard bryggeri

    Longyearbyen

    Brewery Visit & beer tasting
    During the visit, you will hear about how Svalbard Brewery became a reality and how former coal miner and pilot Robert Johansen got the idea about establishing his own brewery on Svalbard. You will get to see the…

    Facilities

    Grading

    • 1 - Suitable for all

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    Symbols

    • Brewery visit
    • Toilet

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 129 reviews129 reviews
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