Polar City Adventure

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 adventure. 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 Adventure 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 adventure

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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  1. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 1039 reviews1039 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 - 1039 reviews1039 reviews
  2. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 627 reviews627 reviews

    ATV Safari - Svalbard Adventures

    Longyearbyen

    We drive our ATVs into a classic Svalbard landscape in Adventdalen, a valley shaped by glaciers and surrounded by mountains and interesting cultural monuments. We regularly see both Svalbard reindeers and Arctic foxes on this trip.

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    • 2 - Suitable for most

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    • ATV safari
    • Environmentally-friendly company

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 627 reviews627 reviews
  3. German Longyearbyen Sightseeing - Svalbard Photography

    Longyearbyen

    Join us on a captivating 2-hour German sightseeing journey through Longyearbyen and its surroundings, where the Arctic beauty, a lot of history and modern life intertwine.

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    • 1 - Suitable for all

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    • Handicap-friendly
    • Photo safari
    • Sightseeing and lectures
  4. Longyearbyen Sightseeing - Svalbard Photography

    Longyearbyen

    This three-hour sightseeing tour takes us comfortably leads us almost over the entire road network of Longyearbyen and the surrounding area with many photo-stops along the way

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    Grading

    • 1 - Suitable for all

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    Symbols

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

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 627 reviews627 reviews

    Hike to Platåfjellet - Svalbard Adventures

    Longyearbyen

    Experience Longyearbyen's most popular mountaintop and enjoy the view over the town and the surrounding mountains.
    This well-known hiking trip is a local favorite, thanks to its proximity to the center and the fantastic panoramic view from the top.

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    Grading

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

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    • Environmentally-friendly company
    • Food
    • Hiking

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 627 reviews627 reviews
  6. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 1029 reviews1029 reviews

    Bird Cliffs Fjord Safari - Hurtigruten Svalbard

    Longyearbyen

    Join us on an exciting rib boat tour, that combines birds and wildlife with Svalbard’s rich cultural history.

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    Grading

    • 3 - Average physical fitness

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    Symbols

    • Environmentally-friendly company
    • Open boat

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 1029 reviews1029 reviews
  7. Longyearbyen City Walk - Rana Itinerans

    Longyearbyen

    From fundation to nowadays : how to live in a remote and inhospitable place : a 2h30 entertaining stroll around Longyearbyen

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    Grading

    • 2 - Suitable for most

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    • Hiking
    • Sightseeing and lectures
  8. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 134 reviews134 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…

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    • 1 - Suitable for all

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    • Brewery visit
    • Toilet

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 134 reviews134 reviews
  9. Guided phototour - Rana Itinerans

    Longyearbyen

    Do you dream of natural ice sculptures, mountains falling into the sea, wildlife, industrial features?
    We take you to the best spots fitting your interests, observing wildlife and will also be able to help you with some photography basics.

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    • 2 - Suitable for most

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    • Hiking
    • Photo safari
    • Sightseeing and lectures
  10. 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.

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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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    • Bed accomodation
    • Dog sledding
    • Environmentally-friendly company
    • Hiking
    • Ice cave
    • Toilet
  11. Easy Hike and Wildlife: The guide's choice - Perfect for strollers and nature lovers - Rana Itinerans

    Longyearbyen

    An easy activity focused on experiencing the wilderness.
    With a combination between driving and hiking, the tour can include different slopes, terrain and several destinations, depending on the interests and level of the participants.

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    Grading

    • 2 - Suitable for most

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    Symbols

    • Hiking
    • Photo safari
    • Sightseeing and lectures
  12. 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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    Grading

    • 1 - Suitable for all

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

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 1029 reviews1029 reviews

    Wilderness Safari by Electric Snowmobile - Hurtigruten Svalbard

    Longyearbyen

    This is the snowmobile trip for the ones who want to experience Longyearbyen's local vicinity at its best. On electric snowmobiles, we take you out into the beautiful valley “Adventdalen”. 

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    Grading

    • 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 - 1029 reviews1029 reviews
  14. Huset: Historic Mining House | Guided Tour - Hurtigruten Svalbard

    Longyearbyen

    Visit the ‘Heart of the town’ – Huset – and explore this historical building while enjoying tastes from modern Arctic fine dining.

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    Grading

    • 2 - Suitable for most

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    • Environmentally-friendly company
    • Food
    • Sightseeing and lectures
  15. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 978 reviews978 reviews

    New adventures with old legends - Better Moments

    Longyearbyen

    During this Arctic evening, we will take you on an off-road hike in the outskirts of Longyearbyen.
    After the hike, we will serve you a two-course dinner in our brand new “explorers club”, and tell you stories about our arctic explorers.

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    Grading

    • 2 - Suitable for most

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    Symbols

    • Food
    • Hiking

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 978 reviews978 reviews
  16. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 16 reviews16 reviews

    All in one - Sightseeing, Bird watching and Husky Visit - Svalbard Villmarkssenter

    Longyearbyen

    This is a tailor-made trip, if you would like to have it all in one package.
    After picking you up from your accommodation, we will start with a sightseeing tour by car all around Longyearbyen, to the Svalbard Global Seed Vault, and to a dog yard!

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    Grading

    • 1 - Available for all

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    Symbols

    • Sightseeing and lectures

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 16 reviews16 reviews
  17. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 451 reviews451 reviews

    Family sightseeing by dog wagon - Svalbard Husky

    Longyearbyen

    This is a relaxing trip together with our dogs where the guide drives the wagon and you enjoy the view. We will tell you about Svalbard and all the different animals we see on our way. This is an activity that suits everyone, so bring the whole…

    Facilities

    Grading

    • 1 - Suitable for all

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    Symbols

    • Dog sledding
    • Environmentally-friendly company

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 451 reviews451 reviews
  18. Longyearbyen City Walk with Arctic Meal - Rana Itinerans

    Longyearbyen

    Longyearbyen from fundation to nowadays: How to live in a remote and inhospitable place. A 2h30 entertaining stroll around Longyearbyen with arctic meal.

    Facilities

    Grading

    • 2 - Suitable for most

    Facilities

    Symbols

    • Food
    • Sightseeing and lectures
    • Toilet
  19. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 1029 reviews1029 reviews

    Arctic Sea Fishing Adventure - Hurtigruten Svalbard

    Longyearbyen

    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!

    Facilities

    Grading

    • 3 - Average physical fitness

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    Symbols

    • Environmentally-friendly company
    • Fishing
    • Open boat

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 1029 reviews1029 reviews
  20. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 1029 reviews1029 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

    Facilities

    Symbols

    • Environmentally-friendly company
    • Food
    • Toilet

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 1029 reviews1029 reviews
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