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. 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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    Symbols

    • Bed accomodation
    • Dog sledding
    • Environmentally-friendly company
    • Hiking
    • Ice cave
    • Toilet
  2. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 35 reviews35 reviews

    Guided afternoon tour around Longyearbyen and surroundings - concludes over dinner - Longyearbyen Guiding

    Longyearbyen

    Join an exciting guided afternoon tour around Longyearbyen and finish with dinner at Mary Ann’s Polarrigg!

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    • 1 - Suitable for all

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    Symbols

    • Environmentally-friendly company
    • Sightseeing and lectures

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 35 reviews35 reviews
  3. 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.

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    Grading

    • 2 - Suitable for most

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

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 1027 reviews1027 reviews

    Longyearbyen under the Midnight Sun - Hurtigruten Svalbard

    Longyearbyen

    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.

    Facilities

    Grading

    • 2 - Suitable for most

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    Symbols

    • Environmentally-friendly company
    • Handicap-friendly
    • Snowcat

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 1027 reviews1027 reviews
  5. Drive & Stroll to the dogyard: Exclusive sightseeing with professional sled dogs greeting - Rana Itinerans

    Longyearbyen

    We drive and walk the few extra meters to reach the best view / interesting object / wildlife.
    Then we meet and greet with polar dogs and talk about life out in the valley.

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    Grading

    • 2 - Suitable for most

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    Symbols

    • Sightseeing and lectures
  6. 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.

    Facilities

    Grading

    • 2 - Suitable for most

    Facilities

    Symbols

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

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 35 reviews35 reviews

    Guided morning tour around Longyearbyen and surroundings - concludes over lunch - Longyearbyen Guiding

    Longyearbyen

    Guided minibus tour in the morning combined with a culinary, local food experience.

    Facilities

    Grading

    • 1 - Suitable for all

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    Symbols

    • Environmentally-friendly company
    • Sightseeing and lectures

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 35 reviews35 reviews
  8. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 626 reviews626 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.

    Facilities

    Grading

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

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    Symbols

    • Environmentally-friendly company
    • Food
    • Hiking

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 626 reviews626 reviews
  9. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 1027 reviews1027 reviews

    eBike sightseeing tour | Summer - Hurtigruten Svalbard

    Longyearbyen

    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…

    Facilities

    Grading

    • 3 - Average physical fitness

    Facilities

    Symbols

    • Biking
    • Environmentally-friendly company

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 1027 reviews1027 reviews
  10. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 1027 reviews1027 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.

    Facilities

    Grading

    • 3 - Average physical fitness

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    Symbols

    • Environmentally-friendly company
    • Open boat

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 1027 reviews1027 reviews
  11. 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.

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    Grading

    • 2 - Suitable for most

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    Symbols

    • Hiking
    • Sightseeing and lectures
  12. 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. 

    Facilities

    Grading

    • 2 - Suitable for most

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    • Sightseeing and lectures
  13. 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.

    Facilities

    Grading

    • 1 - Suitable for all

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    Symbols

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

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 74 reviews74 reviews

    Ice climbing and snowmobile tour - Backyard Svalbard

    Longyearbyen

    Are you ready to ascend frozen walls and conquer icy heights? Our ice climbing introduction is perfect for beginners seeking an adrenaline-packed adventure amidst the Arctic wilderness.

    Facilities

    Grading

    • 4 - Demands good physical fitness, not suitable if you have limited mobility (steep, slippery and uneven terrain)

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    Symbols

    • Food
    • Hiking

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 74 reviews74 reviews
  15. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 447 reviews447 reviews

    Sleigh ride by snowmobile - Spitzbergen Adventures

    Longyearbyen

    Join us for a cozy sleigh ride towed by a snowmobile. This is the tour for you who does not want to drive a snowmobile and rather would like to enjoy the surroundings. You take place on our comfortable sleigh with bus seats and just enjoy the ride.

    Facilities

    Grading

    • 1 - Suitable for all

    Facilities

    Symbols

    • Handicap-friendly
    • Snowmobile

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 447 reviews447 reviews
  16. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 1027 reviews1027 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…

    Facilities

    Grading

    • 3 - Average physical fitness

    Facilities

    Symbols

    • Biking
    • Environmentally-friendly company

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 1027 reviews1027 reviews
  17. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 398 reviews398 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!

    Facilities

    Grading

    • 2 - Suitable for most

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    Symbols

    • Dog sledding
    • Toilet

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 398 reviews398 reviews
  18. Bird Laguna under the Midnight Sun - Snowfox Travel

    Longyearbyen

    Join us on an evening bird and wildlife observation tour at the bird laguna close to the Isfjord.

    Facilities

    Grading

    • 2 - Suitable for most

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    Symbols

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

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 1401 reviews1401 reviews

    Svalbard Museum

    Longyearbyen

    Svalbard Museum is a museum of natural and cultural history. We aim to provide broad and comprehensive knowledge about Svalbard's 400 year long history, as well as present the natural resources that is the basis for all life in the archipelago.

    Facilities

    Grading

    • 1 - Suitable for all

    Facilities

    Symbols

    • Environmentally-friendly company
    • Handicap-friendly
    • Toilet

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 1401 reviews1401 reviews
  20. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 99 reviews99 reviews

    Arctic Nature - Husky-walk - Svalbard Villmarkssenter

    Longyearbyen

    Together with a few furry companions from our dogyard, we explore the nearby surroundings while looking for wildlife like birds, reindeer and the occasional polar fox.

    Facilities

    Grading

    • 2 - Suitable for most

    Facilities

    Symbols

    • Hiking
    • Sightseeing and lectures

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 99 reviews99 reviews
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