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: 64
, currently showing 1 to 20.
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434 reviewsLongyearbyen
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…
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434 reviewsTripAdvisor Traveller Rating
175 reviewsLongyearbyen
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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175 reviewsLongyearbyen
Do you have a specific project? Do you need a complete different schedule than the usual offer? Do you want your own little challenge without needing to keep up with with a group?
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1350 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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1350 reviewsTripAdvisor Traveller Rating
117 reviewsLongyearbyen
Step into the history of Gruve 3 and Longyearbyen’s coal mining industry.
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117 reviewsTripAdvisor Traveller Rating
107 reviewsLongyearbyen
Svalbard Brewery was established in 2011 and served it's first beers to locals and visitors in August 2015.
Svalbard Brewery, established in 2011, brewed its first beer in August 2015. Six years of efforts to change the law from 1928, which…
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107 reviewsLongyearbyen
We welcome you in Longyearbyen! This activity gives you both nature and sightseeing when you arrive in Longyearbyen.
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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474 reviewsLongyearbyen
We drive out with a closed RIB to Billefjorden and the Nordenskiöld glacier in scenic and historic surroundings on Svalbard.
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474 reviewsTripAdvisor Traveller Rating
474 reviewsLongyearbyen
Darkness and minimal light pollution are typically key to witnessing the Polar ‘fireworks’ -known as Northern Lights. Join us for an ATV-safari trip where we head into the darkness and the frozen Advent Valley.
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474 reviewsTripAdvisor Traveller Rating
739 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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739 reviewsTripAdvisor Traveller Rating
16 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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16 reviewsTripAdvisor Traveller Rating
374 reviewsLongyearbyen
Explore the gorgeous tundra landscape in Adventdalen from a special-made wagon pulled by a husky team!
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374 reviewsTripAdvisor Traveller Rating
739 reviewsLongyearbyen
Join us for a lovely snowcat trip out from Longyearbyen.
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739 reviewsLongyearbyen
Take a time-out and find inner peace at SvalBad, our floating, wood burning sauna. Here you can enjoy the view of Hiorthfjellet or, if you’re lucky, see the northern lights during the polar nights. If it gets too warm in the sauna, you can take a…
Longyearbyen
From fundation to nowadays : how to live in a remote and inhospitable place : a 2h30 entertaining stroll around Longyearbyen
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739 reviewsLongyearbyen
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.
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739 reviewsLongyearbyen
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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863 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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863 reviewsTripAdvisor Traveller Rating
393 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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393 reviews