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 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.

  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 - 10 reviews10 reviews

    Chasing the dancing Aurora (Northern lights) - Longyearbyen Guiding

    Longyearbyen

    Come and join our chase for the dancing Aurora! Our warm and comfortable minibus will take you outside the city and the light pollution, to the best viewpoints for the ultimate kodak moments of the spectacular Northern Lights.

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    • 1 - Suitable for all

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    • Photo safari
    • Sightseeing and lectures

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 10 reviews10 reviews
  2. 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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    • 1 - Suitable for all

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    • Sightseeing and lectures
  3. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 94 reviews94 reviews

    Dogsledding on wheels - Svalbard Villmarkssenter

    Longyearbyen

    Some drive guided tours by taxi or bus, why not try dog sledding on wheels?

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    • 2 - Suitable for most

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    • Dog sledding

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 94 reviews94 reviews
  4. 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.

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    • 1 - suitable for all

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

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 318 reviews318 reviews

    Svalbard church

    Longyearbyen

    Svalbard Church located in Longyearbyen, is the world’s northernmost church.
    Svalbard Church is part of the Church of Norway and organised by the Bishop in Nord-Hålogaland.

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 318 reviews318 reviews
  6. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 423 reviews423 reviews

    Dogs on wheels - Svalbard Husky

    Longyearbyen

    When we are done with the instructions and all the dogs are put into the team we drive out into the arctic wilderness of Svalbard. Everyone drive equal amount of time as we switch half way.

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    • 2 - Suitable for most

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    • Dog sledding
    • Environmentally-friendly company

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 423 reviews423 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

    • 1 - Suitable for all

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    Symbols

    • Hiking
    • Sightseeing and lectures
  8. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 14 reviews14 reviews

    Huskies & Common Eider Visit - Discover Svalbard

    Longyearbyen

    Join us and visit Svalbard Villmarkssenter`s Dog Yard, say hello to their huskies, and take in an up close sight of a Common Eider Colony

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    • 1 - Suitable for all

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    • Photo safari
    • Sightseeing and lectures

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 14 reviews14 reviews
  9. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 660 reviews660 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.

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    • 1 - Suitable for all

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    • Environmentally-friendly company
    • Food
    • Toilet

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 660 reviews660 reviews
  10. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 660 reviews660 reviews

    Longyearbyen Panorama - a magical sunset - 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.

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    • 2 - Suitable for most

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    • Environmentally-friendly company
    • Handicap-friendly
    • Snowcat

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 660 reviews660 reviews
  11. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 660 reviews660 reviews

    Follow the Trappers' Footsteps - Hurtigruten Svalbard

    Longyearbyen

    Imagine life as a trapper in Svalbard: the loneliness, the challenges of a beautiful but harsh landscape.

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    • 2 - Suitable for most

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    Symbols

    • Environmentally-friendly company
    • Hiking

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 660 reviews660 reviews
  12. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 415 reviews415 reviews

    ATV Safari in The Polar Night - Svalbard Adventures

    Longyearbyen

    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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    • 2 - Suitable for most

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    • ATV safari
    • Environmentally-friendly company

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 415 reviews415 reviews
  13. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 365 reviews365 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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    • Food
    • Hiking
    • Sightseeing and lectures

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 365 reviews365 reviews
  14. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 1256 reviews1256 reviews

    Dog sledding on wheels - Green Dog Svalbard

    Longyearbyen

    When the snow starts melting at the beginning of June,we start using dog carts instead of sledges. At this trip you drive a 3 person cart with 8 huskies in front.Our guide will help you harness the dogs and drive in front of you with his own team…

    Facilities

    Grading

    • 3 - Average physical fitness

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    • Dog sledding

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 1256 reviews1256 reviews
  15. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 415 reviews415 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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    Grading

    • 2 - Suitable for most

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    • ATV safari
    • Environmentally-friendly company

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 415 reviews415 reviews
  16. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 660 reviews660 reviews

    Wilderness safari with 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 - 660 reviews660 reviews
  17. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 660 reviews660 reviews

    Longyearbyen Panorama - 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 - 660 reviews660 reviews
  18. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 660 reviews660 reviews

    Wilderness evening - Hurtigruten Svalbard

    Longyearbyen

    Experience the magic of being in the Arctic wilderness! Join a wilderness evening at Camp Barentz, a very special experience which you really should experience during your stay in Longyearbyen.

    Facilities

    Grading

    • 1 - Suitable for all

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    Symbols

    • Environmentally-friendly company
    • Food
    • Toilet

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 660 reviews660 reviews
  19. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 660 reviews660 reviews

    Longyearbyen Panorama - Hurtigruten Svalbard

    Longyearbyen

    Join us for a lovely snowcat trip out from Longyearbyen.

    Facilities

    Grading

    • 2 - Suitable for most

    Facilities

    Symbols

    • Environmentally-friendly company
    • Handicap-friendly
    • Snowcat

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 660 reviews660 reviews
  20. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 393 reviews393 reviews

    Kayak out on Adventfjorden - 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. 

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    Grading

    • 3 - 3 - Average physical fitness

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    Symbols

    • Environmentally-friendly company
    • Kayak

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 393 reviews393 reviews
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