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. 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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    • 2 - Suitable for most

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

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 849 reviews849 reviews

    Hiorthhamn: Hike to the Frozen Fjord - Svalbard Wildlife Expeditions

    Longyearbyen

    Join us for an exciting adventure, out of town to an old historical mining settlement. If we are lucky, and the night is clear, we can see nature's own magical lights: The northern lights.

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    • 2 - Suitable for most

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    • Environmentally-friendly company
    • Hiking

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 849 reviews849 reviews
  3. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 16 reviews16 reviews

    All in One: Scenic Drive & History Walk with Huskies – Svalbard Villmarkssenter

    Longyearbyen

    Join us for a relaxed winter walk together with our friendly huskies in and around Longyearbyen.
    Afterwards we will continue with a scenic drive by car.

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    • 1 - Available for all

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    • Sightseeing and lectures

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

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

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 361 reviews361 reviews

    Visit the Cabelway Central - 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.

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    • 2 - Suitable for most

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    • Sightseeing and lectures

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 361 reviews361 reviews
  5. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 1656 reviews1656 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 - 1656 reviews1656 reviews
  6. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 1656 reviews1656 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…

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    Grading

    • 3 - Average physical fitness

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    • Dog sledding

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 1656 reviews1656 reviews
  7. 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 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
  8. 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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    • Environmentally-friendly company
    • Handicap-friendly
    • Sightseeing and lectures

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

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

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 367 reviews367 reviews

    Visit the Cabelway Central - Guided tour - 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

    Facilities

    Symbols

    • Sightseeing and lectures

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 367 reviews367 reviews
  10. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 406 reviews406 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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    • 2 - Suitable for most

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    • Dog sledding
    • Toilet

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 406 reviews406 reviews
  11. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 1157 reviews1157 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 - 1157 reviews1157 reviews
  12. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 42 reviews42 reviews

    Guided morning tour around Longyearbyen and surroundings - Longyearbyen Guiding

    Longyearbyen

    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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    • 1 - Suitable for all

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    • Environmentally-friendly company
    • Sightseeing and lectures

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 42 reviews42 reviews
  13. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 1157 reviews1157 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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    • 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 - 1157 reviews1157 reviews
  14. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 322 reviews322 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 - 322 reviews322 reviews
  15. Platåfjellet - Arctic Summit with Panoramic Views - Arctic Footsteps'

    Longyearbyen

    Iconic Platåfjellet hike with panoramic 360-degree views over Longyearbyen and Isfjorden, starting directly from the city center for a environmentally friendly, car-free Arctic adventure with local guiding and unforgettable summit scenery.

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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
  16. Drive & Stroll: Exclusive tailor-made sightseeing of Longyearbyen and its surroundings - Rana Itinerans

    Longyearbyen

    We drive to different points and walk the few extra meters to reach the best view / interesting object / wildlife . Maximum walk 15min.
    Ideal for photographers, families, people who want to learn more about the place.

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    • 2 - Suitable for most

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    • Sightseeing and lectures
  17. 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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    • 2 - Suitable for most

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    • Sightseeing and lectures
  18. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 1157 reviews1157 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…

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    Grading

    • 3 - Average physical fitness

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    • Biking
    • Environmentally-friendly company

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 1157 reviews1157 reviews
  19. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 472 reviews472 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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    Grading

    • 2 - Suitable for most

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    Symbols

    • Food
    • Hiking
    • Sightseeing and lectures

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 472 reviews472 reviews
  20. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 715 reviews715 reviews

    Fjord Safari to Nordenskiöld Glacier - Svalbard Adventures

    Longyearbyen

    We drive out with RIB to Billefjorden and the Nordenskiöld glacier in scenic and historic surroundings on Svalbard.

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    • 2 - Suitable for most

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    • Environmentally-friendly company
    • Food
    • Open boat

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 715 reviews715 reviews
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