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.
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!).
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.
Number of results: 75
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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.
Longyearbyen
Join an exciting guided afternoon tour around Longyearbyen and finish with dinner at Mary Ann’s Polarrigg!
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.
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.
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.
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.
Longyearbyen
Guided minibus tour in the morning combined with a culinary, local food experience.
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.
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…
Longyearbyen
Join us on an exciting rib boat tour, that combines birds and wildlife with Svalbard’s rich cultural history.
Longyearbyen
We welcome you in Longyearbyen! This activity gives you both nature and wildlife experience when you arrive in Longyearbyen.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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…
Longyearbyen
Explore the gorgeous tundra landscape in Adventdalen from a special-made wagon pulled by a husky team!
Longyearbyen
Join us on an evening bird and wildlife observation tour at the bird laguna close to the Isfjord.
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.
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.