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 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. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 1028 reviews1028 reviews

    Guided tour in the North Pole Expedition Museum - Poli Arctici

    Longyearbyen

    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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    Grading

    • 1 - Suitable for all

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    Symbols

    • Handicap-friendly
    • Sightseeing and lectures

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 1028 reviews1028 reviews
  2. 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
  3. Visit the Cabelway Central - Day pass - 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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    Grading

    • 2 - Suitable for most

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    • Sightseeing and lectures
  4. 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.

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    Grading

    • 2 - Suitable for most

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    Symbols

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

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 1006 reviews1006 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”. 

    Facilities

    Grading

    • 2 - Suitable for most without any snowmobile experience. Very easy and flat terrain.

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    Symbols

    • Environmentally-friendly company
    • Snowmobile

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 1006 reviews1006 reviews
  6. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 16 reviews16 reviews

    All in one - Sightseeing, Bird watching and Husky Visit - Svalbard Villmarkssenter

    Longyearbyen

    This is a tailor-made trip, if you would like to have it all in one package.
    After picking you up from your accommodation, we will start with a sightseeing tour by car all around Longyearbyen, to the Svalbard Global Seed Vault, and to a dog yard!

    Facilities

    Grading

    • 1 - Available for all

    Facilities

    Symbols

    • Sightseeing and lectures

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

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

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 34 reviews34 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 - 34 reviews34 reviews
  8. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 961 reviews961 reviews

    New adventures with old legends - Better Moments

    Longyearbyen

    During this Arctic evening, we will take you on an off-road hike in the outskirts of Longyearbyen.
    After the hike, we will serve you a two-course dinner in our brand new “explorers club”, and tell you stories about our arctic explorers.

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    Grading

    • 2 - Suitable for most

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    Symbols

    • Food
    • Hiking

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 961 reviews961 reviews
  9. 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
  10. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 34 reviews34 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…

    Facilities

    Grading

    • 1 - Suitable for all

    Facilities

    Symbols

    • Environmentally-friendly company
    • Sightseeing and lectures

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 34 reviews34 reviews
  11. 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

    • 2 - Suitable for most

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    Symbols

    • Hiking
    • Sightseeing and lectures
  12. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 240 reviews240 reviews

    Coal Mine 3 Visit - Gruve 3 AS

    Longyearbyen

    Step into the history of Gruve 3 and Longyearbyen’s coal mining industry.

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    Grading

    • 2 - Suitable for most

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    Symbols

    • Mine visit

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 240 reviews240 reviews
  13. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 395 reviews395 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 - 395 reviews395 reviews
  14. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 710 reviews710 reviews

    Halfday Kayak: Explore the fjord - 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. 

    Facilities

    Grading

    • 3 - 3 - Average physical fitness

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    Symbols

    • Environmentally-friendly company
    • Kayak

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 710 reviews710 reviews
  15. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 1006 reviews1006 reviews

    Longyearbyen at Sunset: Panorama Tour - 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.

    Facilities

    Grading

    • 2 - Suitable for most

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    Symbols

    • Environmentally-friendly company
    • Handicap-friendly
    • Snowcat

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 1006 reviews1006 reviews
  16. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 71 reviews71 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.

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    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 - 71 reviews71 reviews
  17. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 616 reviews616 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.

    Facilities

    Grading

    • 2 - Suitable for most

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    Symbols

    • ATV safari
    • Environmentally-friendly company

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 616 reviews616 reviews
  18. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 395 reviews395 reviews

    Dog Sledding in the Polar Night - Arctic Husky Travellers

    Longyearbyen

    Hopefully, we'll see the magical Northern Lights dancing across the sky while dog sledding through the Polar Night. The dogs are eager and looking forward to the winter!

    Facilities

    Grading

    • 2 - Suitable for most

    Facilities

    Symbols

    • Dog sledding

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 395 reviews395 reviews
  19. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 710 reviews710 reviews

    Hiorthhamn: Nature hike to a historical mining settlement - 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.

    Facilities

    Grading

    • 2 - Suitable for most

    Facilities

    Symbols

    • Environmentally-friendly company
    • Hiking

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 710 reviews710 reviews
  20. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 34 reviews34 reviews

    Guided afternoon tour around Longyearbyen and surroundings - Longyearbyen Guiding

    Longyearbyen

    Explore Longyearbyen in the midnight sun or during the blue hour! Join an exciting guided afternoon tour around Longyearbyen in a warm and comfortable minibus.

    Facilities

    Grading

    • 1 - Suitable for all

    Facilities

    Symbols

    • Environmentally-friendly company
    • Sightseeing and lectures

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 34 reviews34 reviews
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