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 - 451 reviews451 reviews

    Family sightseeing by dog wagon - Svalbard Husky

    Longyearbyen

    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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    • 1 - Suitable for all

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    • Dog sledding
    • Environmentally-friendly company

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 451 reviews451 reviews
  2. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 221 reviews221 reviews

    Coal Mine 3

    Longyearbyen

    Have you ever been in a coalmine before? Join us today and dig deep in the history of Longyearbyen, the miners, all the coal dust and their life in the mountains.

    The Mining history is important for the existence of Longyearbyen, where this…

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 221 reviews221 reviews
  3. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 945 reviews945 reviews

    Ny-Ålesund - The northernmost town in the world - Better Moments

    Longyearbyen

    Join us on a trip to Ny-Ålesund, a former mining town and gateway to the Arctic. This was the starting point for famous explorers’ race to the North pole. Roald Amundsen, known as the first person, to reach both to the South- and North pole, used…

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    • 1 - Suitable for all

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    • Closed boat
    • Food
    • Handicap-friendly
    • Toilet

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 945 reviews945 reviews
  4. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 1476 reviews1476 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 - 1476 reviews1476 reviews
  5. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 1024 reviews1024 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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    • 1 - Suitable for all

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    • Handicap-friendly
    • Sightseeing and lectures

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 1024 reviews1024 reviews
  6. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 607 reviews607 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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    • 2 - Suitable for most

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    • ATV safari
    • Environmentally-friendly company

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 607 reviews607 reviews
  7. 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…

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    • 1 - Suitable for all

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    • Environmentally-friendly company
    • Sightseeing and lectures

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

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

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 685 reviews685 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. 

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    • 3 - 3 - Average physical fitness

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    • Environmentally-friendly company
    • Kayak

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 685 reviews685 reviews
  9. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 1476 reviews1476 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 - 1476 reviews1476 reviews
  10. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 992 reviews992 reviews

    Northern Lights Safari by Snowcat - Hurtigruten Svalbard

    Longyearbyen

    Your guide will take you out of town, away from the light pollution of Longyearbyen, and into the magical polar night. You will drive out over the frozen Adventdalen, with several stops along the way to look for the northern lights.

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    • 2 - Suitable for most

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    • Environmentally-friendly company
    • Handicap-friendly
    • Snowcat

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 992 reviews992 reviews
  11. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 993 reviews993 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 - 993 reviews993 reviews
  12. 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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    Symbols

    • Sightseeing and lectures
  13. 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.

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    • 1 - Suitable for all

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    • Environmentally-friendly company
    • Sightseeing and lectures

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

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

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 130 reviews130 reviews

    Brewery visit - Svalbard bryggeri

    Longyearbyen

    Brewery Visit & beer tasting
    During the visit, you will hear about how Svalbard Brewery became a reality and how former coal miner and pilot Robert Johansen got the idea about establishing his own brewery on Svalbard. You will get to see the…

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    • 1 - Suitable for all

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    • Brewery visit
    • Toilet

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 130 reviews130 reviews
  15. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 993 reviews993 reviews

    Longyearbyen Panorama Tour - Hurtigruten Svalbard

    Longyearbyen

    Join us for a lovely snowcat trip out from Longyearbyen.

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    • 2 - Suitable for most

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    • Environmentally-friendly company
    • Handicap-friendly
    • Snowcat

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 993 reviews993 reviews
  16. 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!

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    Grading

    • 1 - Available for all

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    • Sightseeing and lectures

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 16 reviews16 reviews
  17. 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
  18. 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
  19. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 451 reviews451 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.

    Facilities

    Grading

    • 2 - Suitable for most

    Facilities

    Symbols

    • Dog sledding
    • Environmentally-friendly company

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 451 reviews451 reviews
  20. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 71 reviews71 reviews

    Svalbard iceclimbing challenge - 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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    • 4 - Demands good physical fitness, not suitable if you have limited mobility (steep, slippery and uneven terrain)

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    • Food
    • Hiking

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 71 reviews71 reviews
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