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!

Refine search

Refine Your Search Further:

Facility
Awards

Number of results:

Number of results: 76

, currently showing 1 to 20.

  1. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 1034 reviews1034 reviews

    Northern Lights Safari by Electric Snowmobile - Hurtigruten Svalbard

    Longyearbyen

    Shh! What’s that sound? Nothing. It is just Arctic silence. As you press the gas, your snowmobile silently starts moving, while it lights up the dark polar night. No sound of a roaring engine. The only thing to be heard is "the Arctic silence".

    Facilities

    Grading

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

    Facilities

    Symbols

    • Environmentally-friendly company
    • Snowmobile

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 1034 reviews1034 reviews
  2. 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
  3. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 449 reviews449 reviews

    Sleigh ride by snowmobile - Spitzbergen Adventures

    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.

    Facilities

    Grading

    • 1 - Suitable for all

    Facilities

    Symbols

    • Handicap-friendly
    • Snowmobile

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 449 reviews449 reviews
  4. Northern Lights Photo Safari - Svalbard Photography

    Longyearbyen

    This Northern Light photo-safari takes us leisurely into Adventdalen, where we wait to hopefully with a little luck will be able to watch the colourful lights dancing in the sky.

    Facilities

    Grading

    • 1 - Suitable for all

    Facilities

    Symbols

    • Handicap-friendly
    • Photo safari
    • Sightseeing and lectures
  5. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 978 reviews978 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.

    Facilities

    Grading

    • 2 - Suitable for most

    Facilities

    Symbols

    • Food
    • Hiking

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 978 reviews978 reviews
  6. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 271 reviews271 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 - 271 reviews271 reviews
  7. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 99 reviews99 reviews

    Arctic Nature - Husky-walk - Svalbard Villmarkssenter

    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.

    Facilities

    Grading

    • 2 - Suitable for most

    Facilities

    Symbols

    • Hiking
    • Sightseeing and lectures

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 99 reviews99 reviews
  8. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 978 reviews978 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…

    Facilities

    Grading

    • 1 - Suitable for all

    Facilities

    Symbols

    • Closed boat
    • Food
    • Handicap-friendly
    • Toilet

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 978 reviews978 reviews
  9. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 80 reviews80 reviews

    Dog sledding on wheels - Basecamp Explorer Spitsbergen

    Longyearbyen

    Basecamp Explorer have a 90 huskies that are eager to take you out on a trip while in Svalbard. On this adventure you will learn how to handle your own team of six dogs. They all have their own names and a friendly personality.

    Facilities

    Grading

    • 3 - Average physical fitness

    Facilities

    Symbols

    • Dog sledding
    • Environmentally-friendly company
    • Toilet

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 80 reviews80 reviews
  10. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 99 reviews99 reviews

    Dogsledding on wheels - Svalbard Villmarkssenter

    Longyearbyen

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

    Facilities

    Grading

    • 2 - Suitable for most

    Facilities

    Symbols

    • Dog sledding

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 99 reviews99 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

    Facilities

    Grading

    • 2 - Suitable for most

    Facilities

    Symbols

    • Hiking
    • Sightseeing and lectures
  12. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 74 reviews74 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.

    Facilities

    Grading

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

    Facilities

    Symbols

    • Food
    • Hiking

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 74 reviews74 reviews
  13. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 1033 reviews1033 reviews

    eBike sightseeing tour | Winter - Hurtigruten Svalbard

    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…

    Facilities

    Grading

    • 3 - Average physical fitness

    Facilities

    Symbols

    • Biking
    • Environmentally-friendly company

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 1033 reviews1033 reviews
  14. Private Guide - Svalbard Photography

    Longyearbyen

    A private guide is perfect for photographers, families, couples, small groups and people who want a tailor-made programme in and around Longyearbyen

    Facilities

    Grading

    • 1 - Suitable for all

    Facilities

    Symbols

    • Handicap-friendly
    • Hiking
    • Photo safari
    • Sightseeing and lectures
  15. 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…

    Facilities

    Grading

    • 1 - Suitable for all

    Facilities

    Symbols

    • Dog sledding
    • Environmentally-friendly company

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 451 reviews451 reviews
  16. 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.

    Facilities

    Grading

    • 2 - Suitable for most

    Facilities

    Symbols

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

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 1034 reviews1034 reviews

    Bird Cliffs Fjord Safari - Hurtigruten Svalbard

    Longyearbyen

    Join us on an exciting rib boat tour, that combines birds and wildlife with Svalbard’s rich cultural history.

    Facilities

    Grading

    • 3 - Average physical fitness

    Facilities

    Symbols

    • Environmentally-friendly company
    • Open boat

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 1034 reviews1034 reviews
  18. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 1497 reviews1497 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

    Facilities

    Symbols

    • Dog sledding

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 1497 reviews1497 reviews
  19. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 135 reviews135 reviews

    Svalbard Brewery

    Longyearbyen

    Welcome to the world’s northernmost brewery.

    Facilities

    Grading

    • 1 - Suitable for all

    Facilities

    Symbols

    • Brewery visit
    • Toilet

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 135 reviews135 reviews
  20. TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 627 reviews627 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.

    Facilities

    Grading

    • 2 - Suitable for most

    Facilities

    Symbols

    • ATV safari
    • Environmentally-friendly company

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 627 reviews627 reviews
Visit Svalbard Eco-Lighthouse

Don't Miss

Don't Miss

Don't Miss

Don't Miss

Don't Miss