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.
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!).
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 with a delicious lunch waiting at Coal Miners’ Cabins.
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: 68
, currently showing 1 to 20.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
468 reviewsLongyearbyen
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.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
468 reviewsTripAdvisor Traveller Rating
17 reviewsLongyearbyen
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.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
17 reviewsTripAdvisor Traveller Rating
434 reviewsLongyearbyen
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…
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
434 reviewsTripAdvisor Traveller Rating
17 reviewsLongyearbyen
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…
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
17 reviewsLongyearbyen
Looking for some fun while learning about the place? These games add some challenges to your stay and can be done at any time.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
748 reviewsLongyearbyen
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”.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
748 reviewsTripAdvisor Traveller Rating
747 reviewsLongyearbyen
Imagine life as a trapper in Svalbard: the loneliness, the challenges of a beautiful but harsh landscape.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
747 reviewsTripAdvisor Traveller Rating
468 reviewsLongyearbyen
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.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
468 reviewsLongyearbyen
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.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
747 reviewsLongyearbyen
Experience the magic of being in the Arctic wilderness! Join a wilderness evening at Camp Barentz, a very special experience which you really should experience during your stay in Longyearbyen.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
747 reviewsTripAdvisor Traveller Rating
748 reviewsLongyearbyen
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.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
748 reviewsTripAdvisor Traveller Rating
17 reviewsLongyearbyen
Guided minibus tour in the morning combined with a culinary, local food experience.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
17 reviewsTripAdvisor Traveller Rating
747 reviewsLongyearbyen
There's plenty of fish in the Isfjord in Svalbard. The locals in Svalbard have been able to harvest these resources for a long time, and now it's finally your turn to go fishing in the Arctic!
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
747 reviewsLongyearbyen
From fundation to nowadays : how to live in a remote and inhospitable place : a 2h30 entertaining stroll around Longyearbyen
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
394 reviewsLongyearbyen
Come with us to chase the northern light. We pick you up from your hotel and will get into a comfortable minibus.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
394 reviewsLongyearbyen
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.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
97 reviewsLongyearbyen
Some drive guided tours by taxi or bus, why not try dog sledding on wheels?
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
97 reviewsTripAdvisor Traveller Rating
106 reviewsLongyearbyen
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…
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
106 reviewsTripAdvisor Traveller Rating
318 reviewsLongyearbyen
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
318 reviewsTripAdvisor Traveller Rating
748 reviewsLongyearbyen
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.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
748 reviews