25 Things you should know before You Travel to Svalbard
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If you’re planning a trip to the Svalbard Archipelago, there are a few things you should know to make the most of your visit. This remote Arctic destination offers a rare combination of stunning landscapes, incredible wildlife, and an undeniable sense of adventure. For solo travelers, Svalbard is not only safe but also incredibly rewarding.
In this post, I’ll share my personal journey, insights into the region, practical tips, and why Svalbard became one of my most cherished travel experiences.
A Last-Minute Decision
My trip to Svalbard was spontaneous and fueled by an emotional drive. While browsing the web during a dull summer day, while housesitting in the Isle of Man, I was looking for travel inspiration for the next September, I stumbled upon a cruise in Svalbard. The photo that sealed the deal? A snow-white polar bear cuddling with its cubs. It was irresistible.
Without knowing much about the destination—or even how to get there—I booked my trip. A quick search revealed a ridiculously cheap flight from Manchester to Longyearbyen via Oslo. It felt like a sign from the universe. However, the irony was that while the flight was affordable, the overall cost of the trip was far from it.
Between day tours, extended stays in Longyearbyen, extra activities, and a surprise week of being sick, it turned into one of the priciest trips I’ve ever taken. For example, a 10-day boat trip in a small boat with 12 guests only (the way I like it) costs around 9000 USD.
Not to mention that I had to buy a new wardrobe (you can check my video on how to pack for Svalbard here below), and I spent around 2000 USD. Despite these challenges, it was one of the best decisions of my life, and in this post, I want to help you plan your own, starting from the basics.
First Impressions of Svalbard
From the moment I landed in Svalbard, it was love at first sight. The dramatic landscapes, the crisp Arctic air, and its remoteness were all simply magical. As with every place I visit, I immediately started imagining what it would be like to live there. Here below, I am also sharing a video about Svalbard. I hope you enjoy it. If you do, please give me a like and subscribe to my channel for more travel videos.
Interesting things you should know before traveling to Svalbard
1. Svalbard Location
Svalbard is a remote archipelago located in the Arctic Ocean, governed by Norway. Its largest settlement, Longyearbyen, lies at an astonishing 78 degrees north latitude, making it one of the northernmost inhabited places in the world.
Key Distances:
- Norway: 950 kilometers (590 miles) north of mainland Norway, about a 3-hour flight from Tromsø.
- North Pole: Only 1,300 kilometers (800 miles) away.
- Russia: Roughly 1,800 kilometers (1,120 miles) from Moscow.
- Greenland: Approximately 1,600 kilometers (1,000 miles) east of Greenland.
The entire archipelago consists of nine main islands, with Spitsbergen being the largest. Its rugged terrain, dominated by glaciers, fjords, and dramatic mountains, accounts for about 60% of the land being covered in ice.
Fun fact: Svalbard’s name means “cold coasts” in Old Norse, and it was first mentioned in Icelandic texts dating back to the 12th century.
2. Longyearbyen: The Northernmost Urban Community
Longyearbyen is the northernmost urban settlement in the world, located just 1,300 km from the North Pole. It is home to about 2,500 residents from over 50 nationalities, creating a diverse and welcoming community. The town is a hub for Arctic research, tourism, and mining, making it a vibrant yet remote outpost.
Fun Fact
The name “Longyearbyen” has historical origins and is derived from its founder’s name and the Norwegian word for “town” or “settlement.” Here’s the breakdown:
“Longyear”: The settlement was named after John Munro Longyear, an American businessman who was a key figure in Arctic coal mining. He founded the Arctic Coal Company in the early 1900s and established the town as a base for mining operations in 1906.
“Byen”: In Norwegian, “byen” means “town” or “settlement.”
So, Longyearbyen translates to “Longyear’s Town” or “The Town of Longyear.”
It remains the largest settlement and administrative center of Svalbard, reflecting its origins as a coal mining hub. Today, Longyearbyen is a vibrant community and a gateway for Arctic.
3. The Largest Island: Spitsbergen
Spitsbergen, the largest island in the Svalbard archipelago, covers nearly 39,000 square kilometers. It is known for its rugged mountains, massive glaciers, and stunning fjords. Most settlements in Svalbard, including Longyearbyen, are located on Spitsbergen, making it the heart of the archipelago.
4. The Highest Mountain: Newtontoppen
Newtontoppen, standing at 1,713 meters above sea level, is located in the northeast of Spitsbergen. It is part of the Svalbard mountain range and offers a challenging climb for experienced mountaineers. The mountain is often surrounded by glaciers, adding to its dramatic beauty.
5. A Multi-Faith Community Church
Longyearbyen’s church is not only the northernmost place of worship but also a cultural center where events, concerts, and gatherings are held. It offers services for all Christian denominations and welcomes visitors of other faiths to reflect and connect in a serene environment.
6. Job Opportunities and Taxation
Svalbard’s job market is unique due to its special tax zone. Jobs are primarily in tourism, research, mining, and service industries. The low-income tax rate of 16% is an incentive for workers, but the high cost of living can balance out the savings. Seasonal jobs, especially in tourism, are popular among international workers.
7. Housing Challenges
Housing is limited in Longyearbyen, with many properties tied to specific jobs or employers. Residents often live in shared accommodations or staff housing. Rent is significantly higher than on the mainland, and demand for housing increases during the summer months when seasonal workers arrive.
8. Wildlife in Town
Reindeer are frequent visitors to Longyearbyen, often grazing near houses and roads. These Svalbard reindeer are smaller and stockier than their mainland relatives. Polar bears, while rare in the town itself, occasionally wander close, prompting strict safety measures, including armed patrols and bear alarms.
9. Open Doors for Safety
The tradition of leaving doors unlocked is not only for polar bear emergencies but also a sign of trust and community spirit. Visitors are reminded to respect this tradition and use it only in genuine emergencies.
10. Polar Bear Alerts
Polar bears outnumber humans in Svalbard, with an estimated population of around 3,000 bears. The Governor of Svalbard issues alerts whenever bears are spotted near settlements, and the community follows strict guidelines to minimize encounters and protect both people and wildlife.
11. Beluga Whales in Longyearbyen
Beluga whales are occasionally seen from the shores of Longyearbyen, particularly during the summer months. These social and vocal marine mammals are a highlight for visitors interested in Arctic wildlife.
12. Pyramiden: A Fascinating Day Trip
Pyramiden, an abandoned Soviet mining town, remains frozen in time with many of its buildings and infrastructure intact. Guided tours of the town provide insight into the history of Soviet-era Arctic exploration, and the town’s eerie, preserved condition is a photographer’s dream.
13. Airport Transfers Made Easy
The bus service from Longyearbyen airport is efficient and tailored to meet every flight, ensuring that travelers have a seamless arrival. The same service operates for return trips, and schedules are displayed in hotels for convenience.
14. A Cashless Society
Svalbard operates almost entirely as a cashless society. Even small purchases, such as coffee or souvenirs, can be made with credit cards. However, carrying a small amount of Norwegian Krone (NOK) can be useful for emergencies.
15. Firearms for Safety
Firearms are a standard part of life in Svalbard, with locals and guides trained in their use for polar bear protection. Visitors are prohibited from carrying firearms unless they have undergone training and obtained a permit, so guided tours are the safest way to explore the wilderness.
16. Midnight Sun and Polar Night
From April 20 to August 23, the midnight sun bathes Svalbard in continuous daylight, perfect for outdoor adventures at any hour. From November 11 to January 30, the polar night cloaks the archipelago in darkness, with only the faint twilight at midday. The polar night is also the best time to witness the aurora borealis.
17. Unique Climate and Geography
Svalbard experiences an Arctic climate, but thanks to the warm currents of the Gulf Stream, the temperatures are milder than other locations at similar latitudes. Summers hover around 5°C to 10°C (41°F to 50°F), while winters can dip to -20°C (-4°F) or lower.
18. The Svalbard Global Seed Vault
Located near Longyearbyen, the Svalbard Global Seed Vault is an iconic facility that safeguards the world’s crop diversity. Often called the “Doomsday Vault,” it houses more than a million seed samples, providing a backup in case of global agricultural disasters.
19. Research and Education
Svalbard is home to the University Centre in Svalbard (UNIS), the world’s northernmost higher education institution. UNIS offers courses and research opportunities in Arctic biology, geology, and climate studies, attracting students and scientists from around the world.
Interesting fact: Svalbard is one of the only places in the world where people can’t be born or buried. There is no hospital for childbirth, and the permafrost prevents proper burial, so residents must travel to the mainland for both.
20. The Polar Phenomena
Svalbard’s unique location results in two dramatic natural phenomena:
- Midnight Sun: From April 20 to August 23, the sun doesn’t set, providing 24 hours of daylight. This extended daylight fuels a sense of energy and makes it easy to lose track of time. It’s an ideal period for outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking, and glacier tours.
- Polar Night: From November 11 to January 30, the sun never rises, plunging Svalbard into 24 hours of darkness. However, the polar night is not pitch black—during midday, a faint blue twilight lights up the horizon, creating an ethereal glow. This is also the best time to see the northern lights dancing across the Arctic sky.
These phenomena define the rhythm of life in Svalbard, influencing everything from wildlife behavior to human activity.
21. Boat expedition vs. DYI Trip
I was in Svalbard for almost 20 days, which included a 10-day boat expedition, five days recovering from an illness, and five days exploring Longyearbyen and its surroundings. I cannot recommend it enough (except for the getting sick part). Going on a boat expedition is the best way to connect with the local wildlife, including polar bears and walruses. It’s costly, I know, but if you are passionate about wildlife, it’s the best way to enjoy Svalbard.
Local tours from Longyearbyen are also interesting, so I would plan both experiences, which also vary depending on the time of the year. I will talk about it in a separate post.
However, I would like to give a shout-out to the guides and owners at Arctic Wildlife Tours; they were amazing and made every penny worth it. Vide was the main guide, so knowledgeable and super funny. But also Svein, owner and second guide and his companion and business partner were amazing. I also loved the love and respect they have for nature and wildlife and I cannot recommend them enough.
22. Best time to visit Svalbard
This topic requires a separate article on its own. Every season offers something unique, polar bears in the summer, the northern lights in winter, dog sledding, and snowmobile in spring. But there’s more to say about it, and I will share more in a different post.
23. How to pack for Svalbard
Wear warm clothes all year round although you should also pack T-shirts in the summer. You can check my video about how I packed for my Svalbard cruise in September.
24. How to get to Svalbard
Whether you are going on a cruise or not, you still have to get to Svalbard by plane. Norwegian Airlines and Scandinavian Airlines are flying to Svalbard via Oslo or Trømso. I would recommend combining your trip to Svalbard with a visit to one of both cities.
25. How to move around in Svalbard
As I mentioned before, you have limited space in Longyearbyen because of the Polar Bear alert. So, besides walking around town in the limited areas, I would join local daily tours both by boat, kayak or hiking. Also, a multiple-day boat trip would be a fantastic experience.
Final Thoughts
Traveling solo to Svalbard was a life-changing experience. It’s not the easiest or cheapest destination, but the rewards far outweigh the challenges. From surreal landscapes to unique wildlife, Svalbard offers a rare glimpse into the untouched Arctic wilderness.
