20 Reasons Why Svalbard is Worth Visiting

Svalbard is a unique and fascinating place that should be on everyone’s travel bucket list. It is the Northernmost settlement: Svalbard is home to the northernmost settlement in the world, Longyearbyen, which is located just 810 miles from the North Pole.

Our Svalbard Journeys run from March through August. You can either join our small group trips, or we can plan your private journey.

Here are 20 reasons why Svalbard is worth visiting:

1. Stunning landscapes

Svalbard is home to some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the world, with a mix of mountains, glaciers, and tundra.

2. Unique wildlife

Svalbard is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including polar bears, arctic foxes, reindeer, and numerous species of birds.

3. Northern lights

The northern lights, or aurora borealis, are a common sight in Svalbard, and the region is known for its especially vibrant displays.

4. Dog sledding

Svalbard is the perfect place to try dog sledding, a traditional mode of transportation in the Arctic.

5. Ice climbing

The glaciers and ice caps in Svalbard offer some of the best ice climbing in the world, and there are many guided tours available for all skill levels.

6. Hiking

Svalbard is home to some amazing hiking trails, ranging from easy walks to more challenging treks.

7. Snowmobiling

Snowmobiling is a popular activity in Svalbard, and there are many guided tours available that will take you to some of the most beautiful and remote parts of the region.

8. Wildlife viewing

Svalbard is home to a wide variety of wildlife, and there are many guided tours available that will take you to some of the best viewing spots.

9. Northernmost settlement

Svalbard is home to the northernmost settlement in the world, Longyearbyen, which is located just 810 miles from the North Pole.

10. History

Svalbard has a long and fascinating history, with a mix of indigenous cultures and European exploration.

11. Adventure

Svalbard is the perfect place for those who love adventure and exploring new places.

12. Unique culture

Svalbard is home to a unique culture that blends the traditions of the indigenous Sami people with those of the many different nationalities that have lived and worked on the islands.

13. Unforgettable experiences

From dog sledding and ice climbing to wildlife viewing and northern lights watching, Svalbard offers a range of unforgettable experiences that you won’t find anywhere else.

14. Beautiful scenery

The scenery in Svalbard is simply breathtaking, with a mix of mountains, glaciers, and tundra that will take your breath away.

15. Polar bears

Svalbard is home to one of the largest populations of polar bears in the world, and there are many guided tours available that will take you to some of the best viewing spots, making Svalbard a very special place worth visiting.

16. Whaling history

Another reason why Svalbard is a special place, Svalbard has a long history of whaling, and there are many interesting sites and museums related to this history.

17. Photography opportunities

Svalbard is a photographer’s paradise, with stunning landscapes and wildlife that make for some amazing photo opportunities.

18. The Neighboring settlements

Visit first hand the neighboring settlements of

1. Barentsburg: Located on the island of Spitsbergen, Barentsburg is a small Russian mining community. It is home to a coal mine and a small number of Russian citizens.
2. Pyramiden: Located on the island of Spitsbergen, Pyramiden is a former Russian mining community that is now abandoned. It is a popular destination for tourists due to its unique history and abandoned buildings.

19. Remote location

Svalbard is located in the high Arctic, which makes it a truly remote and isolated destination.

20. The North Pole Museum

The North Pole Museum in Svalbard is a museum dedicated to the history and culture of the Arctic region, with a focus on the exploration of the North Pole. The museum is located in the town of Longyearbyen, which is the largest settlement on the Svalbard archipelago and the northernmost settlement in the world.

The North Pole Museum features exhibits on the history of Arctic exploration, the culture of the indigenous Sami people, and the natural history of the region. It also has a collection of artifacts and documents related to the exploration of the North Pole, including equipment and clothing used by polar explorers.

In addition to its exhibits, the North Pole Museum also hosts a range of events and programs, including lectures, workshops, and film screenings. The museum is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, and is a great place to learn about the history and culture of the Arctic region.