How do you get to Svalbard?

Fly Oslo or Tromsø to Longyearbyen (2-3 hours). Regular SAS/Norwegian flights. TJD arranges all logistics.

What is the best time to visit Svalbard?

Late May–August for midnight sun, wildlife, boat expeditions. February–April for returning light, snowmobile expeditions, blue Arctic light. Each season radically different.

How much does a Svalbard expedition cost?

5–7 day TJD expeditions range €8,000–€18,000 per person depending on season and expedition style (boat-based vs. land-based).

What wildlife can you see in Svalbard?

Polar bears (population ~3,000, outnumbering humans), Arctic fox, walrus, Svalbard reindeer, beluga whales, and millions of seabirds. June–August is peak wildlife season.

Do you need to be physically fit for Svalbard?

Moderate fitness required. Glacier hikes and zodiac landings need basic mobility. TJD designs itineraries matched to fitness levels. No mountaineering experience needed.

What makes Svalbard different from other Arctic destinations?

At 78°N, Svalbard is the northernmost inhabited place on Earth. No roads between settlements. Polar bears outnumber people. 4 months of 24-hour darkness, 4 months of 24-hour daylight. It's the closest most travelers will get to the North Pole.

78°N. The High Arctic

Svalbard

From Arctic wildlife and glacier landscapes to remote fjords and small polar settlements, Svalbard is one of the most remote places in the High Arctic. Our journeys are designed with on-ground expertise and authentic experiences across Svalbard.

Why Svalbard

The Real Arctic

Svalbard offers one of the most remote Arctic experiences, just 600 miles from the North Pole. Glaciers, polar wildlife, and vast landscapes define this High Arctic destination.

It's ideal for travelers seeking expedition-style experiences, including boat trips through fjords, glacier walks, wildlife encounters, and exploring one of the northernmost inhabited places on Earth.

At TJD, we design journeys shaped by our time on the ground, working with trusted local partners and creating experiences that feel natural, thoughtful, seamless, and focused on safety.

Deep Local Knowledge

Guides who live and work here year-round

Authentic Experiences

No recycled itineraries or tourist traps

Designed with Intention

Every detail shaped by on-the-ground expertise

Snowmobile expedition across Arctic landscape

Two Ways to Travel

Explore Svalbard Your Way

Bespoke

Private Journeys

Best for flexibility in travel dates, pace, routing, accommodation style, activities, and the ability to adapt the journey around your preferences.

Group

Just your group

Dates

You choose

Itinerary

Designed for you

Explore Private Journeys

Curated Departures

Small Group Journeys

Best for fixed departures, a shared journey format, and experiencing a carefully designed route alongside other like-minded travellers.

Group

6–8 travellers

Dates

Set departures

Itinerary

Curated by us

View Small Group Journeys

Upcoming Departure

Join Our Svalbard Expedition

Small Group Journey

Svalbard Expedition

SvalbardMay 1–5, 20275 days / 4 nights

Our most adventurous journey yet. Snowmobiling along glaciers, searching for Arctic wildlife, and exploring the raw beauty of the High Arctic, from the northernmost town on Earth.

Small Group Journey

Svalbard Expedition

SvalbardMay 1–5, 20275 days / 4 nights

Our most adventurous journey yet. Snowmobiling along glaciers, searching for Arctic wildlife, and exploring the raw beauty of the High Arctic, from the northernmost town on Earth.

When to Visit

When to Visit Svalbard

Spring, April to May

Svalbard Spring
Longer daylight, winter landscapes, high Arctic wilderness
Mild Temperatures
Brighter days, crisp conditions, active wildlife
Outdoor Activities
Snowmobiling, dog sledding, glacier exploration, wildlife spotting

Summer, June to August

Svalbard Summer
Midnight sun, 24-hour daylight, open waters, Arctic fjords
Mild Temperatures
Stable conditions, long days, peak wildlife activity
Outdoor Activities
Boat expeditions, glacier cruising, fjord exploration, wildlife viewing

Where You'll Stay

Stays You Can Choose From

Every TJD journey in Svalbard is built around a handful of trusted stays, each one personally selected, each one a different way to experience the place.

Category 1 of 3

Boutique Hotel

Longyearbyen's best boutique properties, warm, well-designed bases at the edge of the wilderness. Contemporary Arctic interiors, locally inspired cuisine, and the comfort of knowing the next day's expedition starts just outside the door.

Category 2 of 3

Remote Wilderness Lodge

Off-grid lodges accessible only by snowmobile or boat, set in some of the most remote landscapes on Earth. No roads, only glaciers, tundra, and wildlife. Comfortable but stripped back to essentials, the kind of place where the experience is the accommodation.

Category 3 of 3

Expedition Ship

Small expedition vessels designed for polar waters, ice-strengthened hulls, zodiac-ready decks, and expert-led landings on shores few people will ever set foot on. Comfortable cabins, shared meals with fellow travellers, and a bridge that's always open for whale watching.

Experiences

Highlights of Svalbard

Snowmobile

Wildlife

Ice Cave

Ice Formations

Viewpoints

A zodiac cuts through pack ice in complete silence. Your guide signals. A polar bear and her cub walk the ice edge 200 metres ahead, unaware of your presence. Nobody speaks. Nobody breathes.

Design Your Journey

Common Questions

Svalbard Travel FAQ

Yes with certified guides. Armed guides required outside settlements. TJD uses experienced Arctic guides with decades of polar bear territory experience. All excursions follow strict safety protocols.

From the TJD Journal