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Svalbard Tours & Trips

Find the right tour package for you through Svalbard. We've got 67 trips going to Svalbard, starting from just 6 days in length, and the longest tour is 25 days. The most popular month to go is June, which has the most tour departures.

67 Svalbard tour packages

• Ocean Cruise

Around Spitsbergen

• Christmas & New Year

Svalbard, Longyerbyen and Oslo - 7 days

In polar bear country

Circumnavigating Spitsbergen | In the Realm of the Polar Bear | 2024 (MS Spitsbergen)

West Svalbard and the Polar Ice Edge

Spitsbergen Explorer: Wildlife Capital of the Arctic (2024), Operated by Quark

Spitsbergen Explorer: Best of High Arctic Norway (2025), Operated by Quark

The Ultimate Expedition | Circumnavigating Svalbard (MS Spitsbergen)

10 Days Natural Wonders Of Svalbard Expedition Micro Cruise on MV Vikingfjord - 12 Guests Only

Svalbard Explorer Photography Expedition Micro Cruise with Paul Goldstein - 12 Guests Only

Arctic Islands Svalbard, Greenland and Iceland

Beyond the Arctic Circle: Svalbard, Greenland & Iceland

Polar Bear Express - Southeast Svalbard (including flights Oslo-Longyearbyen-Oslo)

Spitsbergen, East Greenland and Iceland - Southbound

Svalbard Explorer: Best of High Arctic Norway in Depth

Svalbard tours starting in:.

• Longyearbyen (24)
• Helsinki (5)
• Fully Guided (62)
• Explorer (47)
• Ocean Cruise (38)
• Family (32)
• Personalized (14)
• Small Group (17)
• 10 Day Tours (21)
• 2 Week Tours (20)
• 3 Week Tours (6)
• Spring 2024 (6)
• Summer 2024 (33)
• Fall / Autumn 2024 (7)
• Winter 2024 / 2025 (1)
• Spring 2025 (6)
• Summer 2025 (21)
• Fall / Autumn 2025 (2)
• Winter 2025 / 2026 (1)
• May 2024 (9)
• June 2024 (19)
• July 2024 (19)
• August 2024 (8)
• September 2024 (7)
• October 2024 (1)
• November 2024 (1)
• December 2024 (1)
• January 2025 (1)
• February 2025 (1)
• March 2025 (1)
• April 2025 (2)
• May 2025 (7)
• June 2025 (12)
• July 2025 (10)
• August 2025 (9)
• September 2025 (2)
• October 2025 (1)
• November 2025 (1)
• December 2025 (1)

Travel Styles

• Seniors (17)

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• Food and drinks experiences
• Dog Sledding
• Sightseeing and lectures
• Brewery Visits
• Ice Cave visits
• Northern Lights adventures
• Photo safari
• Expeditions
• Fishing trips
• Svalbard Church
• Museums and Galleries
• Gullgruva Arctic Design
• Spitsbergen Sport AS
• Sportssenteret
• Svalbardbutikken
• Longyear 78
• Ingeniør G. Paulsen (IGP)
• Svalbard Snøscooterutleie AS
• Arctic Autorent
• Svalbard Camera Rentals
• Svalbard Tourist Information Office: Bike rental
• Spitzbergen Reisen Rubber boot rental
• Activity Planner
• Activity Providers
• Polarjazz Festival 3. - 6. February
• Arctic Chamber Music Festival 23. - 26. February
• Sun Festival Week 1. - 9. March
• Svalbard Ski Marathon 13. April

Spitsbergen Marathon 1. June

• Longyearbyen Pride 7. september

Isfjord Radio Music Festival 6. - 8. September

Longyearbyen literature festival 1. - 6. september.

• Taste Svalbard 2. - 6. October
• Dark Season Blues Festival 26. - 29. October
• Christmas in Longyearbyen
• New Year's in Longyearbyen
• More events
• Meetings and events (MICE) in Svalbard
• Radisson Blu Polar Hotel Spitsbergen
• Funken Lodge
• Svalbard Hotel - Polfareren
• Svalbard Hotel - The Vault

Basecamp Hotel

• Mary Ann's Polarrigg
• Isfjord Radio Adventure Hotel
• Svalbard Hotell - Lodge
• Coal Miners' Cabins
• Gjestehuset 102

Haugen pensjonat

• Longyearbyen Camping
• Nordenskiöld Lodge
• Tommy's Lodge
• Krekling Lodge
• Huset Restaurant
• Gruvelageret
• Funktionærmessen
• Restaurant Nansen
• Kroa - Steakers Restaurant
• Vinterhagen Restaurant
• Isfjord Radio Restaurant
• Huset Bistro
• Café Huskies
• Karlsberger Pub
• Barentz Gastropub
• Svalbar Pub
• Det gamle Nordpolet
• Coal Miner's Bar & Grill
• Polar Summer
• Northern Lights Winter
• Sunny Winter

Longyearbyen

• Barentsburg
• Isfjord Radio
• Polar Bear, The King of the Arctic
• Svalbard Guidelines
• Travel Concepts
• About Svalbard
• Safety in Svalbard

Sustainable Destination

• Svalbard Cruise Forum
• Visit Svalbard Insights
• Activity providers
• How to dress in Svalbard
• Airport Shuttle in Longyearbyen

How to travel to Svalbard

• Get around in Longyearbyen
• How to get to Barentsburg and Pyramiden
• Opening Hours
• Tourist Information Centre
• The use of drones
• The Northern Lights forecast for Svalbard
• For tour operators
• Articles for inspiration

Longyearbyen Community Guidelines

Go sightseeing!

Svalbard is full of cultural heritage and fascinating stories

Search for Things to Do

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• several days

You are here: Things to Do > Activities > Sightseeing and lectures

Longyearbyen is a small Arctic metropolis with many activities for enthusiasts of history, art, gastronomy and photography.

Don’t be fooled by the population. Longyearbyen has more attractions and opportunities than most larger cities.

You don’t even have to travel out of town for exciting tours and activities. You can experience this right in the heart of Longyearbyen all year round. Join a sightseeing tour and experience Longyearbyen in a nutshell. Visit the exciting Arctic museum, experience the gallery with art from Svalbard, see our little church and stop at the majestic aerial ropeway junction building and admire the view of the Hjortfjellet mountain on the other side of the fjord.

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Northern Lights Photo Safari - Svalbard Photography

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.

• 1 - Suitable for all
• Handicap-friendly

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

Guided morning tour around Longyearbyen and surroundings - concludes over lunch - Longyearbyen Guiding

Guided minibus tour in the morning combined with a culinary, local food experience.

Longyearbyen City Walk with Arctic Meal - Rana Itinerans

Longyearbyen from fundation to nowadays: How to live in a remote and inhospitable place. A 2h30 entertaining stroll around Longyearbyen with arctic meal.

• 1 - suitable for all

Coal Mine 3 Visit - Gruve 3 AS

Step into the history of Gruve 3 and Longyearbyen’s coal mining industry.

• 2 - Suitable for most

Chasing the dancing Aurora (Northern lights) - Longyearbyen Guiding

Come and join our chase for the dancing Aurora! Our warm and comfortable minibus will take you outside the city and the light pollution, to the best viewpoints for the ultimate kodak moments of the spectacular Northern Lights.

Drive & Stroll: Exclusive tailor-made sightseeing of Longyearbyen and its surroundings - Rana Itinerans

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.

Kids activities family tour - Rana Itinerans

Perfect for families or adding some fun to an easy hike for groups. This is a family tour combining interesting activities for both adults and kids.

Longyearbyen Sightseeing - Svalbard Photography

This three-hour sightseeing tour takes us comfortably leads us almost over the entire road network of Longyearbyen and the surrounding area with many photo-stops along the way

Cruise welcome - Nature, wildlife and sightseeing - Snowfox Travel

We welcome you in Longyearbyen! This activity gives you both nature and sightseeing when you arrive in Longyearbyen.

Guided afternoon tour around Longyearbyen and surroundings - Longyearbyen Guiding

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.

All in one - Sightseeing, Bird watching and Husky Visit - Discover Svalbard

This is a tailor-made trip, if you would like to have it all in one package. After picking you up from your accommodation, we will start with a sightseeing tour by car all around Longyearbyen, to the Svalbard Global Seed Vault, and to a dog yard!

• 1 - Available for all

The exclusive Northern Light chase - Spitzbergen Adventures

Come with us to chase the northern light. We pick you up from your hotel and will get into a comfortable minibus.

Private Guide - Svalbard Photography

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

Bird Spotting Excursion, followed by Arctic BBQ - Spitzbergen Adventures

The summer season is owned by the birds. During those weeks we have a lot of bird species coming to Svalbard. They are all so wonderfull and deserve a special focus. Join us on a tour which puts the spotlight on those amazing creatures. If you are…

• 2 - Available for most

German Longyearbyen Sightseeing - Svalbard Photography

Join us on a captivating 2-hour German sightseeing journey through Longyearbyen and its surroundings, where the Arctic beauty, a lot of history and modern life intertwine.

Guided afternoon tour around Longyearbyen and surroundings - concludes over dinner - Longyearbyen Guiding

Join an exciting guided afternoon tour around Longyearbyen and finish with dinner at Mary Ann’s Polarrigg!

All in one - Sightseeing, Husky Visit & Scenery - Discover Svalbard

This is a tailor-made trip for those who would like to have it all in one package. When the summer is over and the flowers and birds are gone, we will get to enjoy other things instead, such as the beautiful displays of the Aurora Borealis if we are…

Guided tour in the North Pole Expedition Museum - Poli Arctici

Let’s travel in time! During this guided tour we'll provide you with insights into the expeditions aimed at conquering the North Pole, as well as into the personal stories of fearless and enthusiastic polar explorers

Bjørndalen walk with BBQ -Experience for everyone - Spitzbergen Adventures

Bjørndalen is a place which offers you several characteristics from Svalbard in one location. The surroundings offer both impressive mountains, fjord and wildlife. You will find everything in one valley. You can spend hours in this valley and keep…

Longyearbyen in a nutshell - sightseeing with the local expert - Svalbard Buss og Taxi

2 hour round trip to see the area around Longyearbyen and the driver will tell the story of how this society was built up while watching parts of the wonderful nature of Svalbard.

• 1 - 1 - Suitable for all

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What’s actually on in Svalbard?

Mary Ann's Polarrigg

Svalbard Hotell | Lodge

Café Huskies

Barentsburg and Pyramiden

Bookings & Enquiries

More polar bears than people, reindeers, mining town history, picture perfect glaciers, dog sledding, snowmobiling, Franz Josef Land- a remote archipelago, polar nights with Northern Lights/ Aurora Borealis and midnight sun in the summer. An Eldorado for nature-based activities!

Tour Standard

Basecamp Nordenskiöld Svalbard

5 days - Independent adventure tour | True Arctic Wilderness.

Svalbard Northern Lights Adventure

4 days - Silent Esledding, Gourmet Food & Ice Cave Adventure in Spitsbergen

Magic of the Arctic

5 days - Boutique stay in Svalbard | Rib boats | Glacier exploring

Oslo, Bergen and Svalbard Express

14 days - Visit Oslo, Norway in a Nutshell, Bergen then voyage to Svalbard

Oslo, Bergen and Svalbard Express Deluxe

15 days - Visit Oslo, Norway in a Nutshell, Bergen then voyage to Svalbard

Spitsbergen Arctic Darkness

4 days - Out of this world 24-hour darkness, Arctic adventures and dogsledding

Spitsbergen Arctic Summer

4 days - Arctic adventures, pristine nature and glaciers

• Pre or Post Cruise

Svalbard Northern Lights for Thanksgiving

4 days - Make this Thanksgiving unforgettable in Svalbard, Arctic Norway.

WHY TRAVEL TO SVALBARD?:

Arctic tours and voyages are our speciality and as Svalbard is the northernmost part of Norway, this is a destination we know well. With its open landscapes, sparse vegetation and endless glaciers, a trip here will certainly make you feel on top of the world!

Svalbard (also knows as Spitsbergen & Spitzbergen which is the main islands' name) combines as a station for Arctic research, climatology and a perfect adventure holiday destination. Dog sledding, glaciers, boat cruising, polar bears, the midnight sun and the beautiful Northern Lights/ Aurora Borealis are highlights on your adventure to Svalbard.

Summer and winter are both excellent for visiting Svalbard, each with their unique characteristics- summer in perpetuity of light and winter with a country lit up by Northern Lights around the clock (conditions permitting) Svalbard is the only permanently settled place on earth where you can experience dayside Northern Lights. On our Spitsbergen Northern Lights tour , you can experience this unique winter atmosphere of Svalbard and its Polar Nights.

OUR SVALBARD TOURS CAN INCLUDE:

For a true taste of all that Svalbard has to offer in summer, join a Hurtigruten Spitsbergen and Polar Bears on MS Nordstjernen voyage , getting into the far-reaching fjords of Svalbard, in search of Polar Bears. You will experience an extraordinary Arctic landscape, glaciers and bird cliffs.

If you are looking for adventure, our independent Basecamp Nordenskiöld true Arctic wilderness tour is suitable for both singles, couples and groups. Stay in a true hunting cabin- but with modern comforts while exploring arctic nature and beauty with options for treks, kayaking, glacier walks and much more.

THE 10 BEST Day Trips from Svalbard

Day trips from svalbard.

• Nature & Wildlife Tours
• Hiking & Camping Tours
• Private Tours
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Good for Couples
• Good for Big Groups
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Adventurous
• Honeymoon spot
• Good for Kids
• Budget-friendly
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Hidden Gems
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Hurtigruten Svalbard

2. Svalbard Adventures

3. Henningsen Transport & Guiding

4. Svalbard Villmarkssenter - Day Tours

5. Backyard Svalbard

6. Better Moments Svalbard

7. FatBike Spitsbergen

8. Svalbard Kayak

9. Svalbard Trek

10. Wild Focus Expeditions

11. Spitzbergen Reisen

What travelers are saying.

• Hurtigruten Svalbard
• Svalbard Adventures
• Backyard Svalbard
• Svalbard Villmarkssenter - Day Tours
• Svalbard Kayak
• Henningsen Transport & Guiding

• Testimonials

Polar Bear Express: Southeast Svalbard

Embark on an incredible journey traversing the icy waters and rugged landscapes in six short days. Get ready to explore and discover the unique ecology of this mountainous and heavily glaciated archipelago - and experience Arctic nature up close. Witness the majesty of Arctic wildlife, from the giant whales of the ocean to the tiniest snow bunting, and marvel at the storied history of this fascinating region. 

Treat yourself to a grand experience on this Ocean Albatros’ Arctic adventure cruise - onboard one of the few ships that are built to traverse through pack ice and polar seas. On this unique cruise focussing on the southern region of Svalbard, experience the raw beauty of nature in this high Arctic paradise. Kept warmer than other lands at the same latitude by the last gasp of the Gulf Stream, this region includes some of Svalbard's most spectacular scenery and greatest biodiversity. 

For the best possible experience, we recommend combining this southern Svalbard itinerary with it's sister itinerary: Into the Ice - which will explore the northern region of Svalbard and the icebound Arctic Ocean beyond. 

Board your flight in Norway and arrive in Longyearbyen, Svalbard - the world's northernmost... everything! This remarkable little city is not only the northernmost town in the world (if one excludes the tiny research community of Ny-Ålesund, slightly further north on Svalbard), but also hosts the world's northernmost civilian airport, schools, bank and supermarket. The town's rugged frontier edge belies a core of warm Nordic hospitality and coziness - hyggligt, as we say in Denmark! 

Immediately after landing in Longyearbyen, you find yourself in a different world. The chilly Arctic breeze can be felt as soon as you step onto the tarmac, and the famous signpost outside the terminal reminds visitors how far north they really are; as well as to keep watch for bears! The snow-capped mountain Hjorthfjellet looms over the airport on the far side of Adventfjorden, and off in the distance can be seen the saw-toothed peaks and languid glaciers of northern Spitzbergen. 

After arrival, you will board the awaiting Ocean Albatros. After our mandatory safety briefing and lifeboat drill, head onto the outer decks to enjoy a glass of champagne while watching your expedition vessel leave civilisation behind... And set a course for adventure!

During the night, your expedition vessel will reposition away from the last vestiges of civilisation on Svalbard, and head into the wilderless of this storied land. Roughly triangular, the southern half of Svalbard comprised the lower half of the island of Spitsbergen, the island of Edgeøya, and countless fjords, islets and skerries, all of which beckon exploration. 

At a first glance, this region may seem barren and lifeless. But look closer and the exact opposite it true - saxifrages, Svalbard poppies and other tundra plants defy the brutal weather, their jewel-like flowers reaching for the weak Arctic sunlight. Tiny calico snow buntings flit between crags, while perfectly camouflaged purple sandpipers scamper along the shore. Look higher up on the vegetated slopes, and there - greyish white 'boulders' move and resolve themselves into sheep-sized reindeer: the unique subspecies native to Svalbard. A flash of bluish-black, and the screeches of nearby birds herald the arrival of the Arctic fox, the only native land predator on Svalbard (the polar bear being classified as a marine mammal). 

Life on Svalbard relies on the sea - even the few land mammals such as the reindeer and Arctic foxes rely on the moisture brought by the frigid Arctic waters, and it is in the marine environment where Svalbard's biodiversity is richest. Walrus haul their vast bodies onto flat beaches to rest, where they snuggle together for warmth and protection. Belugas frolic in vast pods in the waters off the coast, harvesting fish and crustaceans from the seabed, and further offshore the vast gentle baleen whales feast upon copepods and small fish. 

Southern Svalbard is arguably the first part of the island to be exploited by humans. On Edgeøya, vast piles of snow-bleached bones bear witness to the systematic and industrial-scale slaughter of walrus an beluga in their thousands. The earliest humans on the islands (mainly English and Dutch whalers and Russian Pomor trappers) had little regard for conservation, seeking only profit, a situation which continued well into the 19th century. Thankfully all wildlife on Svalbard is now protected by law, and vast tracts of the archipelago are designated as nature reserves and National Parks - some of the largest and richest in the world! 

The exact landing sites we will visit in the south of Svalbard will be determined by wind, sea and ice conditions, which can wildly vary day to day and year to year; this far north, all human activity is subject to the whims of Mother Nature. Possibilities to explore on south Spitzbergen include the fjord systems of Bellsund and Hornsund, where birds cluster together on high cliffs and reindeer graze on the fertile slopes below while icebergs drift by from the various large glaciers in the area. Further east on Edgeøya, sites include the walrus colonies of Andréetangen and Kapp Lee, and the spectacular raised shorelines and bird colonies of Sundneset.

During the evening, the Ocean Albatros will reposition to return to the port of Longyearbyen. Even this small town will feel like a metropolis after day spent exploring the wilderness! 

Longyearbyen is a fascinating town to explore, and offers excellent amenities to visitors. Visit the peerless Svalbard Museum and see relics of the whaling era, perfectly preserved in the frigid permafrost, alongside exhibits on the natural history of this remarkable archipelago. Shop for memories in the many excellent boutiques of the town, selling locally produced souvenirs, artworks and homewares, or simply relax on a sunny cafe terrace and watch this remarkable little town in action. 

After enjoying exploring Longyearbyen, return to Svalbard Airport and join your flight back to the Norwegian mainland- with memories to last a lifetime.

PER PERSON:

$ 7,690.00 (Cat. G) $ 5,290.00 (Cat. F) $ 6,590.00 (Cat. E) $ 6,990.00 (Cat. D) $ 7,690.00 (Cat. C) $ 8,390.00 (Cat. B) $ 9,390.00 (Cat. A) $10,490.00 (Freydis Suite) $12,590.00 (Brynhilde Suite)

Category G - Single Stateroom Porthole 14 sq. m Category F - Triple Stateroom Porthole 22 sq. m Category E - French Balcony Suite 16 sq. m Category D - Balcony Stateroom 22 sq. m Category C - Balcony Stateroom 24 sq. m Category B2 - Balcony Suite 28 sq. m Category B1 - Balcony Suite 35 sq. m Category A - Junior Suite 42 sq. m

• 6-day/5-night cruise on Ocean Albatros in a shared outside double room with a private bathroom in the category chosen
• Flights: Oslo-Longyearbyen-Oslo
• Local transport in Longyearbyen on days 1 and 6
• English-speaking expedition staff
• Guided walks with the expedition team
• Nature hikes and Zodiac cruises per itinerary
• Information briefings and lectures by the expedition team
• Special photo workshop
• Full board on the ship
• Free coffee, tea, and afternoon snacks on the ship
• Dinner drink package
• Welcome and farewell cocktails
• Taxes, tariffs, and landing fees
• Digital visual journal link after the voyage, including voyage log, gallery, species list, and more

• Extra excursions and activities not mentioned in the itinerary
• Single room supplement and cabin upgrades
• Meals not on board the ship
• Beverages (other than coffee and tea and dinner-drink package)
• Tips for the crew (we recommend USD 16 per person per day)
• Personal expenses
• Travel, cancellation, and senior insurance
• Anything not mentioned under "Inclusions"

Other Tours to Consider

• Terms & Conditions
• Private Order
• Travel Insurance

Nordic Saga Tours Division of Bridges Unlimited Inc. 18518 Bothell Way NE, Ste. # B Bothell, WA 98011

Nordic Saga Tours Europe, UAB Kranto St. 23-17 Panevezys, Lithuania EU +37068471702

[email protected] toll-free: (800)848-6449 local: 425-487-2835 (4TRAVEL)

Top Tours in Svalbard, Norway

Svalbard tours.

• Nature & Wildlife Tours
• Hiking & Camping Tours
• Private Tours
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Good for Couples
• Good for Big Groups
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Adventurous
• Hidden Gems
• Honeymoon spot
• Budget-friendly
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Good for Kids
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Green Dog Svalbard

2. Poli Arctici

3. Better Moments

4. Hurtigruten Svalbard

5. Svalbard Wildlife Expeditions

6. Spitzbergen Adventures

7. Svalbard Adventures

8. Husky Travellers

9. Svalbard Husky

10. Polar Dream Travel

11. Henningsen Transport & Guiding

12. Arctic Adventures

13. Svalbard Villmarkssenter - Day Tours

14. Backyard Svalbard

15. Basecamp Explorer Spitsbergen

16. Longyearbyen Guiding

17. Discover Svalbard

18. Escales Polaires

19. Grumant Arctic Travel Company

20. Secret Atlas

21. Spitzbergen Outdoor Activities

22. Polar Permaculture Solutions

23. See & Explore

24. Better Moments Svalbard

25. Svalbard Trekking - Day Tours

26. Svalbard Adventure Group Fjordsafari RIB Boat

27. FatBike Spitsbergen

28. Svalbard Kayak

29. Svalbard Bus and Taxi

30. Arctic Explore

What travellers are saying

• Poli Arctici
• Green Dog Svalbard
• Polar Dream Travel
• Husky Travellers
• Arctic Adventures
• Svalbard Husky
• Polar Permaculture Solutions
• Spitzbergen Outdoor Activities
• Svalbard Wildlife Expeditions
• Better Moments
• Hurtigruten Svalbard

8-Day Svalbard Arctic Cruises

• Start Date Select Month May 2024 June 2024 July 2024 August 2024 September 2024 October 2024 November 2024 December 2024 January 2025 February 2025 March 2025 April 2025 May 2025 June 2025 July 2025 August 2025 September 2025 October 2025 November 2025 December 2025 January 2026 February 2026 March 2026 April 2026 May 2026 OR, More specific start
• Easy Active
• Most Popular
• Solo Travel
• Wildlife & Safari Exploration
• Adventure Options
• Land & Sea Exploration
• Northern Lights
• Photography Seminars
• Scuba Diving
• Small Ship Cruises
• Village Visits
• Whale Watching
• Wildlife Viewing
• Greg Mortimer
• Le Champlain
• Le Commandant Charcot
• M/S Sjoveien
• M/S Stockholm
• MS Spitsbergen
• MV Plancius
• MV Vikingfjord
• National Geographic Endurance
• National Geographic Resolution
• Ocean Adventurer
• Ocean Albatros
• Ocean Explorer
• Rembrandt van Rijn
• Scenic Eclipse
• Seabourn Venture
• Silver Endeavour
• Sylvia Earle
• Ultramarine
• World Traveller
• World Voyager

Svalbard Encounter Expedition Micro Cruise

• Visit the stunning Longyearbyen
• Discover Prins Karls Foreland
• Explore north west of Spitsbergen
• See Lilliehöök Glacier on Svalbard

North Spitsbergen Explorer – Polar Bears , Bowhead Whales & more

• Explore North Spitsbergen
• Visit the Monaco Glacier
• See polar bears at Hinlopen Strait
• Visit St. Johns Fjord

North Spitsbergen Explorer - Versatile Landscapes, Sea Ice & Wildlife - Birding, Summer Solstice

• Search for the King of the Arctic
• Enjoy excursions in Zodiacs
• Watch for Greenland and minke whale
• Navigate through pack ice

Svalbard Adventure

• Discover the Northwest Corner
• Search for unique wildlife
• Explore Monaco glacier
• Hike through Svalbard

East Spitsbergen, Home of the Polar Bear - Summer Solstice, Including Long Hikes

• Explore the home of the polar bear
• Experience the authentic Arctic
• Explore East Spitsbergen
• Witness wildlife

Alpine Peaks of Spitsbergen, Ski & Sail

• Watch for polar bears and walrus
• Visit Kongsfjorden and Isfjord
• Ski the snowy Arctic terrain
• Enjoy zodiac cruising and hiking

North Spitsbergen Explorer - Versatile Landscapes, Sea Ice & Wildlife

• Explore Longyearbyen
• Spot minke whales
• Witness the Monaco Glacier

North Spitsbergen Explorer - Into The Pack Ice

• Experience Raudfjord's glaciers
• Reach the northernmost point
• Spot wildlife in Isfjorden

North Spitsbergen Explorer - Polar Bears, Bowhead Whales & More

• Witness Spitsbergen's beauty
• Encounter the grandeur of Raudfjord

Spitsbergen: Realm of the Ice Bear

• Discover Spitsbergen
• Enjoy tundra hikes
• Venture close to 80° north
• Discover Longyearbyen

North Spitsbergen - Basecamp

• Watch thousands of birds

Svalbard - Last Stop before the North Pole

• Discover Northwest Spitzbergen
• Experience Northeast Svalbard
• Journey to North Svalbard
• Look for amazing Arctic wildlife
• Sail through amazing glaciers
• Explore largest town, Longyearbyen
• Visit Ivory gulls in Agardhfjellet

Fjords and Glaciers of Spitsbergen

• Sail in the Hinlopen Strait
• Explore amazing ice floes
• Discover Europe's largest ice cap
• View the incredible wildlife
• Sail along Spitsbergen’s coastline
• Spot lots of wildlife
• Cruise in Zodiacs to reach shore
• Hike on tundras and polar desert

Top Svalbard Travel Destinations

• Krossfjorden
• Longyearbyen

Svalbard Trips by Departure Date

• 2024 Svalbard trips (82)
• 2025 Svalbard trips (68)
• May 2024 (19)
• June 2024 (38)
• July 2024 (27)
• August 2024 (17)
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Polar Bear Tour

A number of our Svalbard cruises afford you the possibility of spotting a polar bear. Experience these living emblems of the Arctic for yourself, check out our wide selection of polar bear tours.

Region: Arctic

Destinations: Svalbard

Where to see polar bears

Seal’s dread, whale’s bane, ever-wandering one – all of these are names for the sometimes terrifying, often elusive, always majestic polar bear .

But where is the best place to see these amazing apex predators?

Svalbard, otherwise known as Spitsbergen, is among the top locations for spotting polar bears. In fact, polar bears are one of the primary reasons thousands of tourists embark on voyages to the Arctic, especially the Arctic archipelago of Svalbard.

Though nobody can guarantee you will spot a polar bear, there are a number of Svalbard cruises devoted almost exclusively to finding and viewing these magnificent animals.

Polar bear tour basics

Though polar bears can be found all over the circumpolar north, our polar bear tours focus on northern Spitsbergen, the largest island in the Svalbard island group.

But polar bears can be as dangerous as they are beautiful, so expedition guides armed with powerful rifles supervise all landings. Passengers are cautioned never to approach a polar bear, and sometimes landings are canceled if a polar bear is seen close to (or approaching) the landing site.

This is because polar bears are carnivorous hunters and can be aggressive if they feel threatened. Caution is paramount, as is understanding of our limitations. Nature calls the shots in the polar regions, and most polar bear tours only manage one or two sightings.

The lure of the polar bear tour

But if polar bear trips cannot ensure a sighting, why do so many people continue to book tickets? The reason, perhaps, lies in the reputation of the creature itself.

For many people, the polar bear is so linked to the Arctic that it functions virtually as a stand-in for the land itself: indomitable, exotic, deadly if not respected. Also, polar bears have fascinated and frightened humans since our earliest days.

The Saami and Laplanders would not dare speak the creature’s name, giving it a number of nicknames to avoid angering it. Inuit called polar bears “wandering ones,” Kets called them “grandfathers,” and their Latin name, Ursus maritimus , translates to “sea bear.”

In other words, polar bears have meant many different things to many different cultures. Not surprising, then, that polar bear tours continue to pack in the passengers.

What powers the polar bear

At the end of the day, however, polar bears are animals just like us – albeit at the top of the Arctic food chain. They sleep (around 20 hours a day), they mate (in the spring, like many animals), and they eat (a lot).

Indeed, eating and finding food are among their main occupations. Many pictures taken on polar bear tours capture them in the act of doing just that. If you’re still wondering where to see polar bears, start by following the food.

Polar bears prefer a diet of seals, though they are far from picky: Reindeer , musk oxen , crustaceans, caribou, walruses , birds, bird eggs, whale carcasses, plants, and even other polar bears will do. When they’re fortunate enough to catch a seal, they consume mainly the calorie-rich blubber and skin, leaving the red meat and its abundant protein to their cubs.

Polar bear range and ranges

To find enough food, polar bears spend much of their time roaming great distances. Hunting leads them all over the Arctic, though polar bears are thought to have preferred feeding areas called “home ranges.”

Changing conditions in their home range, however, often compel polar bears to travel hundreds of miles in search of better food choices. These journeys can take some time, as polar bears are not fond of keeping up a fast pace.

Though polar bears can be elusive, their wide-ranging hunts explain why they can be found all over the Arctic. Svalbard polar bear tours, however, offer the highest probability of a sighting due to their careful search of key polar bear ranges.

See the polar bear for yourself

Reading about where to see polar bears is one thing, but seeing one in person is another. And seeing a polar bear in the Arctic rather than a zoo is best of all.

A number of our Svalbard trips give you the possibility of spotting a polar bear. To find out more about how you can experience these living emblems of the Arctic for yourself, check out our wide selection of polar bear tours.

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Isfjord Radio ©basecampexplorer

Tempelfjorden in Spitsbergen, Svalbard ©nordnorge.com / Marcela Cardenas

Nature scene in Spitsbergen ©nordnorge.com / Jarle Roessland

Arctic plants

+6 more from this tour

Isfjord Radio Adventure Hotel Svalbard ©Basecamp Explorer

Isfjord Radio Hotel ©Basecamp Explorer

Dogsledding in Svalbard

We don’t like to brag, so we’ll let our happy customers do it for us.

Overall service was good

The overall service provide by Nordic Visitor was good, but I suggest to offer more.

Manuela, Iceland

Best of svalbard summer, july 2023, accommodation.

Sleep soundly, in the accommodation type of your choice, and wake up ready to enjoy another day of exploration.

Comfort Plus

Rooms with private WC and shower in a lodge-style hotel. Breakfast is included in the price.

Price per person from

Tour Information

We recommend that you read carefully through the following information before booking this Svalbard tour. We’ve included crucial information here so you know what to expect. You’ll also find more practical advice and attraction recommendations in our online Svalbard Travel Guide .

INFORMATION ABOUT SVALBARD TOURS Your accommodation and excursions are booked by Nordic Visitor for a self-guided travel experience. That means you’ll enjoy some free time to explore on your own as well as planned, guided tours.

Each activity is run by a different tour operator, so you’ll get to meet a few local guides throughout your trip.

You can rest assured that Nordic Visitor only works with a small number of handpicked suppliers that meet our high standards. The activities you’ll participate in are all extremely well rated so you’re sure to have a memorable time.

During your tour, we’re with you every step of the way. You’ll always be able to reach us on your trip by calling our 24/7 helpline.

MINIMUM AGE & FITNESS LEVEL Please note that there is a minimum age of 15 years old to travel on this package. Participants should also be in good physical health for this tour.

ABOUT THE DOG SLEDDING TOUR The dog sledding on wheels tour is an active excursion. You will be supervised by a professional guide. This tour is not suitable for people suffering from back pain or those who are pregnant.

ISFJORD RADIO ADVENTURE HOTEL Isfjord Radio is a wilderness hotel, located far from civilisation on the outermost part of the Isfjord on the Nordenskiöld coast. This is the ideal place to enjoy Svalbard’s serenity and natural beauty.

Once a radio station, this refurbished hotel offers 22 charming double rooms with shared bathrooms, a dining room, and lounge with a fireplace.

Please note that to walk around outside the hotel you need a guide with a rifle for polar bear protection.

Pack as little as possible when staying over at the Isfjord Radio Adventure Hotel. We recommend a waterproof backpack of around 35-42 litres. Your larger luggage can be stored at your hotel in Longyearbyen while you are out exploring.

FLIGHTS TO SVALBARD The flights to and from Svalbard are not included in the tour package. That said, we would be happy to assist you with the flights from Oslo or Tromsø. We can also help you secure nights in either of these cities before or after your Svalbard tour.

Due to the flight schedule between Svalbard and Norway, we highly recommend you spend a night in either Oslo or Tromsø before and after the trip. The weather can also be unpredictable, so extra nights are always recommended to be more flexible.

VISITING NORWAY TOO? This tour can be customised to include additional nights in Oslo, Tromsø, or Longyearbyen on request. We can also combine this tour with other packages we offer in Norway. Check out our Norway website to find a tour you like or contact us for more details.

WEATHER & CLIMATE The summer climate in Svalbard is generally mild with average temperatures around 5–10°C (40-50°F).

Arctic conditions can cause sudden weather changes though, so you should come prepared. Pack warm, weatherproof outerwear along with thermal layers and good walking boots. A list of necessary personal items will be provided before arriving.

Please note that your itinerary in Svalbard is dependent on weather conditions. This means that your itinerary might need to be altered without notice if these conditions are not favourable during your visit. In the unlikely event that an activity is cancelled due to the weather, an alternative will be offered.

DAYLIGHT HOURS IN SVALBARD Because of its northerly location close inside the Arctic Circle, Svalbard enjoys long days throughout the summer.

From late April until late August, the sun doesn’t set at all in this part of the world. That means 24 hours of daylight, a phenomenon known as the midnight sun. From September, days shorten quickly. By mid-September, you can expect daylight between 5:30 AM and 8 PM.

These long daylight hours give you plenty of time to enjoy the Arctic views around you. That said, you may want to pack a sleeping mask if you are a light sleeper or tend to wake up at dawn.

WHAT TO PACK

• Water and windproof jacket and trousers
• Warm wool or fleece jumper
• Several thin layers of clothing
• Thick gloves and mittens
• Warm hat and scarf
• Woollen underwear
• Thick and warm woollen socks
• Thin woollen socks
• Hiking boots
• Indoor shoes
• Small backpack for personal essentials (waterproof recommended)
• Lip balm and moisturiser
• Sunglasses and sunscreen
• Camera  

CURRENCY RATE All bookings are charged in Euros (EUR). Prices displayed in other currencies are indicative only and based on the daily exchange rate. This means, conversions from EUR to other currencies will fluctuate from day to day.

AFTER BOOKING WITH NORDIC VISITOR After booking your tour package online, you will be contacted within 2 business days by your own dedicated travel consultant. They will be your point of contact for all your travel needs before, during and even after your trip.

At that time, they’ll confirm the availability of your tour. Then the booking process starts, which may take a few weeks. Once this is done, your travel consultant will provide you with all the details of your trip. You will also receive more information about what to expect during your trip.

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Best of Svalbard Summer / Included

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Polar bear spotting in Svalbard, Norway: the ultimate guide

Polar bears live in the countries bordering the Arctic Circle and while more than half the world’s polar bears can be found in Canada, they also inhabit the wilds of Greenland, Russia and the Svalbard archipelago.

These icy islands belong to Norway, but lie almost 900km to the north of the Norwegian mainland.

In winter, historically, Svalbard is nearly surrounded by sea ice that reaches down from the North Pole.

With deep snow on the mountainsides providing excellent protection for pregnant polar bears to build their dens, these desolate islands are a world-renowned denning site.

Additionally, Svalbard’s location on the edge of a continental shelf, with relatively shallow waters that readily freeze, has until now been great for bears as they rely on a platform of ice to hunt off.

The longer the ice lasts each year the better they feed. Unfortunately, due to global heating, the sea ice has been melting earlier and reforming later every decade around the globe since the 1980s.

As a result, polar bears are changing their behaviour and hunting patterns, with a few trying their luck along the shoreline instead.

In recent years, half a dozen bears have been seen around Isfjorden, Svalbard’s main fjord, not far from the capital Longyearbyen – not so long ago, bears were rare there in summer.

How likely am I to see a polar bear in Svalbard?

Around 2,650 polar bears roam the Barents Sea area surrounding Svalbard.

Andreas Umbreit, an expedition leader, says his personal sighting record is 38 bears during a 14-day cruise (his lowest is just three bears in 14 days) with an average of around 15 sightings over two weeks.

But there’s a polar bear code – you mustn’t actively chase bears, for instance, to get better pictures.

The Svalbard polar bears’ right to remain undisturbed comes first.

If you go with a local guide, active pursuit isn’t necessary, because they will know the bears’ habits and movements and will take you to places where you can see all kinds of Arctic bird- and wildlife and possibly bears too.

With patience and persistence the chances of seeing a polar bear are reasonably good, and if you go in with the mindset of soaking up the glistening fjords and perhaps seeing walrus, Arctic fox, Svalbard reindeer and whales, along with birds such as puffins, fulmars and petrels as well, you won’t be disappointed.

When is the best time to see polar bears in Svalbard?

In Norway, early summer is the best time for spotting polar bears in the wild.

Mothers bring cubs born in spring out of dens once they’re strong enough to follow her hungry amble over the sea ice in search of food after months of hibernation.

You may, if you’re lucky, also see bears hunting, patiently waiting for seals to surface at a breathing hole in the ice.

Is polar bear tracking dangerous?

Yes and no. You must go with a guide – you can’t even leave Longyearbyen (pop. 2,100) on your own without a rifle and flare guns to scare off curious bears.

If you don’t possess a firearm licence in your home country, you’ll need to get a licence from the Svalbard Governor’s Office – for details, visit sysselmannen.no .

But cruising the slate-grey waters of the archipelago dotted with ice floes on an organised tour and perhaps spotting bears on pack ice from afar is considered low risk.

You should keep your distance, though, right?

Most definitely. Hungry bears do occasionally scavenge for food around Longyearbyen, the world’s northernmost town.

In summer 2020, an unlucky camper was killed by a bear. In response, the campsite is installing electric bear fencing in 2021.

Although these kind of stories hit the news and make scary headlines, only five people have died in this area from a polar bear attack since 1971.

Bears know to avoid humans at Longyearbyen and there are people who have lived there their whole lives who have never even seen a bear.

You are not going to bump into one on your way to the supermarket.

Taking a tour to see polar bears

Your best chance of seeing a bear is to take a tour led by local experts.

Our advice is to book early – ship-based tours are sometimes booked up a year in advance – and be flexible. The best tours deliberately don’t run to a specific itinerary so that they can respond to weather, ice conditions and reported wildlife sightings.

Land-based tours tend to be cheaper and are a good option for spotting a variety of wildlife and birdlife, with the small possibility of a bear sighting too.

Here are some options for operators and polar bear spotting tours that run during the summer.

Wilderness camping and cruises

Writer and expedition leader Andreas Umbreit has been organizing specialist polar travel tours since 1987 (he set up Svalbard’s first official tour operator when coal mining was the island’s main economic activity).

Now Terra Polaris runs bespoke general-interest and wildlife tours, including on small expedition cruise vessels or land-based mobile wilderness camps.

The company also runs Svalbard tours on behalf of household-name travel companies.

Glaciers and wildlife

Based in Longyearbyen, the small tour operator Poli Artici is owned and run by Stefano Poli who has lived on Svalbard since the 1990s.

Its tailor-made tours focus on areas rich in wildlife and with spectacular scenery.

Options range from a six-hour speedboat trip to visit the massive blue front of the Wahlenberg Glacier on Isfjord, to a seven- or ten-day voyage on a 62-ft vessel built for polar sailing which heads north in search of sea ice where there’s the highest likelihood of encountering polar bears.

Polar wildlife tours around Svalbard

Magnetic North is an expert in travel to Scandinavia and runs wildlife holidays in search of native species of the far North, including polar bears.

Their Circumvent Svalbard tour explores Svalbard on an ice-strengthened expedition ship with landings by Zodiac on smaller islands where possible.

Polar bear expeditions

Responsible Travel’s wildlife cruises on a small expedition ship include Zodiac missions, expeditions on dry land – with optional Arctic dips thrown in – and the chance to search for native wildlife such as walruses, seals and whales. All the company’s tours exceed the region’s environmental protocols.

Check out their Polar Bear Watching Cruise and Polar Bear Explorer accompanied by an expert naturalist; some trips include specialist-led photography expeditions.

In search of polar bears and pack ice, plus the Lofoten islands

This polar bear trip includes two nights in the Lofoten islands and one night in Tromso before a short flight to Longyearbyen to join M/V Hondius, the first-registered Polar Class 6 vessel in the world, for a seven-night polar cruise with stops at the Seven Islands and the massive Monaco glacier. In previous years, departures have taken place in May and July.

Svalbard adventure

This three-night activity-packed trip includes a snowmobile safari, dog-sledding and visits to Svalbard’s unique global seed vault and its former coal mines.

Wildlife sightings aren’t guaranteed but you may be lucky and see some native animals en route, including reindeer and Arctic foxes.

See also: Visiting Svalbard: the ultimate guide 8 wildlife tours in Norway you just shouldn’t miss 9 amazing islands in Northern Norway

Where you should stay in Norway to visit the fjords

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