How to Travel More Affordably to Svalbard
From planning activities and booking your trip in advance to saving on package deals, discover our top tips for travelling to Svalbard within your budget.
Do you dream of visiting Svalbard but aren’t sure how much it will cost? The answer depends on a few factors, such as when you visit, where you stay, the length of your trip and what you get up to. This Norwegian Archipelago is a bucket-list destination with incredible adventures on offer but, as a visitor, it’s essential to experience them through organised excursions led by expert guides, which adds to the cost of your trip.
Here are some things to consider that will determine the cost of your trip to Svalbard and tips for travelling here more affordably.
Plan and Book Your Svalbard Trip in Advance
A trip to Svalbard can be the trip of a lifetime, so you’ll probably want to make the most of your time here by enjoying the unique experiences. Fitting in all the excursions you want to do requires some careful planning and, possibly, budgeting. Booking your holiday further in advance, giving you some time to save up for your trip, can help you achieve this. Decide which activities you want to do, add up how much they’ll cost and then you can plan accordingly. It’s worth noting that the availability of activities will depend on the season. For instance, if you hope to see the Northern Lights, your best bet is visiting during the Northern Lights Winter from October to February.
Visit During Quieter Seasons
Polar Summer and Sunny Winter are the peak tourist seasons on Svalbard, so trip prices tend to be higher during these periods. If you’re looking to minimise the cost of your holiday, you may be able to do so by visiting between seasons. For instance, Golden Autumn on Svalbard is a beautiful period when the landscape is bathed in a warm glow, offering picturesque views and perfect conditions for exploration.
Pick a Svalbard Holiday Package
A Svalbard holiday gives you the chance to plan your own itinerary or opt for a pre-planned trip. When it comes to the latter, you can book a package deal and save on the cost. You can also build your own tailor-made package and save up to 30% on your hotel stay. Perfect for stays starting from three or four nights, our packages offer different experiences throughout the seasons and include accommodation, select meals and some activities. There’s also the option of a Svalbard cruise, with prices including full board and a daily itinerary of excursions.
Choose Excursions Based on Your Budget
If you prefer to plan your own trip, you can book separate activities based on your preferences. As a visitor, you must always be accompanied by an experienced local guide when heading out of Longyearbyen. This is to ensure your safety and protection, as well as compliance with the local restrictions that keep Svalbard’s fragile ecosystems in balance. This is why it’s essential to experience Svalbard’s natural wonders via organised trips led by trained experts. There are various activities to partake in, from sightseeing and dog sledding to kayaking and hiking. Different excursions have different durations, ranging from a few hours to a few days, so you can book the activity that’s best suited to your budget.
VAT-free Shopping on Svalbard
Goods and services provided in Svalbard aren’t subject to value-added tax. Due to the Svalbard Treaty, the archipelago is exempt from the Norwegian VAT system. So, when you go shopping in Longyearbyen, you can buy duty-free items and enjoy lower prices than on the mainland – ideal for stocking up on essential equipment and clothing at Longyear78 Outdoor & Expeditions Store.
Build a personalised, tailor made package of activities and accommodation, and you can save up to 30% on your stay.
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