Travel Guide to Svalbard
Welcome to Svalbard, a land of stark contrasts and breathtaking beauty where the seasons are as unique as the Arctic itself. If you’re new to this incredible destination, get ready to be amazed by how the landscape, wildlife, and activities change throughout the year. From the endless sunlight of the Midnight Sun to the mesmerising darkness of the Polar Night, every season here offers something truly extraordinary.
Here you’ll find everything you need to know to embrace Svalbard like a local. Discover tips on what to pack for your adventure, must-see events to plan your visit around, and insider insights into what makes each season so special. Let’s dive in!
Three unique seasons on Svalbard
Sunny Winter | 1 March – 16 May
The perfect time to explore Svalbard by snowmobile and dog sled. Experience ice caves, go on ski expeditions – and maybe go ice bathing?
Polar Summer | 17 May – 30 Sept.
The season of midnight sun, vivid wildlife and barren landscapes. It is prime time for boat trips and hiking. If you are looking for a unique summer holiday, Svalbard is the perfect destination.
Northern Lights Winter | 1 Oct. – 28 Feb.
A season dominated by 24 hours of darkness. Experience the polar night, the northern lights, the Arctic silence, and a spectacular starry sky. Enjoy the town's fantastic local restaurants.
Best time to visit Svalbard : A month-by-month guide
Explore Svalbard’s breathtaking beauty year-round with our inspirational calendar, featuring wildlife encounters, seasonal activities, events, and expert tips for choosing the perfect travel time!
History of Svalbard & Longyearbyen
In 1610, coal was discovered on Svalbard, but it wasn’t before 1899 that Søren Zachariassen dug out 60 tonnes of coal on Bohemannsflya and sold it on the streets of Tromsø for 1 kroner per barrel. He couldn't raise the capital required to start commercial mining, but in 1906, the American John Munro Longyear opened Mine 1 in Longyearbyen, known today as the American mine. The year after, the first coal was sent down to the mainland, and with that, the mining period, which spanned over 100 years, began.
However, it was not easy to run a coal mine on Svalbard from North America, especially given that Svalbard is completely isolated from the rest of the world for half of the year. In 1916, Longyear sold his coal company to Store Norske Spitsbergen Kullkompani A/S. Of all the mining projects on Svalbard, only coal mining has been long term and profitable. Store Norske still runs Mine 7 today.
Unique Arctic Wildlife
Polar bears are probably the animal that most people connect with Svalbard, but many other animals call Svalbard home: walruses, harp seals, ring seals, bearded seals, belugas, bowhead whales, narwhals, Svalbard grouse, polar fox and Svalbard reindeer, to mention a few.
The Svalbard reindeer is genetically distinct from other species of reindeer, with short legs and a fat layer that can be 10 cm thick. The sea around Svalbard is rich in nutrients, and during the summer, large numbers of sea birds flock to the archipelago. There are seven national parks and 23 nature reserves, which combined cover two-thirds of the archipelago. This helps to protect the untouched and incredibly fragile ecosystem found on Svalbard.
What to pack for your trip to Svalbard
Prepare for the Arctic conditions of Svalbard with this essential packing guide, covering layered clothing, winter gear, safety equipment, and expert tips for an unforgettable adventure!
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