Hurtigruten Svalbard_Family_hike_Foto Guro Skjeldrup

Family Adventure Holidays to Svalbard

Make memories at the top of the world on a family holiday to Svalbard. The destination for Arctic adventures and awesome activities, this Norwegian archipelago offers the chance for all ages to enjoy some of nature's most beautiful and unique experiences.  

Discover everything you need to know about booking a family activity holiday to Svalbard, including what to do and where to stay. 

Family-friendly Svalbard Activities 

Whether travelling with younger children or teenagers, you can create your ideal itinerary of easy activities or excursions that require more endurance. Explore some of the most popular family-friendly adventures below and save up to 50% off kids' places on select activities.  

Playing in nature HGR 126867 Foto Green Dog

No age limit:

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Suitable for ages 2–7. Want to explore all activities?

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Longyearbyen Sunny Winter HGR 165481 Photo Schibsted Partnerstudio

Discover Longyearbyen & Svalbard

Soak up the Arctic atmosphere by walking around the town. There's lots to see and do here, from visiting cultural attractions like Svalbard Museum and sightseeing with local experts to spotting native wildlife, such as Svalbard reindeer.

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Age limits from 8-11:

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Age Limits 12-14

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Playing in nature HGR 126879 Foto Green Dog

Hiking  

Hiking is one of the best ways to explore the landscape around Longyearbyen. Choose from various hikes of different lengths and difficulty levels to suit your family's abilities and interests. 

Boat Tours 

See Svalbard from its surrounding waters on hybrid catamaran tours and dinner cruises, which have no age limits. Meanwhile, wildlife safaris are suitable for children aged 8 and above, providing youngsters with the opportunity to see Arctic puffins, walruses, and more native species in their natural habitat.  

Svalbard Adventure Mini-Cruise  

With a minimum age requirement of 2 years old, the Svalbard Adventure Mini-Cruise is a great way to explore the archipelago's west coast with little ones. See the fjords, scout for polar bears and visit remote corners of the Arctic aboard the MS Serenissima.  

Svalbard Hotels for Families 

As a family visiting Longyearbyen, you can choose from different accommodation options to suit your needs. Stay in the world's northernmost full-service hotel or in former mining barracks offering a balance of privacy and shared facilities, both of which have family rooms designed to sleep four.  

Coal Miners Cabins photo 4

Coal Miners' Cabins

Situated on the very edge of town within the polar bear safe zone, Coalminers' Cabins is the perfect base for family adventure holidays.

Radisson Blu Polar Hotel Spitsbergen HGR 151258 Photo Eveline Lunde

Radisson Blu Polar Hotel, Spitsbergen

Relax and unwind in ultimate comfort after activity-filled days at Radisson Blu Polar Hotel, Spitsbergen, in the heart of Longyearbyen.

Svalbard in September HGR 135392 Photo Guro Skjeldrup

Tips for Family Travel to Svalbard

What to pack

This handy guide details what to pack depending on the season, including what to wear for different activities. Don't worry if you forget anything– Longyearbyen has an array of well-stocked shops that have everything you or the kids may need during your stay on Svalbard.

When to visit

From the midnight sun during summer to Christmas in the polar night, each season on Svalbard offers unique experiences distinct to the time of year. Read our travel guide to decide when to visit based on what you want to see and do with your family. 

How to get here

Although Svalbard is located at the 78th parallel north, it's more accessible than you may think! Flights depart from Norway's Tromsø and Oslo airports to Longyearbyen. Upon arrival, the airport shuttle will drop you directly outside the doors of your hotel. 

Read our FAQs for more information about visiting Svalbard.  

Where to Eat with Kids on Svalbard

Barentz Gastropub 

Located at the entrance of Radisson Blu Polar Hotel, Barentz Gastropub is a popular spot among locals and visitors for its hearty menu of family favourites, including pizza, burgers and sandwiches. 

Saturday Café at Huset 

From 9am-3pm every Saturday, Huset operates a café with a bake sale and activities for kids. Tuck into fresh pastries, cakes and sourdough bread – a delicious way to start the day.  

Food and drink with kids Foto Hanne Feyling

Book Your Family Adventure Holiday to Svalbard 

Magical Arctic adventures await on Svalbard! Choose from cruises, holiday packages and tailor-made trips for the family holiday of a lifetime. Don't forget – you can save up to 30% when you book hotel and activities together.

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