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.
Tips for Family Travel to Svalbard
This handy guide details what to pack depending on the season, including what to wear for different activities. Don’t worry if you forget something – Longyearbyen has a good selection of well-stocked shops where you’ll find most of what you or the kids may need during your stay. Do note, however, that the range of children’s clothing is more limited.
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.
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.
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.
Read moreSvalbard 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. Children do not pay the adult rate – ages 4–12 are priced at NOK 195, while children aged 0–3 stay free of charge.
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
Relax and unwind in ultimate comfort after activity-filled days at Radisson Blu Polar Hotel, Spitsbergen, in the heart of Longyearbyen.
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.
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, 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.
No age limit
Suitable for ages 2–7
Suitable for ages 8–11
Suitable for ages 12–14
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.
Due to the uneven terrain outside Longyearbyen town centre and the dynamic nature of most adventure activities, we don’t recommend bringing a stroller for young infants. A hiking-friendly baby carrier is a great alternative, or, for children over six months visiting in winter, a children’s sled.
Activities like hybrid catamaran tours and trips to Camp Barentz have no age limit and are particularly infant-friendly. The Svalbard Adventure Mini-Cruise is another great way to explore the archipelago’s west coast with children over two years old.
Yes, many reputable outdoor brands and retailers offer clothing in children’s sizes. However, the selection is often limited, so we recommend bringing clothing for the youngest children with you from home.
Car rental services such as Svalbard Auto offer a limited number of car seats to hire, and taxis can provide child car seats on request.
Longyearbyen Hospital is located right in the town centre.
While we make every effort to keep Longyearbyen safe and secure, weather conditions and local wildlife can be unpredictable. Children should always explore the town with a responsible adult. Younger guests are welcome to play in the designated outdoor play areas around Longyearbyen, under adult supervision.
Most accommodation and public venues in Longyearbyen offer designated baby changing facilities. For flexibility and peace of mind, we still recommend bringing a portable changing mat, as you’re unlikely to find them in more remote locations.
While Svalbard’s seasons heavily influence the weather, conditions across the archipelago can be unpredictable no matter the time of year. Polar summer can still bring snowy surprises and blustery weather.
Find out what the weather could be like with our month-by-month guide, or check Svalbard today for daily updates.
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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